“Nathaniel, I need you to listen to me. That woman wants to ruin us. She wants to punish all of us for Ash’s mistakes. I can make sure you’re okay. I will make sure you’re taken care of. First I need to know I can count on you.”

She could see Nate trembling, a bead of sweat forming on his upper brow. She put a steady hand on his shoulders. He nodded. “You can count on me,” he whispered.

She took Nate’s hand and placed two pills in it. Mo kept these for special cases. She’d only used them once or twice to get rid of the truly undesirables. As long as Nate only took two, and received prompt medical attention, he would be fine.

“You have to trust me. Because even when we’re apart, I’m always looking out for you.”

Nate hesitated, eyeing the pills and Mo warily. “Go on. It’s the only way for us to see this to the end.”

Her words seemed to have a magical effect. Nate swallowed them quickly. “What happens now?” he said. Mo would have appreciated more enthusiasm on his part, but at least he was on board.

“This next part won’t be pleasant, but it’s necessary. They’ll take you to the hospital, but. whatever you do, don’t say a word about me or the Tribe. Not the doctors. Not the cops. When the time comes, you’ll know what to do and where to find me. We have to make sure that woman pays for what she’s done to our family. It’s your job to make sure.”

BECCA

BECCA

For Becca, it seemed as though time were moving backward. From the secure confines of the McDonald’s, Becca studied Mo and the others, watching as they milled about. She was convinced they might try to make a run for it. In fact, she expected some outward display of concern, but they were completely unfazed. They resumed their morning ritual of eating and talking and smoking as though it were any other day, barely even glancing at the two black-and-whites that had descended on the scene, lights and sirens flashing. Becca watched as the officers emerged from their car, surveying the Tribe’s encampment. “Wait here and I’ll be back in a few,” Becca said to Raya.

The young woman shook her head. “Nah, Doc, I think it’s time for me to bounce.”

“Raya, if you can wait a few minutes, I can see about finding you a place to stay—”

“I’m good, Doc. Don’t need a babysitter. You just keep your head up and don’t lose hope. I’ll be praying for your little bird.”