“That’s our car right there.” Thomas points to a black sedan idling alongside the curb a few hundred feet away. “Let’s go.”

I spot Julie and Steve standing next to it. An assortment of campus security and police cars are haphazardly parked along the street as well.

We only make it twenty feet before we’re spotted. Bright flashes and questions surround us. Thomas places a hand on my back, simultaneously urging me forward and grounding me. The paparazzi fade to the background as I focus on the black car ahead of us as it slowly draws closer and closer. Finally, we reach it.

The campus police and Lincoln police have formed a perimeter around our car, so that the press are unable to follow us past the sidewalk. I slide hurriedly into the back seat, letting out a loud sigh of relief when I’m behind the tinted glass. Thomas and Philip remain outside as they talk with one of the police officers along with Julie and Steve.

I pull out my phone. The screen is devoid of notifications now. I pull up a new message and stare at the empty “To” field for a moment, deliberating. Finally, I type a “K”, and hit Katie’s name when it appears.

I type and delete a few different messages before finally sending I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Hope you understand why.

Immediately, an error message pops up saying Phone Disabled.

The front passenger door opens, and Thomas climbs inside the car.

“Can I use your phone, Thomas?” I ask. “There’s something wrong with mine.”

“I know.” Thomas looks at me apologetically. “Whoever shared your identity here also thought to leak your cell number. I had the phone deactivated as soon as you called me, so no one could track your location or hack it.”

“But without my phone, I won’t be able to…”

The door across from me opens, and Philip gets in. Julie and Steve climb into the police car parked in front of us. It pulls away from the sidewalk. Thomas instructs our driver to follow. I turn in my seat and look out the back window to see another two police cars are pulling out after us.

I feel a fresh surge of panic as we drive toward the main entrance.

“What about all my stuff? My classes? I rented a car. It’s parked in the lot and has to be returned tomorrow.”

Thomas looks back reassuringly. “We’ll send someone to collect all your belongings and straighten things out with the university for your final exams and grades. They can return the car as well.”

“So that’s just it?” I ask in disbelief, leaning forward. “We’re leaving? It’s over?”

Thomas’s face is apologetic. “Your cover has been completely blown. We can’t guarantee your safety here anymore, especially with just four agents. We’ve been instructed to get you back to the palace as soon as possible. They want to make a plan immediately to manage the public response to all this and make a statement.”