Bobbie searched my eyes, deeply concerned. “He’s dangerous,” she finally said.

“And what if he isn’t?”

“Why would you risk so much for a boy who might get everyone killed?”

“You told me to trust no one. That anyone could be the deceiver. Can you tell me without a shadow of a doubt that Eli is the darkness masquerading as light?”

She balked, because she didn’t know.

“Me neither,” I said. “And until I can, I’m not willing to sign his death warrant.”

“I may not know what kind of Fury he is—”

“Or if he’s just a boy,” I interrupted.

“Or if he’s just a boy,” she acquiesced. “But I do know he presents a danger to you, and you’re my charge. I beg you to reconsider. Please listen to wisdom. That would be me. Listen to me!”

“They’ll find the backpack!”

She gave a nod. “Then get the backpack but leave him!”

I didn’t respond.

“Grace, just the backpack.”

I stared at her, then turned on my heels and walked out of my room.

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO DAYS, I FOUND MYSELF slipping out through my bedroom window. My fear was still there, screaming in the background, begging me to stay in my room where it was safe. But a new determination nudged me onward.

Before I left I made sure to make an appearance before my mother, who was still crying at the kitchen table. I got some water, played the sick card, and announced I was retiring to my room for several hours, hoping to sleep through my nausea. My mother was so caught up in her own grief that she’d just nodded me off.

I knew my mother well. Her emotions often trapped her in dark places, and as much as I wished she didn’t have to suffer, I was counting on that suffering now. It could easily be hours before she moved from her slump.

I dropped to the grass from the low branch and quickly hid behind the large trunk. Houses rose on either side of me. Another neat row ran before me, and a third behind our house. It was the middle of the day, so I’d have to move with extreme caution, especially with the search teams out and about. They were surely still working their way north, outside the perimeter. So my best route was probably the most direct path, albeit out of sight. It would take me about ten minutes to maneuver along the south side of the homes, then north to the abandoned cars, keeping well clear of any occupied structures.