Mindsiege (Mindspeak #2)(46)

“Awaiting orders, sir,” the woman answered.

“Check that office.”

My pulse lurched. I reached up and unhooked the small strap on the holster. I pulled the gun from the leather. It was much heavier than the one I’d held the previous night. Heat spread across the back of my neck. Muscles clenched in my shoulders just thinking about the lethal object that was three times the size of my hand.

Another loud explosion of glass pierced the air, followed by the high-pitched squeal of the fire alarm. What was that?

Tell me what’s going on. Jack said. I’m just outside the building. Which freaking entrance should I use?

Jonas remained silent.

I placed the gun in the waistband of my jeans, praying with everything in me that the gun had a safety and that I wouldn’t shoot myself in the leg. Slowly, I began to crawl from under the desk just as the door to Coach’s office squeaked open.

Lowering my head to the ground, my eyes widened at the sight of two sets of feet entering the office. By the size of them, it was one female agent and one male. To make matters worse, the voices of at least six others stood just outside the office.

Mentally calculating my options, I realized I didn’t have many. I was trapped, and had only two weapons: a gun I didn’t know how to use, and my own mind. I drew the gun from my waistband and eased up from my squatting position behind the desk.

I faced two agents. The female agent wore a black baseball cap with her hair pulled through the hole in the back in a ponytail. The male agent was a fit man. I could just make out sculpted muscles beneath a plain black T-shirt. Before the agents could react, I pointed the gun straight at the woman’s head and flooded both of their minds, something I had never done before. Do not speak. You will both lower your weapons.

They each instantly did as I commanded.

Turn back toward the door. I eased around the desk and stepped to their backs. You will protect me at all costs as you lead me to the main exit. Tell me you understand.

In unison, they said, “We understand.”

Now walk.

The three of us exited Coach’s office. My heart leaped to my throat as I realized there were more agents than I had thought.

Agent Ball Cap stuck out a protective arm as she shielded me from agents to our left. She pointed her gun directly at them. “Drop your weapons.” Their eyes widened as they traded glances, but they did as they were told.

Agent Sculpted Muscles directed agents to our right to clear a path as we walked slowly toward the exit.

“You two are making a mistake,” another male agent said. I recognized his voice as the one that had handed out orders a few short moments ago. He was an older man, cursed with unfortunate thinning hair. His eyes focused in on mine. “Sarah, we are not here to hurt you. Sandra would like to spend time with you.”

A hysterical laugh escaped my throat. You’re an idiot. I want you to turn and jump in that great big pool behind you right now.

Blood that had only dripped lightly now poured from my nostrils. I leaned forward, letting the blood drip to the floor. The metallic scent of blood mixed with chlorine. Agent Thinning Hair did as he was told and leaped into the pool, making a great splash. With a satisfied grin I ordered Agent Sculpted Muscles: Give me your shirt, please. With one hand he hunched his shoulders and pulled his T-shirt over his head, sliding the gun through the opening until he tossed the shirt to me. I wiped the blood off my face and applied pressure to my nose.

Agent Ball Cap had four agents on their stomachs, faces to the ground, and disarmed. As I maneuvered around their bodies, a hand reached out and snaked around my ankle, sending me sprawling across the wet pool deck. I screamed as my jeans tore and skin ripped from my knee. My ankle twisted unnaturally. My gun pinched into my back.

Agent Ball Cap took two giant steps and hit the woman who still held tightly to my ankle with the butt of her gun.

I stared at the woman, grasping my foot and breathing hard. Her eyes watered, but she looked directly at me and said with a hoarse voice, “Your time is up. Sooner or later, you’ll have to come in. He’ll force you to.”

“Who? Who will force me?” I asked. When Agent Ball Cap pointed her gun at the woman’s head, I reached out a hand. No, don’t shoot her. Leave her be.

“Dr. Wissss…” She hissed as she slowly loosened her hold on me. Pain seared through my ankle and from the skinned knee. I crab-walked backwards away from her with much discomfort, then turned over and crawled the rest of the way to the door, careful to only allow the one knee to touch the ground.

When I reached the doors, I pulled myself to my feet by holding onto the metal door handles. Agent Sculpted Muscles and Agent Ball Cap stood behind me. Thank you for your help. Go jump into the pool with your guns, now.

Amused, I pushed through the exit and limped into the hallway.

I started in the direction of the women’s locker room when several agents entered the hallway in front of me. Switching directions, I darted around the corner in the opposite direction.

My back against the wall, I breathed through the pain of my injured ankle. Slowly, I peeked around the corner. The agents reached the pool doors and stopped.

I squinted and focused on a woman pushing through the group. Sandra.

“Find Jonas,” she said through gritted teeth. “And find Sarah.” She ushered the SWAT team forward. “Remember, I want both of them unharmed. We’re not leaving without them.”