Having a bomb strapped around her middle wasn’t an experience Lissi would soon forget. Begging and crying wouldn’t work, so she pressed her lips tight together as Di-Tel rose from his squat after binding her wrists and ankles to the chair he’d shoved her down into.

“Nothing to say?” he sneered.

He definitely didn’t want to hear the words she wanted to say. Lissi reminded herself what her brother would want her to do in this situation. Remain calm. Do not incite violence. Stay safe. Over and over she held Torkel’s advice close and kept her mouth shut against the flurry of insults she wanted to hurl at him.

Di-Tel grunted. “Doesn’t matter. The Jutaks are here. I know it.”

He crossed the room and flicked his hand across a panel to reveal a vid screen. Images flickered to life and Lissi gasped. Black clad soldiers spread through a room wreaking devastation as they took out Di-Tel’s men who’d been left to guard the VIP.

“Rozo was kind enough to explain every aspect of the monitoring system to me.” Di-Tel’s lips twisted cruelly as he cast a glance in her direction. She didn’t want to know what means he’d used to convince the director after watching them beat the man. “For the safety of the guests of course.”

Di-Tel continued to observe the Jutaks on screen without their knowledge. Lissi’s eyes burned as she recognized Arak because of his clawed attack and then the lean figure of Rydak striding across the room to untie Rozo. She wanted to warn them in some way.

“I guess the precious Jutak council didn’t expect me to notice they already sent their soldiers here to infiltrate.”

The door to the room opened behind them and Di-Tel spun around, weapon up. The two men with their matching movements entered and Di-Tel eased his stance. “Theron and Talon, I’m glad you made it.”

She now had names for the scary duo who entered and stared at her a beat too long before addressing Di-Tel.

“Jutaks have arrived,” the one on the right said.

“Yes, I know but we have something here of interest to them.” Di-Tel pointed at Lissi.

Much to Lissi’s surprise, neither turned toward her.

“They are early,” the one on the left stated. Together they added. “It is unwise to proceed with your plan at this point.”

Mottled rage flashed across Di-Tel’s face. “Not until the Jutaks pay!”

His shout echoed around them and Lissi had the odd feeling Theron and Talon communicated silently with one another.

The one spoke. “Talon believes the odds are not in favor of success.”

Next the other. “Theron believes we should leave.”

Together. “We are in agreement.”

Di-Tel’s features smoothed out and he jerked at the bottom of his jacket with rough pulls. “What are you getting at?”

The door burst open and another guard fell through, eyes shot with fear. Face pale, he ran a shaking hand over his short hair. “Di-Tel, the Jutaks are here. Too soon. They’ve taken out Mai, Gartal and the others.”

“We should leave,” Theron advised for the second time.

It was not what Di-Tel wanted to hear. “You can’t. You made a vow to help me with this. Your kind don’t break vows.”

Anger flashed then smooth over their faces. They answered in unison, a heavy note of resignation in the words. “Very well.”

“Theron and Talon make sure this area is secure. Don’t let them reach this room.”

Turning in sync, they left, closing the door with a distinctive click. Nervous tension bubbled in Lissi’s belly. The sound units imbedded in the walls overhead suddenly crackled and came to life. “Jutak warriors! Di-Tel, we ask that you surrender peacefully.”

Di-Tel released a low throaty laugh and faced Lissi. Excitement gleamed in the dark eyes. “Seems as if things are about to go my way.”

Panic pierced her outer display of calm. Lissi bit her bottom lip, the weight of the cables and explosive reminding her of their presence.

The guard stared in longing at the door. Every gesture and quiver reflected his nerves. “What should I do, Di-Tel?”

Di-Tel ignored him as he pressed buttons on the table unit with its array of switches and knobs until he discovered the communication access. He leaned forward and spoke clearly. “I believe I have something that belongs to you, Jutaks. We should talk.”

His voice echoed around them. Lissi listened intently. More silence. Di-Tel’s hands curled into balls, the knuckles blanched. Jaw rigid, he cast Lissi a dark look. Licking her lips, she struggled to remain still. She wanted to yell out to them not to worry about her but didn’t want to push Di-Tel to attack her.

