Eames shoots her an amused, tolerant look. “Of course.”
“Hey, give her some credit,” I tell him. “She’s the reason we’re safer than everyone else in the building.”
“Are we going to be okay?” asks Piper hopefully.
“Backup is on the way,” I say, not truly answering her question.
What I don’t tell her is that it will take some time—and even when help does arrive, hostage situations are messy. It’s one thing for a few desperate criminals to grab a civilian on impulse, but this was planned. Hannah Vale and her group are coordinated, methodical, and clearly not above murder to achieve their ends. I have no doubt that Vale will kill anyone that gets in her way.
“Okay, so here’s what we know,” I say. “The criminals are looking for something. I don’t know what.”
Nonna frowns. “They’re here to steal something? Why’d they lock everyone in, then?”
“Because now they can search the building at their leisure,” I answer, “without anyone interfering. And if anyone fights back or if the cops try to retake the building…” I hesitate, aware of the kid in the room.
“They use that fire thing to kill people,” says Piper flatly. “Maybe one by one. Maybe make an example if someone fights back. Broadcast the whole thing.”
For a moment, no one says a word.
Eames lightly cuffs her on the back of the head. “No more true crime books for you, P.”
She scowls at him.
I take a breath. “Piper’s morbid, but she’s not wrong. Where would you hide something in this building?”
They all look blankly at me.
“Well?” I say, holding out my hands. “I’ve been here under twenty-four hours. You’re all actual residents. Where do you hide something here?”
“A safe,” says Eames at the same time Piper chimes in, “Under my mattress.”
“At least now I know where you’re hiding your books,” says Eames.
I consider his suggestion. “Is there anyplace in this building where there might be a safe?” Most apartments wouldn’t have them, but this place was once a hotel.
He shrugs. “We’ve only been here a few weeks.”
Nonna looks thoughtful. “Well, maybe. In the security office.”
That’s a place to start. I shove my backpack under the love seat. “Do not touch that,” I say. The last thing I need is for them to find Edgar’s chassis.
“Listen,” I say. “I’m going out there. If I’m not back in three hours, barricade the door and stay quiet.”
Eames gives me a skeptical look. “Who put you in charge?”
“A federal agent.”
He doesn’t appear convinced. “And when was the last time you dealt with a hostage situation?”
I answer with complete honesty. “Two days ago.”
IDENTITY SECURITY DIVISION
WRAITH CASE STUDY: AUGUSTA PINE
THE HIJACKING DEBRIEF
The bus had been hijacked and I hadn’t done it.
