Rebel Heart (14 page)

"The accusations hurt us all," Sheridan said irritably, his hand resting on the door, "and I'm sure the rumors are unfounded. You have tapped into some of these blatant lies, have you not, Victoria?

"Nessa deals with the computers."

Sheridan moved to Tori's side, watching her eyes. "You actually expect me to believe that travesty. There is a computer block they call Romeo. And another with the name of Juliet, though perhaps you do not understand the significance. Have I underestimated your proclivities toward the past, your need for adventure and the romantic, Victoria?"

"Romeo and Juliet? How quaint," Tori repeated, relieved. She didn't need to pretend. "I have no idea what you're implying. Romeo and Juliet, a Shakespearian play, I believe. But computer blocks? You've been ensconced in your lab too long."

"Romeo, Juliet! They must be ferreted out! The perpetrator found and prosecuted," Morray demanded.

"And the other, the one they call Isolde," David Hammond said glumly. "I have spent hours in search of this quarry while trying to decipher the hidden codes that lead directly to this terminal. It is said this is the home base."

"And I should like the proof," Morray said. "I imagine I could deal quite well with the perpetrators once they were found."

Shudders raked Tori's frame. "I can imagine," she said coolly. "Perhaps, Sheridan," she told him, "you prefer not to hunt in these terminals since you think so much is at stake."

"Nothing's at risk here," Sheridan assured her sarcastically. "Of course you already know that, don't you?"

"Excuse me?" Tori returned.

David Hammond gave a short, fierce victory cry, causing her insides to plummet as he tapped out a rapid fire staccato on the keyboard. "Damn," he murmured then, "it vanished again."

Quentin Morray stared at her for a few tremulous moments then reached out to touch her cheek.

"It will be a day for surprises," he told her as if he already knew what lay behind all the carefully manicured nonsense she was willing to present to them.

When they left, each going unattended to separate destinations in the complex, Tori breathed a deep sigh, relief pervading her body. Tori and Nessa hurried out of the room, quickly slipping through one of the secret doors into the passage to the tower room.

"Nessa, do you remember how to pray? If Sheridan finds anything, anything at all, there will be hell to pay. Morray will be ensconced here permanently then what will we do?"

Nessa straightened, a determined line formed across her lips. "Don't worry." She grinned suddenly. "That pompous fool Hammond will never unlock the door he needs. My confidence lies with you. Meanwhile, let's not waste valuable time second guessing their progress."

Tori laughed softly. "You never cease to amaze me." They hurried up the spiraling stairway that led to the tower room, her office and her own set of rooms.

The monitors hanging on the wall transcribed every move Sheridan and Morray made. "What are they up to now?" Nessa asked, anxiously peering at the television screen.

"I have to move quickly, Nessa. It's obvious Sheridan knows something, or at least guesses. We haven't been careful enough."

"They will hunt until they are weary, and they will find nothing."

"Nessa, I have to get rid of these." Tori gripped a small box of flash pins on her desk. "You know I do."

"I don't like this," Nessa warned her.

"Neither do I. I simply have no other choice. I have to make sure no one finds these or all our efforts will have been wasted." She hesitated, shuddering horribly. How strange that Morray was here now. Quentin Morray had helped shape her into all she believed in, all she despised. He'd been there that horrible day in the forest, and he'd killed at least one of the thieves. He'd taunted her father with the trial, almost forcing him to take the extreme measure of purification and banishment. She'd never forget the smug smile that curved Morray's lips when he sensed his victory.

Perhaps she was risking too much. Their suspicions hung hot and heavy in the air surrounding them. She fought to recall every word of their conversation. Indeed, every other suggestive word pointed to her. Nothing subtle had passed between them.

She was already pulling her loose-fitting camouflage pants on over her leggings. Nessa had gone into another room and now carried a cache of face paints. Nessa looked forlorn and a little bit guilty, but Tori had no intention of involving her with this scheme. Besides, Nessa would say 'no' to her. At least she prayed Nessa had the good sense to refuse an invitation at this time. In a matter of seconds, Tori had dressed, the paint on her face hiding her identity from any man or woman who might come upon her.

"Be careful," Nessa prompted.

"I don't plan on getting caught," Tori said recklessly, referring to Sheridan. "He's too busy snooping."

"He could have guards posted," Nessa murmured cautiously.

Tori nodded her head. "He might, but I know the forest."

"You were almost caught once," Nessa reminded her adamantly. "You told me yourself."

Tori hesitated, startled as she felt a distant fear surge into her blood.

Cameron Savage. Yes, he'd nearly had her. She'd love to give Savage one hard punch to his well-chiseled jaw. Just one. To pay him back for the terrible humiliation in the forest. No, he deserved worse, much worse. Nothing, not even the codicil to her father's will, could make her marry him. Marry a thieftaker. Never!

Jonathan, who had rescued her from the man, claimed that Savage hadn't recognized her; had, in truth, taken her for one of the sisters at the convent. Savage infuriated her and embarrassed her. She remembered the curious way he had made her shiver then burn when he touched her.

She told herself Cameron Savage was ensconced in his lab deep in the Rockies. She had nothing to worry about.

"I have to hurry," she said quickly to Nessa. She hugged her impulsively. "I'll be back before they have time to turn around."

"Will you take a weapon?"

Tori shook her head, still remembering that long-ago tussle with Savage. Jonathan had lectured her for hours. She had never liked weapons. They scared her to death. Since her encounter with Savage, she knew Jonathan would truly disavow any further relationship with her if he caught her with a gun.

