“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” I snapped.

“Don’t be foolish.” Bobbie took another step forward. “You need me now more than ever. If I left you’d be facing this completely alone. Is that what you want?”

As I had multiple times before, I felt the warmth of having her near. The sense of security she offered, a companionship that I still didn’t fully understand but longed for.

“No,” I said.

“Then don’t forsake me,” she said.

I had always viewed our relationship as protector and victim. But maybe we were more alike than I’d first seen. Partners who needed each other’s cooperation. Without my agreement, she was powerless to help, which was her purpose.

“I won’t forsake you,” I whispered.

“Then you’ll never be alone,” Bobbie said with a gentle smile. And I knew she wanted our partnership as much as I did.

We shared a final moment of knowing, a silent oath that tied us together. Then I slung the backpack over my shoulders and opened the back door.

Be careful, Grace, her voice whispered.

I glanced back over my shoulder to see that she was gone.

Chapter
Twenty-Four

IT WAS MIDMORNING BY THE TIME I REACHED THE northern perimeter. It had taken me longer than expected, weaving between the buildings and avoiding being seen by anyone, especially the guardians who were sweeping the town. My stomach was in knots when I finally reached the train.

I quickly crossed toward the car in which I’d left Eli, praying he was still there and safe. I hauled myself up and scanned the car, expecting to see the boy.

“Eli?” I whispered, hoping he’d pop out from the darkness. But nothing. I scanned the entire train car as I moved to the corner where he’d been the night before.

“Eli,” I called louder. Nothing.

There was an imprint left on the dried leaves against the far wall, as I’d expected to find, but the train car now sat empty. He’d left? Or been discovered! No, I would have heard.

A whole new possibility crashed through me at the thought. The Fury!

I hurried to the door and jumped down, glancing in the direction of the town. No sign of anyone. Good. Scurrying along the tracks, I checked under the cars.

“Eli?”

The day was utterly quiet. He was gone. Just . . . gone.

I reached the last car and crossed the tracks to the backside of the abandoned train. No sign of him anywhere, not along the tracks, not in the grass leading up to the trees. In that moment I felt completely lost. What now?

“Now is when you head back to the safety of your house.”

I jumped at Bobbie’s voice. “Stop sneaking up on me.”

She shrugged. “Sorry. But you’ve had your little adventure, and now it’s time to get back to safety.”

“I have to find him!”