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“We don’t know, and we can’t find him.”
“He’ll be heading to the factory to meet up with Rose and help fulfill his end of the bargain.”
“Maybe. I’ll meet you there, Agent Ryan.” He hesitated again, blue eyes sharp with anger. “Under no circumstances are you to move in until we get there, understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Whether she actually obeyed was another matter.
Stephan grunted and signed off. She climbed into the car.
“I’m going to soak your seats, I’m afraid.”
Jessie waved a hand. “Forget it. Did you find anything?”
“I certainly did.” She grinned and punched the address into the onboard computer. “Let’s go rescue your brother.”
—
Jessie halted the Mustang in the supermarket parking lot two doors down from the factory. Sam shivered. Even though the car’s heating was on full, she still felt as cold as a snowflake in a storm. At least she’d discovered one thing tonight—this damn coat wasn’t exactly waterproof. At least not when the rain was more like a torrent than a gentle shower. Her sweater was sodden underneath.
She peered through the waterfall running down the windshield, trying to see the factory. A solitary light glimmered in front of the building, but against the force of the storm, it did little more than illuminate the small patch of ground directly beneath it.
She glanced at her watch. It had taken them half an hour to get here. That gave them forty-five minutes before Rose’s deadline ended. If Stephan didn’t get here soon…
Headlights glimmered through the rain. The car cruised past the factory, not slowing until it reached the parking lot entrance. It turned in and came to a halt beside them.
She climbed out of the Mustang. The wind cut through her sodden coat, as sharp as a knife. She shivered again and shoved her hands in her pockets. Not that it helped much.
Jessie stopped beside her. “Bitch of a night,” she said, as she wrapped a rubber band around her hair.
Stephan climbed out of the gray Ford. “It might play to our advantage,” he said. “With the force of the wind, it’s doubtful Rose will hear any noise we might make.”
“Orrin will.” Sam didn’t know why she was so certain of this. “Did you bring any backup, sir?”
Stephan nodded. “Briggs and Edmonds. They’re making their way around to the back of the building.”
“Let me go in and scout the situation. If Orrin’s there, we’ll have to get rid of him first.”
“Definitely not—”
“With all due respect, sir, we haven’t the time to stand here and argue. Orrin will hear you, but he won’t hear me.” Not with the storm and the night as her ally. She held out her hand. “Give me an earphone and just trust me.”
“I don’t care to risk my brother’s life—”
“Stephan,” Jessie interrupted softly, “it’s Gabriel’s only chance.”
He glanced at his sister and then handed Sam the earphone. “I want a running commentary, and I want you to call us the minute there’s a problem. Understand?”
She tucked the small device into her ear and nodded. “I’m not stupid enough to tackle Orrin alone, believe me.”
“Good.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a Holcroft laser. “Take this with you.”
The laser clung to her palm like a second skin and she felt safer. “Thanks.”
She turned and walked toward the factory. The wind tore at the gum trees along the fence line. Leaves and twigs littered the footpath, becoming miniature boats as they were caught in the rush of water streaming toward the gutters. At least the tree canopies protected her from the worst of the rain. She climbed the waist-high fence at the front of the building and stopped, letting her gaze roam across the dark factory.
Thunder rumbled across the night. Power surged, dancing through her soul. Energy again leapt across her fingertips, warming the chill from her flesh.
But through the power came the sensation of evil. Orrin was inside the factory, keeping watch near the back. The softer bite of evil that was Rose’s presence came from near the front of the building. Obviously, her best bet was to enter from somewhere near the middle.
