Kevin and Theo share a glance, their expression holding an entire conversation.

“What?” I ask.

“Well, no one has found anything on Caleb, Owen, and Matt, and it’s been over a year.”

“Right. But that doesn’t mean we won’t eventually be found.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Theo replies, but there is nothing about his words or his flat tone that makes me think he believes them.

“God,” I breathe. What if there is no evidence again? No clues as to where we could be. I didn’t see anyone else when I spoke to Caleb or when he picked us up. Who is going to know?

Priya laughs. “This is what they do, and they’re damn experts at it,” she says, gesturing in the air. “They’re not going to make a mistake and risk being found.”

I dip my head, embarrassment filling my cheeks. “Right.”

But I shouldn’t be embarrassed to have hope.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound cruel,” she murmurs.

“No, it’s okay.” I lift my eyes and give her a smile. “I’ll just have this and then take some water to bed. I want sleep.”

Priya’s lips twitch as if she’s trying to smile but can’t quite make it. She doesn’t think I’m going to get any sleep tonight.

I’m fine, though. I mean, I know the situation I’m in, but I’m not going to sit back and allow them to win. Somehow, I’ll find a way out, and no matter what they do to me before that happens, I’ll deal with it. I’m stronger than they give me credit for.

I don’t give up when there is hope—not ever.

Picking up my tea, I hold it in both hands, letting the heat from the mug seep into my skin. My arms are pebbled with goose bumps still. I take a sip.

“You’re doing so well,” Theo says. “But remember, if you need to talk or cry or shout, that’s okay, too.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that, but I’m all right.”

What’s the point in breaking down? It’s not going to help. Caleb and his crew have no empathy; they don’t care if someone is hurt. They relish in the pain of others. If I fall apart, they win.

Maybe I have watched one too many true crime shows…or maybe I’ve saved my life by watching them.

I feel the cold deep in my bones, but the tea is taking the edge off it.

When I’m finished, I take my cup to the sink and go to the bathroom. In the cabinet are new toothbrushes, so I tear one out of the packaging and brush my teeth.

You are fine.

They may well have hurt me, but I’m still here. I’m still fighting, bastards.