“Judging by the silence,” Hank said, “everyone’s in?”
“I’ll check with Spin and Chance, but I’m sure they will be, too,” Rome said. “None of us are willing to abandon Gemma.”
Everyone agreed, and the show of support for my girl made my heart hurt. I guess my face showed my feelings, because Gigi leaned in close.
“For you, too, Kerry. We’re here to support you as well as Gemma.”
“If the Council issues a lockdown,” Gina spoke up, “the Sanctuary wards will adjust to contain all residents, wardens and students alike. Teams in the field can retreat to the nearest outpost if they want to catch the portal back here, but it’ll be a one-way trip.”
“That means there won’t be any cavalry riding to the rescue if you get in trouble,” Hank said. “And your credit card will be cut off. Do you have enough to get by if that happens?”
“Yes,” Jax and Mira said at the same time and smirked at me.
“Gina and I want to cast our vote in your favor, so we’ll stay here until the absolute last moment,” Hank said, “but if there is a lockdown, we’ll flit out before the wards are activated and catch up with you.”
“Thanks, Hank.” My warden’s loyalty meant a lot to me.
“Still no clue on the traitor?” Rome asked.
“No,” Gina said, “but ithasto be a high-level warden. Perhaps even a Council member. No one else would have enough power or influence or contacts to cover their tracks so thoroughly.”
“You two watch your backs,” Jax warned them. “If the turncoatisa Council member, the Sanctuary is no safer than here.”
“Watch your own.” Hank’s voice was grim. “Safety is an illusion right now.”
I snorted.
“It always was.”
24. A Vacation from Hell
Chance
“My dad’s dog tags.”
Even though I kept my eyes on the road, I saw in my peripheral vision that Chessie had turned away from her window to stare at me.
“Excuse me?” she asked.
“You asked what I gave the sheba as collateral. I’m answering you.”
She didn’t say anything, and I sighed.
“Help me out here, Chessie. It’s a five hour drive. I need you to talk to me so I don’t fall asleep.”
“I can do that, but pull into a rest stop if you need to. So your dad was a soldier?”
“Career Army.” I nodded. “When I was fourteen, he was killed in combat.”
“Oh! I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“It gets worse. Are you sure you want to hear all my drama?”
“I’ll listen to anything you want to share.”
I glanced over at her, but only saw myself reflected in her dark lenses.
I wish she’d let me see her eyes,I thought wistfully, but knew it would never happen. She was too self-conscious to drop her guard that far.Well, I’m about to share the most painful part of my life. Maybe that will encourage her to open up a little.
