With our foreheads pressed together, I soak up her love and warmth for the count of five.
Lila’s the one who steps away, moving with purpose and guiding me. “Let’s go.”
It hits me then. She’s taking control where she can. Owning her actions. Going on her terms.
This amazing woman has found her way in the dark, and she’s bringing me with her into the light.
We step onto the grass, trading one last lingering look.
Then she smiles at me.
It’s both sullen and joyous. Hopeful and hopeless.It’s the most genuine smile she’s ever shown me.
“We’re walking in there, so sixteen people will go home to their families tonight.” She pulses our hands, then adds, “After we play his stupid game, we’re bringing the rest of them out safely with us. Right?”
“That’s the plan, cookie.”
Here we go, a couple of powerless souls, walking into a haze of violent uncertainty.Armed with a razor blade, love, and spite.
We stride away from the van with our hands locked together, cautiously approaching the house.
From the first porch step, I bellow, “Jabali, we’re here. Send out the sixteen hostages as you promised.”
Let’s see if he’s a man of his word.
I stare into the house, my view uninhibited since the door was knocked off its hinges by Alpha Team.
“Reed, look,” Lila whispers, her hand suddenly trembling.
Body tensing, I swivel my gaze around us.Nothing stands out, so I track her line of sight to spot the danger.
Five feet to our left is a beautiful little bird, perched on the front porch railing. It’s a soft tan color, with red and black accents. And a red beak.
“The bird?” I ask her.
When she nods, a lone tear dislodges. It cascades down her cheek until it meets the edge of her sad smile.
Her voice is a wispy breath. “Yes.”
After a quick check of the home’s interior, I ask, “What kind?”
“A cardinal,” she responds in a hushed tone that’s rich with awe.
I study the bird, one of my brows curving with doubt. “Really? I thought they were all red. Like the team?”
“It’s afemalecardinal.” Her lips pull thin with her grin.“She’s out after dark, which doesn’t happen often.” Her chin quivers. “I’veneverseen one at night.”
“Maybe it’s a good sign, then,” I offer, hoping it keeps her spirits high. “Add it to the life list when we get out of here later.”
Another tear follows the same trek down her face. I wipe it away with my free hand.
“Sorry for crying. It’s just...?you know what they say about cardinals, right?”
She peers at me from under her damp lashes.
I shake my head.
“Many people believe seeing one up close is a sign you’re being visited by a loved one from the other side.”
