There was genuine laughter in her voice, which somehow gave me the cajones to follow through with my decision. “It comes with the genes.”
“Good, because you’re going to need your nose to guide you.” I tried to recall the trip I’d made to the city with the pack. “You’re going to want to head for a wooded area as quickly as possible. Avoid people and avoid major streets. The sun is still out, which means you shouldn’t have a lot of trouble.”
Humor was replaced by fear. “What if this doesn’t work?”
“I can’t answer that. I have no idea what’s going to happen. At this point, I can only hope things will change for the better. Besides”—I smiled at her—“If I can change things for the better, maybe this world won’t be as cruel or unfair.”
“How am I supposed to find them?”
“Hopefully you won’t have to.” I smiled at her apprehensive face, hoping to reassure her. “They have guards out during the day to collect things they need. They also patrol their borders. If you do what I’m telling you, one of them will eventually find you.”
“What about you?” She followed me as I returned to the closet to retrieve a large duffel bag to collect some clothes. After all, I had to make my trip look legit.
“I’ll accept the consequences for my actions. I was told you were mine to do with as I pleased. If I want to let you go, it’s my choice.”
“Victoria will kill you.” There was no threat in her voice, only a calm point of fact. “That’s probably why she gave me to you. She wants to see what you’ll do.”
“Let her try. She won’t be the first.” Shoving clothing into the bag, I shrugged. “I don’t give a shit.”
Jennifer wrapped her fingers around my bicep, her grip painfully firm. “I’m not joking. I’ve seen her destroy her own for less. When she learns what you’ve done, she’ll either kill you or turn you into some form of entertainment. That’s what she does.”
As I pulled from her grasp, she stepped back, and we faced off.
“Here’s the deal, Lucille. My ass is grass regardless. I owe a debt to a demon. I have less than forty-eight hours to end it. Right now, the odds of doing that are pretty slim. I’m doomed no matter what happens. If I’m going to go, I’m going to do what the fuck I want in the time I have left. Right now I want to know you’ll never return to what I imagine is its own version of Hell.” At her stunned expression, I shook and lowered my head. “I’m fucked no matter if I let you go or if I don’t. Given the choice, I’m going to let you go. It’s that simple.”
She didn’t say anything, so I nodded at the window. “I want to give you a decent head start. I’m going to pack some clothes and take my sweet-ass time doing it. If you hurry, you can be long gone before anyone comes to check on me.”
The innocent and torn look in her eyes was one I could relate to. “I can’t leave you.”
“You can, and you will. I just have one thing to ask of you in return.”
Her uncertain expression didn’t change. “All right.”
“Tell Carter I was wrong. Tell him that if I have anything to say about it, this cesspool we’re living in will never happen. I’m going to do everything I can to make the future a better place. He’ll understand the message.”
“Who’s Carter?”
I urged her toward the window and pulled up the blinds. A quick flick turned the lock, and I reached for the bottom of the windowsill. “You’ll see. Now, get going.” I lifted the glass and stepped aside. “Stay low and keep your eyes open. You’re wasting time.”
I considered thanking the good Lord above when she didn’t argue.