Alex approached her, sliding an arm around her as the others gathered closer. “Well, that was an unexpected turn of events.”
“Yeah, Ava, some warning would have been nice,” Kyle said as he approached them.
“Wait…” Julia flicked her gaze between Alex and Kyle. “Why do you two not seem surprised.”
“I’m surprised,” Kyle said with a shrug. “Shocked. OMG, Ava! You’re alive.”
Julia’s features turned unimpressed. “You’re lying.”
“He is,” Ava said. “They’ve both known I didn’t die since shortly after the plane crash. We couldn’t let that get out. I’m not even certain now was a good time, but we didn’t have any other choice.”
“No other choice?” Grant asked.
“We needed to grab Chris before he did something really stupid. That was after we took out the assassin in the bell tower.”
Sierra’s eyes widened. “Thewhatnow?”
“Yeah. Things with The Board are heating up,” Ava said with a shake of her head. “And if we don’t make some bold moves soon, I think they’re going to eat us alive.”
Ava took Julia’s hand in hers. “Thanks for taking care of Alex while I was gone. I really appreciate what you all have done, but now, I think it may be time for you to head back to Atlanta. I don’t want you to become collateral damage.”
Julia shook her head, her expression hardening with resolve. “No, Ava. You’re not sending us away like this. We’ve been through too much together. You nearly died. I can’t, in good conscience, leave you and Alex to face this alone. We’re stronger together. I won’t be on the sidelines while my best friend fights for her life.”
“I know. And I don’t want that happening to any of you. Sierra’s already been shot once. I do not want anyone’s blood on our hands.”
“Wait, wait,” Kyle said, “to be clear…this is just forthoseHarringtons, right? Like I’m good to stay, right?”
“Of course, Doc. We couldn’t do this without you,” Ava said with a smile.
“Then we’re all staying. Ava, you can’t do this alone.”
Ava twisted to face her friend. “We’re not. We have help. But yours is appreciated to.”
“Raven?” Grant asked.
Ava bobbed her head. “Who is actually Sebastian Bancroft.”
“What?” Sierra’s eyes went wide again. “That’s insane!”
“If you’re in, we meet him tonight at the Beach Comber. It’s time we came up with a plan to take these people down once and for all.” Ava eyed the group. “Time to fight back against The Board.”
