Lucy pumped her legs as fast as they would go. She could hear the breathing of the others beside her as they crossed the corridor and made their way to the back of the building. Her heart slammed against her chest in rapid beats. Her stomach cramped, not from running but from nerves and fear. If they were caught, it would all be over, and it would be her fault for leading them into this.
Just as they approached the side of the building, a guard walked out the front door, presumably coming off break. Lucy pushed herself around the corner just in time to avoid notice, with Gary, Neil and Mary right behind her. They pressed themselves against the wall and held their breath.
Footsteps clicked outside like the sound of gunshots. Lucy tensed. Were they getting closer? The footsteps stopped, a pause so long, Lucy thought she might die. Then, click, click, click, the guard walked away from them and into the night.
The breath she'd nearly choked on whooshed out of her mouth. "We need to get to the back door."
They followed her to the door, one seldom used by the guards. She turned the handle, but it was locked.
"Gary, little help."
The air around them sizzled with little currents as Gary worked his magic on the metal lock. The door popped open and the four of them walked through.
No one so much as breathed on the walk through the long corridor. At the corner, where it turned into the main break area, they stopped, and Lucy peered around.
Mr. Black sat at a table alone, reading a magazine and drinking a soda. Her sweaty palms left a streak of moisture on the wall, and she nearly fell forward into the room when she lost traction. Neil caught her by the jacket and pulled her back.
They had to get close to Mr. Black. She waved for them to move forward when he rose and walked into the men's room a few feet from the table.
Perfect.
With no other guards around, the four walked into the men's room.
Lucy hoped Greg still had control of the cameras; otherwise, they'd have guards all over them in seconds.
Mr. Black's feet peeked out from the middle stall. Lucy nodded to Mary, who presumably started leaking pheromones or something.
When Mr. Black came out of his stall, his eyes had a glazed-over, lustful look that made Lucy want to puke. "What are you— Who are—"
Mary sashayed over to him with her come hither look. She ran her finger over his cheek and lip. Her voice came out as a purr. "Don't worry about them, just focus on me. I'm here to make you very happy."
Lucy stifled her gag and focused on the mission. "We should ask him about the other kids—the babies and little ones. We need to know where they are before we escape, so we can rescue them next."
Gary checked his watch. "Just hurry. Greg can't keep his powers going for long. We need to get to the command center."
Lucy faced Mr. Black. "Where are they, you son of a bitch? Where are you guys keeping the other kids?"
His eyes didn't waver from Mary's body. "Nowhere important. Nowhere with such a view."
Lucy raised her hand to slap him but Mary grabbed it. "My thrall will only work if he's focused on me. Now, can we go? I'm bored."
Disappointment surged through Lucy. How would they save the other kids and shut down Rent-A-Kid for good? She wished they'd had more time to plan this out.
They led Mr. Black to the command center right next to the break room. Two guards stopped them at the gate. "Sir, you know we are not permitted to allow unauthorized personnel back here."
Gary flicked a finger, and the soldier dropped his gun. Mary used the distraction to whisper in Mr. Black's ear.
The thumping of Lucy's heart could be heard in other countries. Their entire plan hinged on getting into the command center. If Mary couldn't get Mr. Black to do what she wanted.... Lucy didn't want to think about that scenario.
Mr. Black addressed the men. "I have been instructed to interrogate these students in a secure location. The Seeker himself issued these orders. Do you dare question him?"
The Seeker's name had the intended effect. The guards stepped back and allowed them through.
"Take a break, boys. This is top secret, and I need you out on patrol making sure no other kids create problems."
They entered the control room and discovered a third guard still on duty. When he saw Mr. Black, he snapped to attention.
Lucy cursed herself for not getting better intel on this location. She raised an eyebrow at Mary, who nodded and leaned into Mr. Black again, rubbing her body against his just enough to entice him.
The guard in the room stared slack-jawed at the scene in front of him. No one moved for several long moments as they waited for the guard to follow the command. He adjusted his gun, setting everyone there on high alert. "Sir? What's going on? Do you need help with these students?"
"No, I just need time alone with them to ask some questions."
He looked from Mr. Black to Mary, then back again. With skepticism in his voice he asked, "Are you sure, sir?"
Mr. Black's arrogance still claimed the stage, even under Mary's spell. "Yes, I'm sure. Do you dare question me?"
Lucy remained still and waited to see how this would play out. The guard headed to the door as if to leave, but moved his gun a fraction of an inch toward the group.
It was enough for Lucy.