Neighbours who share a gift, Mia added.

A momentary lull fell over the group, and we listened to the din from outside. The hubbub of bodies, amassing. The squawk of walkie-talkies. Cars pulling up, doors opening, slamming. It felt like a siege. Like we should be pouring cauldrons of hot tar from the rooftop, or bracing the front door for a battering ram.

Jo looked around the room at each of us, slowly rose to her feet, and suggested we tune.

Damian looked perplexed—Now?

We need to hold on to why we’re doing this.

Howard nodded, and Emily said she thought it was a good idea.

Surrounded by cops? Damian asked.

We need whatever power, and strength, and unity we can draw from it.

Damian removed his handgun and placed it on the coffee table again—Then I’m damn well putting this here.

Howard asked him please not to, but Damian wasn’t having it.

Howard, if we’re tuning with our eyes closed, surrounded by cops—

Listen—Howard cut in, but Jo placed a hand on his shoulder to tell him to drop it.

We will protect each other, Leslie said.

Damian gestured around the room—Don’t think they aren’t listening to us, right now.

Well let them, Jo said. We’ll listen deeper.

She extended her arms and the group took this as their cue, moving down off their chairs into kneeling positions on the floor. They began to arrange themselves in a circle, when another voice came echoing over the loudspeaker.

Emily?

Emily’s hand shot to her mouth.

Can you hear me?

This time it wasn’t a police officer—it was Tom.

Oh Jesus, Mia said.

Emily, I’m uh . . . I’m on the road here, outside. If you can hear me, please come to the window.

Leslie looked pointedly at Emily—Don’t.

Emily nodded, but I could tell she was wrenched.

Everyone in a circle, Jo said.

I love you, sugar. And I’m scared for you.

Howard implored Emily to ignore him—They’re baiting you. You have to be strong.

Please come to the window.

Emily rose from her chair—Maybe I should just—

She was greeted by a chorus of nos from Leslie, Jo, and Damian. She hesitated, and then made for the window, but Damian grabbed her and she yelped, breaking down in tears.

Lash yourselves to the sails, Howard said.

Kyle, kneeling, looked back and noticed that I was still sitting on the couch. He leaned over and, in a whisper, asked if I was okay. I told him that I didn’t know if I was ready to tune again. I was worried I wasn’t in the right state. But things were happening faster than I could register. The circle was ready and waiting.

You’re not in trouble, Em. The police just want to make sure you’re okay. We’re all worried about you.