Jed pulled his tablet out and opened the message, scanning the map. Then he looked up at his team, who’d gathered in front of him. “I’m not going to lie . . . what we’re about to attempt will most likely be the most dangerous thing any of you have ever attempted. Out there we’re going to face swirling and gusting winds. If you catch an updraft, you’ll get dragged up into the storm and find yourself at twenty-five thousand feet being ripped apart and electrocuted in a thunderhead. Get hit with a downdraft when you pull the rip cord, and your chute will collapse and you won’t have time to inflate the backup before you hit the deck. If any of you feel that you do not have the experience or gumption to attempt this jump, there is no shame in bowing out,” Jed said, scanning Johnny’s, Bex’s, and Eli’s faces each in turn.

“Count me in, boss,” Johnny said with a crazy-eyed grin. “LALO-ing in a thunderstorm just so happens to be on my bucket list.”

Jed nodded and turned to Bex.

“Have a feeling you’re gonna need a medic, so I’m in,” she said, her voice nothing but tight determination.

“Eli?” he said, looking at the veteran.

“You know how I roll,” Eli said. “If today’s my day to meet my Maker, then bring it on. I’m His, so I go home either way.”

“All right, Shepherds. Let’s do this,” Jed said, grabbing a parachute pack. “I’m pulling at two hundred fifty feet; I recommend you do the same.”

“Hooah,” Johnny said.

Eli took a knee. “If there was ever a time to say a prayer, this is it.”

Jed, Johnny, and Bex did the same and bowed their heads.

“Dear Lord,” Eli began, “what we’re about to attempt is probably insane, but there’s a school full of kids down there who desperately need our help . . .”

CHAPTER
FORTY-FOUR

SARAH BETH’S DORM ROOM

ST. GEORGE’S ACADEMY

In her dream, a faceless shadow creature—the size of a grizzly bear with glowing red eyes—was hunting her. The creature was relentless and untiring as it chased her through a misty forest. No matter how fast she ran or where she tried to hide, it somehow always managed to find her. But the demonic beast wasn’t what shook her from her slumber.

A thunderclap, so powerful the boom rattled the windowpanes, woke her with a start.

She blinked, trying to make out the looming dark shape above her.