AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Hey, bro," Simon called sleepily. "What's--?"
He stopped. His gaze traveled over the kids crowding into his hall and he gave a sharp shake of his head.
"Apparently, we have visitors," he said. "I gotta hear this one."
A woman appeared at the top of the stairs. A petite blonde, pulling her robe tight. Lauren Fellows. Chloe's aunt. The doctor who'd worked with the Edison Group.
A girl pushed past her. Taller than Dr. Fellows, with short dark hair and piercing dark eyes. Kit's daughter. Simon's half sister. Victoria Enright. Antone's message said she was related to the Nasts' witch, but distantly, which explained the different spelling of the surname. I was just really glad Antone had given us all the details--and that I'd listened to his message about a half-dozen times on our trip--or I'd never keep all the relationships straight. I suppose they were about to have the same problem with us.
"We need to go," Derek said. "Everyone, back upstairs, pack your things."
"Wh-what?" Simon said.
"Slow down," Kit said as he reached the landing.
Derek towered over him, but moved back so he wasn't looming. "They know where we are. The St. Clouds. They've found us."
Kit's gaze swung to us, and I stepped forward to explain, but his gaze moved to Chloe and she took over.
"These kids are from Project Phoenix. They escaped. Maya and her brother"--she pointed at me and Ash--"their father told them to come here."
"Doesn't matter," Derek cut in. "The St. Clouds know where we are. Which means we need to leave. Now."
"Hold on," Kit said, raising his hand.
"Didn't you hear me?"
"Yes, Derek, I did, but--"
"Derek?" Dr. Fellows called as she descended the stairs. "Why don't you go upstairs while we talk. I think that would be best for everyone."
From her tone, you'd think she was talking to a misbehaving puppy.
Chloe shot her a look. "That isn't necessary. We all just need to give Maya and Daniel a minute to explain." She glanced at Derek. "Please."
Derek looked from Chloe to his father, then nodded. Simon brushed past Kit. He gave us a smile, friendly but cautious, and went to stand by his brother and Chloe.
"You are explaining, right?" a voice said.
I looked up. It was Victoria, still on the steps, staring at me.
"Waiting for that explanation," she said.
I lifted my brows and turned to Kit. "The St. Clouds know where you are. They've known for months. They're just wearing you down, waiting until something goes wrong or you get tired of running, then they'll pounce."
"How did they find--?" Kit began.
"Not important right now," Derek cut in. "She's explained it to us; we'll explain it on the road. The point is that our cover has been blown."
Kit moved quickly to the window. "They're watching us now?"
I shook my head. "They have someone doing spot checks, but since you've only got one means of escape--your van--that's what they're monitoring. With a tracking device."
"So now can we leave?" Derek said.
"How?" Victoria said, walking down the rest of the steps. "Set off on a midnight hike to town? Like that's not going to be noticed."
"Tori's right," Kit said. "If they've been monitoring us for months, there's no need to rush off in a panic. Tomorrow we'll look for the tracking device. If we can't find it, I'll get to town and rent us another van. Then we'll leave."
