The longer we stay in here, the more this is going to build up until it blows. And when it does it’ll destroy everything. Not just us.

I know what you two are doing, Howard said, looking over at us. The others in the room fell quiet and turned our way.

What’s our strategy here? I asked.

Claire, love, we’ve been over this, Jo said.

We’re a group, and we make plans as a group, Howard replied.

Maybe they just need to see Kyle, I said. Or hear from him.

Jo said that if we stepped out that door, they would separate us and arrest us one by one.

As long as we stay, we hold negotiating power, she said.

What negotiating? I asked. They’re asking us to leave and we’re not. We have no demands.

We demand to be left in peace, Howard said.

Well clearly that’s not a viable position, I replied.

We argued for another few minutes, but to no end. After a pause, Mia asked if I was sure I didn’t want something to eat. I told her I couldn’t.

It’s legit delicious, Jo, Shawn said.

Oh thanks. It’s just what I could pull together.

Emily laughed—With three cop cars and a news van outside! I can barely cook when I have Tom’s sister and brother over, I get so stressed.

Mia asked Nora if she had had enough to eat and Nora nodded. Nora was holding the tiny gold crucifix at the end of her necklace. Jo asked her if she wanted to go somewhere quieter, to pray or calm herself down, but Nora said no, she was fine, thank you. Just then Damian walked back into the room from the kitchen and began detailing plans for a possible escape route through the backyard.

Howard cut him off—We don’t need an escape route.

We damn well might.

What we need is to stay calm.

This is not just gonna be the local police we’re dealing with, Howard.

Mia motioned to Damian—Why don’t you come sit with me for a bit?

Don’t, he snapped. I’m not one of your fucking autistic kids, Mia. Don’t use that ‘come sit with me’ bullshit like I’m one of your kids.

Mia looked taken aback and threw her hands up in mock surrender. But before any of us could respond, a man’s voice suddenly boomed over a loudspeaker outside. Just to reiterate—The room fell quiet as we all listened. Our intention is not to use force.

Their intention, Jo said, drily.

We’re not planning to make arrests.

Damian crossed his arms—Right.

We just want to make sure everybody inside’s healthy and safe.

How nice of them, Leslie said.

You know, I kind of feel for them, Emily said.

Mia looked at her—The cops?