***

Footsteps rushed to meet us and I recognized the sound before Gem came into view, her face flushed and lit by a big smile that made her blue eyes glow. “Vance, Vance, I heard the news! That’s so exciting! We’re going to find her.” She flew into my arms and gave me a tight hug, then she hugged Jaze as well. I would have laughed at the baffled expression on his face if it wasn't for the fact that I was still recovering from the news. I don’t know how Gem had overheard, but being able to share it with her made it somewhat more manageable.

“It’s the best lead we’ve got. It’s got to take us somewhere,” I replied.

“Of course it does,” she agreed, beaming. “When are we going?”

I glanced at Jaze. “I don’t think this is a safe expedition for you, Gem. You could get hurt.”

A glimmer of ferocious tenacity sparkled in her eyes. “Don’t think you can leave me out on this one, Vance. We’ve been through too much together. I want to see Rob go down as much as you do.”

Jaze let out a breath and when I glanced at him, he shrugged as if to say the choice wasn’t his.

I gave in. “Fine, but you’ve got to promise me that if it gets too dangerous, I can ask you to hang back.”

Her hand slipped into mine. “Still protecting me from the world, Vance?” she asked with a hint of teasing to her tone.

“As much as I can,” I replied.

I glanced over and saw Jaze watching us, but there was no judgment in his expression. I again appreciated his patience and understanding. “Let’s get ready to go,” I said quietly. Gem nodded and skipped off down the hallway toward her room.

“Can we protect her?” I asked Jaze in an undertone.

His brow creased. “After what she’s been through, I doubt anything scares her. My team will keep her safe.”

I thanked him and walked quickly to my room to make preparations. Gem appeared a few seconds later with a scantily packed bag and a pair of shoes hanging around her neck. At my look, she sighed, “You never know when you might need them.”

I grinned and slipped mine on. “They’re easier to wear than carry.”

She hesitated, then followed my lead as though it was painful. I threw a few supplies into my pack, then straightened to find her watching me, her bright expression darkened by shadows that had nothing to do with the lighting in the room.

“They haven’t found my parents yet,” she said. “What if I’ve lost them forever?”

I shook my head. “There’s no way they’re not looking for you right now. There are just a lot of places to search.” I felt foolish for saying it, but it must have been the right thing because tears filled her eyes.

“You're right, you know,” she said with a tremor in her bubbly voice. “Jaze will find them. I know he will.” A tear ran over and she wiped it away with another smile. “Look at me, falling apart before we go rescue Nora.” She eyed me sternly. “You're supposed to be the stalwart one, remember? Not the one who reduces girls to mere blabbering babies.”

A laugh escaped my lips. “Oh that's my role now, huh?”

She nodded in all seriousness, a touch of concern in her eyes. “Nora is safe, too, you know.”

Her words tightened the pit in my stomach. “I sure hope so.”

Gem touched my arm. “She is,” she said with the faith that had carried me further than I cared to admit. “I just know she is. You can’t give up until she’s out of Rob’s clutches. She’ll be alright, I just know it.”

“She’s a strong person,” I agreed.

She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed me on the nose. “Hang in there, Vance, my reluctant hero. You’ll save the world yet.”

I laughed and she danced on her toes. “We’d better get going.”

I nodded and she ran out the door, then paused halfway down the hall to make sure I was coming. I checked that the few meager belongings I owned were put away, then followed her to the front door.