We left the art room at noon. The plan came together fast, in the way plans do when everyone finally agrees there is no time left. Jordan had been at the house the night before because Derek had called him, because Derek had called both of them, because Derek had been testing them. The van with the speakers. The offer to be useful. Derek was not just running a business; he was keeping his circle close, watching the ones who know too much, letting them think they were free while he held the leash. Jordan had been on that leash for four years, ever since his father died, ever since Derek had offered his mother help with the bills and she had taken it because there was no other way. Every time Jordan thought about running, he remembered the fire, and he stayed.
Cassidy had been on the leash
