Page 4 of Factory Thief

He chuckles. “Yes, but you’re very clever. So clever. You must have thought of something.”

I gesture to the map and tap the X-shaped solitary confinement building. “This is where he’ll likely be held. Every cell door is controlled by a console inside the guard tower.”

“So how are you going to get access to that tower?”

I groan. “I’m not. The guards chosen for that duty are among the most trusted, longest tenured who work at the prison. I can’t just steal a uniform and sneak in.”

“Sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle, then. I can’t wait to see how you’re going to get out of it.”

I twitch and point at the map again. “Every solitary cell has its own built-in exercise ‘yard,’ if you can call it that. Basically, another cell with bars for a ceiling. If I can get up to that section with a carbon saw, I might be able to cut an exit and get him out.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

I sigh. “I can get past the fence, though it won’t be easy. The problem is right here.”

He follows my finger as it traces along the map. “There’s a ladder for maintenance to access the roof, but it’s under constant guard. I need that guard out of my way.”

Andrew nods his head. “Consider it done.”

“What? Just like that? It’s done?”

Andrew grins. “You’re far from the only person who owes us a Favor. We have several prison officials and guards on the inside of Sandpiper Cove.”

“Then why not have them bust this guy out?”

“Because they would be immediate suspects, and we’d like to maintain those assets for as long as possible.”

“They’re not off the hook after one favor?” I ask, almost feeling sorry for those guys.

“Nope, only the kids we took in and educated have that special deal,” Andrew answers.

“So I’m the one who risks being shot at. Great.” I shake my head. “Even if you take care of the guard for me, this isn’t going to be easy, Andrew. What if I get caught?”

“Oh that’s an easy question. If you get caught, I guess you’re going to jail. So…if I were you, I’d trynotto get caught.”

“Damn it, Andrew. I’m being serious here.” I shake my head vehemently. “If it comes down to a choice between the Factory offing me and winding up in prison, I’ll take execution, thank you.”

Andrew’s eyes narrow to slits. “What makes you think the penalty for disobeying our beloved Foundation for an Active, Optimized and Rich Youth will be death? Hmm?”

I open my mouth, but no sound comes out.

“Oh no, we tailor our punishments to the individual. I know you fear imprisonment more than death. We’ll see to it you get put away for your past crimes.”

“What?” I sputter. “You wouldn’t…how could you even? I’ve always been so careful. I don’t think you have any evidence.”

“You were careful, sure, but remember who taught you everything you know.” Andrew’s glare fades, and he sighs. “Look, kid. I don’t like threatening you. I really don’t. But this goes all the way to the top, you understand? My hands are tied. Either you repay theFavor, or I have orders to deliver certain materials to the authorities providing incontrovertible evidence of your guilt.”

“You’re a real bastard, Andrew.”

He shrugs. “I have to be, sometimes, in order to do my job. You know it’s all for the greater good.”

“Yeah, the greater good. That will be a great comfort to me while I’m sitting in a concrete prison cell.”

“But that will only happen if you let yourself get caught.” Andrew winks.

“I hate you.”

He laughs. “Good. That’s a perfect place to start our mission.”

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