Ultimate Nyssa Glass by H. Burke (ebook reader browser txt) 📗

O’Hara gaped at him. “Already? Why?”

“Because, I have a feeling that might be where Rivera is holding Nyssa. We’ll have to work fast and quietly. If he sees us coming, he’ll move her. You said you could get me the resources of the New Taured police.” He raised his eyebrows.

She huffed and puffed, her nose and cheeks glowing. “I did, but … but Rivera is a respected citizen of New Taured. He has influence. I can’t just go searching his property.”

“My testimony will provide enough probable cause for any judge.” Ellis reached out and touched her hand. “O’Hara, I need this. Also, if you can solve this, you won’t be the detective who failed to catch a single murderer. You’ll be the one who closed the Dalhart disappearances, over two dozen souls, including a prominent inventor and his son. This will make your career.”

She dabbed at her forehead. “I’m not sure. I think I need some fresh air.” She pushed her chair back, her gaze darting about the room like a caged animal.

Ellis tilted his head.I need to keep an eye on her. She’s up to something.

“There’s a powder room down the hall,” Clarence offered.

“Thank you.”

Ellis sighed as she stumbled from the room. He didn’t like trusting O’Hara, but for his current plan to work, he needed her help. This might be my only chance to get at Nyssa. Blast, what if it is already too late?

Chapter Nine

Nyssa’s head ached. She leaned against the wall and rubbed her damp hands on her trousers. Aito never left the room for more than a few minutes, mostly sitting with his hands folded in his lap, still as a wax museum display. Unable to do the two things she wanted to do—tell Hart about Ellis and fiddle with the handheld in an attempt to send a call for help—she’d settled into a monotonous waiting game, occasionally broken by conversation with Hart. Aito had allowed her out of the lab only to use the washroom/water closet on the other side of the workshop, and that with him standing outside the door the whole time.

After an evening meal of more sandwiches, footsteps approached, and Aito left the lab.

“It’s Rivera.” Hart switched his screen to the view of the workshop. Aito and Rivera stood conversing, the look on Rivera’s face growing increasingly pinched with every word. They turned and started towards the lab.

Nyssa braced herself for Rivera’s anger as Hart turned off the workshop feed.

The men entered, and Rivera tapped his cane against the wooden floor. “According to Aito, you two have been talking about everything except the research.”

“I’ve already given you my answer about that,” Hart said. “I don’t have the information you want.”

Rivera chuckled. “I don’t believe that for a minute. A system with your learning capabilities? Integrated into Dalhart’s workspace and laboratory? There’s no way your wires weren’t wrapped around every bit of his life.”

“Even if I had it—which I don’t—I wouldn’t give it to you.” Static crept into Hart’s voice. “Do you know the damage Professor Dalhart did with that technology? How many lives he destroyed?”

“He was insane. I’m decidedly not … but it doesn’t matter.” Rivera stepped over to Nyssa. His hand clamped down on her shoulder.

She tried to wrench away, but his fingers squeezed until she cried out.

“Let her go!” Hart snapped.

“You made a mistake, letting me know you had this weakness.” Rivera smiled. “This little thief means something to you? I may not be able to make a computer feel pain, but her? Her I can torment endlessly. You have until morning to think it over. Give me what I want or I start taking pieces off your girlfriend. Maybe a finger first … maybe an ear.” He stroked Nyssa’s cheek. Her stomach heaved.

“If you …” Hart’s voice quavered like a tense spring. “If you harm one cell of her body …”

“It’s not up to me, though. It’s up to you. Tomorrow morning, you’ll tell me everything you know about Dalhart’s research, or you’ll watch her die … slowly.”

A tremor vibrated through Nyssa’s shoulder from Rivera’s touch. She broke away from him and backed against Hart’s screen. Rivera couldn’t use her to bully Hart like this. Heat rose from her chest, and she shot Rivera a glare.

“I look forward to your decision.” Rivera turned and left, Aito close on his heels.

Nyssa rested her palm against Hart’s screen. “Are you all right?”

“Am I all right? Nyss, I don’t want—” He stopped mid-sentence as Aito returned.

“You’d best get some sleep. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

“In other words, you’ll be listening in on every word I say.” Nyssa narrowed her eyes at him. “You brought me to convince Hart to help you. How am I supposed to do that if we can’t get a few minutes of privacy?”

Aito put his hand over his heart with a pained expression. “Whatever you wish to say to your computer, you can say in front of me. I’m the soul of discretion.”

“Go shock yourself, Aito.” Nyssa scowled and turned her back on him.

Aito shrugged and settled into his chair.

Nyssa’s eyes burned and her head ached. I am tired. Sleeping will only make tomorrow come faster, though. Still, if I’m to be tortured, it might be best to have all my strength. Shock me, that’s not a call I ever wanted to make.

She pulled her cot to rest beneath Hart’s monitors. With her satchel as a pillow, she lay down and closed her eyes to pray.

Dear Lord, please let me get out of this somehow, but if I have to go through it, please give me courage … and wherever Ellis is, keep him safe.

Her prayers gave way to fitful dreams, and Nyssa slept.

***

“Nyssa! Nyss!”

Nyssa opened her eyes. Someone had extinguished the gas lamps, leaving the glow from Hart’s monitor the only illumination. Rubbing her eyes, she looked around the dark room before standing.

“What is it?”

“Aito left to sleep downstairs, and the man