Chapter Ten
The first thing she noticed was the ache in her wrists. No, that wasn't true. The faint cackling in her mind initially woke her but to acknowledge that was to acknowledge something she had been trying to ignore for the past couple of weeks.
Knowing her captors were very aware of her regaining consciousness, Emily elected to open her eyes as opposed to feigning sleep.
She knew where she'd be when she woke. The abandoned train station she and Darwin had scoped out prior. Where else would the Mara take her after they'd finally managed to chase her down?
Emily was tied to a chair in the center of the station in front of the ticket booth. Wrists and ankles bound separate and so tight she couldn't even wiggle her fingers or toes. Not that she'd hoped they'd slip up when restraining her. Just would've been nice.
Five Mara –including the Negotiator –stood before her, all looking angry and eager at the same time. That did not bode well.
"How about I save you the trouble, gentlemen –there are four lights."
If this had been a TV show, this would've been the perfect moment for the canned cricket sound effect.
"Really? Nothing? 'Cause I know a couple of nerds that'd be rolling if they heard that."
"Give us the Key," the Negotiator ordered, unamused.
"Righto, just untie me and I'll check my pockets."
One of the Mara stepped to the side revealing an array of sharp lethal looking instruments.
Emily's jaw tightened. "Look, I was told that pendant was the Key. I was betrayed. If you let me go I will help you hunt them down."
The Negotiator stepped in close to Emily so their faces were merely inches apart. She bit back the urge to suggest a Tic-Tac but it was with great effort.
"We Mara can smell the truth in the air," he said. "And your offer of allegiance has the distinct order of BS."
Faster than a cobra strike, he jabbed a silver blade deep into Emily's thigh. She bit back a cry of pain as he ripped it free. Blood flowed freely, leaving a dark patch on her pants.
"Great, that's gonna stain," she complained. "Any chance I can get some club soda?"
Her comment was ignored. "We know you were purposely leading us away. That makes us believe you know of the Key's true identity and location. We've been waiting over two centuries to revive our master. That means we're very patient."
Almost as a caress, the Negotiator traced Emily's cheek with the dagger, leaving a trail of her own blood on her skin.
"Now…" He smiled. "How many lights do you see?"
The laughter Emily had been trying to ignore was getting louder.