Finally, the sound system came back to life. Jahul again. “We are open to talking.”

Di-Tel’s face lit up. He did a little dance, the gleam in his eyes bordering on maniacal. “On the lower level, south side of the building. I will meet you in the room there.”

“And the female, Di-Tel. Bring her with you.”

A mask dropped over Di-Tel’s face. “No. Not until I’m assured a safe evac from here. None of your military tricks either.”

“Then you need to give us assurance she is still alive.”

Lissi’s heart thundered in her chest.

Di-Tel pointed at Lissi. “Talk.”

“Hello. I’m fine. Uninjured.” It was important her brother or Rydak at least know that much. No way she’d mention the bomb.

“Thank you.”

She noticed Jahul was careful not to use her name or imply any familiarity or knowledge of her. Apparently, Di-Tel picked up on that as well. “Is she someone special to you, Jutak?”

“We’ll meet you, Di-Tel.” The airwaves blared then beeped and the signal disconnected.

Di-Tel roared, grabbed his laser from the table and shoved it into the waist of his pants. He yanked open the door. “If I don’t get what I want. They don’t get what they want.”

He fired at the remaining guard, killing him in an instant.

“This is goodbye.” He left Lissi alone in the room with those last words. She sagged in her bindings and used Rydak’s name as a talisman while she began working at how to get free.

***

The wait seemed interminable. Jahul spent the time in conversation via his private line on the comm. He ended the connection and straightened. “I contacted Torkel to update status. He is not pleased and his parents are concerned. I also requested an armed cruiser escort to take the guests here home.”

That wasn’t all. Rydak bet his Unit Leader had more to say. “Is Torkel coming?”

“Already on route. Probably left directly after we did.” Jahul enlarged the view screen on the wall and the vid image of Di-Tel appeared in bright color walking down the corridor to the meeting spot they’d designated. Thanks to the advanced technology, cameras covered the entire facility.

“What do you think?” Jahul asked the room at large.

“He has no intention of giving us Lissi.”

Faruk stated what they all were thinking. Rydak didn’t react, keeping his mind focused on the goal of rescuing Lissi.

Jahul pointed at him. “I need you to hold it together.” Jahul shifted his gaze to the others. “Kyele, when Di-Tel gets here, go back to Arak who is guarding the VIP and question the head of this facility again. If Di-Tel becomes difficult, we’re going to tear this place apart looking for Lissi.”

It was what Rydak needed to hear. He dipped his chin toward his Team Leader in thanks. They all pulled down their masks obscuring their features. The cocky bastard responsible for the terror on Lafett strutted in with a bold smile on his face and a goading glint in his eyes. Rydak clenched his hands.

Faruk shifted positions, taken up a defensive spot in the room and withdrew his laser. Rydak appreciated his foresight. Right now his mind wasn’t on the man before him. His head filled with visions of scared blue eyes and he held on to the hope of getting to Lissi in time.

“Di-Tel?” Jahul questioned.

“Jutaks,” the male sneered then rested his hands on his hips.

Faruk tensed but never lowered the laser aimed directly at Di-Tel’s head. Kyele placed a warning hand on Rydak’s shoulder, then slipped through the doorway.

“We are meeting with you as you requested. We have freed the prisoners you held. Stand down and we will see that you get a fair trial.”

Di-Tel’s lips twisted. “I don’t need another trial, Jutak. I’m getting what I want with revenge against all of your kind and the arrogant Torkel Alonson.”

Would he have felt this way about any Unit responsible for his capture? Torkel was one leader among many but clearly Di-Tel wanted to target him and place blame.

Jahul shook his head. “What makes you think we’re going to allow you to walk free after all the things you’ve done?”

Evil, dark laughter spilled from Di-Tel as he gestured around them. “Because you’re here and the woman you want isn’t.” His gaze narrowed. “Now quit the games, Jutak and arrange me safe passage out of here. Maybe then I’ll reveal her location.”

