"Mary." My voice came out steadier than I felt. "Unlock the gate."
"I can't do that." She sounded almost apologetic, which somehow felt worse than if she'd been cruel. "I'm sorry, Gina. I truly am. This isn't—I never wanted it to happen like this."
"Wanted what to happen like this?" I asked, confused.
She didn't answer.
Soon strange shapes were already peeling away from the hedges on either side of us.
Three men, then four, moving in with the unhurried confidence of people who'd done this before.
Rourke, Bey said, recognizing something in the lead man's scent even before I understood how she knew the name. Fabian's man.
"Mary, what did you do—"
"I bought you time you don't understand yet." Her voice cracked, just slightly. "Please. If you fight, they'll hurt you. If you come quie
