It makes total sense that Caleb is the ringleader. He is the one we hear on the intercoms most. He is the one who found me; he was driving the car; he convinced me going with him was a good idea. He’s charming, beautiful, persuasive, and deadly.

“He’s the one we need to take down,” Evan says.

“Take down? You want to take them down? How would we even do that? We’re locked in here.”

He dips his head. “Okay, I haven’t gotten that far yet. But when the times comes, we go for Caleb.”

“Do you think we will get a chance? They don’t come in here, and if they did, it certainly wouldn’t be all three of them. They couldn’t risk that. They always need someone out there in full control. It’s how they make us do what they want.”

“We’ll have to make them. There’s always a final showdown, right?”

“We’re not in a movie, Evan.”

“How do you know? They’re watching us. They might be recording it, streaming it on the deep web.”

My mouth falls open. Now that he suggested that, I can’t unthink it. “Why would you say that?”

“Because it could be true…and because I’ve seen one too many movies. Look, it doesn’t really matter what’s happening, all that’s important is what goes on inside these walls.”

I shake my head. “Stop.”

He sighs. “I’m sorry. I’ve been here too long. I know I’m very matter-of-fact about these things, but in my experience so far, it’s necessary.”

“I’m not there yet.”

“I get that,” he says, softening his voice and leaning closer. “I really am sorry, Piper.”

“Forget it.”

Evan gives me a bright smile, and his shoulders relax.

“So, when do you think I’ll be accepted here?” he asks.

“They’re just scared, Evan. It’s not you. Can you see it from their view? We had no idea you were here.”

“I get it, but from my view, I had no idea any of you were here, either. I had to come into a room of strangers, who have been less than welcoming and look at me like I’m the enemy. I’m in the same position as you all.”

“Hey, you’re preaching to the converted here.”

His eyes soften. “Well, I’m glad I have you.”

I bite my lip and look away. Evan is sincere and unfazed, on the outside anyway, by everything. He’s mastered what I want to be in here, and he makes my heart sprint.

“You okay, Piper?” he asks.

I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Are you hungry? I need to eat breakfast,” I say, getting up and heading to the kitchen area before he can reply.

“Evan, how old are you?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder.