46

“Where is he?” Tavi asked.

“At home with his parents. They live on the southern end of the compound. The cabin’s door is painted sky-blue with white clouds.” Ross hesitated for a few moments, looking pained. “If you’re planning to talk to him, I assure you that you won’t get anything useful. It will likely be a waste of your time.”

Tavi shook her head. “We’ll decide whether or not it’s a waste of our time, Ross, but thanks for your concern.”

“This information is appreciated,” I echoed. “Thank you all. We’ll let you continue your work.”

Tavi and I left them to their business, releasing deep breaths as soon as we stepped outside. Overhead, the sun had slipped lower in the sky. It would be evening soon.

“The atmosphere really shifted when you brought up those kids,” she said. “God, those poor things. My heart aches for them and their families.”

I suppressed a shiver. “Same here. I can’t even imagine the pain that they’ve dealt with.”

She ran her hand through her hair before pulling her h