Toys - James Patterson [70]
“Leave us alone!” Corliss called back. “You’re nothing but trouble. You’ll get us killed.”
I let them go, but pieces started clicking together in my mind. Not many people could have taken McGill down like that—only a few top Elite agents. But it was unthinkable that they’d ever turn on him. Most of them liked the cocky lout—just as I once had.
So what enemy did he have who hated him that much? And who had the courage to fight him, the skill to beat him, the strength to rip him apart?
The question burned in my mind, but no answer came. I knew that even I couldn’t have brought down McGill by myself.
Suddenly, I heard the low growl of a motorbike. It was coming in my direction, coming fast. I swung around to face whoever was roaring up behind me. This couldn’t be good, had to be bad.
As the cycle streaked into sight, the rider hit the brakes and leaned into a long, controlled skid straight at me.
“Jesus, Lucy!”
She brought the bike to a sharp, precise stop, the front wheel nearly touching my boots. Her eyes were shining, her hands were stained with what I assumed was Owen McGill’s blood.
“Hays, you shouldn’t be here” was her greeting.
Just this once, I shut her up. I kissed Lucy until she finally kissed me back.
Chapter 95
“SO,” I SAID as we finally parted lips. “You’re a lover, not a fighter. And you sure have some explaining to do.”
“One of two possibilities, Hays—you decide. Either a clone blew up at the Agency, or I’m a clone. Which is it? Quickly now.”
I had to smile. “I just kissed the real Lucy. I’m sure of it.”
“Good guess, but I’m a fighter, Hays. And you shouldn’t be here in the slums. Not unless you want to die for the cause. Which is what I plan to do. For real this time.”
“Maybe I do,” I told her. “What’s going on with the resistance? What have you found out about 7-4?”
“You’re the one married to Dr. Mengele,” Lucy snapped. “What did you find out?”
My ears perked up. The distant scream of police cars was stirring the night air, and reality came flooding back for both of us. The clock was on for the destruction of humankind, and we still didn’t know what the Elites had planned. Neither of us did.
“I didn’t find out anything useful, and I don’t see how I can now—I’m on the run myself,” I said. “Let’s say—Lizbeth and I are separated. For good.”
Lucy’s eyes went soft, then suddenly fierce. “We have a last chance. Here’s what we need you to do. Please, Hays. Don’t fight me on this. You won’t like it one bit.”
In a few taut phrases, Lucy told me her plan. Her gaze never wavered. Neither did mine—although I was chilled to the core by what she was asking me to do.
“Ruthless, remember?” she said. “This is life or death—for an entire civilization.”
“I know that. It’s also betrayal—of the worst kind I could imagine,” I said, and nodded grimly. “I’ll do what you ask though.”
“Good-bye, Hays,” Lucy said. “I’m sorry I didn’t meet you sooner.” Then she kissed me again—not a clone kiss this time either. Finally, she jumped on her bike and sped away.
Chapter 96
I WATCHED UNTIL Lucy disappeared, then I sprinted in the opposite direction, hopefully to stall the oncoming cops. I’d only have seconds to do it. As soon as they reported that I was here, they’d no doubt get orders to shoot me on sight.
Just then I spotted a couple of staggering Ghools.
They were so high on wyre they either didn’t notice or didn’t care about the police cars swarming into sight. I charged at the pair of punks and clamped a hand around each one’s neck. Then I hoisted them high enough for the approaching cops to see.
The cars skidded to a halt and the troopers came streaming my way, guns out.
“Where the hell have you been?” I yelled like I was still in charge. “What took you so long, you incompetents?”
The lead officer stammered out a few words. “We—we got here as fast as—”
I cut him off, shoving the gasping Ghools toward