Thirteen (Otherworld 13)

"I . . ." She sighed and adjusted her name tag. "I guess so."

There was no way we could take down six people before someone raised the alarm. So on to plan B it was. At least we were inside.

As we started to follow the newcomers, one of them turned to Adam and me.

"We can take it from here, guys," he said.

Jaz hesitated, then sighed softly, as if we'd spoiled his fun. "Actually, kids, I kind of like having bodyguards. Got lots of enemies, you know. Some folks might not be too happy to see me back."

They shrugged a "suit yourself." We took one step and an alarm blipped. The hall monitor jumped in front of us.

"You know the rules," she said. "No guns inside."

We surrendered our weapons. Then we went inside.

The smell told me this was definitely the same compound where they'd held me captive. When I'd gone down this hall before, though, I'd been blindfolded. Now I took my first good look.

My parents had reported that the place wasn't that big. Just a large central meeting room and a half-dozen small side rooms. Yet I'd remembered a very long walk from my cell to that meeting room. As I looked around, I realized it really was just a meeting room ringed by a corridor. In other words, they'd led me around that perimeter a few times so I'd get the impression I was in a much bigger place.

Giles stepped from a doorway. I froze. But his gaze passed right over me and settled on Jaz. Emotions flickered over his face. Negative, mostly. He might have needed Scott, but Giles didn't like needing anyone, especially not a conceited mortal necromancer who responded to his summons if and when he pleased. The anger lasted only a second, though, before Giles found an appropriate expression of delight.

"Gordon, my friend," he said. "You've come at last."

"You didn't really think I'd miss the big show, did you? Not when I'm going to play such a critical role." Jaz rubbed his hands together. "Summoning Lucifer himself. I cannot wait."

A flash in Giles's eyes suggested he couldn't wait either--for Lucifer to flay Scott for his impertinence. It made his smile turn real as he walked over and clapped Scott on the back.

"We're all eager," Giles said. "And we really do need to get this show on the road."

"Can I see the girl?" Jaz said.

That was not part of the plan, but I knew he'd ask. Giles took us down the hall and unlocked a door. When we got inside, I was surprised to see Hope just lying on a bed, eyes open, no sign of restraints. When Jaz walked over and stroked her hair, she stiffened almost imperceptibly and closed her eyes.

"Yes, she's a beautiful young woman," Giles said. "And I know you like pretty girls, Gordon. But this one is off your list."

Jaz chuckled. "Pregnant women don't really do it for me. Particularly when their daddy could turn me inside out."

Giles paused, as if relishing the image. Jaz continued stroking Hope's hair, his gaze fixed on her.

"Is she sedated?" Jaz asked.

"No, it wore off hours ago, but she just lies there. Her husband was killed when we picked her up. She seems to be taking it badly. One would think the daughter of Lucifer would have a little more fight in her but . . ." Giles shrugged. "I'm not complaining."

"I'd like a few moments alone with her," Jaz said.

"I'm sure you would."

Jaz gave Giles a look. "As I believe I pointed out, she's the daughter of a very powerful lord demon. I'm hardly going to violate her. To contact Lucifer, I need to establish a link with the girl. I can accomplish that better if we have time alone together."

"We can stay," I said.

"I said alone."

There wasn't much I could say to that. I hoped Giles would insist on one of us remaining in the room, but he'd had a hard enough time getting Scott here--he wasn't risking a fight now. Besides, Jaz was wired for sound, so we'd hear what he said to Hope, and Adam could incinerate the door if necessary. I also knew Jaz wouldn't hurt her. Not while he still hoped she could be his.

So we stepped outside. Giles told us to stay put. Then he left. Which meant we were free inside the compound. That would be a whole lot more helpful if we hadn't just left Jaz alone with Hope.

"Probably exactly what Jaz hoped for," I muttered. "Now what?"