Page 76 of Captured By the Scaled Outlaw
Part of me wants to turn around, a feeling so nagging that the sand feels like weights trying to tether me in place. No matter how difficult, I fight the urge. The sooner I get back to Nilsan, the sooner this whole nightmare will be over and done with.
But for now, I have a plan and promise to keep. One I must keep hidden from Kinsley at all costs.
Chapter 25
My stomach twists into knots.
“Come with me, May,” a woman says politely, her hand outstretched. “I’ll get you medical attention straight away.”
I stand to attention, wondering if she outranks me, since she’s addressing me casually. Searching her uniform, I look for any indication of rank but find nothing.
No badge? No crest of allegiance?
She’s dressed quite plainly for a soldier. Not a single piece of combat gear, and not even the standard military-issued boots.
It’s only then that I notice she and the other Nilsanian soldiers I’ve seen thus far are notwearingmilitary uniforms.
I tense at the realization.
“Thank you for your concern, it’s greatly appreciated. But as I told the Director, I’m not injured,” I say. “I’ll have my physician in Nilsan administer a full physical before I return to work.”
The soldier curtly nods her head. “If you insist, I’ll show you to our vehicles. We will be leaving shortly after the supplies are dropped off.”
I bite down on the inside of my cheek.
Are they off-duty military? I don’t want to go anywhere with them.
A bad feeling gnaws at my chest.
I clear my throat. “If possible, I’d like to remain close to the Director. I worry that my captor will tell him lies, endangering both himself andus. Only I know what transpired during my capture, so please, allow me to listen in.”
In reality, my biggest concern is Lowell unleashing his unbridled fury. I don’t particularly care if Kinsley is torn to shreds, but the resulting war would be disastrous.
“Of course,” the soldier shrugs. “But none of the vehicles are within hearing distance.” She gestures to the side, where far away, the vehicles she mentioned are parked. “Directors’ orders.”
I purse my lips. “That one,” I point to a vehicle with an official crest that is definitely Kinsley’s, “is close enough to hear.”
With a tilted eyebrow, the soldier looks at me out of the corner of her eye. “That is the Director’s personal vehicle,” she deadpans.
“And I’m who the Director is ‘rescuing’. When we depart, he will want me by his side to debrief him on my findings. Wouldn’t you agree?” I ask, struggling to think of a more convincing lie.
Fortunately, the soldier lacks the observation skills to see through my lie, her expression held in a concerned pinch.
“If you say so,” she says, guiding me. She opens the door to the official vehicle, offering to hoist me into the backseat. I take it, noting how weak her grip is for a soldier.
“I’m settled now,” I say, trying to talk over the discernible voices from afar. “Thank you for your help. I’ll put in a good word for you with the Director.”
The soldier perks up, her cheeks alight with pink. “Really? You will? I’ve dreamt of getting promoted to the lab for years. A recommendation will be a huge help!”
I nearly choke on my words. “Lab?”
My heartbeat thunders in my eardrums. My blood turns cold.
She nods, dropping her serious demeanor from before as a look of childlike awe takes its place. “Yeah! I’m just an analyst right now. A number-cruncher. Any push forward would be an opportunity, sincewho you know in the lab is sometimes more important than the work itself…” she bashfully waves her hands. “Ah, sorry. I don’t mean to talk about myself so much.”
I wipe my face with my hand, nervous sweat building along my hairline.
Don’t panic.
