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Maybe I can get the answers I need from Vale and hisgroup when I get to Alaska, the information the Peaceful Society wants. Then I can go back and have a normal life with Ethan and my mom and dad, or join the other HighClear girls at the Institute, and not be on this crazy mission.

I correct myself; it’s not a crazy mission. The reason the Peaceful Society sent me is because I was close to Zeph. If anyone can earn his trust and find out more about the group that brainwashed him and stole him away, it’s me. We can keep more men safe, keep more families together.

I glance around at the men in the room. A few meet my eyes; they were staring at me. I suddenly want to leave this train car, find a spot back with the deportees and farmers, and leave all these men behind, with their loud voices and roving eyes.

The stooped man behind the counter hands me a box. He opens the lid and I see a smooth silver case. He takes a pen out and scribbles something on the box.

“Code,” he mutters to me and Ren nods. I guess they know what that means.

Vale’s father heads back to the booth. “I’m sure I will see you again, Ami.” He nods to Ren but doesn’t say anything to them.

“I’m Isaiah Adamson,” he continues. “My organization is called the Forge, and we’re available if you need anything once you get to Anchorage.”

Ren stiffens but I coach myself through staying loose, keeping my eyes on his as I nod. Maybe he thought this would scare me, but I simply thank him for the phone one more time and move back through the car.

I feel his eyes on my back. Maybe not just his, and Ican’t get through the opening into the next car fast enough. Ren pulls me through the aisle and the next car until we find an empty seat and slide in. This time I’m next to the window. I hand the box to Ren and bend forward over my knees, breathing deeply, my face in my hands.

“Jeez, Ami, that was crazy,” Ren mutters.

I’m shaking.

“You’re okay, you’re okay.” Ren rubs my back. They pull off their hoodie and bunch it up, pushing it into my arms where I squeeze it tight.

“You did it, Ami, you got your phone. Now let’s take it easy for the rest of New York, okay?”