“The convoy transporting Dakota Helfinger and Jeffrey Rose to jail for their trials was hit,” Thalia sucks in a breath. “They’re loose. But that’s not the worst part.”
Icy cold dread slithers over my skin. “Tell me.”
“Rector and Donepudi were the Marshals assigned to the transport,” Thalia clears her throat. “They were killed during the attack.”
I’m suddenly on the floor. Sheila Rector. My partner and best friend since we started with the Marshals Service.
This can’t be right. I just talked to her two days ago. “What?”
“Rector and Donepudi are dead, and we have two inmates on the run,” Thalia repeats.
“How?”
“Don’t know. But, I need you to track them down,” Thalia’s voice turns to a whisper. “I’m going to send someone to help you, but trust no one else. This has to be an inside job.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“Believe it. Talk soon,” Thalia ends the call.
“Who was that?” Celia is standing beside me, along with Wysdom.
I look up at them.
Trust no one.But Thalia didn’t know how close our family was.
“There’s a situation,” I stand, brushing off imaginary dirt from my dress. “Two prisoners are loose, and I’m going after them.”
I stride toward the door, gathering my sisters as I go. They’re full of questions, shouting them all at once.
I school my face and turn toward my family. “Dakota Helfinger and Jeffrey Rose are on the run. We need to lock everyone down - ASAP!”
Wysdom pales, then rushes to get Luke.
Celia calls for Flint.
Cam nods at me, understanding this is not the time to panic. “Insider?”
I narrow her eyes. “How’d you know.”
“Because I think this is bigger than your department,” Cam sighs. “I believe there’s a conspiracy, and we’re right smack in the middle of it.”
Chapter 7
From the text messages of the Saber Family
Papa:Mija. How long do you think this lockdown will last?
Cat: Hard to say, Papa. I’m going after the bad guys.
Cam: The hell you are!
Papa: Language,Mija!
Cam: That’s not “language” - that’s a statement of fact.
Cat: It’s also FALSE. I’m going after the fugitives.
Cam: *gif of Jimmy Fallon giving thumbs down and blowing a raspberry*
