Page 287 of Ashes of Sin and Stardust

“Clearly. And the news I have isn’t going to make it any better.” He sighed and scratched at his beard, looking nervous.

In less than a second, all those fears and nervousness flew back into my head. Before I had a chance to shield myself from his words, he said, “You’re not in trouble... but I need to ask you a question. Did you post on social media yesterday that you were leaving DC?”

My whole body went numb in an instant as I realized exactly what this was about. Barely able to move or speak, I slowly nodded.

“Show me, please.”

Extracting my phone and pulling up the video I’d posted last night, I handed it over with shanking hands. It was just the few photos I’d taken with a song laid over in the background, and some text on top: “Taking a break from DC to enjoy some time in the Appalachian Mountains with my friends! Greenwood Valley is the most beautiful place in the world.”

Reuben sighed as he watched the video several times, then clicked the phone screen off and handed it back. He looked wary, like he was trying to measure his words. But I knew what this was about.

“He’s coming for me, isn’t he?”

In the conference room, Alex, Reuben, Brad, and Jake sat at the table. I alternated between pacing, sitting down, walking towards Reuben, and avoiding him. I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t think. I could barely speak, and I felt like I couldn’t even cry. Everything was numb and I was so freaking terrified that I just wanted to dissipate into a pile of sand on the floor and cease to exist.

Yeah, that’s a logical answer, Alice. Just kill yourself. All your problems will be over.

I clutched my head in anger.No, that’s no good. Too messy, and not helpful. Besides, I haven’t had a chance to visit the observatory yet, and I want to do that before I die.

I tried to block out my thoughts as I listened to the conversation around me, barely able to identify what was said and who was speaking.

“This place isn’t even called Greenwood Valley. It’s called Bo Cove Gap, it just got its nickname because of Dad’s nature hikes.”

“It’s a small town, though. All he needs to do is go down to the Bojangles and ask.”

“We can shut the gate. The electric fence around the property won’t let anyone in without a key card or a code. Even if he finds the valley, he can’t get in. The FBI can’t even get in without our permission, you guys know that.”

“Alex has been in contact with her boss, right?”

“Alice, it’s going to be okay. Just sit down and relax, you’re safe here.” A heavy hand fell on my shoulder and I looked up. Jake smiled at me and tried to be encouraging, but it wasn’t helping.

Why did he change his mind? Why is he coming for me? What if he finds me?It didn’t make sense considering how he’d acted in the coffee shop. But I was terrified, and I still couldn’t sit still or stop pacing.

My mind kept flashing back to one afternoon when he’d finally let me out of the garage and I’d tried to make a run for it. He’d tackled me to the floor and locked me in my room.

Of coursehe would come after me if he thought he could get away with it. That stuff he said in the coffee shop was probably just to make me let my defenses down. We’d made a scene. He had alibis.

Reuben reached out and grabbed me around the waist, pulling me into his lap, and wrapping his arms securely around my middle like a straightjacket.Instantly, I felt like I could breathe again. My unshed tears prickled at my eyes, but still wouldn’t fall. I was too stressed to cry.

If he came here, not only would he find me, he’d also find Rachel. What if he did something to her? He’d told her we could be sister slaves. He would take her too. “Does he know where you live,” I whispered, looking up at Reuben.

“No.”

“Maybe Rachel and I can stay with you for a few days?”

Alex spoke before Reuben could answer. “Alice, he’s not going to find you– there you are. Took you long enough.” She muttered and held up her white iPhone as proof of something she must have said earlier. She answered it and said, “Mic. Is this about Peter Woodrow?” She stood up and listened to Mic, and the rest of the room fell silent as they watched her. The faint sound of Mic’s voice was clipped and slightly panicked.

“Good... alright. Consider it done.” She hung up and shoved her phone in her pocket. “His credit card trace came back. He’s crossed state lines. It’s now a federal case. I’ve been assigned.”

“You’re going to kill him?” I whispered.

“No,” Alex scoffed, and I swear I couldfeelher roll her eyes even though I didn’t actually see her do it. “I’m going to catch him and bring him into custody for breaking agreement to stay within fifty miles of his house. He’ll be in custody by this time tomorrow. Nowplease, calm down.”

On her way out the door, she leaned over and pressed a quick kiss against Jake’s cheek. I didn’t know a boy that brown could blush, but he managed it.

I closed my eyes and let my head fall back against Reuben’s chest. I still couldn’t cry. I was still numb, like my brain refused to let me feel anything or I might explode. I hated the numbness even more than the pain, because at least pain meant I was alive.

“Come on, trouble. Let’s go pack.”

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