Chapter 7

russle: I get a real buzz out of when people pick out lines or moments they like. Thank you!!! And Tala torture? You'll like next chapter... #^_^#

Gothic-Wolf: That's one of my fave lines too. My sister liked it as well. And more kissing? We'll see.

Ashla: Welcome to my fics, and you'll be pleased to know I usually update twice a week. Means no long waits. ^_~

Jay Kamiya: Pranks, hm? What sort? Buckets of iced water over doorways? Electric shocker in the palm of hand when shaking it? :p

Black Jaggan: O_O Don't cry! Whatever you do don't cry!!! I would never forgive myself... well, maybe I would, but... actually, forget I said anything. I like trying to keep characters in their personae's, but sometimes it can be hard.

Now what have Spencer and Ian been up to during this time?

Disclaimer: See first page

Ian looked up from his meal, eyes following Boris as he moved along the aisles between the tables of the main room. "He looks pissed."

"Something's upset him." Spencer agreed, stabbing his fork into a bit of meat. "And I think I know what. Or should I say, who."

Ian nodded. "Bryan's the only one who can get him riled up like that." He grinned. "Means his still alive."

Spencer swallowed his mouthful. "I overheard a messenger tell Boris that he has to go to Moscow tonight. They're going to question him, and he may be detained for a week."

Ian grinned. "A week?"

"Enough to get them out of there."

"Get who out of where?" They looked up to see one of the older students, Panas, peering around the corner. He glanced behind him, taking in that Boris had left the room, before slipping in with the other two boys. "You're talking about Bryan and Tala, aren't you?"

Ian scowled, but Spencer set down his glass. "What do you know about it?"

"Probably about as much as you." Panas shrugged, nodding back out into the main room. "We've all been discussing it. We want to help."

Ian narrowed his eyes. "Who's 'we'?"

"Those of us who've been around a lot longer than you have, kid." Panas looked at him, dark eyes narrowed. "We know how this place works. I've been teamed up with both Bryan and Tala in the past, and I respect them. I'd do anything to make sure they're okay."

Spencer watched him. "Like what?"

"You guys will have to get them out, but once you do, a group of us have a hideout you can use. We've had it for years and security has never found it. Tell me when you're gonna bust them out and I'll lead you there personally. Once you're there, we'll help gather any supplies you need."

Ian narrowed his eyes further. "What's in it for you?"

"We get to piss Boris off. Nothing will please us more then to take his current toys away and drive that sicko up the wall in fury."

Spencer nodded. "Deal."

Ian's eyes widened. "Spencer!"

"I trust him," Spencer told him, then leant toward Panas. "Where's this hideout?"

"North-west region of the grounds. Some sorta old shaft, from the Abbey's former glory days. Probably some hob nobs escape route should the place be invaded. Two entrances: one in the boiler room behind the junk pile and spare parts, the other out into the grounds."

"So the place is underground?" Spencer asked.

"Affirmative." Panas glanced over his shoulder, making sure no one had missed him. "Ventilation's hidden in the stump of an old tree. We've got a fairly good set up down there, and we know if anyone comes a callin'. Thus far, no one has.

"Came across the place a few years back during our free time. We subtly checked the old records and blueprints for the place, and it ain't listed anywhere. I'm guessing the former owner didn't want anyone to know about it."

"Convenient." Spencer glanced toward the door, then met Panas's eye. "You know anything bout this meeting Boris has to go to in the city?"

"One of the boys overheard him sayin' he has to leave at 8."

Ian grinned. "I say we bust them out then."

"Negative. Too risky."

Ian went to rebuke him when Spencer raised a hand, cutting him off. "Panas is right, Ian. Firstly, any time after 8 is after curfew, and should the cameras or guards pick up any movement, they will be onto us. Secondly, we must allow Boris time to leave and arrive at his destination just in case he must return."

Ian slumped in his seat. "You have a point. Tomorrow then. Breakfast. Most of the guards will be right here, and the guys on the security monitors don't change shift til 10, so they'll be tired and less alert."

"There's still one problem," Spencer spoke up. "The dungeons in the south-western wing of the Abbey. To get from there to the boiler room involves taking the open passage that runs along the side of the dining hall. We can use the pillars as cover, but the guards will see us."

Panas held up a hand, smirking as he slowly stood, Boris having reappeared at the edge of the dining area. "I'll run it by the boys. We'll come up with something. Considered yourselves covered."

They have a plan, but will it work?