CHAPTER 95

HUDSON STEPPED BACK INSIDE THE cafeteria not ten seconds after hearing the gunshot.

Maggie ran ahead —frantically looking between the aisles. “Where is she?”

Hudson’s heart banged out a warning. They didn’t belong in the building. All the students were supposed to be out. What if the police mistook Maggie for the shooter? “We should get out of here.”

“I have to find her.” Maggie looked totally lost. “I’m not leaving until I do.”

“Look, I really don’t want you getting shot —by Giovanna or the police.”

“Wait.” Maggie’s eyes got wide. “I know where she is.” She jogged toward the doors exiting to D Hall.

“Use your head, Maggie.” He caught up, grabbed her arm, and pulled her to a stop. Leaving the cafeteria was too dangerous. “Why do you think the fire alarm is off?”

Maggie’s face showed pure torture. “You think it’s over?”

“My guess? The SWAT team is moving in. Sneaking around the school is suicide.” Probably a bad word choice, but it was the truth.

“If we stay here,” Maggie pleaded, “some trigger-happy commando may think we’re their target anyway.”

She was right. Then again, going forward might put them directly in Giovanna’s sights. “Where do you think she is?”

Maggie closed her eyes like she could see Giovanna. “Beneath the surface.”

It made perfect sense. “We’ve got to let Pancake know first.” Hudson whipped off another text. “He’s got to tell someone we’re here, or we’ll get shot by the good guys.”