XVIII.
Derek stood behind Alex, watching her search the database for references to Innuai. He'd allowed Detective Ellison into the nerve center of the Legacy House, certain that he was no threat. The detective already knew enough about them to cause trouble if he wanted to, but he seemed to be an honorable man, and Derek felt comfortable enough with that fact that he was willing to take a calculated risk. Besides, Ellison's expertise might be a help.
"You say this demon originated in Peru. Is it possible that White stumbled across the lost tribe mentioned in the book while he was in there? Is it possible that he brought Innuai back with him?"
"It's definitely possible, Detective." Derek nodded. "I'd like to speak with John in person. He's helped the Legacy in the past, and I'd like to give him the benefit of a doubt. He may only be a catalyst..."
Ellison's brow creased, and he held up his hand, silencing Derek.
Derek watched the detective lean forward as if listening very closely to something. Derek strained to hear anything out of the ordinary, but heard only the steady whir of the computers.
"The little girl, Kat...something's wrong..." The look of concentration changed to one of fear. "Oh my god, Blair..."
Jim pulled his gun as Derek, Philip and Alex followed him. Derek could hear Kat now. Her pleas increased in desperation as she got nearer. Something was wrong with Rachel.
Nick arrived from another part of the house, holding his gun at his side, just as Kat appeared, breathless and frantic.
"Derek, help! Something's wrong with Mom. She's hurting Blair."
Detective Ellison didn't wait to hear more. He shoved past Derek and Kat and headed at a full run for the office.
The sliding glass doors were locked.
"Get these open or I'll shoot them out." The look in Ellison's eyes sent a chill down Derek's spine.
"It's bullet resistant glass, you won't be able to shatter it."
Alex opened a small utility panel next to the door. "She's locked it, but I think I can override it from here. Give me a minute."
Derek had no idea what Detective Ellison was hearing, but the sounds of a struggle were obvious.
Ellison looked down the hall. "We don't have a minute. Is there another way in?"
Nick appeared next to him and looked the doors over. "No. The outside windows are too high. We'd never be able to get to them in time."
Derek was frustrated. He'd had the security measures installed to protect the Legacy's files from outside enemies, now those enemies were using it for their own purposes. He should have known better.
"What's going on in there?"
Ellison's eyes never left the door.
"Innuai is with them."