“But what if he does anyway?” Lynell asks, dipping the spoon back into the soup. “What if he goes after Anna for revenge?”

“Take control and you’ll have the power to keep them safe. You can assign them security detail or simply eliminate the threat.”

“We need to figure out the code first,” Lynell says, ignoring the implications of what ‘eliminating the threat’ would consist of.

“You can do that later. Right now, just challenge him.”

“How? Make a statement to the press? Tweet it? ‘Hey, internet. I’m an Elysian and have decided to make myself CEO of the Registration.’”

Daniel smirks, and Zach shakes his head, exasperation lining his forehead.

“Get into his home office. You’ll need access to his contacts, those who work for him and the oligarchs. He has a computer in there with files, calendars, essential data, access to the small portion of the Regulation he can control without the code. You need to know the Regulators and their government counterparts, Sanitary Crew, Researchers, Registration office workers. He even has proof of your legitimacy and information on you and your family in there. If we can get you there, you’ll have what you need to make your claim. Plus, you’ll simply be more credible if you’re in the Elysian house.”

Zach watches Lynell and Daniel with expectant urgency.

Finally, Lynell gets her mouth to work, though her tongue is dry and seems to move slowly. “You want me to go back into that house just for a few phone numbers and informational lists?”

“When it comes to the Registration, information is power,” Zach says.

“Do you remember how hard we worked to get her out of that house?” Daniel says, voice rising an octave.

“Yes. Just humor me by drawing up a plan, please. If we get nowhere, then I’ll drop it and we can figure out something else.”

Daniel and Lynell share a look, silently weighing the pros and cons of Zach’s idea. The ticking of the clock on the wall behind her is the only sound in the room for a moment.

The fear of being back in that house begs her to say no.

But the idea that they could do something to end this outweighs her terror.

“Okay, fine. But I’m only agreeing to discuss it. Not do it.”

Zach smiles. “Good enough.”

Lynell leans against the wall, watching Daniel. His back is turned to her, and the thin blue shirt pulls against his shoulders, rippling as he moves. He and Zach do most of the planning, using Daniel’s battle knowledge and their shared experience pulling pranks to craft a strategy. Two hours fly by before Zach requests a break and disappears outside for some air, despite Lynell’s protests.

There’s an ulcer on the inside of her lip and she runs her tongue over it absentmindedly. Daniel lowers his hands and turns around. He grins at the sight of Lynell standing there, watching him.