“They don’t know, but the lounge’s powerplant has its own exit on the ground floor. The guys from the service arches think they can force it open if this doesn’t work. But we still won’t be able to access the rest of the station.”
“Would Decker or Kristi be able to bring me some kind of weapon and get medical aid to Dr. Park?”
“When it comes to weapons, all we’ve got is our concealed carry pieces. Everything else is locked up in our rooms.”
Fuck.“Right.”
Jones continued. “Between the fifty-six of us in the lounge, only one has a parka, and no one has gloves or hats or masks. I’d be willing to borrow the parka and take my chances, but the wind has picked up. We’ve got whiteout conditions outside. I’m not sure I’d find you.”
“No, stay there. It’s too risky.”
The good news was that whiteout conditions would keep Hardin indoors, too.
Samantha whimpered.
“Work on cutting off power to the rest of the station. Check in before you throw the switch. We need to come up with a plan that gets me back into the station and gives us access to our weapons. The three of us would have no problem taking out Hardin. But I need to go. I think Dr. Park might be regaining consciousness.”
“Copy that. Jones out.”
* * *
Samantha triedto open her eyes, but couldn’t, the sound of Thor’s voice lifting her out of the darkness. “Thor?”
“I’m right here,skat.” Warm lips kissed her forehead. “You’re safe. Do you hear me? You’re safe, and you’re going to be okay.”
“So … cold.” Her skin seemed to burn—on her face, her fingertips.
“I’m going to make you some hot cocoa, okay? Will you drink it for me?”
“He … killed me.”
“He tried.”
The next thing she knew, Thor lifted her head. “Samantha, I need you to drink. This will help warm you up.”
Something warm touched her lips, the scent of chocolate tickling her nose.
She drank, sweet, warm cocoa sliding down her throat.
“Good.”
It felt so good, but she was so tired.
“Stay awake,skat. Keep drinking. That’s right. Another sip.”
She did as he asked.
“Jones says Hardin drugged you.”
“A shot. Mida…zolam.”
“Midazolam?” A burst of static. “Jones, this is Isaksen.”
“Isaksen, Jones here.”
“Can you ask the doctor or Kristi about midazolam? Samantha is coming around. She says that’s what Hardin used to drug her.”
“Copy that.”