“It’s a slow churning storm, but it’s coming. I’ve seen it. It’s insane to think about heading there, but I don’t know what else to do. If for some reason I can find the person doing it…”

William turned to him. “But you’ve got to leave, Quincy. You shouldn’t be here. Lily has to stay with me, and Steven refuses to leave.”

“Well yeah, he’s your grandfather. Sorry about that slip of the tongue, by the way. I just assumed you figured it out. Plus it’s practically mentioned in every tabloid written about your grandmother.”

“It’s doesn’t matter now. You need to walk away. I can’t risk any more innocent people dying.”

“I’m hardly innocent. While I don’t enjoy being shot at or blown up, how could I go back? ‘Hey Phil, will you book me that trip to the Barbados with those twins, who clearly are into me for my body and not my millions?’”

William smiled, and Quincy slapped his knee, leaving a wad of cash. “You and I could be pals, you know. I know a fellow troublemaker when I see one. I’ve read about your exploits in Nashville. Pissing on the hood of the paparazzo’s car was particularly impressive.”

“Just particularly stupid,” William said, holding up the cash. “What’s this about?”

“I left some with Steven too. Best that we distribute the wealth just in case something else blows up. Got to make sure that Miss Lily remains in the finest of fashions.”

“Even if the reason you tracked me down was to make a buck, if you hadn’t been there, Lily and I would be in some government prison, or maybe dead. We’re alive, in part, because of you. But I still don’t think you should stick around.”

“And miss all these wonderful accommodations?” Quincy yawned. “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that Steven said to wake him up when we get in. He said something about experimenting with something as you slept. What’s he talking about?”

“I’ll explain when we get inside. It’s about trying to stop the spread of the disasters. I don’t know if it will work.”

“Well, whatever he wants to try, I’m here to help too. Feel free to use me for my money.” Quincy patted him on the back as they rounded the building.

William laughed. “Thank you, Quincy.”

As they quietly opened the door to the room, they could see Lily in a hard sleep on top of the covers. Steven was slumped in a chair, his head resting on his shoulder.

Quincy walked over, whispering. “Steven, wake up—”

The door behind them flew open with a bang, slamming against the wall. The barrels of guns moved into the room.