“She’s not really okay with anything I do, but my dad says we have to show the world we’re not afraid when bad things happen,” Lia said. “Like the world cares.”

Devon raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything. The wind had whipped his hair into a knot at the back of his neck and chapped the tip of his nose. It wasn’t cold, not even close to freezing, but the wind was wicked.

“Here.” Lia unwound her scarf from her neck and wrapped it around Devon’s, her fingers brushing through the ends of his hair. “Repayment for Tuesday.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” he said softly.

They walked to the park in silence and tucked themselves into a bush closer to the lot. Lia laid her water gun in her lap. Breakfast was homemade biscuits with skillet-fried ham and hot sauce in an old plastic to-go container. He had even brought two paper towels.

They had finished eating by the time Peter rolled into the lot.

He glanced around before getting out of his car. Lia couldn’t get a clear shot without standing, but Peter would see her then. Devon lobbed a rock in the opposite direction. Peter’s head ripped around.

Lia leapt to her feet and fired. Water splattered against Peter’s back. He shrieked, falling back against his car. His hands grasped at this side.

“What the hell!” Peter spun. “Lia Prince?”

Lia couldn’t help it. She grinned, savoring the moment. “I’m sorry that you’re wet now, but you’re out.”

Peter groaned, folded his arms on his car, and laid his head on them. “I can’t believe you’re even playing, Devon.”

“Yeah,” Devon said, “I got talked into it.”

“I appealed to his need to prove me wrong,” Lia said.

“It backfired.” Devon peeked into Peter’s backseat. “You need a dry shirt?”

“No, it’s fine.” Peter pushed himself up and pulled out his phone. “Let’s get this over with.”

As they were waiting for the Council’s response, Aaron pulled into the lot. Lia had gone through three yearbooks before figuring out his name. He got out of his car and looked the trio over, chuckling as he approached. His eyes lit up when they landed on Lia.

“You out, Peter?” he asked.

Peter nodded, and Aaron ruffled his hair. Peter patted it down, white cheeks red. He scowled.

“Of course you are. Her brother Mark nearly won, so you didn’t stand a chance.” Aaron nodded to Lia. “Did he give you the maps he made? He knew his way through every backyard and park that year.”

“No,” she said. “I’m going to win on my own.”

Hello, Lia.

Your contribution to our death toll has been noted, and your new target will be provided before midnight tomorrow. Until then, relax. But not too much. There’s still a team out to get you.

The Council

The sun had risen higher now and chased away the chill, but the wind still tore through Lia and Devon as they walked back to her house. Devon stayed close to her, his keys jangling in his pocket.