Page 39

Max

I lean against my car on this deserted country road near the compound where they're keeping Hailey.

The hood is popped. I've driven back and forth twice, scoping it out.

And holy shit, this place is locked down like a military base.

From what I can see, a spiked fence encircles the perimeter.

Armed guards stand at the main entrance, and cameras line both inward and outward along the fence.

Not wanting to be seen driving back and forth too many times, I pull over, forming a different plan than simply hopping the fence.

A cornfield stretches for miles in front of me as the sun sets.

I feel like I’ve already failed her. I should have never stopped checking that tracking app.

I stopped because I was obsessing too much, and it hurt knowing where she was when she wanted nothing to do with me.

So now I'm waiting on the road like a jackass, pretending I have car trouble and hoping someone from the cult will stop to help.

But it's been silent for hours. No one goes in or out of the gated area.

Just as I’m starting to lose hope, the sound of a car reaches my ears.

I turn to see a black SUV heading my way.

I take a deep breath, adjusting the gun in my waistband, and step into the road.

The vehicle roars closer and closer. For a second, I think they’ll run me down.

I raise my hands and make eye contact with the driver—a man about ten years older, with white-blonde hair.

His eyes widen as he slams on the brakes.

I let out a sigh when he stops in front of me, resting my hands on his hood. Looking past him, I see he's alone. I also notice the sailor costume he’s wearing, like the ones the guards wear beyond the fence. He's a member.

"You need to move," the driver says, his voice monotone through the open window.

"Hi there," I start, friendly. "Sorry to jump out like that, but I'm having car trouble and my phone's dead. Can I borrow yours?"

"I don't have a phone."

"Oh." I tap my fingers on the hood, thinking. "I've been out here for hours, and you're the first person I’ve seen. Think you can drive me to a gas station? I have cash. I'll make it worth your while. "

"I'm sorry. I can't do that."

His gaze shifts past me toward the base, and his grip on the wheel tightens.

"Please, it's getting dark, and I haven’t had water since morning," I plead.

"Sir, move." His eyes narrow.

I swallow and nod, hoping for a more graceful approach, but left without choice. I leap to the driver's door. It's locked, so I jump on the ledge, throwing my head and shoulders through the window.

"Stop it!" he screams, trying to close the window on me.

I pull my gun on him through the pinching gap. "Roll down the fucking window," I demand, lungs crushed.

He complies, and I breathe easier, no longer constricted.

I glance over at the compound, hoping we're too far for them to notice this conflict. "Now, put the car in park and unlock the door."

He hesitates, deciding whether to floor it or comply.

"If this car moves an inch, you're dead." I press the gun barrel to his temple.

He puts the car in park, and I open the door. "Good. Now step out."

I guide him to my car, unsure of my plan, but finally having control of the situation. I dig my fingers into his arm, leading him to the roadside near my car. "On your knees."

He drops.

"Who... who are you?" he stammers.

I pistol whip his nose, relishing the crunch and his moaning as blood fills his mouth.

"I'm the one asking questions. Do you know Hailey Burke? "

Clutching his face, he shrugs. "Yeah, sure. Everyone knows her."

Right. The cult leader’s only child.

"Is she in there?" I gesture toward the fenced area.

He shakes his head. "I don't know. They don't tell me these things."

I click the safety off the gun, sensing his lie. "Final answer?"

"Yes! Yes... we're keeping her here."

"And how will you help me get in and find her?" I glance at his name tag. "Boone?"

"I don't know. Outsiders aren’t allowed."

"No shit. How were you getting in? Do they know to expect you or just some asshole in a military costume?"

His eyes dart to the compound, wiping blood from his face. "Gate workers know which cars to expect."

"Good. Which building is Hailey in?"

"The jail," he moans. "Farthest building in, no windows."

I slam my pistol against his head, knocking him out this time.

I strip him; he's my height but slimmer. I can make this work. I wear his pants and button his top—it’s tight on my shoulders and I'm cursing myself for breaking his nose, his blood staining my new shirt.

I open my trunk, zip-tie his hands and feet, and throw him in, still unconscious.

Maybe it would have been cleaner to kill him, but I fear firing my gun this close.

Those at the base might hear. I hit him with the pistol butt until his foot twitches.

I think it killed him, and if not, he's too injured to act for a while .

I crack my neck, deciding to drive the SUV toward the compound, leaving him as is.