Laurine's hand went to his shoulder and rested there lightly to comfort him. He covered her small hand with his own large one. Then she was standing beside him. His arm was over her shoulders and she was smiling up at him.
"Any one of us would have done the same, Joel," she said softly.
He smiled bitterly. "If so, we don't deserve to win. We're too damn dumb!"
She said nothing, but remained quietly at his side. And he became aware now that he was to lose his life, that it could have been much sweeter if he hadn't been so blind. He cursed Valnar under his breath.
But Laurine heard him. "All you missed was a chance to avenge us," she said. "The Organization was already doomed."
The anger and disgust left him and he waited with a quiet acceptance. There seemed to be no hope. But he was determined to wait, and watch.
The morning was a gray, dull-humored thing. There was no cheer in the large cell. They waited silently.
It was still early when guards came into the prison. They marched down the corridor in perfect discipline. Their weapons were well kept and ready.
"Empty the tank, first," commanded the officer.