Adam (The Protectors #5)(31)

“And what’s your first step?” Lana spat out, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Rounding up all half-breeds and putting them in concentration camps.”

Adam’s head snapped back at that. He had seen the papers, but he had no idea any of that was coming down. His eyes shot to the Mayor who was busy sputtering in outrage.

“And who are you getting your information from?” He looked nervously around the room at the Warriors present. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Is that so?” Lana sneered, her eyes going to Alice. “Well, my information came from a very reliable source, who heard your, whatever she is, bragging. Not very politically correct, Mayor.”

“Get out of here!” he ordered, pointing toward the door. “You’ve been fired and I want you out before I have you arrested.”

“Yeah, about that.” Sloan finally stepped forward. He looked down at Lana. “You’re a hell of a cop Lana and the VC Warriors would be proud to offer you a position.”

A slow smile spread across Lana’s face before she frowned. “Who would be my boss?” She glanced behind her and looked at Sid whose grin slipped as he narrowed his eyes at her.

“Me.” Sloan didn’t smile or frown; he looked pissed.

“Deal.” Lana stuck out her hand. “So what do you need me to do, boss?”

Sloan shook her hand and nodded toward the direction she came. “Finish what you were doing.”

“Yes, sir.” Lana couldn’t help shooting a parting grin at Tom Ferguson and then Alice who looked ready to spit nails. “And I will fill you in about what I’ve heard these two are planning and trying to get passed into law.”

“You are going to pay for this,” Alice growled, her eyes glowing.

“Oh, looking forward to it, bitch.” Lana turned, glaring at her. “I’ve got my gun permit and will be packin’ at all times with plenty of silver bullets. This whole room just heard your threat. So you come near me, I will do the fashion world a favor.” Lana’s eyes again raked over Alice’s dress in disgust.

Adam laughed along with a few officers who stood watching the show. Sid grabbed Lana’s arm and led her out of the room, his chuckle loud enough for everyone to hear.

“How dare you let her threaten me?” Alice pushed toward Sloan, her eyes firing so much hate and anger.

“They won’t get away with this.” The Mayor tried to calm her, patting her hand. “You are on report.” The Mayor turned his attention to Sloan.

Sloan walked straight up to the Mayor, their faces inches apart. “You have no power over me or my men.” Sloan’s tone was seriously point blank. “You need to turn around and leave, taking your trash with you. I am not and never will be under what power you may think you have.”

Before the Mayor could respond, though he did take a step back, a loud crash sounded from upstairs. Every head looked up at the ceiling. Adam and Sloan’s eyes met as they both took off, Sloan shouting for a uniformed officer to watch the three men on the couch.

Chapter 12

Jill stood still, looking at the ceiling. “What kind of nightmare is up there, Anne?” When Anne didn’t answer, Jill looked down to witness the fear on the woman’s face. “Angelina, do you know what’s up there?”

“No.” Angelina held onto Anne’s hand.

“They only take the ones they turn up there.” Anne’s voice shook.

“They’ll kill them, Anne,” the woman, who Steve was interviewing, cried out. “They’ll know you told.”

“They won’t know anything,” Jill assured Anne, tossing a look toward Steve, who regained the focus of the woman he was interviewing. “How do you get up there?”

Anne shook her head, fear evident in every movement of her head. “You can’t go up there.”

“Anne, you need to tell them.” Angelina still held her hand as she urged Anne to do the right thing. “They are here to help us. Jill and the Warriors won’t let anything happen to you or your family.”

Anne looked from Angelina to Jill. “Please don’t tell anyone.”

Jill nodded, knowing she couldn’t keep that promise, but she would find that room with Anne’s help or not. “Where is it, Anne?”

Anne pointed to the other side of the room. “In the hall, there’s a door in the ceiling.”

Jill looked over her shoulder then to Steve. “I’ll be back,” she told him before looking back at Angelina. “Stay here, okay?”

“Do you need me to come with you?” Angelina started to stand, but Anne’s cry stopped her.

“No!” Anne pulled Angelina back down with enough strength that Angelina cried out in pain. “You can’t go up there, Angelina. Please don’t.”

“She’s not going anywhere.” Jill pried Anne’s hand off Angelina’s arm. “Anne, you need to let her go. You’re hurting her.”

Anne’s mismatched eyes widened in alarm. “I’m so sorry,” she cried out again.

“It’s okay.” Angelina smiled, but rubbed her arm.

“Stay here. I’ll be right back.” Jill turned and headed out of the room.

Glancing up and down the hall, she saw no one, but could hear busy activity and voices downstairs. Looking up, she finally spotted the ceiling attic door. Heading that way, she stopped underneath still looking up. With one last glance behind her, she jumped, hoping she could make it to the high ceiling, catch the short dangling cord and hit the floor in one motion. Feeling the cord hit her fingers, she grasped tight. As she headed back to the floor, she pulled the door open as the ladder came out and down toward her face. Quickly with the other hand, she caught the ladder and held it in place, but then let it go when the door clicked open. She hit the ground and waited as the ladder caught up to her.