Rex jumped off my lap, back nails gouging as she skittered to hide behind Jenks’s ankles. I stood, angry. “I’m not screwing it up! And I’m going to ride with Peter! I’m not going to let him die alone,” I said, coming out with what was really bothering me.

Ivy huffed, clutching the towel higher about her. “You’re alone when you die, even if you’re surrounded by hundreds.”

Her arm was oozing to stain the white towel, and only now realizing it, she flushed. Angry, I rounded on her. “Have you ever been there when someone dies?” I asked, shaking. “Have you ever held their hand while their strength left them? Have you ever felt the gratitude in their touch that you were there when they stopped breathing? Have you!”

Ivy’s face went white.

“I’m killing him, Ivy! It is my decision. And I’m going to be there so I understand what it means.” I caught my breath, hating myself when my eyes filled. “I have to be there so I know if it was a good thing when it’s all done.”

Ivy went still as a pity born in understanding reached her eyes. “Rachel, I’m sorry….”

Clutching my arms around myself, I bowed my head so I couldn’t see anyone. Ivy stood in her towel and made a wet spot on the floor as she dripped. The scent of the citrus shampoo she used became pronounced, and the silence grew awkward.

From across the room, Nick shifted his weight and took a breath.

“Shut up,” Ivy snarled, hitching her towel higher. “This doesn’t concern you.” Her gaze went to my stitches, and I lifted my chin. I wasn’t bound to her. I could do anything I damn well pleased.

Jenks was pale. “I can’t do it,” he said from the bed. “I can’t hit you with a truck.”

“See?” Ivy said, catching her towel when she gestured. “He’s not going to do it. I don’t want you to do it. You aren’t doing it!” She started for her room, Nick moving out of her way.

“This is a better plan!” I exclaimed, heading after her. “I’ll be fine!”

“Fine?” She lurched to a stop, spinning. “That Mack truck is going to roll over Nick’s little blue Ford like it’s a cupcake! And you’re not going to be in it. The run is off.”

“It’s not off! This is how we’re going to do it!”

Ivy turned. Her eyes were full black. A shiver of fear took me, rocking me to a halt. But I wasn’t going to let Peter die alone. I gathered my nerve, and Nick stepped forward.

“I’ll do it,” he said, his eyes flicking from Ivy to me. “I’ll drive the Mack truck.”

Ivy’s anger hesitated, and I ran my eyes over him in surprise. “No,” she said flatly. “Absolutely not. You’re going with Audrey and staying out of it. I don’t trust you.”

Nick clasped his hands, then let them go. “Rachel’s right. This is a better plan. They won’t be watching Audrey’s motel room. After Peter switches places with me, I can leave under a regular disguise charm, cross the bridge, get the truck. Hell, it’s DeLavine’s truck. Audrey can give me the key.”