CHAPTER 263
Seth was crawling out of the top of the lockers being as quiet as he could. As he got to his feet he watched the two carnotaurs at the far side of the hanger. For the moment they seemed occupied, sniffing and snorting about the roller cabinet. Seth cautiously observed them a bit longer, watching them stomp and shove the tool box between each other.
"Seth," Kyra whispered from within the lockers.
He squatted down and gripped the loose metal and pried it further from the top of the lockers like he was opening a large can of sardines. The metal groaned more than he liked, and he paused to make sure the carnotaurs hadn't noticed. They were still occupied as far as he could see.
"Hey, move over." Kyra grabbed at his ankle and pulled herself out. She squirmed on her belly and elbows until she was totally free and then got to her feet.
Barely a moment later there was someone else whispering. "Seth. A little help here." It was Daniel.
Both Seth and Kyra looked to the carnotaurs. They were still busy, but there was nothing to say they wouldn't loose interest in the following moments.
Seth and Kyra worked together to pry the metal further back. As soon as Daniel had a small amount of leverage he pushed with his arms and it came free quite easily.
Tossing his shotgun ahead of him first Daniel crawled out after. As he was doing so there was a soft grunt within the locker next to him.
Kyra bent down. "Dad," she whispered.
She saw the top of his head. He didn't look up or move. He was crumpled in the locker like a doll that had been shoved into an over stuffed suitcase.
"Dad." Kyra whispered with urgency this time.
Daniel quietly shoved her aside and ducked his head. "Doctor Conners?" There was no answer. "Bryce!"
This time Dr. Conners grunted and lifted his head. He had a wincing look of agony on his face, but when he saw Kyra he grinned through it.
Daniel asked, "Bryce, can you move?"
Dr. Conners improvised a shrugging gesture with the side of his head. He inhaled as much as he could and breathed, "I might need a little help getting out of here."
Daniel looked across the hanger at the carnotaurs, then turned to Kyra and Seth and said, "go to the front of the building. Make sure it's safe. We'll be right behind you."
Kyra protested, "no. We're staying with you."
Daniel's face was stern. His tone was harsh. "Please do as I say. Go now. We'll be right behind you."
Seth took Kyra by the arm. "Come on. He'll take care of your dad." He tugged. "Let's go."
Kyra hesitated a moment and then surrendered to Seth's grasp. Quietly they made their way back to the office.