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Michael stood behind her, as silent and still as the darkness around them. Yet he reminded her of a coiled spring. He sensed danger ahead, like her.
Jake returned. “Nothing,” he said, sounding oddly relieved. “Only rubbish."
"Monica's still ahead.” She swept the light across the darkness surrounding them. She'd heard no sound, yet she had a sudden sense of movement. The forces of evil gathered out there in the darkness.
"How far ahead?” Jake's question jostled harshly against the silence.
"I'm not sure. Not far."
Jake frowned and turned, leading the way once more. The yellow beam of light danced away from the darkness, barely penetrating the thick gloom. It would be so easy to fall into a trap. Or walk, as she sensed they were doing.
The locket in her hand pulsed again. She clenched her fingers and let her senses flare to full life. Monica was on the move, running lightly through the tunnel. Fleeing, but not in fright. Nikki bit her lip. Something was happening, something she couldn't sense or understand.
Michael's tension washed heat across her back. Maybe he could sense the presence she merely guessed at.
"Jasper's not here,” he said softly. “But the zombies are. I think you and Jake should go back. I'll continue the hunt for Monica alone."
"Monica is our client's daughter,” Jake reminded him. “You go nowhere without us."
"The two of you will never match Monica's inhuman speed. You'll only get in my way." Jake turned. His flashlight pierced the darkness, almost sun-bright. “And by that are you suggesting you can match her inhuman speed?"
"Yes, I am.” Michael hesitated. “I don't like the feel of this. Take Nikki and head back to the entrance. You'll be safe there."
He was certainly determined to keep her away from Monica. What did he fear—that she'd try to stop him? “I'm not going anywhere. I've already told you that."
"Damn it Nikki, you've encountered the zombies once already. Do you really think you and Jake can survive a sudden attack from three of them?"
Though annoyance barely touched his voice, it seared through his thoughts, almost burning her. She stared at him several seconds. Perhaps he was right. She'd barely escaped an attack from two. Add the teenager and an extra zombie, and the odds weren't looking favorable—even with Michael on their side. Perhaps it was time to leave Monica to her fate.
Besides, she didn't like the feel of what was happening up ahead, either. She held up her hands. “Okay, okay. I'll retreat. Jake?"
He shook his head. “I think we owe it to Trevgard to see this thing through." Michael raised an eyebrow. “And did you not promise your wife to take no foolish chances?" Nikki glanced at him sharply. He'd obviously been reading Jake's thoughts, to know something as intimate as that. Maybe it was only her presence that stopped him from entering Jake's mind and forcing him to obey.
Jake glared at him. “Just how in hell did you know that?"
"As I said, Nikki is not the only one with psychic abilities. She should be your main concern here, not Monica."
Jake glanced at her, his expression troubled. “All right, I'll go. But I want Monica brought out to us. I think we need to witness what happens, as much for your sake as Trevgard's." Michael nodded, then stepped into the shadows and disappeared.
"Damn,” Jake muttered. “How did he do that?"
"He moves fast,” she muttered, although he hadn't. He'd only taken a dozen or so steps and had hesitated, out there in the darkness. She wondered what he sensed. “And the tunnel turns to the right a few yards away. That's why you can't see him."
Jake touched her arm lightly. “Let's head back. The darkness doesn't feel quite as safe without your sinister friend around."
He was right. It didn't. The sense of danger had increased twofold in the few minutes Michael had been gone. The quicker they got out of this tunnel, the better. Nikki rubbed her arms, then turned and followed Jake down the track.
"What's that noise?” Jake said, after a few minutes.
Energy surged in response. She clenched her fists and listened. The wind sighed past them, gathering speed. The ground began to tremble.
"Christ,” Jake continued. “A train!"
She pushed him forward. “The hole's only twenty feet or so away. Head for that." Adrenaline surged, giving her feet wings. The lights swung erratically across the darkness, and for an instant, reflected brightly in a dead blue eye. She slid to a stop.
"Jake, watch out!"
Around her, the night found form. Something grabbed her waist and swung her away into darkness. She screamed, but icy fingers covered her mouth, cutting the sound off. She tasted dirt and death, and bile rose in her throat. Struggling violently, she kicked and punched the creature that held her so tightly. Kinetic energy surged, but before she could release her weapon, something hit her head, and pain exploded.
