Page 51 of Chain Reaction

“That’s what I’m thinking. If Cassidy’s there, that would explain why we can’t reach her either.”

Raven’s thoughts continued to race. “Do you have the number of anyone else on the island?”

“Yes, actually, I do.” He used a voice command on his Bluetooth to call Jack Wilson.

“Who’s Jack Wilson?” Raven asked.

“He’s the pastor at the church I attend. It’s not far from Blackout Headquarters.”

Raven tried not to show her surprise—or her delight that Jake attended church now. But she was glad to know he’d moved forward in his faith.

Pastor Wilson answered a moment later. “Jake . . . wasn’t expecting to hear from you. You going to challenge me to another game of pickleball?”

“Not today,” Jake said. “Unfortunately, I’m calling about something more serious.”

The pastor’s voice sobered. “What’s going on?”

“I can’t get in touch with anyone at Blackout. You heard about anything going on?”

“Everything is fine as far as I know,” Pastor Wilson said. “Why?”

Jake explained the situation.

“I’ll see what I can find out,” he said. “But you’re right, something doesn’t sound right, does it?”

Apprehension thrummed inside Raven.

Whatever was going on here, she didn’t like it.

Jake rushed back toward Lantern Beach, wishing he didn’t have to deal with the ferry system again. It would only make this trip take longer.

But that was where he and Raven now were.

On the ferry. Riding back to Lantern Beach.

He’d insisted to Raven that they stay in the SUV this time—just in case anyone was watching or planning something.

They were safer in there than they’d be out in the open.

But just sitting in the car was driving him crazy and showing his impatience. Raven had busied herself looking at something on her computer and jotting down notes—brainstorms, she’d said.

He gave her space.

But that left him with his own thoughts.

Traveling to and from the island was never something that should be rushed. It should be enjoyed. That was what Atlas hadtold him once. Some kind of poetic side emerged from the man on occasion.

Jake was sure all the womenlovedit. If the situation wasn’t so serious right now, he might roll his eyes.

Instead, he continued trying to reach his teammates.

No one had picked up.

The bad feeling in his gut only grew stronger.

He’d even tried to reach Cassidy again, but she still hadn’t answered. He’d tried the police station, and the person who’d answered told him she was on a call.

He hated feeling helpless.