Page 73 of Rescued By the Convicts
“This is Agent Z47A392 requesting emergency channel to Executive 45A78AB.”
The headset fell quiet, and he worried there was no one out there to pick up the signal, that Namir’s organization had found a way to block it, or had disabled the communications array on the ship.
A few minutes later, a voice came over the comm. “It’s good to hear from you, Zev.”
Relief washed through him. That was Greyson’s voice. It had to be a secure channel if the man was addressing Zev by name.
“I have a lot to tell you, Grey, but first I need safe access to the nearest med-center. Two friendlies in critical condition.”
“Friendlies? You work alone.”
“That’s another thing we have to discuss.”
“We received word from Veenith that five prisoners escaped. And Little Horse Station is on lockdown because escaped convicts have been terrorizing the facility. Is that you and these friendlies?”
“I don’t think we should have this discussion over a channel. Even a secure one.”
“Very well. I’m sending an escort. Proceed to Narkos.”
“No! I’m not taking them to another prison planet.”
“You want the closest med-center and a guarantee of treatment for your friendlies? Then head to Narkos. The next closest facility is two days away. Narkos is five hours if you’re anywhere near Little Horse still.”
“I need your guarantee they won’t be imprisoned at Narkos, Grey.”
“Then start telling me what’s going on.”
* * *
IVAN
Ivan and Reecemade Melina as comfortable as possible, cleaning the open wounds to her face and stabilizing her broken arm and binding her ribs. Two containers of nanites stared up at him from the med-kit. He was tempted to use them, but not after what Zev said had happened to Namir.
Unable to tear himself from her, Ivan sat beside her, stroking her good arm. “I hate that she sacrificed herself for us,” he said aloud to Reece. The man hadn’t stopped pacing for the last twenty minutes, and it was starting to make Ivan nervous.
Shouting erupted in the cockpit. Ivan looked up as Reece tried the door. It wouldn’t open.
“Locked?” Fuck, that couldn’t be good. Zev wouldn’t turn on them after all he’d done to get them off Little Horse, would he?
Ivan pushed past Reece and pounded on the door. “Let me in, Zev.”
“Can’t.”
“What’s going on? Talk to me.”
“I’m talking with my superiors. I’ll brief you soon.” Zev’s words were clipped, rushed.
Reece raised a brow. He didn’t like being locked out either.
“What’s happening?” Melina’s slight voice said behind them. Reece rushed over to her while Ivan snatched the med-kit.
Bright green eyes stared up at him. She looked so broken. He kissed her forehead. Amidst the pain and the bruises, a smile bloomed.
“How’s Jayce?” she asked, trying to turn her head, but the pain made her lay still again.
Ivan glanced over at Jayce. His friend looked paler and his breathing was labored. His friend. . . hisbrother. . . wasn’t going to make it.
“Everything’s fine, little bird,” Ivan lied, trying to keep her calm. “But you and I will have a discussion once you’re healed.”
