Her mind was racing and when her cell phone rang, she almost resented it. Even if it was Branson with more updates on Deringer, she sensed that it would be nothing of any real use. When she saw that it was a FaceTime call from Peter, her mind stopped racing and, instead, seemed to trace backward. She thought of the last two times shed spoken with him. The first time, hed told her how hed screwed up and accidentally let it slip to Paige that Grandma Tate was sick and was going to die; the last time, hed been freaked out because Alex Lynch had called him, teasing him with a secret his wife was keeping.

Need to pull over for privacy? Jack asked. I can hop out for a moment.

No, thats fine. Shed already decided that shed not paint a pretty picture for Peter. She and Jack were under a ton of pressure and every now and then, Peter needed to be aware of things like that. Besides, based on the last two conversations theyd had, she wasnt sure she could handle more upsetting news from home.

She answered the call, setting the phone in the console cup holder and angling it toward her face. When she saw Paiges face rather than Peters, she couldnt help but smile. From the looks of it, Paige had just gotten out of the shower. Her wet hair was dripping onto her Pokémon pajamas.

Mommy!

Well, hey there, squirt. How are you?

Im good. But I can barely see you!

Jack chuckled from the passenger seat. He picked up Rachels phone and held it out toward her so that Paige could see her mother.

Better? Rachel asked.

Yeah! Hey, youre driving! I didnt think you were supposed to drive and talk on the phone.

Mr. Jack is holding the phone for me.

Oh. Hi, Mr. Jack!

Hey, Paige. Long time no see.

Rachel tried to recall the last time Jack had seen her family. She thought it had been sometime around last Christmas at a party Jack had thrown at his apartment. Hey, Paige, Rachel said, is Daddy around?

Yeah, hes sitting right here.

Hey, babe, Peter said in the background. And hey, Jack!

Good. I need you both to hear this. This is one of those times where its really not a very good time to talk. You know I love you, though, right?

Right, Paige said, clearly saddened. But then she cheered up and when she smiled, she said: Are you chasing after a bad guy right now?

Not quite. But look, I do need to go, okay? Ill make it up to you by calling tomorrow.

Do you know when youll be home? Paige asked.

Not yet. But maybe I can let you know before you leave for school in the morning. Hows that sound?

Okay. Gnight, Mommy. Love you!

I love you, too. She then raised her voice a bit and added: And you, too, Peter!