How could he be so calm after killing another human being—with a knife no less? Her curiosity about the Chambers family had reached a level that demanded answers. There’s two of them? “What is it with you guys? Is your whole family some sort of secret team of superagents working for the government?”

Nick let out a genuine laugh that startled Sam, given the circumstances. “Not exactly. In fact, that’s about the last thing you’d find us doing. But first, can you lower that gun, please? And I’ll tell you all about the Chambers brothers.”

Sam realized she had no choice but to trust the man who’d just committed murder on her behalf, although she wasn’t sure it really was murder, considering the man had held her at gunpoint. She lowered the Glock. Whatever. Semantics. The judicial system is messed up to the max. Let them sort this out later.

“Thank you,” Nick said, and lowered his hands. “Now, does this path take us back to the neighborhood? If so, we need to move because I need to go help my brother.”

She watched him wipe the knife on his dark pants. He’s cleaning the man’s blood off of it! When he folded it, and put it in some kind of pouch on his belt, she realized that in addition to the dead impersonator’s weapon, he had a holster with a pistol of his own. Jesus. Who are these guys? And now he wants to head back into the dragon’s lair? “Mr. Chambers told me to get help. Why not stick to the plan, find a place to call the police, and wait for them to arrive?”

Nick looked at her for a moment, understanding her hesitation, especially after what she’d been through already. “Because whatever is happening inside is likely happening fast, and by the time the police arrive, it might be too late. I can’t take that chance. I know you don’t know me, but I’m really good at this, although maybe not as good as my brother. But no matter what you choose to do, I have to go, and I have to go now. You can obviously handle yourself, and I could use your navigation to get me back there safely, but I’ll do it alone if I have to. It’s your call.”

Sam contemplated her fate. The man before her was treating her like an adult, not a terrified seventeen-year-old high school girl. It gave her pause, but it felt good—really good—to have someone acknowledge what she already knew: she was stronger than most. He’s right about the police. You have to go back with him, for Ben and for all of them. He’ll get lost without you, which will put him and the others at risk. It wasn’t really a decision at all. “Okay. I’m in.”