Page 99 of Son of a Witch

“Do you know where the vamps went?”

“They come and go. Take supplies with them. Weapons, money, disguises.”

“Tricky bastards.” Tor kept up the affable act like they were old friends. “Are they working with the fugitives?”

“I don’t know. That’s above my pay grade.”

Temptation to jolt him with another dose of current hit my veins but I held back and let Tor do his job.

“That’s great information, bud. The warden will be pleased. He’ll get right onto organizing some security for your family.” Tor rubbed his hands together, glancing at me then Selena, seeking guidance on whether to continue.

James’ tense shoulders lowered. “Thanks, Tor. I appreciate that.”

“Family means everything, bud.” Tor looked to us again and Selena flicked her fingers along her neck, signaling to end while I rolled my hand to keep going. In the end, he went with my command, and a smug sense of satisfaction rolled in my chest. “Do you know why the fugitives broke out?”

James shrugged. “Tired of this shithole. The rules and restrictions.”

Tor chuckled. “Those lucky bastards. What I would have given to get away.” He groaned and shook his head. “That’ll teach me for being stuck in the infirmary with a head injury.”

“Yeah.” James smiled dopily, fully immersed under Tor’s spell of persuasion.

“How long were the fugitives planning the escape?”

“Above my pay grade.”

Tor didn’t let that deter him. “Where’s the burner phone they gave you?”

“With my wife.” At James’ answer, Selena and I exchanged a look.

Urgency filled my muscles to get that phone before she dumped it. Trace every communication to and from it. Find the location of the callers and track the renegades.

Selena took charge and set a firm hand on Tor’s arm. “We appreciate your cooperation, James. We’ll take your request to the warden and seek permission for a lowered sentence and protection for your family.”

Tor did a fist bump in the air and wiggled his fingers. James chuckled and then frowned in confusion as Tor released his mind and he came back to himself.

“Adios, motherfucker,” Tor hissed as we departed the prisoner bay.

The submarine door closed with a clunk after us.

Selena turned to us both. “That was an excellent move, Knoxe. Quick thinking on your feet.”

“Glad I could help.” The feeling of being useless, helpless, and powerless melted away now that we had a critical lead with chasing down the phone. If it didn’t pan out, we could always come back to question James again.

“I’ll take it from here and meet with the warden for an update.” My teeth ground at Selena’s order.

I resented being unable to run leads past the warden. Such was my fate from now on unless I got back in favor with Vancor.

“I’ll make sure you and Tor get all the credit for a job well done.” She patted me on the arm. “Be back in a bit for a debrief.”

“Go for it.” Tail tucked between my legs, I skulked beside Tor back to the Watch Tower, hoping to be of some use in the search.

“Just an observation, boss man,” Tor started, using the nickname he called me. “Your balls have shrunken about as much as mine have lately. You need to rail me to inflate them again?”

I barked out a laugh and punched him lightly in the arm to avoid making him stumble on his unsteady legs. “I’ll need more than that.”

Tor whacked me back with his elbow. “You’ll get back to your rightful spot, Knoxe.”

I let out a derisive snort. “Unlikely with our track record. We’re the warden’s least favorite team. He’s got eyes on us constantly. He doesn’t trust us.”

---