Pepper nodded. “They bring in prisoners through the cargo elevator enclosed in a truck. Everyone’s used to the trucks bringing supplies for the plant. When a prisoner is brought in, they’re completely enclosed in a type of crate and sometimes unconscious. The woman they’re terminating was definitely unconscious. I was hiding in the vent just opposite the second elevator and I saw them take her in the crate down to the cells on the other side.”

Wyatt scowled. “Where were they holdin’ you?”

“Down in the cells with the children. They keep it cold down there, so it makes it harder for us to move around or fight them.”

Wyatt closed his eyes for a moment, trying not to think what would have happened to her and the children had the cells flooded. The water table in the swamp was particularly high, which was the reason most houses were built fairly high off the ground.

“I think I’d like to break Whitney’s neck,” he said softly, his Cajun accent deepening in direct proportion to his temper.

“Get in line,” Trap said. “Can you imagine if he happened to employ a sadistic guard to look after his prisoners? No one would be around to know what was done down there, and if the prisoner was going to be terminated, anything could happen and be gotten away with.”

All the men looked at Pepper. She took a deep breath and let it out. Wyatt noted that her hand trembled.

“Those guards and lab workers come in only when they have prisoners there.” She changed the subject hastily. “When we came, no one else was there. The laboratory is on the third floor along with sleeping and recreation quarters for those personnel.”

I’m here, baby. Don’ think about it. We’ll sort that out later.

I’m good. I’m here. I’ve got you and we’re getting the children out.

Still, she was shaken. He had the feeling those guards hadn’t been easy to manage. He didn’t want to think what they might have done to her.

“And the elevators go all the way up from the cells below to the third floor, is that correct?” Malichai asked. “Are they guarded, Pepper?”

“No, they aren’t guarded, but both are locked down by codes and palm print scans. You have to have both to get into the elevators. And yes, all elevators run to all floors, but those two can’t be accessed by everyone.”

Wyatt was proud of her voice, smooth and steady. Whatever memory Trap had brought up with his mention of the guards she had tucked away and then kept strictly professional.

“I take it on the third floor they have all kinds of chemicals,” Trap said.

Pepper nodded. “I’ve gone up there numerous times with the children. I’m more familiar with the third floor than the plant floor.”

“How were you able to move around in the plant without detection?” Ezekiel asked.

“I can fit in very small places,” she explained. “I’m very flexible.”

Wyatt nearly groaned aloud. Don’ be sayin’ thin’s like that out loud, he cautioned. I’m standin’ right behind you, remember? Deliberately he smoothed his hand down the curve of her butt. He wanted her to laugh. To feel his presence and know she was safe with them. That means I can feel your skin against mine and I’m breathin’ you in with every damn breath I take. I’m as hard as a rock and I can’ exactly move right now. Usin’ a word like “flexible” is just bound to conjure up images neither of us wants to think about.

Pepper leaned back, pushing her bottom tight against him. It was a subtle move, but the contact with his heavy erection sent flames dancing through him. You’re a little insane, aren’t you? Does your grand-mere know she raised an oversexed crazy man?

I’m Cajun, honey, we know what the good thin’s in life are. Food. Fightin’ and lovin’. He nudged her with his thigh. Not necessarily in that order.

Pepper coughed and covered her mouth as she looked back at him over her shoulder, but it was impossible to cover the flash of laughter in her eyes or the answering spark of desire. Wyatt found the laughter was every bit as important to him as the desire was. She wasn’t a woman who ever had much to laugh about.

“Pepper?” Ezekiel prompted. “If Wyatt can quit trying to charm your panties off, we might actually come up with a plan.”

“I have no idea why you’re accusin’ me of misconduct,” Wyatt said. “And don’ be thinkin’ about her panties or I’ll have to pound you into the ground. Don’ even say the word ‘panties.’ ”

He groaned inside his head deliberately, centering Pepper’s attention on him. Now he’s got me thinkin’ about your panties. You are wearin’ some, aren’ you? Wait. Don’ be answerin’ that. If you’re not, we’re goin’ to have words about it, and if you are, I’ll be deeply disappointed.

You really are obsessed with sex.

Ma’am, I do thank you for the compliment. It’s true. Absolutely true. Know I’ll take good care of you and anytime we have an argument, I will find the perfect way to make things up to you.

Wyatt poured sincerity into his voice.

Pepper burst out laughing. “You really are insane, and if you keep it up, I’m telling Grand-mere on you.”

He placed his hand over his heart. “I’m just reassurin’ you, darlin’, that I can take very good care of you, that’s all.”

“Miss Pepper,” Ezekiel said. “Would you like me to take him outside behind the barn and teach him a few manners? I’d be happy to do that for you.”