Page 529 of Coal Hearts

“Where’s she going to go?” Faiza whispered. “When I was flown in, all I could see for miles and miles was ocean.”

“Wait.” I narrowed my eyes. “You saw where we are? Victor didn’t block the windows?”

Faiza shook her head. “No, they were wide open.” She shivered. “I was still a little loopy from the drugs he gave me, but I saw enough.”

“Can you describe what else you saw?” I asked. “The layout of the island, the shape of the castle from a bird’s-eye view...I might be able to figure out where we are and...” My shoulders slouched. “It probably won’t help, but...all information is good information.”

“Sure, I’ll remember as much as I can tonight and do my best to give you as clear of a description as possible.”

I gave her a weary smile. “We get one shot at this.” I didn’t want to be pessimistic, but....

“Agreed.” Mollie nodded. “It’s why, even though we need approximately fifty bombs to make even a dent in this damn place, I’m going to aim for sixty, seventy, eighty...I want spares. I want some hidden in the gardens. I want some where no one will expect them.” Her eyes lit up. “If we can enlist more gardeners and get more fert, I could really make something worthwhile. Something large enough to draw all the guards off the battlement and give us a chance to steal a few sniper weapons.”

Rachel sucked in a breath. “Can you shoot one of those?”

“No, but I’m willing to have a crack. You?”

I balled my hands. “I’m willing to do anything.”

“Same.” Rachel nodded.

“Me too,” Faiza whispered.

Seriousness fell over our little group.

“So ...we’re still forging ahead, then?” Mollie asked. “Victor is due back any day now.”

“I know.” Rachel cradled her stomach again. “We need to get as much done as possible.”

We all nodded.

I stiffened, hating that I didn’t have the science degrees or other know-how to help. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to contribute as much as you have. I hate that I’m not allowed to sleep in the slave quarters with you. This would be so much easier if we could—”

“There is something you can do,” Rachel muttered, flicking a cagey look at Mollie. “Something that none of us can achieve. Only you.”

“Of course.” I swayed closer. “Anything.”

“Rach.” Mollie winced. “Are we sure we want to do this? I know we said he has potential, but he’s still—”

“He protected us that night. He killed—”

“Wait...you’re talking about Henri?” I whispered, my heart skipping.

Rachel pursed her lips. “The way he lost his shit on Kyle for hurting you. The way he kept us safe—”

“He’s still a Master, Rach.” Mollie crossed her arms. “He’s still the enemy.”

“Yes, but...what if he truly was acting like he said in those videos that day Victor almost shot him?” Rachel shivered. “What if he’s like a triple-crosser, you know? A cop, turned baddie, but really still a cop?”

“You’ve watched way too many action movies.” Mollie rolled her eyes.

“And you’ve turned into a cynic.” Rachel shot back.

“Being raped by a necrophiliac will do that to a person,” Mollie snapped.

I held up my hand. “You...you want me to ask Henri to join us?”

Both girls slouched. “Want is a strong word. But...we might need someone who’s above every rule. He can go anywhere he pleases. He can explain away his presence far easier than we can if he gets caught in certain areas—”