The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion #2)(117)

“I’d rather not be taking this walk though,” Torran continued, ignoring Yates.

“Yeah, the company leaves something to be desired.” Lindsey tossed a venomous look over her shoulder at Yates.

Yates’ eyes were cold and angry. She jabbed Lindsey again in the ribs.

“Why not torches?” Torran gestured with his bound hands at the room at the end of the hallway clearly illuminated by the remote generators. “I mean, you hate tech, so why not shuck off the generators and go for good old fashioned fire?”

“Why don’t you shut up?” This time Yates rammed Torran with her weapon.

Picking up Torran’s train of thought, Lindsey glanced at the big silent man behind Torran. “Aren’t you going to miss it, Carter? No more hacking? As a fellow hacker I know that high that comes from being able to unlock all the hidden secrets of those in power. The pleasure of the tech bending to your will. It’s like it becomes a part of you.”

Carter narrowed his eyes at Lindsey, and something about the look deeply unsettled her.

Torran protectively moved in front of Lindsey. “She’s just curious. No need to get agitated.”

“Keep moving,” Solomon said briskly “Stop aggravating my people.”

Satisfied, Lindsey flashed a wide grin at Torran. He gave her a troubled look. The storm clouds of bitter emotions filling his dark eyes were understandable. She wasn’t too thrilled about them facing death either, but Torran had a protective streak that both touched her and made her just a bit annoyed. They didn’t have any hope of getting out of the situation alive, but he’d never accept that truth. Sadly, she did, but was determined to meet her fate without fear or regret.

Lindsey was just reaching for Torran’s arm when Carter shoved them both into the room. Shooting the big man an angry look, Lindsey wobbled on her feet. Yates grabbed her shoulder roughly and set her upright. Yanking out of Yates’ grip, Lindsey wondered if she could somehow manage to punch the woman in the face even with both her hands bound. Yates stepped back as Carter yet again pushed his prisoners forward.

Directing her focus at Torran, Lindsey saw he was grimly studying the room, probably searching for a way out. His hair was disheveled and his jawline was scruffy and in need of a shave, but he was absolutely the most handsome man she’d ever seen in her life. She loved him completely, and it saddened her that their final act together would be to die at each other’s side. The conversation around her didn’t mean anything anymore. Torran and she weren’t going to be released. The Gaia Cult would claim the virus and humanity would come to a terrible end. The thought of the Cultists winning infuriated her, but someone else would have to stop them now.

Lindsey returned her attention to the scene before her just as Dr. Curran bent over to retrieve something she dropped. Out of the corner of her eye, Lindsey saw Carter raise his weapon and fire. Lindsey froze in terror, then realized it wasn’t Torran Carter had shot, but Ramirez. Swiveling about, Carter fired at the doorway.

Immediately, Lindsey lunged toward the counter where Dr. Curran had stood seconds before. With relief, she heard Torran’s footsteps behind her. Gunfire exploded and bullets ripped through the air. Nearby, Yates aimed at her and Lindsey attempted to dodge. Something hard punched into her torso three times, stealing her breath and knocking her off her feet. Falling onto her side, Lindsey rasped for oxygen and pressed a hand to her stomach. Blood surged over her fingers. Shock and confusion shorted out her brain. What was she supposed to do now?

“No!” Torran shouted.

Lifting her eyes, she sought out Torran. He was staring in terror at her from where he’d fallen while trying to avoid the barrage. She wanted to say something comforting to him, but it was hard to breathe. The Scotsman scrambled toward her on hands and knees, but Carter grabbed Torran about the waist and effortlessly tossed him behind some equipment.

Trying to say his name, but unable to, Lindsey realized she needed to get out of the open. She shoved the heels of her boots against the floor in an attempt to scoot herself around the counter. To her surprise, Dr. Curran crawled into view and hooked her hand under Lindsey’s arm. One mighty tug pulled Lindsey into cover, but sent waves of agony washing over her. Dr. Curran continued to drag Lindsey around the counter until they were both in relative safety. Lindsey couldn’t see Torran anymore, and she hoped he was safe.

“Fuck,” Lindsey finally wheezed. She was going to die and not be able to say goodbye to Torran. Tears of regret filled her eyes and spilled along her cheeks.

Dr. Curran plucked Lindsey’s blood-covered hand from the wounds and performed a quick cursory examination as the sound of the battle continued. “Well, you’re going to die.”

“Yeah...” Lindsey struggled just to get that one word out.

Bending over Lindsey, the scientist’s eyes were so dilated they looked black. “Do you want to live?”

Unable to speak anymore, Lindsey nodded, but also wanted to laugh. The question was ridiculous.

“Excellent.”

A sharp prick against her palm followed, and hot lava filled Lindsey’s veins. With a gasp, she understood what the scientist had done. Fear, anger, relief, and despair filled Lindsey as the other woman clenched her hand tight.

“I’ll be waiting for your rescue,” Dr. Curran whispered.

In her imagination, she’d pictured dying with Torran pledging his love and holding her close. Instead, Lindsey saw the world fade as Dr. Curran’s thin lips turned upward in a triumphant smile.