TURNABOUT: Phoenix Fan Fiction

Footsteps. They ducked into an open doorway, and Bennu leaned out in the cover of the shadows far enough to see a man come out of a room, locking the door behind himself. Another walked out of the room opposite, and they talked in normal voices. No fear here. The first reported to the second that "the kid" was still asleep. Preminger's hand tightened on Bennu's shoulder, and he smiled. He had always known Preminger had some soft, sentimental spots, well-hidden. A little half-Indian girl named Joanna Wolf claimed one of those spots.

When the two guards were gone, they went straight to the locked door. Bennu grasped the handle, pressing himself against the doorframe to muffle the thrumming as energy poured from his hand, breaking the lock. He touched Preminger's shoulder as the other faced away to guard them from discovery, and pushed the door carefully open. Sliding through like ghosts, they closed the door behind them. Preminger turned on his flashlight.

The room was dingy, the windows covered with blankets, a few crates scattered around to make tables and bookshelves. Their target was curled up on a cot, fully clothed. The sweep of the flashlight over the girl woke her and she flinched and opened her eyes. Preminger dashed towards her to keep the girl from crying out, but she just sat up and looked at them. No fear, just curiosity and acceptance. And old beyond her years.

"Joanna." Preminger knelt in front of her, staring into her wide, dark eyes. "Do you remember me? It's Uncle Jay," he whispered.

The veil of age dropped from her face and Joanna nodded delightedly. She pointed to the door, her questions very clear on her face. Preminger nodded, and her smile grew wider as she hugged him briefly. Then she slipped off the cot and began pulling on a ratty pair of tennis shoes.

"How is it?" Preminger whispered, going to stand with Bennu at the door. "We still have time. When do the others attack?"

"In about --" he checked his watch "-- five minutes. It'll be close." He took hold of Joanna's hand as she came up behind them. He took the lead and Bennu guarded the rear as they backtracked to the stairs and up to the roof. This time they stayed together, going down one fire escape. Joanna didn't make a sound, even when she slipped and smashed her ribs against the iron ladder. Preminger refused to wonder what her captors had done over the years to keep the girl so quiet.