Page 288 of Shadowman
“Is that a… helicopter??” Felix’s forehead lines.
“Bollocks… He’s here,” I grumble.
“Let’s go. We don’t have much time…” he starts, but I grab him by the shirt to keep him in place.
“Not so fast, Jason Voorhees,” I rumble. “You’ve been out there for a while. Things inside these walls are a bit different.”
He spins to face me, giving me his full attention. Ready and willing to listen, to team up. I have to admit, it feels bloody wonderful.
My eyes scan the area for Leo… But he’s not here.
BecauseIam.He’s in me.
I’m… Leonardo.
I stand taller, limbs coming alive with credence. “We need to get to the others before Russo does. But you need to stay hidden. I don’t know where The Ivory is, and he’s looking for you. They all are.”
Felix nods quickly.
“The others are in the atrium… The garden may be our best bet, but we’ll have to figure out how to deactivate these collars.”
“How the hell are we going to do that?” he breathes out warily.
“I wish I had a solid answer,” I mutter. “We could check The Ivory’s floor… See if he keeps spare keys in his office. There’s something in the garden I need to… get.”
“Pajarito… You belong to only me. And I’m never letting you get away again.”
“Something important,” I whisper, seeing a birdcage made of gold in my mind.
“What’s—”
I slap my hand over his mouth to cut him off.
There are footsteps stomping above our heads, like a march of soldiers. But they’re scattering around, running after something. My determination is swept up in a cyclone of nerves.
Governor Russo is here.
“I have to get back to Byron,” I say shakily, frenzied and needing to protect him at all costs. “Russo is…” I clear the panic from my throat. “He can’t be near Byron.”
Felix simply nods. No need for context.
Fuck Governor Russo.
The plus side of having a serial killer friend. They don’t ask questions.
“I’m going back,” he says, spinning quickly in the direction he just came.
“W-wait…”
“Trust me,” he whispers. “I’m better out there. Go get Byron and Dash and find the keys. I’ll get eyes on Russo and come for you all in the garden. If you get out before I get back, stay west and head for the prison.”
I barely have time to register the plan before he’s darting away, into the depths of the tombs.
They must have opened the gate that leads outside… Good to know. Still, there’s so much I need to do, and not enough time.
Back upstairs, I head straight for the atrium, jogging while trying to remain inconspicuous, my pulse leaping in my neck. I take a corner fast and come crashing right into the solid frame of Manuel Blanco.
“Jesus,” he grunts, visibly agitated and unkempt.
