Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 36: Plummet

A knock on Clara's door startled her awake. She sat up stiffly, realizing she'd fallen asleep on the window sill. She swung her legs off, standing up to stretch.

The knock sounded again.

"Come in," she said, yawning.

The door opened, and Eli stepped in. He wore a wide grin as he walked toward her.

"Everyone made it," he said. "The last batch came in late last night."

Clara felt the air punch from her lungs. She leaned back against the windowsill, lightheaded.

"Everyone?"

"Everyone." Eli pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. "You did it, little goose!"

Her body began to tremble as she felt the vise around her heart release. She took a shaky breath, tentatively bringing her arms up to hug him back.

He stroked her hair, holding her tight. "It's going to be okay now."

"They're all safe?" The words came out halting.

"They're all safe." His breath brushed against the top of her head. "Everyone."

She felt tears leak from her eyes, slowly at first, then a deluge. A sob tore out of her, muffled against Eli's shoulder. Simon, Kara, everyone. They were okay! She could breathe again. She pulled away, laughing.

"They're okay!" Her face split into a grin as she wiped away her tears. She felt another laugh bubbling up in her chest, heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks.

Eli returned her smile for a moment, then his face grew serious.

"It was close though," he continued. "There were several patrols set up along the route. I think they were expecting trouble. North had a hard time finding a good intercept spot."

She nodded. "I think Connor may have tipped them off. He seemed suspicious of me when I changed the route."

"But they couldn't beat that little brain of yours." He patted the top of her head. "You little criminal mastermind."

Clara felt a niggling worry in the back of her brain. "I wouldn't be so quick to count our chickens yet. Have North and her team pull back to Zion, and tell the other agents to keep their heads down. No more arrivals for the time being."

"Why?" Eli's eyebrows rose. "We should be in the clear."

"I know." Her face drew into a frown. "I just have a bad feeling. Have everyone stay put at least until after I know where I stand with Cyberlife. If Connor really did tip them off about anything, they could have people watching. I don't want to take any unnecessary risks."