فصل 28

Chapter 28: The Betrayal

Admiral’s Quarters

Taiwan Starxource Plant

It was a few minutes past midnight when one of the Taiwanese guards stationed outside Hatch’s door knocked. “Admiral, sir.” In spite of the hour, Hatch was awake. He was reclined in his bed, reading. “Come in,” he said.

The guard opened the door and poked his head in. “Forgive me for interrupting, Admiral. But there’s a young woman here to see you.” “She’d better be my masseuse,” Hatch said.

“She claims to be one of the electric children. She says her name is Nichelle.” Hatch set down his book. “Is that right? Has she been searched for weapons?” “Of course, sir. She’s accompanied by two guards.” Hatch sat up, turning his body toward the door. “Go ahead and send her in. Alone.” A moment later Nichelle walked into the room. When she saw Hatch she stopped, nervously standing at attention. The last time she’d seen him was at the academy in Pasadena when he’d abandoned her in his escape from Jack and the revolting GPs.

“Nichelle,” Hatch said in a low voice that sent shivers up her spine. “What are you doing in Taiwan?” “I came with Michael Vey.”

“Did you?” he said, leaning forward. “That’s bold of you, to stand in front of me and admit you’re with Vey.” Nichelle blanched. “I’m not with Vey, sir. He just thinks I am. He wanted me to help them kidnap someone from you. A Chinese girl. I came because it was my only way to get back to you.” Hatch studied her carefully. “Do you know where Vey is?” “Yes. I can lead you to him. And the others.” Hatch was quiet for another moment, then said, “Why did you really come, Nichelle?” Nichelle swallowed. “I want to be part of the family again.” She stopped and her eyes welled up. “It’s hard out there. In the Nonel world I’m nothing special. I’m just another chicken.” “And you want to be an Eagle again,” Hatch said. “Do Vey and his fellow terrorists know you’re gone?” “They think I’m still at the night market. But they hate me anyway, so they don’t care.” “Do you think they suspect you would come here?” “No.”

“Why not?”

“They think I hate you.”

Hatch drummed his fingers on his desk. “Why would they think that?” “After you left me at the academy . . .” She took a deep breath. “They just do.” Hatch’s eyes narrowed. “Do you hate me, Nichelle?” Nichelle hesitated, frightened by his stern gaze. “I felt betrayed. I was hurt.” “But do you hate me?”

“I did.”

“But you don’t now?”

“I want to come back. Please, sir.” He looked her over a moment more, then said, “Where is Vey?” “He’s with the others at the Grand Hi-Lai Hotel in Kaohsiung. They’re in suite numbers 2273, 2275, 2285, and 2287.” “Who is with Vey?”

“Taylor, Ostin, Ian, McKenna, and Jack.” “No Zeus?”

“He was with us. But he and Tesla left.” “Tesla? My deserter. Where did she come from?” “I don’t know. She was with them when they came for me, sir.” “They must have found her in Peru. I look forward to seeing her again. And Frank,” he said, curling his lip. “I’m especially looking forward to reuniting with Frank. Are there any members of the resistance with them?” Nichelle looked at him, perplexed. “I don’t know what you mean.” “How did you get here?”

“Vey came for me in California. I don’t know how he found me. I was working at a taco stand. He had a private plane. I don’t know where he got it.” “He didn’t mention any organization?” Nichelle’s forehead furrowed. “You mean the Electroclan?” “No. The organization that is flying him around the world.” “He said someone was helping him but he didn’t tell me who. I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to raise suspicion.” Hatch stood, his eyes locked on her. “All right. I’ll send guards over to the hotel. If what you’re telling me is true, I will let you back in the family with full privileges.” “Thank you, sir.”

“I want you there with my guards, to help keep Vey and his friends under control.” “I’ll do my best, sir.”

“That’s all for now. Wait out front and someone will come for you.” “Thank you, sir.”

“You can go.”

She took a few steps toward the door; then Hatch said, “Nichelle.” She turned back. “Yes, sir?” “Welcome back, Eagle.”