Page 148 of Coerced

Both groups would take out any guards and search nearby buildings. Whichever team found our friends first would alert the other, then we’d all hightail it toward John.

I didn’t like her going with Kerry and not me, but I could see the logic of it.

Travis and Gigi couldn’t take out guards or protect themselves like she could. And if Kerry lost it, she’d leave him to it and continue searching for the others. Travis and Gigi would try to help him and most likely get killed themselves.

Plus, Kerry wouldn’t touch her and possibly trigger a flashback.

Yeah, I was still carrying that guilt and would for a while.

“It’s a good plan.” I looked at her. “You’ll be able to handle yourself better with Kerry than the other two. You’re brave and smart, and you can think on your feet.”

“Thanks,” she murmured.

Sneaking a look at her, I saw a pretty flush rise on her cheeks.

I can’t keep my eyes off of her. How can she believe she’s unappealing?

When John snorted in his sleep, my eyes slid back to the map.

Focus! Your two best friends are missing!

But she’s made for you,a wistful voice whispered.

Shut up!

You’re already halfway in love with her.

I sighed and looked out my window.

#

Kerry

I was on board with their plan of attack.

When we caught up to the others in Pittsburgh, we stayed long enough to fill up our bellies and the gas tank and launch Mira’s metal bird. I was encouraged when it took off in the same direction we would be heading.

Now, as Mira put her foot down, Gigi asked what the plan was for after the rescue.

That’s some powerful positive thinking right there. I need to tap into some of that.

“John, have someone heal you, then take Travis to the Sanctuary and pick up Chessie.” I rolled my head to try and loosen up my tight neck muscles. “I already talked to her. Send her a text before you jump and she’ll meet you in front of her dorm. Leave her with the others by the cars, then ’port Maddy and Tara back to the Sanctuary. And Mira, if she wants to go.”

John wanted to know what they were supposed to do once they were back home.

“Travis has a list of things to research,” I told him. “He’ll need help. And I want someone to visit with Amanda. I need to know more about her conversation with the shadow prince that petrified her. And about that angel who came looking for her. Plus, since you can untangle deceptions, you can help with the hunt for the traitor. Trust me. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy.”

He seemed satisfied with that.

“I want to help you.” Mira tilted her chin up, but didn’t take her eyes off the road. “I’ll wait to go to the Sanctuary ’til this is finished.”

“Just as well.” Rome shrugged. “You’ll need a grace of refuge when you get there and you’ll have to wait until the Council sets a warden up for you to get one. That means you’ll be in either pain or a safehouse until they do.”

As he told her about graces and how the taint reacted to Holy and Divine items and places, Gigi narrowed her eyes at me and asked why I wanted to involve Chessie with this.

I knew what she was thinking. Chessie had no defensive power. To drag her into something dangerous was unforgivable.

“After Chance heals any of the wounded, he’s taking her to locate Emily Argaud Hubler. Chess knows the plan to tell Chance.”

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