Bobbie’s words still whispered through my mind, setting my nerves on edge. Please listen to wisdom, Grace. Don’t do this! I inhaled deeply and tried to settle my mind. The only thing I knew for certain was that if Rose got her hands on Eli, she would kill him as she’d killed my father. So I focused on that thought alone.

I ducked low as I ran along the back of our house, stopped at the corner to make sure the coast was clear, then went on to the next house. My pulse pounded, and the occasional voice from inside the homes pushed me faster.

Bobbie wasn’t with me, and for that I was grateful, but her warning clanged like a bell at the back of my mind.

I reached the last home, pulled up at the corner, flattened my back against the brick, and took several deep breaths. So far so good. With a quick poke of my head around the corner, I saw that the coast was clear. The town had come to a virtual standstill—that was good. But anyone caught outside would stand out—that wasn’t so good.

I drew my head back and let out a long breath. Just a quick sprint to the tree line, I told myself. Then north along the trees and west to the tracks. I could do this.

I pushed off the wall and raced toward the tree line, knowing that I was at my most vulnerable out here, in the open. Knowing that a voice would call out at any moment, demanding to know why I was running away from the town like a terrified rabbit.

But none came. And then I was at the trees and grabbing a trunk to stop myself. I collapsed to my knees in the shade, panting but safe. For the moment.

The breeze carried voices to me from the east, and I turned to listen. Nothing. It had probably been one of the search parties at the perimeter, less than fifty paces from where I hid. They were still a long way from Eli.

It took me at least ten careful minutes to reach the northern perimeter unseen. Then another five to pick my way west. Oddly enough, the silence bothered me as much as anything, because Bobbie’s voice, despite her absence, was always in that silence, demanding I turn back.

But I didn’t turn back. And when the tracks finally came into view, I was running again, desperate to be in the protection of the car that held Eli.

I raced along the tracks toward the car. Please be here. A quick glance south assured me I was still alone.

Then I was at the railcar, yanking myself up and in on my belly. Rolling to my knees.

“Eli?”

He stared at me with round eyes from the corner where he was seated. “Hi, Grace,” he said, smiling.