Rousseau nodded but did not look satisfied.

“Not a real threat while they were scattered about,” she went on, “but this girl’s got dreams of glory.”

“So we hear. What’s her plan? Are they . . . armed?”

“Mostly with their faith. Couldn’t stand up to the family militias, but there’s a lot more of them than we figured.”

“And the Armory’s too close for comfort to Gimme Shelter,” Jake observed.

“And their animals,” Cass agreed. “They’re near us, too, so our boats patrol regularly.”

“The point is,” Jake insisted, “without the Souk and with so many more to feed, the Stormies are starving. They could be down on us any minute. Relocating’s looking better sooner rather than later. Max’ll go along with it. Not sure about the other dens.”

“I’m giving it every thought.” Rousseau finally noticed Jenn and me eavesdropping. He took Cassie’s elbow to steer her down the corridor. “A moment more in my office, then let’s get you seen to and fed before you report back to Will and Katja.”

“I hear the upriver tour is still out,” Jake said as they moved away.

I’d been hoping he knew what was keeping them. I slouched back from the rail. Adders after us, now Stormies, too? News just got worse and worse.

Poppy had stayed by the big screen. “How does a fire start at the top of a building?”

“Not by accident,” said Jenn. “They were after the tower.”

“But why?”

Jenn sucked in her cheeks. “First thing you’d do in a coup is seize control of the means of communications. Or if you’re on the weaker side, destroy them. Maybe it’s those uptown families Jake was talking about.”

“Gracie mentioned a to-do uptown,” I recalled. “The day we brought the boats in.”

“It’s not like the Island’s got a functioning government anymore,” said Poppy. “Power pockets in free fall. But isn’t the Mainland still in charge?”

“Supposedly,” said Jenn. “But I’m beginning to doubt it.”

I think we all were. I wished Jake had brought news about Bright or the fire posse. Flames eating an entire high-rise? Like, this could be it. It could all end here. All our efforts, our struggles to survive, to preserve some quality of life, a vaguely sane social structure, all along hoping for rescue? For escape? Who could believe these fantasies anymore? If Daniel was right, no place was any better than anywhere else.

I hated thinking like Rubio. “I’m done. I’m heading in.” I waved at the screen. “Someone should tell Rousseau.”

“For sure. When I make my nightly report. But I’ll watch a bit longer.” Jenn was hoping for more from Aitch, whoever she was.