Page 20 (1/2)

Arrin reaches around Bowen and takes un, and ind our way, a huet louder, the sound of feet pounds nearer to the entrance we just carimy hand daainst a wall Bowen stops beside ainstscent of Arrin, ait

The sound of boots grows slowly louder Flickers of light through the black-tinted s shine into the building where we hide Whispers tangle with the sound of blood pulsing in my ears, and then the square eye of a headlao in there!" someone whispers The ainst the floor, touching

"But what if they have?" the

"Then, the beasts will kill theainst ht shines into the darkest recesses of the building, and I forget to breathe

Pale, dirty,and falling Stringy, long hair hangs in faces, drapes over closed eyes, falls into slightly open , al heart, and turn away If I see more, I will scream

"That’s a o in there, you’re toast," theto live a long, happy life inside the wall if you even catch the Fec"

Headlamp Man turns, his feet silent, and creeps away froht outside the door diainst the reek carried on her breath, afraid that I rabsoing?" Arrin whispers Bowen’s hand tightens on mine and he doesn’t slow Arrin ain, through gritted teeth

He pullsoutside and ?" he hisses at her "You took us into a ht!"

"They rarely stir after sunset And besides--it’s better than the alternative," Arrin whispers

"What alternative," I ask

Paper rattles, and the s

"What is that?" Bohispers He drops my hand

"The alternative," Arrin snaps, her heavy breath lingering in the air like a thick fog

Light flickers, a finger-size flashlight, lens pressed against Bowen’s palht to illuht, pressing it against my palm, and takes the paper froasp Bowen curses

"See," Arrin says "I just saved Fo Again"

WANTED:

Fiona Tarsis

Feht: 5’ 9"

Hair: blond

Eyes: brown

Level: Ten

Reward: Life inside the ith no age-li is a full-color picture ofand clean, spread over a crisp white pillow, andBeauty I blink and look closer A finely wrought gold chain is around old treble clef nestled in the dip between et this?" Bowen asks, eyes flickering over Arrin

"They opened the wall this ling a pale-blue scrap of fabric in front of nize the botto for you to come out of that warehouse," she whispers

Bowen folds the paper into a rectangle and stuffs it into his pocket It is then I notice the jagged trail of black along his arers intothe coppery tang of Bowen He glances at his shoulder The sleeve of his shirt is torn and black with blood

"The guy on the roof," he whispers, peering into the building, eyes cautious, as ifsure the s beasts "Barely nickedto kill me?" I ask, horrified that Bowen took a bullet et," he says

My es inside me, mixed with confusion "You? Why?"