The Gender Fall (The Gender Game #5)(15)

Thomas opened his mouth to launch a counterargument about how his idea was more important. I slowly stood up, keeping a careful ear on the conversation, but also desperate for a cup of coffee—I was on the brink of falling asleep, a sure sign I was overtaxing myself, and I knew getting up would force more life into my limbs, and coffee would help my mind. The debate continued as I rose, and I had to admit, both of them were making good points; both ideas were well reasoned and thought out.

I poured myself a cup of coffee from the metal coffeemaker and took a sip, grimacing at the stale taste, and then forced another sip, needing the caffeine. I moved back to the table, loudly setting my cup down as the argument began to grow heated.

Thomas and Ms. Dale paused, looking at me, and I held up my hand in a silent entreaty. They both shut their mouths and waited, and I was struck with appreciation for how well we all worked together.

“I think we should send two agents,” I said, “one male, one female, into the city. Ms. Dale is right—we do need to know how Elena is keeping control. Knowing what lies she’s telling is going to be essential to helping us know how best to move forward.”

Ms. Dale gave me a smile and leaned back, smirking at Thomas. I let her have her moment of victory before adding, “I also think we need to send scouts to the location Thomas pointed out. He’s right—any chance we can spare lives, while also getting them to join up, is a possibility worth looking into. Besides, what if Tim was picked up and shipped there? That possibility makes it all the more important that we check it out.”

Everyone nodded, and I took another sip of coffee.

“I think we should send Jeff into the city,” Ms. Dale said. “He’s got a clean record, and with Ashabee taken by Elena, he has a perfect cover. I also have some ideas for who else to send, so don’t worry about that.”

I gave her a grateful look. “All right. Is there anything else?”

“I should add that the move from Ashabee’s manor to this location was mostly successful,” Ms. Dale continued. “Thanks to the refugees, we were able to drive most of the vehicles in one big caravan, and fit all our people and supplies. We were able to move most of the items from the warehouse, as well as Solomon—but there were a few things left behind that we might want to go get.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Amber chimed in, looking at Ms. Dale. “By now, they will have figured out we were using the house for a while, and will likely be watching it, waiting to see if we come back.”

“There’s also the fact that they have Amber’s father,” added Owen. “If they’ve tortured him…”

“They might not be torturing him,” Amber said, although by her tone of voice, I could tell she hoped they were.

“They are,” Thomas cut in darkly. “Why wouldn’t they? They would’ve already pieced together that something was wrong when their patrol never checked back in. It would be the first thing they’d do. It’d be the first thing I’d do. It’s better to think about this in terms of worst possible outcomes, so that we can take every precaution foreseeable.”

“That’s why I’ve secured King Maxen at an alternate location,” added Ms. Dale. “It’s also where I’m holding Solomon. I’m the only one, besides the guards I placed with them, who knows where it is, and the guards check in with me regularly.” She shot me an apologetic look as she continued. “The precaution is necessary to prevent anyone else from being leveraged like Violet was.”

I nodded, carefully considering her words, repressing an irrational flare of anger. I knew she wasn’t placing blame on Violet, but it was hard not to feel like she was. Violet had jeopardized a key part of our plan by bringing Maxen, but she had also taken pains to make sure he got out in the confusion—and had lost her brother in the process. Everyone in the room knew it.

“I agree,” I said. “Better to be cautious than foolhardy. Melissa, if we assume Ashabee is compromised, is this location secure?”

“It is, reasonably. Ashabee pointed out a few places, including an abandoned farm, but I actually found this place on my own, on a lark. He didn’t know about it, so that makes it safe. For now.”

I accepted this with a nod and then looked around. “Anything else?”

Everyone shook their heads, and I nodded again. “All right. Let’s get to it, then. Amber, Owen—discuss what you’ll need for the mission before you get packed up. I want a list for Ms. Dale, so we can keep our inventory organized. Bring it back to me before you head out.”

The effect of my declaration was immediate. Thomas slipped out of the room, muttering about plans and strategies, while Amber and Owen nodded and scooted closer together, quietly discussing what they needed as Amber scribbled on a piece of paper.

Ms. Dale got up and moved over to me, resting a hand on my shoulder, dragging my attention from the two of them. “How is she, really?” she asked, and I sighed, rubbing my eyes in a futile attempt to relieve the headache starting to form.

“She’s going to get worse if we don’t get her that help,” I replied, and Ms. Dale squeezed my shoulder tightly.

“She’s tough. And you made a good call tonight. Several, actually, but the one about the Liberators… I’ve thought it over, and it’s a good idea. They have training, and they can help us. I’m just glad you came to the decision.” I gave her a curious look, and she shot me a half-smile, her expression wistful. “I thought if I brought it up, it would seem too… self-interested.”