“I actually have an answer for that one, if I may,” Logan jumps in. “To be reminded there are people out there who will attack you for what you believe, or what you possess—that’s the worst. I know it feels safer to protect ourselves and run away from that kind of thing. But I don’t think living in fear is really living at all. So I say we stay sharp and smart and we absolutely do not go looking for trouble. But I also say we don’t let anyone else stop us from having this one last adventure together, now or ever.”

Logan’s words reverberate through all of us for several beats, gaining more power with each second. At least, that’s how it feels to me.

“Jeez, this is some insightful stuff we’re cranking out this morning,” I finally laugh. “Maybe we should get stalked and chased every night?”

“No thank you,” Cleo also laughs, but it’s more of a nervous release. “And Logan, I hear what you’re saying. I do. I just don’t want us to get so wrapped up in the excitement of what we might gain that we don’t think about everything we could lose, you know?”

“I think you’re all right,” Chase says, because of course he does. “I don’t think we should be intimidated away, but I also don’t think we should go rushing in as blindly as we did last night. So we need to keep our eyes wide open.

“But I was also thinking, if we are going to keep looking for the cards, maybe we should pinpoint exactly why we want to find them? I know for me personally, I’m dying to learn more about Perilli. And if I’m being really honest, I want to find out how much this deck is really worth.”

“Well, I’m still just along for the ride with you weirdos,” Cleo answers next. “But Chase’s thoughts are all good ones. It sounds like we’ll definitely learn something at this Azure Tarot place. A lot more than we did with Maggie, anyway. I’m glad we are under no obligation to ever call that guy again, after he sold us out. Plus, once we get past this spot, which they must all know about, maybe the Wanderers won’t have any idea where to look for us next?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve been keeping an eye out the entire drive. No one has been following us,” Logan says. “But if we’re talking purpose, personally I think we’re at this giant juncture of change in our lives. Everything is inevitably going to feel more intense. I mean, look how much we already learned in just one day of this trip? If we keep going, there can only be more growth, right?”