Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room.
“This world’s getting complicated,” Eli continues.
“But good people working together?”
“That still matters.”
Boone shifts beside me.
“That’s the hook,” he whispers.
“Service.”
“Belonging.”
“Purpose.”
Sentinel used to say the same thing.
People will do extraordinary things if they believe they’re helping.
Eli’s voice continues.
“We’ve expanded our outreach in the last year,” he says. “New volunteers across four counties. New partnerships. New capabilities.”
Capabilities.
That word lands heavier than the rest.
Then Eli gestures toward the map again.
“You see those pins?”
Everyone nods.
“Those are the places where our people are already helping.”
Boone leans slightly forward.
“Already?” he murmurs.
I feel the shift in my stomach.
Something is wrong.
Very wrong.
Eli smiles at the room.
“Because sometimes the best way to save people,” he says, “is to be there before anyone realizes they need saving.”
The room applauds softly.
Boone and I don’t.
My brain starts racing.
“Boone,” I whisper.
