Page 173 of Marks of Rebellion

"There's the house," Hunter says and points.

The driver parks in the driveway, and Hunter hands him some cash. We get out, and when we get to the front door, a man and a woman are in a heated discussion.

"I told you this couldn't happen anymore," she says.

"We've tried it your way, and it doesn't work for us. We're past the point of what can and can't happen."

"No, it's not right."

He puts both hands on her face. "Sloane, I'm—"

"Blaise," Hunter says.

Their heads turn toward us.

"Hunter! You made it." Blaise steps forward and embraces Hunter. "You must be Vanessa?" He leans down and kisses my cheek.

"Yes. How did you know?"

"Andre and Naomi are here."

Tears well in my eyes. "They are?"

He smiles and nods. "Yes. They were in the kitchen last. Go on in."

"Thank you."

"Oh, and this is Sloane."

We hug and kiss each other's cheek. "It's nice to meet you," she says.

"You, too."

She has a kind smile, and there is something that feels trustworthy about her. She turns the knob on the front door and motions for me to go in.

"I'll join you in a minute," Blaise says.

I step inside, and Hunter follows me. We don't get far before Naomi drops her fork, puts her hand over her mouth, and cries out, "Oh my God! You're here!"

Andre spins in his seat and a big smile forms.

After we get past the greetings, we sit on the barstools at the island.

We exchange stories about what happened to the four of us. I finally explain to Naomi and Andre everything I know about the movement and Global Leaders. Then I disclose that I saw Zoe and Penelope.

Naomi's eyes widen. "Andre, you have to get ahold of Axel."

He pulls his phone out. "On it." He rises and walks away.

"What's that about?" Hunter asks.

"Axel was here. He and Penelope made it to Bermuda, but they held her at the airport, claiming she's a spy. He was told they sent her back to England, and he went there to find her."

"Did they find her daughter?"

"No. Andre tried to calm him down, but he was only here a brief time. He said everything was connected just as the guy from the airport was knocking on the door."

"What guy?" Hunter asks.