Page 81 of Captured By the Scaled Outlaw
“I don’t know why you’re even bothering to involve me. You say you need my help, but I know you’re more than capable of doing this on your own.”
I’d never admit it, but Kinsley is more charismatic than I’ll ever be. He’d have the board bending to his will by the end of the day.
A slight shrug pinches his shoulders. “Honestly? I can’t lose my best scientist. We work with some real idiots, you know. While I hate that I had to shorten your leash, you left me no choice.”
The sequence of events connects in my head, and my shock and horror quickly turn to anger. “Don’t drag me into this!” I shout, pointing a finger at him. “I’m not your damn lap-dog, Kinsley. I had no idea you were sabotaging my research.”
He shrugs again, knowing he is in total control of the conversation. “It doesn’t matter, really. Either this all gets pinned on you or we figure it out together. Everyone in the Department of Biological Warfare wants your job, so no one will come to save you if you’re alone, no matter what you have to say. I’d be sad to lose you, but the gears are already in motion.” He leans forward, a satisfiedlook on his face. “But it’d be better if you did what you’re told.”
I take a step back. “So, what happens exactly if I go with you?”
“After the investigation finishes, you’ll get a nice promotion and raise,” he says.
“You think I’d betray my morals for apromotion?” I spit, bumping into one of the shield-holding scientists.
“What, you want to stay a surveyor forever?” Kinsley prods, his tone curt. “Get in the vehicle and I’ll make sure when we’re back in Nilsan, you’re running the whole damn show.” He smiles, but not with his eyes. “With my guiding hand, of course.”
I’m sick to my stomach, but I can’t ignore Kinsley’s enticing offer. Being a lab manager would grant me a lot of power that could be used for good, just as I wanted. I would have to forego some of my values, but the end result would be more than ideal.
Kinsley is offering me what I’ve always dreamed about. Even though it comes with caveats, I’d never expected anything less from an unjust government. Still, he is handing me what I’ve wanted foryearsso plainly in exchange for allegiance to him.
I always thought this moment would be gratifying, like reaching the top of a mountain after a treacherous climb. Finally squeezing out of Kinsley what he has stolen from me. But for some reason… I feel nothing. Sadness prickles tears in my eyes, a hollowness boring a hole inside me.
I don’t think I want this.
It’s no longer about what would make Grandma proud or what would be right to do. It’s now only about what will make me happy, like Lowell said. Spending Goddess-knows-how-long under Kinsley’s thumb to complete a fraction of what I could accomplish on my own seems foolish. And the thought of knowingly doing his bidding raises my blood pressure like a kettle.
Somehow, I know Grandma would agree. She did what made herhappy, even if it was difficult.
Now is not the time for logic or planning. I need to react on instinct and go with my gut — something I’ve never done before.
I squeeze my eyes shut, allowing tears to slide down my cheeks.
“Tears of joy, I hope,” Kinsley snickers.
When I open my eyes, it’s to bash the back of a scientist’s head. When they crumple to the ground, I quickly take control of their ballistic shield.
Without a second thought, I burst through the crowd and sprint directly for the Gaia 4 entrance.
In the distance, I can hear Kinsley cursing after me.
Chapter 28
Bullets whiz past my shield, but a few make contact at the center, forcing me to stumble backward.
The Nilsanian scientists scramble to catch up to me, but Gaia 4 uses this opportunity to act more aggressively. Grenades detonate from behind, resulting in echoing screams through the open space. The shock waves oscillate sand over my boots, tripping me in my steps.
I catch myself before I fall, the shield dipping to my forehead for a brief moment. The small opening is enough for a few bullets to clip pieces of my hair.
If I drop my shield, I’ll get shot from either side. I have to get Gaia 4to recognize me.
The handful of people whocouldrecognize me may no longer be alive, given the repeated sound of piercing bullets shot from a sniper rifle.
My jaw tenses.
Craning my neck to peer out of the clear sliver of material in the shield, I frantically search for the most obvious thing I can spot: a bundle of spiky red scales. Guy may still be watching out for me from afar after I dashed out on him, since he was instructed to keep me safe.
It’s a long shot, but it’s all I have.
