“Prepare me to do what?”

“Be ready to jam the signal that would blow the CL-20.”

“With the hostages still chained to those posts?”

“Not if you can find a way to break the link that binds the chains to the posts at the right moment.” He was digging in his backpack again and brought out a bottle. “It’s one of Korgan’s favorite chemical combos, nitric acid combined with hydrochloric acid. Pour it on the link, give it a minute, and then make sure it’s covered with dust and mud. One strong jerk will cause it to break free from the post.” He sat back on his heels. “After that, all we have to do is get those girls out of the tent to vehicles and away from the camp.”

“All? Am I supposed to do that, too?” Sasha asked shakily. “This Korgan doesn’t ask much, does he?”

“He asks a hell of a lot. But he asks a lot from himself, too. I believe he assigned the rest of us the job of removing the students. Unless you want to volunteer?” His smile faded. “Or opt out entirely. Your choice, Sasha.”

“I can’t opt out,” she said harshly. “I told Margaret once that I knew it would end up being the three of us who had to get Masenak and his men away from those girls. That no one else would help us.”

“Then you were wrong. I promise we’ll never let you go through this alone. We have an entire team ready to help.” He touched his chest with a flourish. “None more extraordinary than me. Korgan might disagree, but he wouldn’t have sent me here if he hadn’t believed that I—”

“Hush.” She had heard something. She jumped to her feet, straining to listen. “Masenak. He’s talking to one of his men, but he’s coming this way…Keep quiet. I’ll go and meet him outside the tent.”

“I could take care of him,” Gilroy said quietly. “I guarantee I’d get a bonus from Korgan.”

“Shut up!” She drew a deep, steadying breath and then pushed open the canvas door. She took a couple of quick steps forward and let the door swing shut behind her.

Masenak was standing only a few feet away from her!

Close. It had been so close…

She squared her shoulders. “What are you doing here besides bellowing and waking everyone up, Masenak? Still looking for Baldwin?”

“Rude. Very rude.” He trained the beam of his flashlight on her face. “I’m not in the mood for listening to your nasty tongue at the moment. I’d be very careful, Sasha.”

She hadn’t intended to antagonize him. She had been acting instinctively out of sheer panic. “It was only a question. Then why are you honoring me with your presence? You never come here at night.”