Page 38 of Eclipse Bound
The women exited through the far side, immediately breaking into a run again. Rowan's lungs burned as they sprinted down a service path that cut between two guest buildings.
"We can't lead them back to the suite," Dani gasped.
"I know," Rowan panted. "We need to split up."
They reached a junction in the path. Ahead lay the main building, and, to the right, a narrow trail wound toward the red rocks at the property's edge.
"Take the trail," Rowan instructed. "Circle around the canyon side. I'll create a diversion."
"What? No!" Dani protested. "They're after you specifically."
"Exactly." Rowan was already backing toward the main building. "I'll be fine. Get to Eclipse and Solar. Tell them Milano is actively hunting us, not just watching. Don’t contact my phone. Don’t come after me."
Before Dani could argue further, Rowan turned and sprinted toward the retreat's central facility. Her phone buzzed again, “Ms. Clark, your cooperation would make this much easier for everyone. We only want to talk.”
She didn't answer it, pushing through the staff entrance and weaving through the kitchen. The chef called out in surprise, but she didn't slow down. She hurried through the dining area, past startled guests, and into the lobby.
James Petersen stood by the reception desk, flanked by two security types. His expression shifted from confident to alarmed when he saw her burst in alone.
"Ms. Clark," he began.
Rowan didn't stop. She angled toward the gift shop, knocking over a display of crystal healing kits as she passed. The clatter and crash created momentary confusion.
"Security threat! Gun!" she shouted to the front desk attendant, pointing toward James. "Call the police!"
The lobby erupted into chaos as guests reacted to the commotion. Rowan used the distraction to slip into the manager's office, locking the door behind her. Darren wasn't in, thank god for small favors. She grabbed his desk phone and punched in a number from memory.
"Pete’s Crystal Emporium and Alien First Contact Landmark,” a voice answered over woodwind, ethereal music. “Your verified source for intergalactic connectedness and spiritual?—"
"Pete, it's Rowan from Yoga and Spa. Remember that alien flash mob contingency plan you've been going on about?"
"Hell yeah I do!"
"I’m calling in a code green. Now's your chance. Milano Enterprises is here hunting for aliens. Bring everyone. Costumes, props, the works. Make it big and loud."
"Are you serious? This isn't a prank?"
Someone pounded on the office door. "Ms. Clark! Open up!"
"Dead serious. Keep an eye out for Dani the fire dancer. We got separated. Get her to safety if you find her." Rowan replied. "And Pete? Make it fast. Code green. Code green. This is not a drill!"
She hung up as the pounding intensified. The window was her only option. She pried it open and squeezed through just as the door splintered inward.
Outside again, Rowan darted between buildings, keeping low. Milano operatives were everywhere now, their pretense at covert surveillance abandoned. She spotted two more black SUVs pulling into the retreat's entrance, disgorging additional personnel.
This was worse than she'd imagined. They weren't just investigating. This was a full-scale extraction operation.
Her phone buzzed yet again. This time, it wasn't a text but a photo of a thermal image of what appeared to be the Desert Suite, with two distinct heat signatures visible inside. One blazing like a small sun, the other a strange, shifting pattern unlike anything human.
The message below it was simple, “We already know what they are, Ms. Clark. And where. Cooperation now could save their lives.”
Cold fear sliced through Rowan. They were going to raid the suite. Eclipse and Solar were trapped.
She changed direction, abandoning stealth for speed. She had to warn them, had to reach them before Milano did. Her lungs burned as she sprinted along the perimeter path, taking the longest route to avoid Milano personnel.
The back service entrance to the Desert Suite came into view. No sign of operatives yet. They must have been mobilizing for a coordinated assault.
Rowan fumbled with her key card, hands shaking as she swiped it through the reader. The door unlocked with an agonizing delay, and she tumbled inside, slamming it shut behind her.
