“Not exactly. They don’t trust me. But they take their chances because of my position with the Orphans.”

“So that’s how you found out that they’re after April.”

“Yes. But there’s still time to help her. The only thing that both the Order and the Orphans want is the Gutenberg Bible she’s carrying. If she puts the Gutenberg down, then the Order’s field operative will let her go.”

“And you’ll still get the last three illuminations, because the Order will give them to you.”

“See? Everyone wins. But only if she gives up the book,” Xandria said. She got out the phone and handed it to August. “Call her. Make her leave the Gutenberg behind. It may not be that easy, because right now she probably thinks it’s the only bargaining chip she has. But if she doesn’t, they’ll kill her. And you see how things will fall apart after that.”

August wasn’t sure what to believe, but Xandria’s story seemed to make sense. In any case, April would be safer without the Gutenberg. He dialed her number.

“Hello?”

“It’s me.”

“August!”

“There’s no time to talk. Right now, all I need you to do is put the Gutenberg down and get away.”

“What do you mean?”

August could tell she was on foot. She was slightly out of breath, and he could hear the traffic rushing by in the background. “I wish I could explain,” he said. “Listen, is there a man following you?”

“Give me a second.” There was a pause. Some traffic. A few other passing voices. “Yes. There’s a guy with a long scar on his chin.”

“A long scar on his chin?” August repeated.

“That’s Gomez,” Xandria said. “He’s the one who needs to pick up the book.”

“Okay, April?”

“I’m still here.”

“The man following you is named Gomez. I want you to leave the book at the next available spot, and then run. Don’t look back.”

“August, there’s no way I’m letting this go. I have to get to Charlie.”

“There’s no time. Just put the book down and get out of there.”

“But what if keeping it is the only way to get Charlie back?”

August felt the tension rise. “That’s not how this works. If you keep the book, they’ll kill you and Charlie.”

“Are you sure?”

“April. You have to trust me.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do that,” she said.

The phone went dead. August slowly brought it down from his ear.

“Is she going to do it?” Xandria inquired.

“I’m not sure,” August said.

Seventeen

seventeen

April kept her pace steady, fighting the impulse to sprint away from the man behind her. She could practically feel his breath on her neck. She needed to stay in control. But she also needed to make a decision. Fast.