Free Trials in Walls of Ivy (Triskelion Trilogy Book 1) by Deborah Jayne Pye Page B

be.
    “Why only twenty eight minutes?” Fern asked, from behind us. She was biting her nails, her eyes fixed on the screens.
    “The system is designed to recycle every thirty minutes. We could extend it, but this lowers the risk of being caught.” Owen replied.
    We watched through the hidden cameras as the pair reached the bottom of the castle. With a sharp thump, Ash fired the grapple toward the crenelation. Through his microphone we could hear the clatter as it made contact. We all scanned the surveillance screens, searching for anyone who could have heard. I sucked in a breath as a figure running with a dog ran by on the path, close to their position. The moment stretched by as he continued to jog out of sight.
    They were clear for now.
    “Okay guys, you’re all clear. Remember to check each other’s harnesses before you go up,” I said, still uncomfortable with them going instead of me.
    “We know what we’re doing, Roz,” Bree protested.
    “Just do it. Please.” I watched as Bree pulled at Ash’s harness. She turned so Ash could check hers in return.
    “All clear, boss lady,” Ash said. “We’re ready when you are.”
    I took a deep breath and looked to Owen and Jay. “We ready?”
    “Everything’s rolling. It’s now or never,” Owen said, without taking his eyes from his screen.
    “Ash, Bree, all clear. You’re free to climb.” I sat back helplessly.
    They both grabbed a hold of the rope and pulled it taut. Like the perimeter wall, the walls of the castle were covered in ivy. Thick green patches of it made the walls appear spongy. Bree swore as her feet got tangled in the vines. My eyes fixed wide, unblinking as I watched her struggle to free her legs. She swung helplessly off the rope, kicking at the ivy snare.
    “Stupid. Fecking. Green stuff. You would think they would trim their bloody bushes.” Her voice buzzed through the little speaker.
    I slapped Jay over the back of his head as he sniggered.
    “Just take it slow. That’s it,” Ash whispered.
    I watched as he reached down to help pull her free. Within a few minutes of navigating the wall jungle, Ash was over the top. A few moments later, Bree followed.
    “Ash, can you set the camera so we can see you?” Jay asked, as he flicked from one screen to another.
    “Hang on,” Ash whispered, before his face appeared on the centre screen. “How’s that?”
    “Gorgeous.” Jay Said.
    “Do me,” Ash laughed, as he put two fingers up at Jay through the camera. He backed away to see Bree gathering the rope, winding it into position for their return journey.
    “Do you see anything?” I called, through the microphone. I scrutinised the screen, searching for something that could be the hidden object. The pathway they were stood on was a narrow strip of moss, with the parapet on one side and a domed roof in the centre.
    “Can’t see anything yet. Hang on,” Bree whispered, as she turned on a torch and walked around the dome, off camera. “Over here,” She called, a moment later. I watched helplessly as Ash ran over to join her.
    I stared at the motionless rooftop. Forgotten soggy leaves looked back at me through the abandoned camera.
    “What is it?” Ash, Bree, What is it?” I was standing over the screen, the microphone gripped in my hand. Ash ran back to the camera and picked it up. The world in the screen turned upside-down as we watched his feet walk around the dome. At the other side of the roof top, the world shifted again as he held the camera in place.
    “Your turn, Roz. What’s this mean?” Ash held the camera steady facing five pieces of paper. They were set out like dots on a die, each stuck to the parapet wall.
    “I can’t read them properly. What does that middle one say?”
    Ash didn’t hesitate. “The correct password is all you need. Which word will you keep?” The camera jolted and all view was lost.
    “What was that?” I heard Ash ask. I could see their feet walking in front of the camera, like it had