Oz was uncomfortable.
I could tell by the way she was fidgeting that she wanted to leave, but she hadn’t, which told me there was something she either wanted to say or do.
“So…” I swallowed. "About what Rix said. What she was talking about is more of a sealing everyone together to make sure it stays… Just between us. There are platonic slots in it, obviously since Justia is there.”
Oz started picking at her fingers. “I was wondering how you got Jus to switch sides…”
“It’s a lot to ask, I know and we already have a Hitter on our team, so I have no idea how that would even work, but I do know after these…” I started counting. “Twenty-three days, I know you’re someone I can rely on. It…”
She held up her hand. "You’re asking me to decide something that we both don’t have the power to make happen.” Oz shook her head. "You just said there’s not a spot on your team, which means when this is over, I’m going back to Harror and you’re going to the Cathedral.”
I thought I saw a tear roll down her face, but she got up and turned around.
“It doesn’t matter what we want. So maybe it’s better that I don’t know.” She turned around. "Gesai is different. If she leaves the Alard Clinic, then she can do whatever she wants. But for us…” She shook her head. "Six years is a long time.”
I started to say something, but Rix and Gesai walked in. I could see the excitement on the older woman’s face. She looked at Oz, then me. "What happened?”
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“Nothing.” Oz sat down. "Just the weight of being trapped here is getting to me.”
Gesai didn’t look like she was buying it, but didn’t push the issue. “Rix said it was important and you needed me?”
I nodded. "We’re going to try to escape.”
“When?” Gesai looked up at Rix, who was standing behind her. "How?”
“We’re going to knock out Glima with the stinger Rix has, then I need you to get her to the Warehouse as fast as you can, help Rix tie her up, then lock her up in the cage.” I nodded at the other two. "Oz and I can bring everyone to meet you at the lift, then Rix can work the lift and the door to get us out.”
Gesai was almost bouncing in her chair as she nodded. "I can do that, but what are you going to do about Sylph?”
I had forgotten about her.
“New plan. Oz will go get everyone to the lift and I’ll bring Sylph to the Warehouse. We can tie her up with normal rope there.” I looked at Rix.
The Shooter shrugged. "I thought you were going to tie her up here, but that works too.”
“Great. Is everyone on board with this?” I looked around the table.
The three women all nodded. We still had Ren and Justia to loop in, but I knew Justia would follow my lead on this and Ren would follow Oz. The only outlier was Jord. After the beating he’d gotten during his failed escape, he might be resistant to try again.
“Are you sure there’s no one else here?” I looked at Rix.
She nodded. "I’ve checked every container for anything that might help…” She snapped her fingers. "I’ve got an idea.”
We all looked at her, waiting for her to elaborate.
She grabbed a few napkins to make a quick outline of the bunk. "Number two is where they keep the vehicles.” She looked at Oz. "There are only a few there, but they’re armored, so we won’t be on foot.”
Oz nodded. "I’ll get everyone there and meet you on the lift.”
“Everyone knows their role then?”
They all nodded
I looked at Rix. "Let’s break out of here.”