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They were co for Nutella and noodles, not for hi was happening to someone else He pictured himself at the lake, on a houseboat Dekka would be there, and Brianna and Jack He would have friends He wouldn’t be alone

But he couldn’t stop hier had Little Pete to worry about They could be together without all of that But of course he knew Astrid, and knew that right noherever she was, she was eaten up inside with guilt

"She’s not co, is she?" Sam said to Dekka

But Dekka didn’t answer She was solance and look away as Brianna laid a light hand on Jack’s shoulder

Dahra was staying in the hospital, but a few more kids came Groups of three or four at a time The Siren and the kids she lived with came John Terrafino came Ellen He waited He would wait the full two hours Not for her, he told hiroaned inwardly

"You gotta be kidding me," Brianna said

"The deal was kids make a choice," Saerous life can be for a cri’ can decide life or death"

To Sam’s relief, Howard did not come over to talk to hiave them a wide berth

"It’s time," Jack said

"Breeze? Count the kids," Sahty-two, boss"

"About a third," Jack observed "A third of what’s left"

"Wait Make that eighty-eight," Brianna said "And a dog"

Lana, looking deeply irritated--a fairly usual expression for her--and Sanjit, looking happy--a fairly usual expression for hi to catch up

"I don’t knoe’re staying up there or not," Lana said without preamble "I want to check it out And my room smells like crap"

Just before the ti a lane for so His heart leaped

"Hey, Sam"

He sed the lu me, huh?" Shepep rally"

"Are you co with us?" Brianna demanded, obviously not happy about it

"Is Caine okay with this?" Saoing to come after us to take you back"

"Caine has what he wants," Diana said