We found our way to an area of the city that was farthest from the Desaltis’ and closer to mine, and almost out of the city. There was a motel right in front of us, and I couldn’t see any cameras anywhere around it. We weren’t planning to check in, though, just break into one of the rooms. One part of the building was closed for renovation, so I was hoping we’d find a semi-decent room in that part where no one would bother us or expect someone would be there. They had better not have renovated or emptied out all the rooms completely.

When we were sure no one was around to see us, James and I rushed across the street toward the back of the motel. We passed next to the signs and tape that signaled that the area was closed and quickly climbed upstairs. I let out a breath I hadn’t even known I’d been holding when we went around the corner and hid behind the wall. Now no one could see us from the street, but we had to move quickly, in case someone came here to check or guard this place.

“Do you know how to pick a lock?” I asked James as we reached the rooms.

“Maybe.”

My eyebrows rose up. “How about we try the one at the end?” I nodded toward the door. There was another set of stairs not far from it, so we’d have a quick exit if we needed it. God, I really hoped we wouldn’t have to run soon and that the assassins wouldn’t find us.

“Sure.” James sidestepped a pile of trash and headed toward the door I’d indicated. He pulled out a pocketknife with blades of various sizes that he must have grabbed from the weapons room. As he fiddled with the lock, which looked quite old and shaky already, I eyed our surroundings. I didn’t see anyone suspicious moving around, but there were thick trees obstructing my view.

If the assassins were here somewhere, they would’ve already jumped us, so maybe we’d managed to escape them. Surely, they’d think I was in one of my hideouts or that I’d settled in one of the Ezzatis’ assuming no one would look there for me because everyone knew just how much I hated them—I wasn’t sure if they still thought that, though, especially if word got out that I’d taken James with me to attack the Desaltis. I had no idea what they thought of our deal and arrangement.

Something clicked and James pushed open the door with a triumphant smile on his face. I took a quick peek inside the room and was glad to see it still had a bed. We hurried inside and closed the door behind us. There was a chain lock on the door, so we were able to secure it.