King nods. “Such is life. Either way, it’s a beautiful spot to explore.”
“I’m game,” Ambros says, wrapping his hand around mine.
“I’m always up for an adventure,” Six agrees. King shakes his head, but I don’t miss the smile on his face.
And so that’s what we do for the next hour. We wander around, taking in the sights and smells as peace seeps into my bones. When we end up back in the spot we started from, I tip my head back and close my eyes, feeling the fading sun on my skin and the gentle breeze moving through my hair.
“I think I know what hobby I want to try. Well, apart from shooting.”
“Oh yeah?” Ambros asks, tugging me into his arms. I open my eyes and look up at him.
“Yeah. I want to plant things and watch them grow. I want to dig my fingers into soil and reconnect with the world a little.”
He swallows, a strange look passing over his face.
“Ambros?”
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
I’m about to argue with him, but he slides his hand around my jaw and slips his mouth over mine, stealing my protests. By the time he pulls back, I forget about the look on his face.
Sensing King and Six approaching, I turn to ask if they want to come over to the house for dinner after we pick up Star when King’s cell starts ringing. A moment later, Ambros’s phone rings too. I look at Six and frown as both men pull out their phones, a sense of foreboding stealing the comfort I had felt in this place just moments ago.
They both step away from us, so I move closer to Six and pretend everything is fine, and she pretends right back.
“What did you think?”
“It really is beautiful. I can’t believe this is where Delphi was hurt. It looks untouched by something so scary.”
“What?” I ask in shock.
“Yeah, King was telling me this is where she brought the grenade.”
“Oh wow.”
I look around, trying to spot signs of what happened that day, but I can’t see anything that stands out.
“We’ve gotta go.”
I jolt at the sound of Ambros’s voice. I turn to look at him and see matching blank expressions on his and King’s faces.
“What’s wrong?”
“We need to head back to the clubhouse.”
“Is Star okay?”
“She’s fine, I promise.”
“Nevaeh?” I feel myself panicking, and try as I might, I can’t catch my breath.
“Hey, she’s good. Everyone’s okay.”
“Not everyone,” King mumbles, making me look at him sharply.
