Page 39

39. Already Halfway

Rome

As Mira sped along the interstate and John napped in the backseat, I examined the print-outs I’d made of the maps she’d found online.

“Probably several guards where the service road intersects with the entrances,” I muttered.

“On the river, too.” She kept her eyes on the road. “Wasn’t there a bridge to the south? Close to the highway?”

“Yes. And I know what you’re thinking. It’ll be guarded, too.”

“And if any of the roofs on those old buildings are solid enough, they’ll have one high up, too.”

“Yes.” I tapped on a square building toward the right side of the park. “I think this could be where the guards stay or where they keep the prisoners. Seems in the best shape and large enough. But whichever building it is, there’ll be guards either inside or outside or both.”

More than two hours later, we hit the Pennsylvania-New York border and Mira had come up with a plan I didn’t really like, but could live with.

There were two entrances off a side road that went directly into the architectural park. One was the main drive into a large parking area, both of which were overgrown, and the other appeared to be a service road that was still in use. At least, there were worn dirt tracks that indicated someone regularly used it for something.

She wanted to get out at the service entrance with Kerry. There would be more guards there, but also more cover. I’d drive her car about a mile on and leave it and John hidden in the forest to the south of the estate. From there, Travis, Gigi, and I would cross the overgrown parking lot and enter through the main gate.

Both groups would take out any guards and search nearby buildings. Whichever team found our friends first would alert the other, then we’d all hightail it toward John.

I didn’t like her going with Kerry and not me, but I could see the logic of it.

Travis and Gigi couldn’t take out guards or protect themselves like she could. And if Kerry lost it, she’d leave him to it and continue searching for the others. Travis and Gigi would try to help him and most likely get killed themselves.

Plus, Kerry wouldn’t touch her and possibly trigger a flashback.

Yeah, I was still carrying that guilt and would for a while.

“It’s a good plan.” I looked at her. “You’ll be able to handle yourself better with Kerry than the other two. You’re brave and smart, and you can think on your feet.”

“Thanks,” she murmured.

Sneaking a look at her, I saw a pretty flush rise on her cheeks.

I can’t keep my eyes off of her. How can she believe she’s unappealing?

When John snorted in his sleep, my eyes slid back to the map.

Focus! Your two best friends are missing!

But she’s made for you, a wistful voice whispered.

Shut up !

You’re already halfway in love with her .

I sighed and looked out my window.

#

Kerry

I was on board with their plan of attack.

When we caught up to the others in Pittsburgh, we stayed long enough to fill up our bellies and the gas tank and launch Mira’s metal bird. I was encouraged when it took off in the same direction we would be heading.

Now, as Mira put her foot down, Gigi asked what the plan was for after the rescue.

That’s some powerful positive thinking right there. I need to tap into some of that.

“John, have someone heal you, then take Travis to the Sanctuary and pick up Chessie.” I rolled my head to try and loosen up my tight neck muscles. “I already talked to her. Send her a text before you jump and she’ll meet you in front of her dorm. Leave her with the others by the cars, then ’port Maddy and Tara back to the Sanctuary. And Mira, if she wants to go.”

John wanted to know what they were supposed to do once they were back home.

“Travis has a list of things to research,” I told him. “He’ll need help. And I want someone to visit with Amanda. I need to know more about her conversation with the shadow prince that petrified her. And about that angel who came looking for her. Plus, since you can untangle deceptions, you can help with the hunt for the traitor. Trust me. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy.”

He seemed satisfied with that.

“I want to help you.” Mira tilted her chin up, but didn’t take her eyes off the road. “I’ll wait to go to the Sanctuary ’til this is finished.”

“Just as well.” Rome shrugged. “You’ll need a grace of refuge when you get there and you’ll have to wait until the Council sets a warden up for you to get one. That means you’ll be in either pain or a safehouse until they do.”

As he told her about graces and how the taint reacted to Holy and Divine items and places, Gigi narrowed her eyes at me and asked why I wanted to involve Chessie with this.

I knew what she was thinking. Chessie had no defensive power. To drag her into something dangerous was unforgivable.

“After Chance heals any of the wounded, he’s taking her to locate Emily Argaud Hubler. Chess knows the plan to tell Chance.”

That reminded me I still had Chance’s wallet and I handed it to John to pass along to him.

“Is that safe enough for our sheltered little cat?” Gigi asked.

“I sent her a list of Hubler’s known residences.” Travis shrugged. “She and Chance will be checking them out one at a time until they find her. Kerry and Rome didn’t see any danger in that, and neither did I.”

“And Chance will be with her.” Rome had finished his quiet conversation with Mira. “He’s smart and tough and doesn’t shy away from a fight. He’ll take care of her.”

“He’d better,” Gigi growled.

“One of you will need to tell Spin I want him to pick up Hubler’s trail and stay on it,” I said. “I wanna know where he is at all times, but Spin is to stay outta sight. Make that clear to him. I do not want him trying to take this guy on alone.”

“What about the rest of us?” Rome asked.

“The rest of us are gonna hold tight until we see where we’re needed. Either we’ll go after one of the Alchemists or we’ll rescue Mrs. Hubler and her children. And if we find other nephs at City of the Future, we’ll need to drop them off at an airport or outpost.”

“Where are we going to be waiting for the signal?” Gigi shifted in her seat so she could meet my eyes. “Back at the Sanctuary?” “New York City. Boots said it’s a four-hour car ride from where we’re headed. I have contacts there and we can get flights anywhere in the world. That’ll help us move faster when we find out where we’re going next.”

“What about Gemma?” Gigi asked. “Do you want John to take her to the Sanctuary or—”

“Gemma does not leave my side.”

No way I am ever letting her outta my sight again.

“It’s a good plan, Kerry.” John suddenly gave me one of his rare smiles. “Thank you for not giving up on us. For believing in us even though we doubted you. And for not leaving us to do this without you.”

“Shut up.” I shot him a dark look. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“Kerry,” Gigi said, “if Gemma were here, what would she whisper in your ear right now?”

I glared at her, but her grin only grew. Rome was looking at me and I knew my face was red, but she was right. I had to do it. Even if it was through gritted teeth.

“You’re welcome, John.”