Page 103 of Wonder

But as he lifts me up, I realize where I am.

The same alley I found Adam in, that night. I flinch, instinct taking over.

And beside me—

Chess.

Buck.

Aiden.

Kayden.

They all watch me, quietly. Even Chess.

“I’m sorry,” he says softly.

But I shake my head. “Don’t be. We’re going back for him.”

Silence. Such heavy, full silence that it clogs my throat.

Buck shakes his head. His voice is gentle. “We’ll never get in, trouble. And we’ve gotnothing. The twins and I don’t even have IDs, thanks to Red.”

My lips press together as I turn to Chess. “You didn’t tell them?”

The twins exchange glances. Buck frowns. “Tell us what?”

I struggle to my feet. My head aches, courtesy of Red’s little dosing system, but I shake it off. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” They follow as I start down the alleyway.

My lips press together.

“Home.”

42 – Chess

She hesitates outside the entrance. I brush my hand against her shoulder. “Want me to go in first?”

But Lyss squares her shoulders. “No. I made the decision. I’ll own it.”

She glances back to Buck. The twins. “I can explain.”

“Alyss Lidell,” Buck says quietly. “Part of the Heart gang.”

Lyss pauses. “Yes. How did you know that?”

He stares at her, then. Pales. “I…,”

“Adam,” she says quietly. Wonderingly. “You know what happened to him, don’t you?”

Buck nods. “It wasn’t… it wasn’t the right time. Not there. But we wanted to tell you.”

“You and Hatter.” Her voice tightens. “Iknewyou knew something.”

“Yeah,” Buck says heavily. But he meets her eyes. “I’ll tell you everything. And then I can leave, if you don’t want me to stay.”

She stares at him. And she looks like a damn queen when her shoulders straighten. “Do you want to leave?”