Red colored his vision and Rydak lunged forward intent on squeezing the life from Di-Tel. He actually visualized his leather-clad hands around the thick throat as he watched his eyes bulge and color flood his face then fade. Fortunately, Jahul caught him with an arm about his waist and pulled him back.

“Not now.” Jahul spun him around and stared hard.

Hands clenching, Rydak worked to push back his emotions. The desire to wipe the smirk from the evil face was hard to resist. He muttered a lie to satisfy Jahul. “I’m fine.”

Di-Tel snickered until tears of mirth filled his eyes. Faruk tossed restraints in the air and his Team Leader caught them one handed.

Jahul’s grin took on an unpleasant twist. “Listen, Di-Tel while I explain a few things. You are going to be strapped into that chair and answer every question we put to you. Or,” Jahul stressed. “things aren’t going to go well for you.”  

“I’m never going back.” Di-Tel dodged for the door he’d entered through but Jahul leaped across the space and snagged the sleeve of his arm.

The fabric ripped as Di-Tel lashed out with a snarl and wild swing. Jahul ducked the poorly aimed blow and slammed a palm to his chest. Di-Tel stumbled into the chair Faruk kicked across the floor with a booted foot. Another shove and Di-Tel fell into a sprawl on the seat.

Anger blazed on his face, red streaks staining his cheeks. He swiped at a small drop of blood on his lip where he’d bitten his tongue in his mad dash. “Do your best, Jutak.”

And Jahul did. He mixed compliments about Di-Tel’s ingenuity with leading questions. He probed with insults and lavish praise, getting everything from the initial plan plus intent.

Everything except Lissi’s whereabouts. When Di-Tel’s answers stalled, Jahul grabbed his shirt collar and leaned in close. “Where is she?”

The door opened, preventing Di-Tel from giving an answer. Arak and Kyele came in and Rydak glanced over. He froze at the expression on Arak’s face. His heart stuttered in his chest and he fought to drag air in as his world narrowed to pinpoint focus. It was a moment Rydak would forever remember as his darkest day.

Because nothing would compare to the pain of wondering if his teammate was about to shatter his world.

“We didn’t find her,” Arak said.

Breath wooshed from his lungs and Rydak locked his legs to remain upright. Sweat trickled under his collar. He had to believe and hold faith they’d find Lissi. Alive.

“It’s over, Jutaks. I’m glad I managed to take something important away from one of you. I just wish that bastard Torkel was here to grieve.”

Grieve? Rydak’s gaze jerked back to the bound male in the chair. “This is your last chance Di-Tel to confess what you’ve done with Lissi Alonson.”

“Lissi Alonson? Then she really is a relative.” A slow smile spread, his gaze shifting to an ugly shade of brown. He laughed so hard he tipped his chair over. It crashed to the floor as he fell over on his side, the straps keeping him dangling. None of them moved to assist.

“You’re too late,” Di-Tel gasped, chuckles still escaping his throat. “That female is as good as gone. You’ll never see her again.” His hate filled glared pinned Rydak to the spot. “And if you do...you’ll all wish you didn’t.”

The heat of laser fire warmed Rydak’s shoulder. Di-Tel’s head hit the floor with a thump as blood trickled from the direct head wound. Rydak turned around but Kyele had already holstered his weapon. The other Jutak stared back at him, no remorse in his gaze.

Jahul glared. “Kyele!”

“He wasn’t going to tell us,” Kyele explained. “He wanted to torture you by dragging it out.”

Faruk muttered a curse. “Torkel is going to peel our skin off piece by piece if we return without his sister.”

“Do we know if she’d dead?” Rydak asked, holding his breath for the answer.

Arak met his gaze evenly. “Kyele and I couldn’t find any sign of her.”

Rage unlike any he’d ever known exploded and Rydak gripped a table and tossed it across the room. Not attempting to stop him, Jahul snapped out an order. “Split up and search again! We don’t leave until we find Lissi.”

Arak, Kyele and Faruk rushed out the door. Jahul spoke calmly. “We will find her, Rydak. Together.”

Rydak had no choice but to believe that. Anything else would destroy him.