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A chorus of voices erupts behind her.

Junie says, “She lives.”

Scarlet says, “Speaker.”

Honey ignores both of them. “Where are you? Are you safe? Do you need me to bring clothes, snacks, medical supplies, or a shovel?”

Guilt gnaws at me. I completely forgot to text. “A shovel feels premature.”

“That wasn’t a no.”

“I’m safe. I’m at Theo Heron’s house.”

The line goes quiet for one beat.

Junie whispers, “Cemetery Theo?”

Theo closes his eyes.

Ezra looks delighted.

“Yes,” I say. “He let me through the gate.”

Scarlet’s voice comes closer. “Pepper, are you okay? Do you feel safe with him?”

I look at Theo, who is standing beside the daybed with concern written across his entire enormous body. Then I look at Ezra, who has one hand resting near the worktable as if he is prepared to vanish and determined not to.

“I do.”

Honey exhales. “Okay. Good. Are you alone with him?”

“No. His bonded partner is here.”

Another pause.

Junie says, “He has a bonded partner?”

“Ezra.”

“Do we know an Ezra?” Honey asks.

“No.”

Ezra gives a small wave toward the phone.

“He says hello,” I add.

Honey’s voice warms. “Is he nice?”

“He refilled my water bottle and has very good cheekbones.”

Ezra presses his lips together. Theo looks at the ceiling.

Scarlet cuts in. “Pepper.”

“Sorry. Hormones. He’s nice.”

“And Theo?” Scarlet asks.