“It’s labored and irregular,” said Samm. “He’ll die of a heart attack before we make it halfway.”

“There’s a Partial camp not too far northeast of here,” said Heron, “an A Company lookout post in the Bronx. They’re not exactly friendly with D, but they’re not looking for a fight, either. Samm and I can sneak in, steal their horses, and meet you over there”—she pointed—“on the George Washington Bridge.”

“You’re going to sneak up on a lookout?”

“There are very few people this far south,” she said. “All they’re here for is to keep an eye on your military base across the bay. We’ll be coming from a different angle, and they won’t suspect a thing.”

“It still seems like it’ll be harder than you’re making it out to be,” said Kira. “I mean, yes, you’re Partials, but so are they.”

“But none of them are me,” said Heron. She turned and walked into the street, slinging her rifle over her shoulder. “If we’re going to do this, let’s do it. We’ll see you at noon tomorrow on that bridge. Be ready.” She started walking away.

Kira looked at Samm. “You . . .” She didn’t know what to say. “Be safe.” She paused. “Come back.”

“Noon tomorrow,” said Samm. He hesitated, his hand hanging in the air by her arm, then turned and followed Heron.

Kira turned back to Afa, still hidden behind his half-open door. “You hear that?” she asked. “We have a day and a half to get ready for this. We’re really going to do it.”

“Do you think I’m mentally damaged?”

Kira felt a hot flush steal over her face. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I didn’t know you could hear us.”

“I hear everything.”

“I think . . .” She stopped, not certain how to say what she felt. “I want us to be realistic, Afa. You’re a brilliant man, and I said that, too.”

“I heard.”

“But you’re also . . . inconsistent. Inconsistently capable, I guess. I know that sounds terrible, but—”

“I know what I am,” said Afa. “I do my best. But I know what I am.”

“You’re my friend,” said Kira firmly. “I will do everything in my power to help you.”

He stepped out from behind the door, the brilliant lucidity gone, looking for all the world like a giant child. “This is my backpack,” he said, lifting it onto his shoulders. “I never leave my backpack.”

Kira took him by the arm. “Let’s get back to your place and pack one for me.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN