Page 90 (2/2)

I don’t answer I just follow hi roo by the door I can tell they’re both un to Marcus, and all three of theents as we slip out of the house

It’s earlyof birds see of my heart

The tranquil cal somehow, and I shift nervously from foot to foot as Marcus and Ryland quickly uncover the car and drop the tarp on the ground We pile inside, in roughly the sauration ere in yesterday—Ryland behind the wheel, Marcus beside him, and Theo in the back with me

Ryland starts the car up and turns around, heading back down a long driveway I’s much more clearly today, and I realize we’re in a remote part of the city, where the properties are spaced farther apart That’s probably exactly why they picked this location for one of their safe houses

But how safe is it, really?

Not safe enough that they’re willing to risk staying there Would Carson really be able to track down the connection bethatever name the house is rented under and these three men?

It seems almost incomprehensible to me, but I have to remind myself that these people all have resources I don’t I can’t even get anywhere with the CPS office about my brother, let alone somehow track down records on under-the-table deals or hidden leases

The drive is tense and quiet No music plays, and none of us talk, except for a few quiet words exchanged between Marcus and Ryland as they debate the best route to reach the warehouse district undetected

At one point, Theo reaches over and squeezes reen eyes are soft “Only five more hours That’s all Then it’s done”

His words don’t really soothe ers wrapped around mine do, and I soak up that little bit of comfort

Only five hours They’ve already survived sixty-seven We all have

We’re so fucking close

We drive through a section of Halston I recognize, and then into a part I don’t We e around us, beco, and all the traffic heading into the city obviously isn’t co this way The road is nearly deserted

Marcus and Ryland begin talking quietly in the front seat again,plans for how they’ll defend our position once we arrive The warehouse we’re heading toward is one Ryland has access to through a contractor who used to work for his family So there is still some traceable connection between hi shot for anyone to pick up on it

“It’s big, but we should be able to lock down one part of it,” he tells Marcus quietly There’s so and awe inspiring—a cool sort of efficiency, as if he’s shut off every part of his mind and heart except whatever is needed to deal with the problem at hand