Page 373
I counted every dollar.
I memorized bus schedules.
I changed my hair, my clothes, and my name.
I believed staying alive meant never allowing anyone close enough to hurt me.
Now eight people crowd around me.
They steal food.
They argue.
They ask questions.
They notice when I’m quiet.
They come when I scream.
And I am not afraid of any of them.
Taylor’s secure phone rings.
The room becomes silent.
He answers.
“Bradley.”
He listens.
Then looks at Sean.
“Federal agents opened the evidence from the depot.”
“What did they find?”
“Records connected to fourteen properties in five states.”
Kane sets down his coffee.
“Active locations?”
“Three.”
“Hostages?”
“They raided the first location an hour ago.”
My hands turn cold.
“And?”
“Four girls found alive.”
Hayley covers her mouth.
Sean reaches for her.
