“I’m your professor. And yes, I know you trust Zoey, but count on your hand how many other people you can depend on.”

“You met my mother.”

“I did. And I understand how, at a young age, you had to fend for yourself. But this is not a good MO.”

She sighed. “I know.” Her admission surprised her a little, but the doctor’s words had slid in, rattled free the memory of the last month.

Dinner with Colt and his father, and then his brothers when they all arrived home.

Board games late into the night, or binge-watching the Bourne series with Colt, as he recuperated.

“Flo, this food is delicious.”

Her eyes burned. “I just don’t want anyone getting hurt because of me.”

“It’s not your fault evil exists in the world, and you’re not going to stop it by hiding. You or Zoey.”

She looked at Dr. Bella. “She’s alive.”

A nod.

“And you know where she is.”

Another nod. “And so do you. Think, Taylor.” She met her eyes.

“Your—”

“Shh.” Dr. Bella put a finger to her mouth. “Just in case.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re one of the bravest people I know.” She got up and embraced Tae. “I fully expect you to save the world.”

Well. “I’ll try.”

Dr. Bella held her at arm’s length. “Okay, do you need a ride somewhere?”

Outside, the rain had started again, pattering on the window. “I’m going back to my houseboat.”

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

“Whoever is after me thinks I’m in Alaska. Hopefully. I need my clothes, my car, money, a shower, and a night’s sleep in my own bed.”

“You can hide in the back seat of my Prius, and I’ll drop you near the docks, a couple blocks away.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want—”

“I’m already involved. Let me help you.” She gave her a look.

Fine.

Ten minutes later she huddled, curled up on the back seat, while Dr. Bella blasted the heat. Lights glittered on the surface of the sunroof, and Tae imagined the route, down 4th Street to Highway 5, over the bridge, and into Portage Bay. Off the highway at Hamlin, then to East Roanoke. “Let me off at the park. I’ll walk from there.”

The car pulled over and in the soft light of the dash, Dr. Bella turned. “Be careful. And if you need anything—”

“I know.” She grabbed her friend’s hand in the darkness. “Thank you.”

“Peace.”

Tae opened the door and crept out, hustled over to the shadows, and hid as the car sped away.

She waited, wet and cold, as the wind caught her, then ducked her head and half ran, half stalked down the street.

The light over her dock entrance had her waging a short debate, but she stepped up, keyed in her code, and the metal gate clicked open.