It’s deep red and the paint is beginning to peel at the edges. A potted plant with bright green leaves sits next to the door, and the welcome mat says, “BEWARE OF DOG. HE LIKES LICKING.” Lynell would chuckle if she wasn’t riding on her last nerve.

She closes her eyes when they reach the door and takes a breath that pushes against her diaphragm. She knocks.

When nothing happens, Daniel steps forward and knocks louder.

A light turns on in the house. It shines under the door and through the long, vertical windows on either side of the door. Lynell leans forward, listening.

There’s a gentle thump as someone walks to the door. Then silence. Lynell looks up at the small peephole in the middle of the door.

“We have to talk to you,” she says, trying to make her voice sound trustworthy and compelling. “It’s urgent. It’s about Anna.”

The door flies open and Lynell jumps. Then she finds herself staring at the barrel of a rifle held by a tall, bald man. He’s holding the gun against his shoulder, wearing a gray sweater and a pair of checkered sweatpants.

Daniel holds up his hands, palms out. Lynell does the same but takes a step forward so the gun is inches from her face.

The man pushes it forward. “Who are you and what do you want?” he demands, his voice not giving away a hint of exhaustion or fear. He has the same wild look in his eyes that Daniel has had for the last twelve days.

“I’m so sorry,” she says, meeting the man’s gaze. “I’m Lynell Mize, though you may know me as Rachel Doe.”

His eyebrows furrow. “Why are you here?” he asks, the shotgun never wavering.

Lynell looks back at Daniel, who nods at her to continue. He seems unperturbed by the gun in their faces, probably used to guns after fighting with the rebels.

Lynell turns back to Mr. Raines. “I know it’s the middle of the night, but this is an emergency. You need to leave. Leave town or something. You just have to take Anna away for a while.” Hating how cryptic she sounds, she adds, “Anna’s in danger.”

Mr. Raines frowns, glaring at them with the gun still raised. “In danger?”

“Could you lower the gun, please, Mr. Raines?” Daniel asks, pulling Lynell back to step in front of her. “We’ll explain everything.”

Raines looks between them, grip so tight on the gun that his knuckles are white.

Lynell looks down, notices his bare feet with long toenails and the tip of a tattoo that seems to be climbing out from under his sweatpants. “We only want to keep Anna safe. Please, Mr. Raines. You have to listen to us. For Anna’s sake.”

She holds his gaze for a few long seconds before he lowers the gun, still gripping it hard. “You’re not staying. And you’re not seeing Anna.”

Lynell nods.

“Right. Then come in and start talking.” He steps aside, allowing them to enter before closing the door.