Avenged (Altered #2)(57)

Parker smiled in response. “Will this transport know we’re on it?”

“No. No, it won’t.”





Chapter Seventeen


As always, the tranquilizer haze cleared slowly.

Kitty blinked a few times, trying to shake it off as voices faded in and out. Try as she might, she couldn’t grasp all the words, only pieces.

“Conscious now… Happy?” The man sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place him. She pressed a palm to her forehead, shaking her head again. Somehow, she knew she needed to remember. Fast.

Adrenalin pounded through her, making her heart speed and her leg twitch. Something wasn’t right.

In front of her, Dr. Fields finally came into focus.

Events slammed down on her, as they always did after the tranquilizer, and she rode them out. The helicopter, Ahmed’s men. Sending Nick away even as the pain on his face made her ache to call him back.

Glancing around with still-clearing eyes, she spotted Ahmed, again overdressed in a custom-made suit, and wearing the same arrogant look as before. They were outside, and a helicopter waited nearby.

She was bound, her hands zip-tied together in front of her. A good precaution, she supposed. But it wouldn’t be good enough. Not if she could help it.

They didn’t even look at her. Over her head, they carried on negotiating their agreement as if she wasn’t even there. She was only another bargaining chip. She’d been a spectator to a lot of conversations like this in her life. Her parents used to talk about her right in front of her. They made decisions about her future without her input.

Now, Fields and Ahmed decided her fate.

Not anymore.

“Yes, I am happy. You’ve included all the research, correct?” Ahmed’s eyes trailed to a suitcase on the floor.

“Yes, I have included copies of my research.”

Ahmed studied him. “I asked you for enough information to reproduce the drug, doctor. I need to know that the information is in the flash drive you’ve included.” His tone only hinted at the warning in his mind.

“I can’t vouch for the intelligence of your chemists, Mr. Ahmed.” Fields smirked, crossed his arms over his chest. “But a reasonably smart researcher should be able to follow along reasonably well.”

Ahmed’s eyes narrowed on Fields. Kitty listened as he debated the chance that Fields had double-crossed him and withheld information. “I will find you, doctor. If the research is not all here, there is nowhere you’ll be able to hide from me.”

This time, there was no mistaking the threat.

Fields huffed and glared back, offended, as if he were above reproach. Kitty might have snorted if she wasn’t worried about attracting their attention. “I’ve done as you requested. If you employ skilled scientists, you’ll be able to produce the drug well enough.”

A wave of red-tinted hatred washed over Ahmed’s thoughts. Fields exhibited so many of the things Ahmed hated about Western cultures. Arrogance, a lack of loyalty or decency. An obsession with money and material possessions. Too much self-preservation and too little altruism.

Ahmed’s hatred was based on stereotypes. But in this case, Kitty couldn’t disagree. Fields was those things.

Ahmed mastered his emotions, though, straightening his back. “You’ve provided me with the hundred doses we agreed upon.”

“Yes. It’s there.”

“Very well.” Ahmed passed the suitcase to his ever-present assistant. Without a word, he removed a phone from his pocket. After a few taps on its face, he lifted his head and nodded. “I’ve transferred another portion of the agreed upon funds to your account.”

He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket. “This is the final account information. When my assistant and I have left the property safely, I will authorize the remainder of your funds to be transferred into this account.” He held onto the paper when Fields tried to take it. “The last portion is the largest, doctor. Do not consider betraying me.”

As he let go of the page, Fields snapped it up with a sneer. “Fine.”

Ahmed’s hands folded in front of him, as if he was in prayer, and he bowed slightly at the waist. His thoughts contradicted his outward politeness. I hope your own people cut off your hands, you vile traitor.

The bloodthirsty nature of his thoughts made her wince, drawing Ahmed’s attention. “You are awake.”

She held his gaze.

“Good.” He smiled. “We go.”

Without another glance in her direction, he nodded to his assistant before walking toward the waiting helicopter. As he moved, the helicopter’s propellers picked up, kicking up the tails of his well-made suit jacket. His assistant motioned to two guards and they stepped forward, pulling her off the chair and to her feet. The assistant then pulled a set of handcuffs from his pocket and closed one around his wrist and the other around the handle of the briefcase. Kitty’s stomach sank as he handed the key to another guard. Then he nodded and followed Ahmed.

The guards beside her nudged her forward, and she followed their directions, her mind racing.

How was she going to get that suitcase? She needed to steal the key somehow. Or remove that guy’s arm. Real simple.

Hopelessness threatened, reminding her that she’d been an idiot to leave Nick—to try to do this on her own.