‘Now, hang on.’ Zelazny held up his hands. ‘I’m not sure it’s the best idea either, but I can’t really think of a better one. Can you?’
Allie sat next to him on one of the chairs facing Isabelle’s desk. She’d given them the gist of her plan, and now she was letting them argue it out. She’d expected Isabelle to say no at first.
What she hadn’t expected was that Zelazny would say yes.
‘If we let her speak to one of Nathaniel’s guards, we are putting a great deal on the line,’ Isabelle leaned forward. ‘Not least Allie’s safety.’
Zelazny didn’t back down. ‘We can make sure it all happens in a public place, we’ll stay with her at all times. Nothing can happen to her if we do this right.’
When Isabelle paused to think of a response, Allie jumped in.
‘Look, I know it’s a gamble, but I’ve been listening to Nine for days now. He’s not just a little unhappy. He really hates Nathaniel. He helped me the other night, and he didn’t have to do that. He talked about me – about how what Nathaniel was doing was wrong. I can use that.’ She pointed at her face. ‘I’m just a kid, right? Nine has a daughter, I’ve heard him talk about her. He sees me and it makes him think of her. So he’s not going to want to hurt me.’
Isabelle shook her head, her lips pressed in a thin line. ‘Even if I was willing to risk your life, I’m not convinced he’d listen to someone your age.’
‘Actually, you’re wrong. He wouldn’t listen to someone like you or Raj – any adult. He doesn’t seem to trust grownups.’ Allie took a breath. ‘I think he’d listen to me.’
The headmistress met her gaze speculatively, then shook her head. ‘I’m sorry. I know you want to do this but it’s just too dangerous.’
Allie wanted to tell Isabelle this wasn’t her decision. That Lucinda would have backed her on this. She wanted to shout that she was going to do this either way so they might as well help her.
But she knew if she said any of those things she’d lose her advantage.
‘Hear us out first,’ Zelazny said, stepping smoothly into the tense silence. ‘Allie’s done her legwork here. She’s researched the guard. Monitored his conversations. Made contact. We know he’s unhappy. He’s not loyal to Nathaniel.’ He banged a closed fist lightly against his crossed knee. ‘I think she’s right. I think we can turn him.’
‘I’m sorry but you’re not using Allie.’ Isabelle’s voice was still firm. ‘Not for this.’
‘I don’t like how closed minded you are on this. Your emotions are getting in the way.’ The history teacher gave her a stern look. ‘Allie’s intelligent, capable and trained. She’s one of our best students. You can’t be afraid to use your best.’
‘August, I can’t believe you would even consider sending a student into such an unpredictable environment,’ Isabelle said reprovingly. ‘After what happened in London, I thought we’d agreed to change our approach.’
Forcing herself to sound calm, Allie spoke up. ‘Isabelle, I know why this makes you nervous. And I get that it’s dangerous. You know I do.’ She held her gaze until Isabelle lowered her own in acknowledgement. ‘I know how he thinks. How his mind works. I know he doesn’t trust his peers – he thinks they’re all after something. I think he got caught up in this situation because he was desperate. Christopher says all these guys are in debt. Nine must have been in a lot of trouble. Now I think he wants out. And I think he might listen to me because I’m young. And he feels sorry for me – we have to use that.’
‘Even if that was the case, Allie, it’s not reason enough to let you walk up to one of Nathaniel’s guards and identify yourself as the one person Nathaniel would love to grab.’ Isabelle looked from her to Zelazny. ‘Surely you can both see that.’
Zelazny was ready for that argument. ‘That’s why we do it in a public place,’ he said. ‘That’s why we send half a dozen guards with her. If he tries anything? We’re ready.’
‘I’m sorry August, but the answer is no.’ Isabelle’s expression was closed. Her tone indicated the argument was over.
Her earlier bravado fading, Allie began to despair. If Isabelle thought this was a terrible plan then… maybe it was. What did she know, anyway?
But even as her hope began to slip away, she thought again of that moment at the gate. The intensity in Nine’s eyes. The subtle warning signal.
And his voice on the radio. ‘It ain’t right…’
Her determination returned. Isabelle had to understand. If they didn’t let her meet with Nine, then all they could do was continue to sit outside St John’s Fields as the clock ticked down. Or try a dangerous home invasion that could end very badly for everyone.
They had just over twenty-four hours left.