Claire shrugged. “I say get there, Jared. We’re going to get the shit kicked out of us on any road we take.”

I frowned. “That doesn’t make me feel better.”

Claire raised her brows. “Nina, you should prepare yourself. Think of every war movie you’ve ever seen on TV. Loud noises, yelling, guns, and things blowing up around us. We’re going to be shot at, chased, and running for our lives the second we touch the tarmac. You’re going to have to listen, stay focused, and follow orders, or we’re not going to make it. Get it?”

My head bobbled, trying to process the war zone she described.

Her eyes left mine to return to the map. “That tunnel could be a problem. We could detour here,” she pointed, “and skip across to rejoin the main road here, skipping the toll.”

“If we can just get into the Old City, we’ll be home free. The Sepulchre is just there,” Jared said. He pushed his lips back and forth with his fingers, a million decisions flipping through his mind.

They pored over the map, discussing different roads, buildings, and blind spots. Even though they were kind enough to speak in English this time, as much as half of their discussion was lost on me with phrases like Black Swan, Belay, and Schwerpunkt.

Claire shook her head. “I brought the new rifle. Ryan and I could stay behind. I could cover you.”

Jared thought for a moment, but shook his head. “Too risky. What if you get trapped?”

Claire frowned. “That’s insulting.”

“It’s not just you, Claire. You have two of you to watch out for.”

“I know that, but he—”

“Claire?”

Claire’s shoulders dropped in resignation.

“We’re not leaving anyone behind. We stay together.”

“Copy that.”

They spent another hour coming up with Plan Bs, and Cs, and Zs. If something went wrong at this corner, we would take that alley; duck into that building; cut across that roof. Areas of concentrated population were to be avoided at all costs, but the Sepulchre was in the center of the Old City, and a popular pilgrimage. Our fight wouldn’t end until we were safe inside the tomb.

I shivered. How anyone could feel safe in a tomb was beyond me, but it was the one place Hell wouldn’t go. The book was proof. I turned to see Kim staring at the book in her hands.

She sensed me looking at her, and her eyes jumped up. I was immediately embarrassed, but she showed a glimpse of my friend, letting the corners of her mouth turn up. The action seemed unnatural for her, and it only lasted a moment before she was blank-faced and once again staring at the book.

Claire stood and crossed her arms. “Six hours ‘til arrival. I’m going to ready the weapons.”