The miles catch up with me. I’m torn between napping and having to pee really bad, but I don’t want to ask. Just when I think my bladder’s going to fail me, T.J. whips over to the Exit lane and we pull into a rest stop. I stop short of shoving Hank out the door. I’m relieved he seems to have the same problem, as he’s jumps down and runs toward the building before he stops short and returns for me. I feel like a child as he holds his hands up and I all but climb into his arms to get out of the truck. I could care less about my clumsy dismount from the truck seat that feels like a throne. I run to the restroom and barely make it to a stall.
I sit down and breathe easy when I hear the door slam open. “Amy?”
Someone whispers my name. “Jenni?”
I hop up and run out to wash my hands. She crowds me in the corner. She’s acting all strange and whispery. “I don’t want anyone to hear us.” I nod my head with comprehension. “Austin doesn’t have a plan yet, but he’s thinking of one.”
Amy looks scared to death. I feel terrible. “I can’t believe I dragged you two into this. You could turn back you know. You don’t have to go with me.”
She looks at me with tears in her eyes. “Amy. You know Austin won’t leave you. He wouldn’t do that.”
I stare back at her. “But this is my mission. It’s not yours. You should go home while you still can. Just have Austin drop you off in the next town. You could catch a bus home.”
Jenni’s eyes get huge. “I can’t. How do I know the Children of the Sun won’t come after me? They could be watching us right now!” Her eyes fly around the room.
I tap my pocket and hope I know what I’m talking about. “Jenni. I think Austin put a tracker on me, which means he can find me no matter what, so you have plenty of time to figure out how to get home. He can come and find me after.”
Jenni wrings her hands. “I can’t leave you, Amy. We’re best friends.” She gets in my face. “I’m with you to the end.” She takes a deep breath and nods, and I can’t help but wonder who she’s trying harder to convince; me or her. “We’ll just get in and get the ashes, or your aunt, and then we’ll leave.” I want so badly to believe her. She gives me a lop-sided smile. “Besides, how hard can it be to fool Hank? He’s not exactly brilliant.”
The door slams open, and Hank walks in. He glares at us. “Amy. It’s time to get back on the road.” He looks at Jenni like she’s roadkill. “You and Romeo can return home. I won’t say a word. It’s not too late. You don’t know the way to the silo yet.”
Why did he say it’s not too late? I find myself nodding in agreement. “Yeah, Jenni. You could go home, just like we talked about. I’ll be fine.” My voice squeaks like a mouse hiding from a cat.
She reaches out and grabs my hand. She squeezes me hard. “I couldn’t leave you, Amy. Your mom will be worried sick if I come home without you. What would I tell her?”
I go to answer, but Hank does first. “Just tell her Amy met someone and got married. She’ll understand.” I try to think of an answer, but all I can think about is how many other girls might be stuck in this compound. I’m so scared, I don’t know what to say.
Jenni’s hand remains in mine. “Amy’s mom would never believe that, Hank. She knows how much Amy wants to go to college. We all know. She wouldn’t change her mind about her future, not even for a guy.”
I want to answer and agree with her, but something holds me back. I can’t find my voice. I’m too terrified to speak.
Hank grabs my arm and pulls me away from Jenni’s comfort. “It’ll work, Jenni. You’ll see. Come on, Amy. We have to go.” He delivers his parting promise like a man with a mission. I follow along behind Hank. I don’t dare look at Jenni again. What have I gotten us into, and how will we get out?
T.J. sits behind the wheel of his monster truck. I catch a glimpse of Austin in his red Charger. The sun beats down on his windshield. I can’t see his face. I climb up Hank to get in the truck, just like before. I hardly notice his hand on my butt. My anxiety clouds my vision. Is it possible to faint from Hank-induced panic?
We ride on the highway a few more hours before we turn on to a smaller highway, and then another. T.J. pulls off, and the truck tailing us whips around us. They honk as they hit the gas and spray gravel everywhere as they fishtail. T.J. chuckles.
Hank shifts in the seat and shakes his head. “Idiots.”
T.J. glares at Hank. “They’re just having some fun and blowing off some steam, Hank.” He glances at me. “You going to blindfold her?”
Hank stares past me. “No.” This one word holds such finality. For a minute or two, I forget that I’m breathing. It’s not what he said that scares me, it’s what he didn’t say. Why does he not care if I see where the silo is? Does this mean he intends to keep me there?
I swallow hard. “I can just close my eyes, Hank. It’s no big deal. It’ll be like a surprise.” I know I sound desperate, but I can’t stop. I grab his wrist with my hand. “You could even drive Austin’s car. All three of us could close our eyes.”
Hank lays his other hand over mine and squeezes just a little too tight. “Relax, Amy. Everything’s going to be fine. You’ll see.” His words creep into my ears. Muddled panic takes over. I can’t open my eyes. “Open them.” My eyes fly open at Hank’s insistence. T.J.’s frown is no less reassuring as he inches back onto the gravel road.
“Have it your way, Hank, but your father will not approve.”
Hank’s jaw clenches and he stares out the front window at something only he can see. “He will eventually.”