Thirteen (Otherworld 13)

"You scout, I stand guard; we both listen."

I nodded and took off.

FORTY-FOUR

As I headed down the hall, trying doors and popping my head in, I could hear Jaz through my earpiece, impersonating Scott, talking to Hope about how important she was, blah-blah.

"What the hell's he playing at?" I said into my mike.

"No idea."

Then Jaz said, "Sounds like someone at the door," though when I glanced back, I saw only Adam there, leaning against the opposite wall.

"Just a moment," Jaz said. "I'll see who's--"

A thump and a hiss of pain from Jaz. I wheeled. Adam had leaped forward and was poised in front of the door, glowing fingers raised.

Inside, Jaz chuckled. "Seems you aren't paralyzed with grief after all, Hope. Just playing possum. They're fools for thinking otherwise."

The scuffle of stockinged feet against the floor. The squeak of a mattress, as if Hope had retreated to the bed.

"Yes, I'm sorry for spoiling your attack," he said. "You should have known it wouldn't work on me."

"Go to hell, Jaz."

He laughed. "You know me so well that you can see right through--"

Another scuffle, this one louder, then Jaz's voice. "I know you're angry, but in your condition, you're never going to be able to kill me."

"I'm not trying to kill you. Just to shut you up."

He laughed again. "Touche. I know you're upset because of Karl. I think you're better off without him, but that's a discussion for another time."

I muttered, "Bastard."

Adam answered through my earpiece. "Did you really think he'd tell her Karl's still alive?"

Inside the room, Jaz continued. "Right now, the important thing is you. You and the baby. It's his baby. It's all you have left of him."

"You don't give a damn about my baby, Jaz, so shut the hell up before I scream for help. If you're here in disguise, that means they don't know it's you. One shout from me and you'll be in the next cell."

"Where I'd be completely unable to rescue you. You're right. I don't care about Karl's brat. But you do, and I care about you, so if that baby's welfare is going to prod you out of here--"

"Do I look like I need prodding? I've been waiting for my chance. If you're going to get me out, then let's get on with it."

Another laugh, this one punctuated by the smack of a kiss--and the smack of a slap. Then another laugh.

"Guy doesn't take a hint, does he?" I said as I got back to Adam.

"He's just glad she has feelings for him. Hate is a feeling."

"Yeah, he can just keep telling himself that, right up to the point where she successfully strangles him. I'll be helping."

Inside, we heard Jaz try the door. He rattled the knob.

"Locked you in, didn't he?" Hope said.

"A problem easily fixed. Just give me a moment."