“Adrienne, hit him! It’ll serve him right for sneaking in here and making a revolutionary of my wife.”

The swiftness of Adrienne’s hand caught both men by surprise, and the sharp sound of palm against cheek cracked like a rifle shot. Instantly she grabbed Eric’s arm. “Oh, Eric, I’m sorry! Are you all right?”

He nodded as he rubbed his cheek. “Are you all right? That’s the question.”

Her hand shot to the bandage at the base of her skull. “Yes. I’m fine.” She whirled around and threw her arms around Clayne’s neck. “I’m fine!” she whispered, burying her head against his chest.

“Okay, Eric,” Clayne said, his voice husky. “You can add four black folk to your little slave rebellion.” He stuck out his hand.

Eric gripped it firmly. “It’s a growing company,” he said, “and you’re getting in on the ground floor.” Then he became businesslike. “Okay, Adrienne. Pack a few essentials. Warm clothing primarily. Remember we have to carry everything on horses once we hit the mountains. Clayne, bring your weapon and good hiking boots. Let’s take your stun gun and your squad car. Any other vehicles may be stopped in the curfew.”

“I’ve got a deer rifle and a hunting pistol.”

“Bring them. Any ammunition too. Hurry, we’ve got another stop to make.”

Clayne’s bushy eyebrows raised. “Oh?”

“Yes. We’ve got one more person to persuade to join us.”

With a sigh, Nicole set the book down and turned off the light over her bed. Sleep would probably still elude her, but…

She sat up suddenly as a soft rap on the screen was followed by an urgent whisper. “Nicole!”

She snatched her robe from the chair where she had thrown it and was at the window in three quick steps. “Eric? Is that you?”

She put her face next to the screen and saw his, split with a wide grin. “Hi, Nicky,” he said softly.

“What are you doing here? We thought you’d left the city.”

“May I come in?”

“Of course. Come around to the back door. I’ll get dressed and be there in a moment.”

She dressed swiftly, leaving the lights out, then moved through the house and unlocked the back door. Eric pulled open the screen and entered, a very happy Cricket at his side. As she pushed the door shut again and locked it, Eric clunked a set of heavy bolt cutters on the kitchen table.

“One of these days I’m going to come calling on you properly, ring the doorbell, come in the front door—the whole works.”

“Why’re you here? It’s so dangerous. What if they’re watching me?”

“They’re not. I’ve spent the last half hour checking very carefully. Hey, what happened?” He gently touched the small strip of adhesive tape on her forehead.

“Oh, that. I got hit by a falling ladder.”

“You what?”