–––––––– NO ONE ANSWERED THE chime. Something was happening inside. Aubriot could hear muffled shouts and the thumps of heavy things hitting the deck and walls. As Kes and Cherry came running up, Niall following at their rear, Aubriot said, “She’s in there. Has to be. How can we get in? Can any of you override the lock?” Panting, Kes replied, “Only Vessey can do that.” “Comm her then,” said Aubriot. He hammered on the door. “Wilder?! Are you in there? Dragan, you hurt a hair on her head and I’ll f*****g kill you!” “Yeah,” Niall commented sardonically, “that’s going to make him open up.” He stepped to the door. “Dragan? It’s Niall. Is Wilder with you?” A particularly heavy thunk reverberated, accompanied by a yell of pain. Aubriot couldn’t make out if it was a male or female voice. He

