“Joel, are you awake?” The muffled voice comes through the wall.
I get closer to the wall that separates us. “Yeah, I’m awake.”
“Too early for breakfast, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Want to tell me what’s going on?”
I push out the air in my lungs. I want to hold her hand while I tell her and let her know I’m here for her, I’ll get her out of here and she doesn’t need to be scared. “I think Craven and Stranger are in cahoots to harvest eggs from you.”
Silence.
“Ames. Amy?”
“They want a mini-me? More dolph-girls? They want to take my eggs and keep adding dolph DNA until they create a monster?” Even through the wall, I hear the hysteria in her voice.
“Shh. Take it down a level.” I caution.
“Who’s going to hear us down here?”
Good point. “We aren’t monsters. We’re humans with dolphin DNA. No one would have any idea we aren’t human unless we told them.” Or they looked into our turquoise eyes, listened to our melodious voices, or noticed the film that comes down over Amy’s eyes.
“I know that, but if they take an egg from a dolph and add more dolphin DNA, what are they going to end up with?”
“They already have.”
“What are you saying?”
I lower my voice. I don’t want it to carry any further than through the wall in case anyone is roaming the bowels of the ship. “They took Piper’s egg and my sperm and created a baby. She’s floating in a vat of amniotic fluid. She’s beautiful. And so intelligent.”
“What? How do you know she’s yours and Piper’s?”
“She has a blowhole and my birthmark on her shoulder.” Warmth shoots through me. My daughter may not have been created in the traditional way, nonetheless, she exists and she’s perfect.
“I’m an aunt?”
“Auntie Amy.”
“Oh, Joel, how wonderful.” Her voice comes back more forceful. “We have to get her out of there.”
“That’s the plan.”
“Which is what exactly?”
“First thing we have to do is get out of here.”
Just then my door rattles. I stand up as Leif Voorhees walks in. “How are you, Joel?” His voice booms.
“Okay.”
“Stranger says you’re the picture of health.” Leif’s Nordic blond hair is pulled back in a ponytail that moves with the same arrogance he does. His shirt strains across his massive shoulders.
“So I’m told.” My stomach rumbles, reminding me it’s been nearly twenty-four hours since I last ate.
Leif laughs. “I was going to ask if you’d had breakfast yet but I take it that’s a no.”
“Yeah.”
“Why don’t you and Amy come to my quarters? I’ll feed you both and tell you about your next assignment.”
My pulse jumps, but I don’t show surprise. Just raise my eyebrows.
“It’s early. There are not that many people up and about. I think most of the crew thinks I have a sideline going hauling illegals.” He gives a crack of laughter. Only Leif would think that’s funny.
“Grab your sister and come on up.” He lets himself out. The small room seems to expand without his larger than life presence.
I get Amy and we take the backstairs up.
“Another assignment? How are we going to build a jammer? The timing is terrible. We have to get out of here.”
I hear raw terror in her voice. But knowing my sister, the concern is as much for her niece as herself.
“We will. I promise you.”
Our footsteps echo along the quiet hall. We’ve nearly reached Leif’s quarters when Craven steps out of his room. “And the hits just keep on coming,” I say under my breath.
“What the hell are you doing up here where anyone can see? Get below. I’ll deal with you both later.” He shoves me.
I stand my ground. Before I can reply, Amy is in his face, spitting and snarling like a wild thing. “Don’t you shove my brother.”
“Or what, you little…”
I draw back my fist. Before he can finish his sentence or I can slug him, Leif’s door opens. “What’s the problem?” he barks.
“These two mutants aren’t in their cabins. They know this area is out of bounds.” He waves his finger at us wildly. “And they are being insolent. Get below now,” he all but screams.
“Way to keep a low profile, Craven.” Leif frowns.
Craven is so angry, spittle is dribbling from the corner of his mouth. Leif looks at him with distaste. “They’re here at my invitation.” He motions us inside and turns to Craven. “Go check the stats on the other rigs.”
“But…”
“Now.” For once, Leif doesn’t raise his voice, but in its own way, the quiet tone is even more terrifying. Leif’s a fair man, but no one in their right mind would cross him. Then again, I’d never accuse Craven of being in his right mind.
We sit down to a small table loaded with food. Amy pours coffee, while Leif passes around the food. Silverware clinks against plates as we dig in. Caffeine in the form of hot, fresh coffee warms my throat and throws my brain in gear.
“You’re probably wondering why I keep him,” Leif says after a while.
Amy stares at her plate. I say nothing.
“He’s damn good at his job. I don’t have to like him to appreciate his results. You two on the other hand, I do like.” He grins and tosses down his napkin.
Amy gives him a shy smile.
“Good to know,” I respond. “What’s the assignment?”
“A leak on three. Actually it’s not even a leak.”
“What’s going on?”
“Not sure. The EPA found minute traces of oil five miles out and are making noises. Craven took the call. You can get more details on the way to the rig.”
Right. Like I’d ask Craven anything.
For the first time, Amy chimes in, “Three’s about forty miles from here isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Leif responds. “We have riggers all across the world. But the majority are located here along the Texas coast.”
She nods.
“And you need us both?”
He runs his hands across his chin, making a light raspy sound. “Tell you what. I’ll send you out. If you need backup, have Craven call me and I’ll send Amy. That way she’ll be available if any other emergencies arise. Now if you’re done, why don’t you get packed and I’ll order the chopper.”
I grab the last biscuit as I rise and shove it in my mouth. If I’m with Craven, no telling when I’ll eat again. Excitement floods my system in a rush of warmth. If Craven is with me, Amy can scout the ship at night for parts to make a jammer. As long as she keeps a low profile, Leif won’t care that she’s