Page 61 of Beneath the Flames
“I did,” he answered, grunting in satisfaction. “I am transporting her to the facility myself. Unfortunately, that does mean I will soon be out of range again, but I didn’t want you to worry needlessly.”
She let out a huge breath of relief, the sound resonating deep in her soul. Brie hadn’t allowed herself to think of the consequences of Lilly’s escape. She’d simply been too raw emotionally. But hearing Rytsar’s news that there was no longer a threat had her feeling positively lightheaded.
“It feels…” Brie paused for a moment, searching for the right words. “…like I can finally breathe again.”
“That is what I have been fighting for,radost moya,” he said, his voice hoarse and impassioned.
“That must mean your plan worked!”
“It did,” he stated proudly.
“How did you end up capturing her?”
“I will tell you soon enough.”
“Oh, my goodness, does that mean you’re returning to the States?” she asked hopefully.
“Soon enough,” he repeated. “I must wait until Dr.Volkov is finished conducting a series of psychological tests to assess her current needs. While he concentrates on that, I will be testing the security of the facility with the creature locked inside.” He chuckled wickedly. “It is a task I am particularly looking forward to…”
Brie cautioned him, “Please don’t take any unnecessary risks with her.”
Rytsar snorted. “Do not worry. I have everything under control now.”
Brie heard Titov call his name in the background.
“It must be goodbye for now,radost moya. Take heart. I go to fortify a future for you and the babes. Give them a kiss from theirdyadya.”
After ending the call, Brie sat there in stunned silence, staring at the computer screen. Rytsar had done exactly what he’d promised.
She looked at her two children, a state of pleasant shock washing over her.
The next day, Brie arrived at the Training Center an hour early. She wanted to give herself enough time to set up the camera and lighting for Master Nosh’s interview. Knowing his tight schedule for the day, she planned to make the most of their time together.
Brie gathered the equipment out of her car and headed directly to the front desk. She called out to Rachael as she walked up, “Hello, Miss Dunningham!”
Rachael looked up from her computer and smiled. “Mrs. Davis, what a pleasure to see you again.”
“I can’t believe I’m really here, filming again,” she said, setting down her equipment for a moment. “It feels so much like old times that I need someone to pinch me just to prove this is real.”
“I must say, you are positively glowing today,” Rachael complimented. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Just let Master Nosh know I’ve arrived and tell him I’m looking forward to our interview in an hour.”
“It will be my pleasure, Mrs. Davis.”
As Brie was picking up her equipment, she heard a familiar voice behind her say, “Let me help you with that, darlin’.”
Brie turned and smile at Master Anderson. “This is a fun surprise, thank you!”
He grinned as he grabbed her things and headed toward the elevators. “I was pleased to hear you were coming tonight to film with Master Nosh.”
She looked up at him, beaming. “I’m more excited than I can say!”
He chuckled warmly as they stepped into the elevator. “It’s good to see you thriving, young Brie.”
She nodded, grateful to Master Anderson for his part in her recovery. “So, how have the wedding plans been going?”
He laughed. “Shey wants something simple to keep costs low, but I want something grand and extravagant.”
