Snowbush, Population 162, the sign said. The town was dark. Not a single light burning anywhere.

No sheriff’s department, either. He saw a diner, a general store, a hardware store, a gas station, and a post office. Pulling in behind the hardware store, he rushed to the back and retrieved his most precious bundle. Gently settling his still-sleeping Abigail on the bench seat, he grabbed his backpack from the truck bed and placed it on the floorboard, next to his feet. A glance behind him proved that there was indeed a rifle, which Amos would not hesitate to use if DJ chased them in the car he’d taken.

Why DJ had taken that car made absolutely no sense, but Amos couldn’t think about that now. His brain was racing, one thought pounding: Go. Go. Go.

So he got behind the wheel, cranked up the heater, and then pulled out onto the highway heading south.

Away from where they’d come.

Away from Eden.

Toward . . . ?

He had no idea. But anything had to be better than what he’d left behind.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 5:50 A.M.

Blearily, Jeff lifted his head from his pillow. His phone was ringing. How could his phone be ringing? Goddamn telemarketers. He groped for it, intending to jab it into silence.

His finger veered away at the last moment as he blinked at the screen. It was a local number. Knowing he’d regret it, he answered. “Hello?”

“Jeff. This is Daisy Dawson.”

“You’re perky,” he mumbled, and she laughed, waking him up a bit more.

“It’s my job to be perky at six A.M. Morning radio, remember?”

His mind clicked and he sat bolt upright. “Is something wrong?”

“No, no. Relax. I read your e-mail.”

“Oh, right.” It was coming back to him now. “I haven’t posted it. I wouldn’t, not until I got the okay.”

“I can’t give you that, not as it’s written anyway.”

His heart sank, but then she continued. “Mercy would need to approve it. I forwarded it to her, but I doubt she’s seen it yet. However, I would like you to present your proposal to the coordinator of one of the local rape crisis centers, with no mention of Mercy. I think giving a platform to victims could be a positive thing. The coordinator was already scheduled to do an interview on my show this morning, so she’ll be in the studio. I know you were told to keep a low profile, but I’ve informed Agent Molina and she’s on board. Agent Reynolds can pick you up. Your mother, too. He’ll keep you safe.”

“Wow.” He was fully awake now, his adrenaline pumping. It was better than Mountain Dew. “Yes. I’ll do it. I need to wake my mother up. What time do you want us to be ready?”

“The crisis center coordinator will be here from nine to ten, but I have to be on the air in a minute and a half, so I’m calling now. How about you be ready at eight thirty?”