“No. She’s ancient. At least a couple hundred years old and a total wallflower. No fun whatsoever.” Yvonne scratched her wrist. “We’re going to try the virus on her first, before using it on others. At least she’ll be good for something. Plus, Terre needs a mate. The guy needs heirs.”

Benny coughed and stirred.

Grace whirled around. “Ben?” She dropped to her knees to lift his head. “You with me?”

His skull had already stitched itself together, and the skin on his forehead was mending quickly. He opened his metallic eyes, and blood dripped out of one. “Ouch.” He mended his eyeball and sat up, groaning like an old man. “Shitballs,” he muttered, seeing the cell.

Grace patted his shoulder. Relief ticked through her. Thank goodness she wasn’t alone any longer.

Benny leaned around her. “Who’s the hot blonde?”

Grace stood and tried to help him to his feet. “Long story, but she’s not on our side.”

Benny wavered but remained upright. “Did I get blown up?” He shook out his right leg and winced. His growl was both pained and pissed off. “Did you blow me up, Blondie?”

Yvonne smiled. “I’ll go let Dayne and Terre know you’re ready to chat, Benjamin Reese. We can talk more later, Grace. I’m sure we’ll end up becoming great friends through the years.” She turned and strode gracefully away.

“What a wench,” Benny complained, leaning back against the rear wall. “Everything hurts. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

An explosion rent the night, and she jumped, adrenaline pumping fast though her veins.

Benny smiled. “My brothers have arrived. Good.” He opened his eyes and looked around the cell. “Any idea how to get out of here?”

She gulped down panic as more explosions and then gunfire erupted outside. “An electrical current runs through the floor if they push a button outside the cell. I figure that we could maybe short the circuit?”

Benny glanced toward her. “Do you know how to short a circuit?”

“No. You?”

“Not really.” He wiped blood off his neck. “I could try to run through the glass, but it’s probably fortified, and I ain’t at a hundred percent yet.”

A swish sounded down the hallway, and Karma ran up with Rose in her arms. She reached way up, ticked some buttons, and the door opened. Her eyes were wide and frightened. “You have to go. Now.” She handed the baby over to Grace, who took her before Rose could protest.

Karma reached into the pocket of her dress and brought out a sharp kitchen knife for Benny. “It’s all I could get. You have to go. Two soldiers are at the top of the stairs, both armed.”

Chapter 40

Chapter 40