Page 128 of His to Burn

A piercing scream cut him off.

TWENTY-NINE

Jack

Asia moved toward the sound, but I grabbed her elbow. “Get behind me,” I said.

I didn’t stop long enough to see if she’d argue.

Instead, I moved.

The others gathered by the front door, peering out. “What is it?” I practically sprinted across the living area.

“Caitlin says she sees someone,” Miles said.

I looked at the kid, gauging what ran through his head. He had a good head on his shoulders. Reminded me so much of Evan, it made my chest ache.

“You stay back here and keep an eye onthem.” After a beat, I pressed the gun into his hand. “You know how to use this?”

He shook his head, but then met my eyes. “I’ll figure it out.”

I squeezed his shoulder—harder than I needed to—because his kind of bravery deserved it.

I nodded and moved on, knowing Asia wasn’t even a step behind me. “What did you see, Caitlin?” I said, my voice low as I approached.

“It’s a boy,” she whispered, “out there.”

I glanced at Asia. Her brow was furrowed. Then I looked out and saw nothing but trees.

“You sure?” I said.

“I might not be Asia, but I’m not a freaking idiot, Jack.”

I ignored the venom in her voice, and said, “Where was he?”

“There. By the trees,” she said, looking off into the distance.

I moved, knowing Asia was by my side.

“Keep your eyes open,” I whispered. I didn’t have to tell her.

But saying it was more for me than her—yet another promise I’d keep her safe.

I didn’t like anything about this, but I didn’t have a choice.

If I had my way, Asia would be somewhere safe. But in this world—what was left of it—the only place I thought was safe was next to me. Even if that meant marching her straight into the unknown.

“You don’t think she saw anything?” Asia asked under her breath.

“Maybe. Or maybe it was her imagination. Or it could be someone trying to trick us. I guess we’ll find out,” I said.

She didn’t say anything else, and still together, we walked across the lawn, eyes sharp for anything.

“I don’t like being exposed like this.” Her voice was quiet, but I still heard the tension.

“It’s not perfect, but the trees will give us cover.”

Once we hit the woods, I felt better.