Page 8 (1/2)

I back out of the parking spot and wind atefor a nice, safe, deserted location Somewhere humans won’t overhear us and monsters won’t find us

Ocean Beach is the perfect spot

I zoom past Cliff House and down the hill toward the public beaches They’re closed at night and the parking lots are e on the beach after hours are out this late

I pull Moira into a spot facing the ocean, cut the engine, and palm the keys Just in case I stare out over the waves, thepeaks So peaceful So co inside ht," Nick finally says, his voice gentle Tentative "What?"

"What?" I laugh I can’t help it Is he seriously going to play dumb about this? "You knohat"

"I don’t," he insists "Look, I’ that I can’t feel lance down at his hands, zipped together and resting on his thighs

I flick a glance at him "You won’t run?"

He shakes his head

I reach down into ers I keep there Myon Euryale--I’ll never get used to calling her that), preached the wisdo prepared for a worst-case scenario I’ve always thought that keeping the extra set of clothes in the trunk, and the gear under the seat and in ht I learned why they’re necessary

With a quick flick of etting sliced, I cut through the zip tie As I slide the dagger back into uess I underestied the tie

He doesn’t run But he doesn’t start talking, either He’s not going to fight oing to have to take the offensive

"What caused the explosion?" I ask flatly "Was it a bomb or--"

"Explosion!" To his credit, he sounds truly shocked "What explosion? Gretchen, what happened?"

"What happened?" I echo "My ho that wasn’t in this car"--I pound one"

"I’h his short wavy hair "They must have moved up the timetable They weren’t supposed to--"

"They?" I de his slip "Who’re they?"