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“Martha Chase,” I whispered. “I think she was eavesdropping.”

“Jolie,” he said, massaging my shoulders. “I really don’t think she could’ve heard through the door.”

“But she might’ve,” I said miserably. “There’s a tiny chance.”

“I told you, I’m gonna keep you safe. Always. Even if she turns us in, I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that.”

I nodded. He was right. As long as he was alive, I would be safe. Even in the jaws of darkness and despair.

Besides, Martha seemed to have softened recently. Several weeks ago, she narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips at the sight of Mason and me practically kissing onstage during Faith Formation, but she didn’t say anything about it to my father or the Elders.

She wouldn’t turn us in for this. Like Mason said, she probably hadn’t heard anything, and even if she did, it couldn’t have been more than a few words.

Or so I hoped.

I gulped and shakily got to my feet, aided by Mason. He smoothed my hair down and smiled. “You won’t have to wait much longer. First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll send all the stuff in and upload it online.” He frowned. “Actually, why don’t you come with me for that? I hate the idea of leaving you here, even for a few hours.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting his strength seep into me. Then I shook my head. “No, I should stay here. If I’m gone when everyone wakes up, they’ll get suspicious, and like you said the other week, we don’t want anyone to know what’s happening until the FBI is banging the door down. Otherwise who knows what the men might do to save themselves?”

“You sure you feel okay with staying?”

“Yes. You were right before,” I said. “Once the authorities and public see what’s happening out here, they’ll move fast, so it won’t be much longer till everyone is safe.”

“Yeah.” He smiled again, pulling me tightly against him. “One more day,” he murmured. “Just one more day.”

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