Shelton thrust his face between Ben and me. “Why the beams, man?”
“We’re driving through downtown Charleston on a Friday night,” Ben said calmly. “No headlights might stick out a bit, don’t you think?”
“Solid point.” Shelton’s head retreated.
We followed in silence, as if worried our voices might carry to the vehicles ahead. Despite the confident talk, I knew how risky this was. I prayed my guess was correct. That these men wouldn’t dream we’d have the guts to turn the tables on them.
Ben kept far enough back to avoid detection while not losing the trail. Neither vehicle turned as we rolled through the heart of the city, heading north up the peninsula. There our quarry surprised me, merging onto Interstate 26. Miles piled up as we sped north, inland, away from our usual stomping grounds.
Traffic was light, but not so sparse that we stood out. The car and van were a hundred yards ahead, traveling the speed limit. Ben stayed several car lengths back, driving slower than he usually would. As we entered North Charleston, I began to worry the spies were heading all the way back to Columbia.
Hi sat forward in his seat. “How far do we dog these guys?”
Chance, Ben, and I all spoke at once. “As far as it takes.”
“Jinx.” Shelton scratched the side of his nose. “But let’s be real—if we’re not home by midnight, Tory, Hi, and me are shark bait.”
Movement in the lane ahead.
“Look!” I pointed to the left. “They’re exiting. Onto Dorchester Road. Ring any bells?”
Everyone shook their heads.
“So they are local,” I said. “We can handle Lowcountry bullies, right, guys?”
“Based locally.” Ben’s gaze never strayed from the taillights ahead. “I doubt they’re stationed here all the time. Probably flew in just for us.”
Then Shelton gasped.
I spun in my seat. “What is it?”
“Oh man.” He squeezed his forehead. “I know where we’re going.”
Chance gave him a skeptical look. “Seriously?”
“I-526 is up ahead,” Ben called out. “Signs for the airport. That your guess?”
Shelton frowned. “Ten bucks says we go right by.”
He was right—we zipped past the exit and continued north. Traffic thinned as we entered a forested area, then a large sign glittering in the Explorer’s headlights.
“We’re here,” Shelton mumbled glumly.
“‘Joint Base Charleston,’” I read aloud. “What’s that?”
“Only the largest military base around.” Shelton crossed his arms. “Air force, navy, marines, you name it. The guys that attacked us are probably SEALS. Could kill us all with a pack of dental floss.”
But the car and van drove by the base’s main entrance, then zoomed past a smaller gatehouse beyond it. I was about to question Shelton’s guess when the vehicles abruptly slowed, then turned onto a small, unmarked gravel road leading into the woods.
Ben tensed, uncertain what to do. Then he flicked off the headlights and followed.
“Oh God,” Shelton breathed. “There’s no mistaking what we’re up to now.”
“Only if they see us,” Ben replied, but he began chewing his thumbnail.
We stayed well back as we traveled a winding road, ready to U-turn and flee at the slightest inkling we’d been spotted. My anxiety rose with each rotation of the tires.
We were in the middle of nowhere. Easy pickings once again.
Brake lights ahead. Ben slowed, then stopped.
The van’s high beams lit up the car it was following. The passenger had gotten out to unlock a rusty gate while the driver punched a code into a keypad.
Lights strobed around both vehicles, shockingly bright in the gloom. Then they rumbled forward, pausing only to collect the man outside, who’d relocked the gate and was hustling back to the sedan. Both vehicles disappeared around a bend.
“What was that?” Chance whispered. “The flash, I mean.”
“Cameras.” I tapped my bottom lip, thinking furiously. “Some kind of security.”
Ben looked at me. “I think this is as far as we go.”
I nodded, then had a crazy idea.
Before anyone could react, I opened my door and hopped outside. “I’ll be right back.”
“Hey!” Ben shouted, but I was already sprinting toward the gate.
Twenty-five yards. Fifty. Seventy-five yards. One hundred.
I was puffing hard by the time I reached the barrier.
Rusty, faded sign. Rickety metal gate. Department store padlock.
So why the fancy camera?
Sticking to the shoulder, I slunk forward another dozen yards to where the road veered sharply. Peered down the gravel drive into a shallow dell just ahead.
My breath caught.
A sleek, low-slung building swarmed with uniformed men. Light poured from every window as I counted a half-dozen cameras bolted to the eaves. The area hummed with purpose, hyperactive even at this late hour.
I turned and ran back to the Explorer. Diving back into the passenger seat, I waved for Ben to get going, wheezing from back-to-back headlong dashes.
As Ben spun a circle, I finally caught my breath.
“Well?” Hi demanded.
“There’s an army down there.” Failing to keep a tremor from my voice as I described the scene. “The sign said, ‘Department of Defense—Homeland Security. Trespassers will be shot on sight.’”
Ben punched the gas, racing back toward the highway in near total darkness. Reaching pavement, he flipped on the headlights and sped in the direction we’d come.
Back toward Morris Island. Our parents. Our homes.
But to safety? Who knew anymore.
There was no longer any doubt: Government agents were after us.
Had tried to capture us. Perhaps even kill us.
