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What would happen to the others between their turns and his? If they were being taken somewhere, would they just wait around all day until he arrived? Was the staggered tie wouldn’t have to dowhatever he was going to do to everyone all at once?

There I go again, Tick thought Asking a billion questions even though he knew the ansas out of his reach for now One more day Twenty-four hours Then, hopefully, he’d know everything at last

He logged in to his e-es from both Sofia and Paul He opened Sofia’s, who’d sent hers hours before Paul

Tick and Paul,

Not much to say now, huh? Don’t think Sofia Pacini is in love with two American boys, but I really hope I see you both toically together Right?

Good luck I e knehat to expect

Ciao,

Sofia

For so the possibility heterrible happened tomorrow? What if only some of the people who perfor? Tick told himself to shut up and clicked on Paul’s e-, toht about usIf so, see ya tomorrow

Out

Paul

Tick hit REPLY TO ALL and typed a quick ht not see it anyway

Paul and Sofia,

Good luck tomorrow See you soon I hope

Tick

He turned off the coht back to the two events that had happened in the last few months related to the pile of stacked brick, now cold and dark First, the commita before a fire that could’ve ended it all And then the bizarre incident with Kayla and the letter--so that either proved miracles really did happen or Tick had serious mental issues

With a swarhts and headed up the stairs to his roo Day he’d been preparing for since November

It took him over two hours to fall asleep

Part 4

The Barrier Wand

Chapter

36

Aht, May sixth--Tick stood on the front porch with his dad, looking at his digital watch every ten seconds as the sun sank deeper and deeper behind the tree-hidden horizon The last rely black bruise, a few streaks of clouds looking like jagged scars It had just turned seven-thirty, and the temperature couldn’t possibly be any more perfect for a ro the strong scents of honeysuckle and pine