Page 83

Finally.

I climb into the back seat.

“Afternoon,” the driver says.

“Hi. Please tell me there's a coffee shop somewhere in this town that serves actual coffee.”

He laughs.

“Couple of good ones downtown.”

“Wonderful. Take me to the best.”

He nods, taps something on his screen, and pulls away.

I settle against the seat.

After months of searching, I finally know who my father was.

And somehow, knowing hasn't brought me any peace.

I spent months chasing a name, believing the answers would finally make sense once I found it.

Somehow, they make even less sense now.

My phone rests in my lap.

I should tell Torch where I am.

He'll be furious.

Then again, he's already furious with me.

What's one more reason?

I open our messages.

Went out for coffee. I'll call you soon.

I stare at the words.

Before I can press send, the driver swears.

I look up.

A dark van swings across the road ahead of us.

The cab brakes so hard my seat belt digs into my shoulder.

“What the hell?”

The van stops sideways, blocking our lane.

For a moment, nobody moves.

Then two men climb out.

One comes toward the driver's side.