As we tore down the empty highway, one question kept looping in my brain.
Who were we really dealing with?
Ben pulled up to the Candela building.
He shifted to park, but didn’t kill the engine. Then he waited, not speaking, both hands on the steering wheel. The message was obvious: Ben wanted Chance out. Now.
Rolling his eyes, Chance tapped Hi’s shoulder. Hi nodded, opening the door and exiting so Chance could escape the middle seat.
“Thanks for the ride.” Chance’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Any time.” Ben was equally insincere.
Chance couldn’t go home. What if agents still watched Claybourne Manor? This was the next best thing. Big, well-lit building. Twenty-four-hour security. Public location. Chance even had a couch in his office. A part of me was actually jealous.
He’s safer here than on Morris Island.
The thought drew a shudder. This evening was a game changer, I was sure. But to what extent? How soon? Was I safe in my own bed tonight? Were any of us?
We had to hope rules were still in place.
We had to hope these men wouldn’t take us in our homes.
They came for Chance. Was that different?
Hi was re-buckling his seat belt when a thought occurred to me. “Wait.”
Ben tensed. “We’re very late, Tory. Like, grounded-for-days late.”
I waved his comment away, trying to capture an idea forming in my head. “We’re missing something. We’re forgetting about the Trinity.”
Hi wearily rubbed his eyes. “I thought they were done harassing us?”
Shelton sighed. “We should return the favor.”
“They won’t try again.” Chance was standing on the curb, one hand still on the door. “Will’s smart enough to know we won’t fall for another trap.”
“No, no.” I made a hushing gesture, trying to fit pieces together. The boys fell dutifully si
lent. Finally, “What I mean is, the Trinity are connected to our stalkers. They’ve tipped off our location at least three separate times. How?”
No one had an answer.
“We need to talk to them.” I opened the passenger door. “I think I know how.”
Ben scrambled from the driver’s seat. “Where are you going?”
Watch check. Eleven forty-five p.m.
First I had a parent issue to deal with. I needed more time.
“Be quiet for a sec.” I called Kit, practicing lines in my head.
He answered groggily on the second ring. “Yello?”
“Kit!” Voice cheery. “It’s me. I’m so sorry leaving this until the last minute, but can I stay over at Ella’s tonight? We’re super close to her house and I lost track of time.”
I ignored my companions’ startled glances. Who else could I use? Ella was my only close friend that didn’t live within fifty feet of me on Morris. The only plausible sleepover spot.
“Tory.” I sensed Kit sitting up in bed, no doubt checking the clock. “This is the definition of last minute, kiddo. I thought you were out with the boys? You know, your dog was acting crazy earlier. Darn squirrels.”
Another pause. Whitney spoke in the background, but I couldn’t make out what she said.
“Are Ella’s parents home?” Kit asked finally.
“Oh yeah. But I think they’re asleep. Do you want her to wake them?”
Please no.
A big sigh. “No, that’s fine. But how about a little warning next time, hey?”
“Thanks, Dad.” I knew Kit liked when I called him that, which made me feel guilty for doing it. “Won’t happen again, I promise. Bye!”
“Hm-mm. Bye.” The line went dead.
I shoved my phone back into my pocket. Turned. Found all four boys staring at me.
“Not good,” Hi whispered.
“I don’t know what you’ve got planned,” Shelton began, the color draining from his face, “but I can’t pull that garbage with my parents. I’m already gonna catch—”
“You guys go home. Ben, take Shelton and Hi.” I nodded to the hulking, black-windowed office building behind me. “I think I know how to draw the Trinity out, but I need Chance’s help to make it work. We can handle this alone.”
Ben rounded the Explorer. “No way.”
“What? Ben, you have to drive Hi and Shelton back, or—”
“So you can shack up with him!?” Ben’s face was bright red, his eyes pinched in anger.
Before I could even fathom a response, Ben charged directly at Chance and shoved him in the chest. Caught off guard, Chance tumbled to the ground.
This time, Ben didn’t stop. He jumped on Chance, fists rising and falling. I heard several dull smacks.
“Ben! Stop it!” I shouted, but was wasting my breath.
Then Chance grunted. His whole body spasmed. Moving faster than my eyes could follow, he caught Ben’s fists in his hands. An instant later Ben went flying, landing hard and sliding down the sidewalk.
Chance rose, eyes blazing bloodred.
“Chance! No!” I raced to intercept, but he dodged me easily, nostrils wide as he lifted Ben by the shirt.
“I’ve had it!” Chance growled, hair mussed, tracksuit ripped, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead. “I never wanted this fight, but I’m done playing nice.”
The analytic part of my brain marveled, even as my emotions ran riot.
Chance can flare at will. Twice in one night, without a thought.
The Trinity are stronger.
Dazed, Ben swiped at the air ineffectually, unable to defend himself. Chance crouched over him, fist cocked, his face a mask of fury.
Hands grabbed Chance.
“That’s enough, Claybourne.” Shelton hooked his skinny arms around Chance’s muscular one, looking the older boy squarely in the eye. “Step away.”
“Right now.” Hi snagged Chance’s other shoulder, no joke in his tone. “Let him go.”
