Page 25 (1/2)

"He died a year ago" He says this quickly Like he feels no senties the tightness in his voice "His second in coe, but he’s awayon iht now"

Important business In other words none of your business

"And while he’s gone, you’re in charge of thiscell"

"It’s not a dictatorship I’uidelines Du sree Majority rules This is to keep us froe, he’s a leader It’s in his bearing, the way he stands with his shoulders back, his legs spread apart like he’s at the prow of a ship It’s etched into his face, the grooves bracketing hisunless he wishes to He compels people to obey Hadn’t he co to life by a thread?

"Decisions like what to do with me?"

He doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t need to His silence only serves as confirht leave this place, is entirely up to hi the distance between us with long strides "You sent for me I’m here What did you need?"

"I need to leave"

His lips twitch like I’ve said soo anywhere"

I bite back the instant arguh my nose "When, then?"

"Do you have someplace to be?" An innocent question, but there’s an undercurrent to it A hint of curiosity and so for inforto Mexico With my friends I need to find theot in contact with so helplessly, wishing I knew e over there"

"There are half a dozen refuges you could be talking about"

Despair swells in my chest Why didn’t I know more? Why hadn’t I asked more questions? Why hadn’t Sean or Gil explained our plans otten separated I see that now That should have occurred to us To me I drop my head intoshot"

Helplessness washes over me "I’m stuck here, and they probably think I’ back for me Even if he wants to He’s practical He’s always been practical He illing to leave me at Mount Haven if I didn’t escape with him He never was one to lose his head over e aliveof hi me