Tunnels run completely underground from our compound to Team Two’s compound and between each of the houses. Each section of tunnel every twenty feet has an activation switch and we can blow precise direction blasts.
She noted every turn they made and where each overhead opening to escape was. There were no ladders, but she could feel the difference in the air and just make out a black painted hand grip above her head. There was a way to the surface in five places that she’d counted. She didn’t yet know how to use them, but she was grateful they were there. Tunnels could be used to a great advantage, but they could also be terrible traps.
Are those grips trapdoors to the surface?
Yes. You have to jump to them. You catch the grip, invert, plant your feet on either side of the trapdoor, and using the rings to brace your body, heave upward.
So only someone with enhanced strength can open the doors?
He glanced over his shoulder at her, obviously assessing her size and strength. That’s it. And they have to know they’re there. He didn’t break stride, jogging at a fast pace down the long tunnel toward the main compound.
I can do it. Remember, I have cat DNA in me, she assured.
I was fairly certain you wouldn’t have trouble. There was approval, even pride, in his voice. This branch takes you to Jack and Ken Norton’s compound. It’s farther up the mountain, so you’re running uphill. It’s quite a distance, but if you ever need to get there without being seen, this is your best way. The ground and trees above us keep anyone from finding the tunnels from the sky. You can move freely down here. The passageway may come in handy if we have a houseful of kids.
The laughter in his voice warmed her. Sam Johnson was no throwaway, and if General Ranier had agreed to trade his life because Whitney needed a diamond, the general was going to die very fast.
Sam stopped abruptly, so fast she actually bumped into him. His head snapped around and he gripped her upper arms with bruising strength. “You won’t touch the general. Not for any reason.” He actually gave her a little shake.
A shiver went through her at the tone of his voice. She didn’t struggle against his hold but looked up at him steadily. “I would protect you with my life, even from yourself, Sam. If this man is betraying you . . .”
“That man is the only father I’ve known.”
“Whitney is the only father Lily has ever known,” she pointed out, refusing to flinch or hedge the truth. “I hope your father is everything you believe him to be, but, Sam, there have been little indications over the course of our investigation that’ve pointed toward him working with Whitney.”
“You investigated the general? Do you have any idea who he really is? What he’s given to this country?” Sam demanded.
“Sam, that really isn’t the point, is it?” She kept very calm on the outside, but inside, for the first time, she was aware she had a great deal to lose. “You know I’m after Whitney and I’m attempting to cut his ties to legitimacy—especially the military. What would you want done if you find he’s betraying not only you but your entire team?”
“You’re telling me that if Daiki or Eiji was betraying you, you’d want me to kill them?”
“I would hope you would want to spare me that great sorrow,” she admitted.
Sam opened his mouth to speak, but closed it, slowly letting go of her arms, as if he was only just aware he was gripping her tightly. “I don’t want to think he’s capable of betraying the men in his command,” he admitted reluctantly. “I shouldn’t be taking out my anger on you. I do believe in him, but once in a while, some little thing will cause me to doubt him and then I get angry at myself. It isn’t you, Azami.”
She put her arms around him and held him for a brief moment. “I know that.”
He dropped a kiss on top of her head. “We’ve got to hustle.”
“Then go, I’m right behind you.” Relief was overwhelming. Their first argument and he hadn’t told her to get out of his life.
She was still that white-haired child expecting to be thrown away. Her father had always told her that her past would haunt her and she’d have to fight it. The past shaped the future. How many times had he said that to her? She hoped it didn’t shame him that she still needed reassurance she was worth something.
She sprinted behind Sam, moving faster now, mapping the tunnel automatically should she ever need to use it. The ground sloped downward, but gently, so that it was easy enough to run. The curving walls were thick and made of concrete and steel. Lily had spared no expense in the building of escape routes.
The tunnel came out at the main house, where the team had already gathered, all armed and spreading out to defend their homes.
“Helicopter approaching,” Ryland said as they entered. He didn’t even blink twice when he saw Azami armed.
“I’ll get my bow,” she said and ran for her room.
“It appears to be General Ranier, although he didn’t schedule a visit with us and always has in the past,” Ryland said, looking at Sam.
Sam shook his head. “He hasn’t contacted me.”
Azami rushed back to her room, noting the halls were empty and Lily and Daniel were gone. All computers were shut down and the building was eerily quiet in spite of the fact that ten men were ready for combat. She snatched up her bow and arrows, shouldering them along with her crossbow, and raced back to the war room.
Sam was already gone, guarding some part of the compound. “What can I do? I’m telepathic, so you can convey your orders to me as well without a radio,” she told Ryland.
“You’re a respected guest in this house.”
“I’m a GhostWalker,” she said. “And Sam’s woman. Let me help. I’m better outside than in.” For the first time she actually felt as if she did belong and she was ready to fight for that right.
“Take the east side of the roof. I’ll let the others know you’ll be there.”
Azami didn’t wait to see if he changed his mind, she sprinted for the roof. She simply poured herself into Sam’s mind and she could hear Ryland giving orders and relaying the fact that she would be defending the property with them.
Helicopter landed.
That was the one they called Nico.
General Ranier and the pilot only. No one else in sight. He’s come in without even his aide. No gunners. He’s alone, Rye.
Kadan, escort him in. Nico, keep an eye on the pilot.