Free The Escape by Teyla Branton Page B

Tenika continued, “this past November we managed to block several Emporium Unbounded from being elected to important political positions here in the east—mostly by uncovering flaws in their fake pasts and alerting the media, but we know for sure at least one was elected. The cover story was too perfect and attacking her openly and planting some false information was beyond our ability.”
    “It’ll get worse if they have more like Patrick Mann,” I said.
    Tenika blew out a long breath. “Yes, but let’s not assume anything yet. I believe if we can free our people, they will be enough to keep us active here in the east. Their return may even be enough to bring the others home.”
    “We all agree that freeing them is of primary importance,” Ava said, “but so far the odds have been too great that we’ll lose more than we’ll gain. We must do this at a minimum cost to both our groups. That means waiting for the right opportunity.”
    Ritter spoke for the first time. “I think I may have a plan, but I need another day or so to work out the details. You know me, Tenika, and I assure you that freeing them is my first concern. Your people are our people. We work together. It has always been that way.”
    Tenika inclined her head. “Thank you. Yuan-Xin did tell me you were considering a new option, and perhaps these developments tonight will help us find a solution. Maybe even give us some leverage against the Emporium.”
    “What about long term?” Ava said. “We’re moving far too slowly getting our own people into place. When we eventually do announce our presence to the world, we’ll need a face, someone people can trust. At my last count we have fewer than a dozen Renegade sympathizers in prominent political positions. That’s not enough. And none are Unbounded so they couldn’t be the face for our cause.”
    Sorrow crossed Tenika’s features. “We’d have three Unbounded in place if not for the massacre. I really don’t know what we can do about that right now, but there’s a limit to the shootouts and murders we can continue attributing to the drug world or gang activity. Between the Hunters and our battles with the Emporium, we’ve already drawn too much suspicion. Especially after the slaughter of our people. Throwing down a couple packets of drugs and known gang paraphernalia didn’t begin to cover it up. Nearly all of us were questioned and it was only my hypnosuggestion that prevented police from making a more thorough investigation. We should lie low for at least another three months, but I don’t see how that’s possible as long as the Emporium have our people.”
    Ava put one elbow on the table and tapped her finger on her lips. For the space of several long seconds no one spoke. “Okay,” she said finally, “this is what I propose. Dimitri and I will visit the medical facility in . . .” She looked at Stella.
    “Worcester, Massachusetts,” Stella supplied.
    Ava nodded. “It’ll take some doing, but we’ll come up with some reason to hold a medical consult with personnel who were there at the time of Patrick Mann’s birth. We’ll probably have to track those who’ve left or retired to wherever they are now. Once we get close enough, I should be able to learn something from their minds, even if they don’t tell us willingly. Stella, you may have to break into their records as well.”
    “I’ve already tried,” she said. “I think I’ll have to do it from the inside. Even for a hospital, they’re paranoid.”
    “That works in our favor most of the time.” Dimitri took out his phone and began touching the screen. “I bet I can find someone who can get us an introduction.” He shook his head. “Or at least get us an introduction to someone who can get us an introduction.”
    Having worked in many hospitals all over the country under several different identities, I was sure he could do better than that.
    “Good,” Ava said. “Ritter, you will continue to work with