“Exactly, or should I say, elementary. So now it’s all over the news how there’s a kid with a gun and a badge in a high school. It gets all the way to the senate. The Agency realizes its teen-agent scheme is at best unconstitutional and at worst illegal, so quickly and quietly retires all the other kids.”

“But Agent Chevron Savano has found her family and does not wish to retire.”

“That’s right. I don’t want to go, and they can’t force me out just yet because there is a committee looking into the whole thing and I’m not supposed to exist. So they ship me off to London, and I think you know the rest.”

Riley did not comment outright, and once again Chevie believed he had fallen asleep until he said, “If we are to deal with Garrick, you will need to hold your temper.”

Chevie felt a weight of responsibility settle on her mind like a vise. This was a big moment for both of them. Riley had never voiced the opinion that it was even possible to be saved from the devil Garrick.

“But,” continued Riley, “this is a plan we should make together. After all, we fight for both our lives. We are brothers in this.”

“Agreed,” said Chevie. “So tell me about this seed we have to water.”

Riley spoke and Chevie realized that this kid was even smarter than she had guessed.

When he had come to a full stop, Chevie commented, “A little harebrained, Riley, and I don’t see how we can do it alone.”

Riley rapped on the floor with the heel of his boot, sending echoes tumbling through the building. “I know a boy who runs a clean operation and will work for coin.”

•••

When the scheme had been hammered as straight as it could ever be, Riley sent Bob Winkle and his crew to fetch their provisions, and he joined Chevie in the corner of the room where the wall sweated a sickly sweet heat that warmed their fingers when they wormed them between the bricks.

“Winter would be worse,” said Riley. “We would not last a night.”

“No HDTV either,” said Chevie, and began to laugh. After a puzzled moment, Riley joined in, not knowing what HDTV was, but happy to have any excuse for mirth.

When the poisonous air forced them to stop taking such gulps, their laughter petered out and the hubbub from beyond their window once again filled the room.

Chevie held Riley’s hands inside the makeshift vent.

“You know that we’re on borrowed time?” said Riley. “Even though Garrick won’t come in here, he can pay those that will.”

“We move as soon as Bob gets back,” said Chevie. “Don’t worry. It’s a good plan. It will work.”

“It must,” said Riley, squeezing her fingers tightly. “There will be no second chances with Garrick.”

There was a knock on the door.