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"Me neither," Lana said "It was there with …me" She looked asharily "Ask your brother, he’s in with all of the e is still its old lovable self and council kids are asking other kids to run around dissing Orsay and "

"John would never lie to me," Mary said, but with a lack of conviction even she could hear

"Uh-huh So," Lana said "And now? The town is half burned and Caine’s stealing a boat and heading out to sea What does that tell you?"

Mary sighed "I’aarette away "Just re out fine for some people You ever think about ould happen if the walls caood news for you Good for ood for Sa deals Back in the world they’re just kids"

Lana waited, watching Mary closely Like she aiting for her to say so

All Mary could think to do was say, "John is on the council"

"Exactly So,on Because, me? I don’t know"

Mary had no answer to that

Lana squared her shoulders and headed back toward the hell of the base I alot: this one kid? He said Brittney wasn’t the only officially dead person walking around in the fire"

Mary waited She tried not to show anything, but Lana had already seen it in her eyes

"Ah," Lana said "So you saw hione down the stairs

The Darkness Mary had only heard of it froeyman Lana said it had used her

Did Lana not see? Or did she simply refuse to see? If it were true that Brittney was souess just how the gaiaphage had used Lana’s power

THIRTY-ONE

9 HOURS, 17 MINUTES

ASTRID HAD WAITED all night for Sa the stink of smoke

Froth of Sherle block of Grant Street, and two blocks of Pacific Boulevard

It seemed certain to reach the plaza But finally the fire’s march stalled

Now the flames were mostly out, but a plume of smoke continued to rise

Little Pete was asleep in the corner, curled into a ball with a ratty blanket thrown over hiame player was on the floor beside hiust She was furious with Sam Furious with Little Pete Mad at the whole world around her Sickened by everyone and everything

And mostly, she ad Astrid the Genius