The vehicle flew over the twisting streets, the city blurted behind them. With her pulse thumping, Emily sat at the rear as James grimaced beside her, gripping his side where the bruises had deepened. Although the escape had been near—too close—they were not yet secure. Oliver drove with great will, eyes fixed on the road, negotiating Los Angeles' maze as if every turn counted towards their survival. Except for James's occasional grumble of agony and the hum of the motor, the quiet inside the van was thick.
Emily looked at Oliver, who had not spoken since they had rushed from the warehouse. His face was straight and she felt a weird discomfort about him for the first time. Though he had sacrificed everything to be with them, he saw something more—a shadow of something unsaid. She waved t