"No, I'll leave the box then return quickly."

Nessa walked with her across the office where they came to the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Tori reached high and pulled out an old leather bound manuscript and the panel itself shifted back, creating a door.

Tori stroked her dogs head. "Hope, stay." The dog whined. "No, as much as I would like to have your help, I cannot take you."

Tori entered into the dark cobweb-filled tunnel, but she knew her way. The steps curled slowly down and westward then a large door suddenly appeared.

The door opened into a tiny cave, and as she moved steadily forward, she reached an opening. A waterfall covered the mouth of the cave and she gingerly found her way between different out-croppings of huge granite boulders until she stepped into a flower-covered glade.

She smiled mischievously. Sheridan and Morray and the rest of the crew would still be at the lab searching. But they wouldn't find what they looked for.

Her musing, however, was short-lived. With the possibility of guards in the forest, she had to proceed cautiously and she knew anything could happen. She turned and moved swiftly across the open glade, wishing desperately to reach the edge of the forest without being spotted. Tori headed toward a tiny hollow situated halfway down a moss-covered cliff that she'd first discovered years ago.

She had not traveled far before she thought she saw two wraith-like figures fall in behind her. She paused as if she heard or sensed some movement then continued. Changing her course slightly, she started to run.

The two men were not far behind. Reaching the forest, she set an erratic course through the dense foliage. Satisfied she'd lost Sheridan's men, she set off once again for the hiding spot.

She muttered to herself, panting as she raced along. But what would happen if she failed to hide this? Sheridan would have her head in a noose for concealing valuable information--pertinent research material. Material that had been banned by the council several years ago. Illegal material. Research that was desperately needed if a vaccine was to be found. If that happened, Morray would be established permanently in her laboratory. He could then imprison her, and perhaps convince a number of the council representatives that he was entirely in the right.

She nearly slid down the ledge but slowed herself, clinging to the bushes on the wall.

Down one more level was the tiny opening, well concealed, a perfect resting spot for her precious bundle.

She felt a prickle at the nape of her neck and looked up.

Two of Morray's guards had found her. She couldn't have been in a more vulnerable position if she'd tried. The cliff fell away in a sheer drop to the lake below. A rock slipped from beneath one foot, plummeting to the water. Her head began to spin crazily, and she felt her fragile hold on the cliff weakening.

The men laughed. Then when she would have screamed, her foot slipped again.

Tori grappled, clinging desperately to whatever she could find. She had to get down the cliff wall. She had to. So much was dependent on her.

But she knew of no safe way down. What would the men do if they realized that? Would they just wait her out, or would they come after her? They dare not come for her.

Even as she searched desperately, trying to secure new foot and handholds, the air above her was suddenly rent with a bloodcurdling cry. She wasn't sure of the sound at first, only that it sounded like a battle cry.

Then the men stopped laughing and turned to meet the unseen opponent.

She could see nothing, but she heard the sounds of battle and cries of pain emanating above. For a transient moment, she remained immobile. Then, as if kicked in the stomach, she scrambled then slid the rest of way, swiftly hiding the box of flash pins, adeptly concealing the opening.

Now a stunned silence reigned above her.

Tori could hear nothing from her resting spot on the cliff wall save the soft voice of the wind.

Tori sat back, breathing hard, determined to wait here.

Yet she had to go back, had to play a role.

She scrambled from her spot. Reaching the top, she moved cautiously, slowly peering over the edge. The guards who had followed her were gone, and there was no sign of her rescuer.

Why and who had so swiftly and miraculously rescued her? It had not been Jonathan, Tori was certain. He would have stayed.

The Phantom...

She felt suddenly breathless. He had come to life soon after that day in the forest when she had recklessly left the Tower City and heedlessly stumbled on the gathering of thieves and thieftakers, when he had stunned all the thieftakers saving her father.

Had he come here today then? The Phantom? A super hero come to save a damsel in distress? No, there was no such thing as phantoms or super heroes. They were found only in the old legends passed down from another world and another time.

A terrible shudder wracked her body.

But what of the box? Had he seen where she stashed it? Would he respect its resting spot?

A lump caught in her throat. She had no choice, had to trust in the integrity of this unknown man.

She wanted to hide, felt a horrible urge to return to the safety of the convent. She would give up the research, and give up her life with her sister. Lord, but she wanted to run until she could go no farther.

It was tempting, so very tempting.

No. She had to beat Morray and Sheridan, had to finish what had already begun. Too many lives were at stake here, hinging on her success and her honor. She was Advisor DeMontville's daughter.

She inhaled and exhaled deeply. Then closing her eyes tightly, Tori prayed for guidance.

Even now, she felt the need to find Jonathan and tell him all that had occurred, and that Sheridan, Morray, Hammond, and the high priestess Janellen would be searching her files.

She stiffened regally. She was Victoria DeMontville.

I am strong! she vowed to herself. She would not let Sheridan or Morray intimidate her.

Yet her hand still trembled. Rubbish, she assured herself. Morray couldn't touch her, not tonight--not for days or weeks, even months! Not ever. She wouldn't let him. If Sheridan was planning a union between Morray and herself, he'd wait a long, long time.

She would have more than enough time to hide away if anything was uncovered. She was safe, surely.

But Morray meant to have her, her research center, and her body whether she was willing or not. She was certain of it.