Touch (Denazen #1)(62)

Back at Mercy’s office, the man deposited Kale in the chair and handed me a tazer. “In case he makes a lunge for you.”

I nodded a silent thanks and waited for the door to close behind him. I knew there were cameras in Mercy’s office, so I couldn’t just rush forward and tell Kale what was going on. I could have written a note, like Mercy had done with me, but anyone watching might get suspicious.

“You are aware they’re going to terminate you, correct?” I asked. If anyone was watching—and I’d bet my favorite Mudd boots they were—they had to see Mercy doing her thing.

Kale didn’t answer.

“Why did you run away?”

Silence.

What would Mercy do? She’d try to get some kind of reaction and build on it. “Did they tell you about the girl? Deznee, is it?”

That got a reaction. His head snapped to attention and his eyes narrowed. “What about her?”

“She wouldn’t do well here at Denazen, don’t you agree?”

Kale’s face paled. “What?”

“You don’t look well, 98. I think you would benefit from a breath of fresh air.” Were they really going to let Mercy take Kale outside? Without supervision?

“What about Dez?”

“Let’s go for a walk.”

He stood, the muscles in his jaw twitching. Fingers flicking, he took a step closer. “What happened to Dez?”

I glanced nervously at the camera in the corner of the room. Kale looked ready to lunge. My mimics seemed to be on a molecular level. If Kale attacked me while I was Mercy, would it kill me? It wasn’t a chance I could take. Grabbing the phone, I gave him my—Mercy’s—don’t even think about it glare. I pressed the button on the phone that said main desk—five.

A gruff voice answered. “Yes?”

“This is Mercy. I’d like to take 98 outside.”

The voice on the other end hesitated. “Is that wise?”

“I feel we’ll get more out of him that way. He’s been on the outside once already. He knows what freedom tastes like. A little crumb won’t hurt.”

“Would you like us to bring you a suit?”

“That won’t be necessary.” I winked at Kale. “He’s going to behave if he wants me to tell him about the girl.”

“Your funeral. Come out whenever you’re ready.”

I hung up the phone. “Now, let’s set some rules. I’m going to do you a favor by taking you outside into the nice, fresh air. Think of it as one last parting gift. You’re going to return that favor by behaving. You’re going to go along peacefully and touch no one. If you behave and answer all my questions, Deznee will remain unharmed.”

Kale’s face fell. His fingers froze mid-flick. “You have her? She’s here?”

“She’s here and unharmed. For now. But understand, if anything happens to me, or another member of the staff while outside the building—if we fail to return—well, I think you know all the ways we can make your friend uncomfortable.” I hated to torture him like this, but it was the only thing I could think of to make him cooperate.

He stood, clasping his hands harmlessly in front of him. The hate in his eyes sent shivers up and down my spine. I had to remind myself—repeatedly—the look was meant for Mercy, not me. “Understood.”

I opened the door and gestured for him to move ahead. My heart raced, and I had to focus on every step—left—right—left—right—to be sure I didn’t trip. The blood pounded in my ears, and I had to fight back a smile. The rush was unlike anything I’d ever felt. Bungee jumping from the Westend Bridge right outside of town, bumper sledding down the highway at sixty mph, even breaking into the school and making out on the principal’s desk, they all paled next to this. Next to the thrill of being with Kale, nothing had ever jolted my system like this.

I led him past the desk and to the elevator.

Inside and down to the first floor.

Off the elevator and out the front door.

It was all too easy.

The moment we stepped out of the building and into the sunshine, it started. A tiny voice in the back of my head that told me something wasn’t quite right. Like I was missing something—something huge—but I couldn’t place it.

I nodded to a set of picnic tables to our left. “You can sit.” A quick peek over my shoulder at the building and I could see the first floor desk clerk watching us.

“Listen to me very carefully,” I said taking a seat across from him. “We’re going to sit here and chat for a few minutes, then we’re going to stroll across the lot and to the back of the building to where the gardens are. After that, we’re going to hop the fence and book like hell.”

Kale blinked several times. “You’re bleeding,” he said, understanding.

I cringed and swept my thumb under my nose. Crap. Had anyone else noticed? “It’s me.”

“You’re bleeding,” he repeated, reaching forward.

I jerked my hand back and swiped it under my nose. Sure enough, my hand came away with a thin streak of red. Shaking my head, I said, “I’m Mercy. If anyone sees you touch her they’re gonna put two and two together pretty damn fast.”

He pulled his hand back, smile fading. “Are you all right?”