Chapter Forty-Seven Faith
“We have to start.” Faith closed her eyes. “Now.”
“Not until we know that they’re out of trouble.”
When Faith opened them again, Blake was dialling Robyn’s number. Again. The sound of the unanswered call ringing out was beginning to feel like some kind of torture. Flynn had quickly agreed to leave the safehouse early, acting as a distraction. But though he had gone out into the streets several minutes ago, the Resistance leader had yet to respond to their call.
They could only assume she was still being detained.
On the other screen, Danforth had taken over from Doctor Sanders. It brought them one step closer to the chancellor’s big reveal of Sophia’s pregnancy. When photographs of Faith’s best friend would be shown as evidence of the chancellor’s triumph. When the gentle Sophia would be used as proof that males could be eradicated forever.
It made Faith sick to her stomach. They had to interrupt before she had the chance to show the images.
“Shouldn’t we…” she tried again, but Blake waved an impatient hand in her direction.
Tired of being ignored, Faith sat up as tall as she could. “Listen to me! We can’t just–”
The ringing sound stopped.
Please let it beRobyn. Faith held her breath. Please let them be back on their way, ready and able to rescue Sophia.
But no one spoke.
Instead, they could hear the sound of traffic. Comcar engines whirring. The beeping of several horns. A distant radio playing what could have been Danforth’s speech.
“Hello?”
For a moment, Faith’s heart soared. “Robyn! It’s so good to hear your–”
“Excuse me?” The reply made no sense.
“Robyn? Can you hear–”
But Blake was frowning. “She’s not talking to you. She wants us to listen. Find out what’s happening.” Blake leaned closer, straining to hear.
“Do you think you could let us go now, Officer?”
“They’re still with the guard.” Faith’s shoulders slumped. “The plan didn’t–”
Blake held up a hand, silencing Faith as Robyn spoke again.
“We’ve been answering your questions for more than fifteen minutes now. The traffic is clearing and we’d like to be on our way. As I’ve said, several times, we’re simply making our way to the other side of the city to celebrate Liberation Day with friends. I don’t appreciate you–”
A sharp crackling interrupted Robyn’s speech. The next thing they heard was a disembodied voice.
Emergency Alert! Back up requested. All guards not on duty in the immediate area surrounding the square must proceed to the west of the city. Incident of concern on Hanover Street. Further instructions to follow.
Blake elbowed Faith. “Not working, huh?”
Faith ignored her. Straining forward, she tried to work out what was happening with Robyn. There were several unidentified sounds. A shuffling or rustling of some kind, followed by a throat being cleared.
“Thank you for your cooperation. You may proceed with your journey now.”
Blake and Faith exchanged glances. Were the guards really leaving?
A second later, Robyn’s voice came on the line. “Thank you.” Her voice was flooded with relief. “Whatever you did, it worked. We’re on our way now. Should reach the hospital within fifteen minutes.”
The call went dead, but there was no time for celebration.
On the screen, Danforth was smiling broadly. “What I’m about to show you is something very special. A triumph of…”
Blake’s fingers flew over the keypad, preparing to hack into the feed which was broadcasting Danforth to the rest of the city. Her attention shifted to Faith. “You ready for this?”
Faith leaned towards the microphone.
With a flourish which was most unlike her, Blake clicked a button. Holding three fingers in the air, she started a silent countdown.
Three.
Two.
One.
On the screen, Danforth’s expression faltered.
“I’m very proud to…” she glanced to the side of the stage. “I’m very… p-p–” Her face filled with fury. “W-what’s g-go–”
Blake pointed a finger at Faith.
“You’re on,” she mouthed, with a smile.
Faith took a deep breath. “Citizens of Bellator. My name is Faith Hanlon.”