“The Ford on the end at the back,” I say. It’s the farthest one away and behind two other cars, so with a bit of luck, we should be able to get it out without being seen.

I’ve never hot-wired a car before—my crimes are a little more upscale than that—but thankfully Caleb’s criminal career began with juvenile stuff like this.

“All right,” he says, rubbing his hands.

Creeping up the drive, I bend my back so I’m lower to the ground. There are a few trees lining the way, but nowhere near enough to disguise us.

Caleb reaches the car first and opens the door. Another good thing about this family is they’re sweet as hell and trust the whole town. Their cars are unlocked. Unfortunately they’re not so trusting that they leave the keys inside.

He leans in the car and tugs on wires.

I look around, scanning the farmhouse and outbuildings. There is no one around. Not yet anyway.

“Come on, Caleb,” I whisper. Piper is waiting, and we don’t have time.

“Almost there,” he replies and the car roars to life.

I run around to the driver side, taking one last look at the house. No one there.

Caleb hops in the passenger seat, and we peel out of the drive. I hold onto the steering wheel with two fists as I make the sharp turn onto the main road.

Caleb thuds against the door and chuckles. “Easy, man.”

“Don’t be a baby. You’re loving this as much as I am.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

No, maybe not. I was born for this. Even as a child, I didn’t follow rules. There is nothing fun in doing the same as everyone else.

I speed down the empty roads. Piper lives in a quiet cul-de-sac. I know I can’t drive down there, not if we’ve been found out. Nothing has come on the radio yet, but I’m taking no chances. The second they discover us gone, the cops will be here. We can’t be trapped.

So I park on the street around the corner from her house. The only houses here are run-down bungalows, probably belonging to very old people.

“When I get out, hop in the driver’s seat. I’ll be back with her soon,” I tell Caleb.

“Hurry up,” he replies, his eyes wild as he tries to look everywhere all at once.

“Caleb, calm down.”

“I am calm, and you need to get a move on.”

I deadpan, “Hold it together.” I slip out of the driver’s seat, leaving the car running and the door open so Caleb can get in. I’ll sit in the back with Piper when I get her.

The sun is setting, offering me a little camouflage.

There are two streetlights on, one near the back of her house.