It felt like forever to get out of the city. The sprawling park which went for miles was the one place I had left. On the whole it wasn’t that far, and when I was ready I could walk home. Right now I needed to be as far from everyone as humanly possible so I could shatter.

I already knew I wouldn’t be able to pick up the pieces.

“Here you go,” the driver pulled up to the entrance of the park.

“Thanks.” I quickly paid the fare, and opened the car door, grabbing my phone.

Wes could track my phone—he had permission as my security. It would lead them right to me, and I knew what I wanted. I would buy another one later. It’s not like my disappearance would make a difference.

They got what they wanted.

I slipped the phone onto the floor of the cab and got out, shutting the door behind me.

Thunder clapped overhead, and the rain was starting to get harder. There were shelters throughout the park. I would be fine.

So I waited until the cab was out of sight, and I did the only thing which had never failed me.

I ran.

Chapter 40

CHAPTER FORTY

________

RYLAN

The producer Eva had brought with her smiled at us. “I think that’s a wrap. Thanks, guys. This is going to be really good.”

“Thank you.” Luke extended a hand, and the guy shook it. “What’s next in the process?”

“We cut it together and make something like a mini-episode. We don’t have the tattooing parts of it, obviously, but the banter will be enough. We’ll write a pitch too, and Eva’s helping with the placement.”

“You bet I am.” The woman of the hour breezed in and kissed the man on both cheeks. “Thank you, Lamar. Brian’s going to call you.”

“Sounds good.”

The small crew started to break down the equipment, and Eva turned to us. “Sorry I was MIA for most of it. Brian, my agent, called to talk about this. I hadn’t told him and he was a bit blindsided by the idea that I want to get tattooed on television.”

“So how’d it go?” Kade asked.

“Not great at first. But the amazing thing about Brian is he’s always willing to listen. Trust me, not all agents are like that. So I explained my reasoning to him, and he agreed it makes sense. He’s not totally sold on the idea of the tattoo yet, but he’s willing to hear it out, and regardless of my what’s on my skin, he’s going to see what he can do for you guys.”

Ben shook his head. “That’s incredible, Eva. Thank you.”

She grinned. “I might have told him you’re my sister’s pack. It helped.”