Page 141 of The Other Omega

“Go,” Marek said, turning towards it with his weapon drawn.

I pulled my arm back as the lock tore free. Gunfire cracked inside the room, and I flattened myself against the roof before crawling towards its lower edge. Another shot struck the window frame, scattering splinters beside my hand.

At the far end, I swung one leg over the gutter and caught the drainpipe. My palm slipped against the cold metal, but I tightened my grip and brought my other foot off the roof. The upper bracket pulled away from the wall, taking the pipe with it, and I dropped before it could tear loose completely.

One foot landed on the raised edge of the paving. Pain shot through my knee, and I caught the opposite wall to keep from falling. I bit back a cry as voices rose from the window above, then forced myself along the passage.

By the time I reached the alley, I could put enough weight on my leg to move faster. My unfastened shoe dragged at my heel, but I kept going until a light swept across the wall ahead.

I stepped back into a recessed doorway and pressed myself against the door. My hand went automatically to my shoulder for the bag strap and found only the thin fabric of my nightdress.

My coat, money, food and pad were all still upstairs. I had nothing with me except what I was wearing.

As soon as the light moved on, I crossed the street, keeping close to a parked transport before slipping between the buildings opposite. An alarm sounded behind me. More lights came on, and an engine started near the house, but I kept moving, using the wall whenever my knee threatened to give way.

At the next junction, someone called from the street I’d just left. I ducked beneath an outside stair and lowered myself behind its stone support, stretching out my injured leg so I could stay hidden.

Boots struck the paving. I pressed my sleeve against my mouth to quiet my breathing and watched the narrow gap beside the support, waiting to see whether they would pass.

Two men crossed the mouth of the alley without looking beneath the stairs. Their footsteps faded slowly, followed by another voice farther along the street, and I stayed where I was until I could no longer hear any of them.

Only then did I let myself breathe properly.

My knee throbbed when I tried to stand. I caught the stone beside me and waited for the pain to settle before putting weight on it again.

I had no coat, no money, no food and no pad. I didn’t even know whether Marek, Tomas and Rafe were still alive.

For a little while, I simply stood there in my nightdress and shoes, staring down an unfamiliar street.

I couldn’t return to the house, and I couldn’t contact my family without risking the same thing happening again. Haven House was gone to me too.

There was nowhere left that felt safe.

So I chose the darkest street and started walking.

Chapter 30

Elowen

Thaddeus Vale arrived later that day. Eira had somehow arranged the visit right after I told my mates I wanted to see a physician. Darius and Leon wanted to be here, but I needed to do this by myself.

They knew he was coming, of course. Nobody got through Darius’s security without him knowing their name, family history and probably what they’d eaten for breakfast. By the time Thaddeus was on his way upstairs, my pad was already filling with messages.

Darius: Vale has been cleared through security.

Alaric: Thaddeus has arrived. I’ve given him your true medical records; he has my full trust. I won’t interrupt your examination, but I would be grateful if you spoke with me afterwards.

Leon: Call for me if you need me, sweetheart. I have made myself available.

Lucien: I will not intrude, my darling. When you are ready, I would like to hear how you are.

Caius: I have been informed that Thaddeus Vale is at the Residence. Are you unwell? Send word as soon as you have news, my love.

Elowen: I’m all right. I’ll tell you as soon as I know more, so try not to worry. I love you all.

Across the room, Eira was busy with her own pad.

“He’ll be with us shortly, Elowen.” She glanced up. “Every one of their secretaries is asking me for an update.”