Chance bared his teeth, as if considering taking on all three. If he tried, I didn’t know what would happen. Chance was flaring, rage directing his actions. He’d been attacked by Ben without provocation. Had every right to be furious.
Things balanced on a razor’s edge.
I stepped forward. Placed a hand against Chance’s cheek.
Fierce red eyes met mine. Softened the slightest bit.
I held his fiery gaze. “Don’t. Please.”
Chance’s brow furrowed, then all emotion drained from his face. The red glow vanished as he released Ben and took a step back. Neither Hi nor Shelton let go, but Chance didn’t lash out. “He’s got to stop this” was all he said.
“I know.”
I knelt beside Ben, whose senses were slowly returning. Abruptly, he registered what had happened. Shaking me off, he lurched unsteadily to his feet.
I tensed. Hi and Shelton still clung to Chance’s powerful frame.
Ben turned roiling eyes on me. I was startled to see a tear leak from one corner.
I knew it had nothing to do with the fight.
“You can’t.” Ben spoke in a strangled voice. “Please. Not with him.”
I stared. Stunned.
Shelton and Hi dropped Chance’s arms, began a thorough inspection of their tennis shoes.
Chance turned and walked toward the alley.
With no idea what to say, I went with the truth. “Ben, I want to lay a trap for the Trinity. To pull it off, I need access to a Candela computer. I can only do that with Chance’s help. That’s why I’m going in there. The only reason.”
Ben looked away. “Sure. Whatever.”
He staggered toward the Explorer. Shelton stopped him gently and steered him to the backseat. Surprisingly, Ben didn’t resist, climbing inside and closing the door without looking my direction. Shelton hurried around to the driver’s seat and gave me a thumbs-up.
“Tell us your plan later,” Hi whispered as he slid into the passenger seat.
Taillights.
They were gone.
• • •
Chance was waiting in the alley.
Neither of us spoke as he typed the code, opened the door, and led me to the elevator.
We were halfway up before he finally broke the silence. “I apologize.”
“Don’t. Ben hit you. He’s the one wrong here.”
Is he, though? Or did I push him to this?
The problem with never addressing your personal issues is that they don’t get smaller.
Quite the opposite.
Chance gave me a knowing glance. “It’s pretty clear why, though, isn’t it?”
My cheeks flushed. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Chance sighed. “Of course not.”
Then, after an excruciatingly awkward pause, “Want to explain what you’re doing here?”
The elevator doors opened to a dark and empty hallway. Not surprisingly, no one else was working the Friday midnight shift. “I’ll show you. Come on.”
Inside Chance’s office, I walked to his desk and sat. “Take a seat. I want to see these secret files you’ve got squirreled away.”
Chance froze in the act of moving a chair. “Which files?”
Oh. Right.
“The Brimstone experiment.” Hiding my blushes. “Any file Speckman hacked.”
“That’d be all of them.” Chance grabbed his wireless keyboard and began typing. “First I have to disable the encryption.”
Moments later, a familiar file tree appeared on-screen. “I’ve seen these. We stole this database from the aquarium months ago. That’s what led us to you in the first place.”
“Correct.” Chance set the keyboard down and crossed his arms. Wedged in behind the desk together as we were, his forearm rubbe
d against mine. Goose bumps rose on my flesh.
He didn’t seem to notice. “The Trinity have already seen these. So what are we doing?”
I inched away. Felt a moment’s regret at the lost contact. “I want to plant something in the files. Bait for the Trinity to find.”
Chance leaned back, gave me a speculative look. “Why?”
“A hunch.” I rubbed my arms, attempting to settle tingling skin. “Speckman keeps tabs on you somehow. I suspect spyware. So, maybe, if we leave something new in here . . .”
“The Trinity will find it.” A smile spread across Chance’s face. “We can manipulate them for a change. Tory, that’s brilliant!”
He squeezed my shoulder. Electricity ran down my spine.
“But what should we leave?” Chance stroked his chin in thought. A few days’ stubble roughened his smooth, tan cheeks. It only made him look more rugged.
Focus.
“That’s what we need to figure out.” I began scrolling files, unsure what to look for. There were the Brimstone files, but those were technical in nature, and the project had been shuttered and erased. It’d be suspicious to suddenly alter one now.
Doubt began to creep in. Did the Trinity even look at this stuff anymore? Why would they? And what could we add that would draw attention, yet not give our scheme away?
Then I saw it.
A single file, in its own directory.
Tory Brennan.
Of course.
“This one.” Voice taut. “They must check it.”
Chance’s forehead creased. “Why do you say that?”
“You located our bunker a few weeks ago, right?”
Chance nodded.
“And recorded that here?”
Another head bob.
“On the Yorktown, Speckman admitted that this specific file tipped him to the bunker’s location.” I grew excited despite the subject matter. A file on me. “He must monitor your entries. We can turn that against him.”
Chance raked fingers through his onyx hair. “But I haven’t added a thing since our fight with the Trinity. Why would I? Will told me I’d been hacked.”
I shrugged. “Make a mistake. Change the encryption, here, right now, but not so well that he can’t break it again. Trick Speckman into thinking you believe the file is secure.”