“What?” he repeats as I stare at him.

“What do you mean, ‘after the lockdown’?”

“Well, I can’t teach you while I’m in the Lyceum and you’re up here.”

“You’re going to go through with the lockdown after everything we learned about the Unity Centers? What about your dad?”

“My dad would want me to do what’s necessary for the Stewards—”

“Your dad would want you to do what you think is right.”

“And you think you know what that is?” Atlas shakes his head and turns into the alley that leads to my house. I have to race to keep up with his long strides. “You’ve been a part of this world for a handful of days. I’ve been living it my entire life. The Stewards have lasted longer than anyone else who knows the truth. There’s a reason for that. If you bothered to read the section on World War Two you’d know that.”

“I did read it,” I shoot back. “I know all the groups that tried to get people out of Germany or were actively pushing back against the government were hunted down.”

“I rest my case,” Atlas says as we reach the gate that leads to my backyard. “Look, I appreciate everything you did today. For me and for my dad.” He reaches out and brushes a lock of hair off my face. “You’re not what I thought you were going to be when I sent you your ticket.”

“What did you think I was going to be?”

“Uncomplicated.” He looks down at me with an expression that is impossible to read.

“I’ll take that as a compliment?” My throat is dry, so the words sound low and uncertain.

“I meant it as one. You’re unexpected, Meri.” Atlas gives me a smile that spreads slowly from his lips up to his eyes, and my stomach flips.

Rose’s ringtone sings in the air, killing the moment.

“Sorry,” I say, pulling my phone out of my pocket. “I have to answer this.” If I don’t, Rose will just keep calling until I do.

Giving Atlas an apologetic smile, I put the phone to my ear and barely have the chance to say hello before I hear Rose say, “Meri! It’s Isaac. He’s gone.”

Fourteen

Gone? “What do you mean Isaac is gone?”

“He answered a call just after Mom and I got home and said he had to meet a friend for just a few minutes. He was late. Mom wasn’t worried because you know how Isaac is, but then . . .”

“What?”

“One of our neighbors brought us his phone. She found it under a bush at the corner. Mom and Dad are at the police station now, and I’m here in case he comes back or someone calls, but I feel like I should be doing something and I don’t know what to do.” In all the years I’ve known Rose, she’s never sounded panicked. She does now.

“I’ll be right there.” My hands are cold and shaking as I shove the phone into my pocket and look at Atlas. “My friend’s brother is missing. I have to go.”