Chapter 25
run, cornered quarry
predators smell fear, not love
a noose that tightens
We had to climb two more levels before we reached a place I recognized as coming off the main hall. I heard some scuffling ahead and peered carefully around the corner. I couldn’t see anyone, but my ket ears picked up conversation coming from Otto’s study.
“Quick, hand me the feed you halfwit. I have to destroy it before they get here.”
“Destroy it? But won’t the boss get mad?” Lief’s voice wheedled.
“The boss?” Otto growled. “I’m the boss here. Gimme that. Distract the fuzz till I get back. Tell Kevin not to do anything stupid.”
“But, but boss!” Lief whined, his voice rising to a shout, but Otto was already sprinting from the room. Pounding down the hallway. Towards us.
Oh no.
I drew back arou
