Chapter 440

I remembered from last time it took a couple of extra seconds to come through, so when my phone said 1:00, and nothing happened, I kept breathing. About the time it rolled to 1:01, I heard a whoosh and two dings.

Brandon and Elliott.

Of course, I read Brandon’s first. I glanced over at Cadence and saw her reading, too, so I knew at least Aaron had messaged her. It didn’t take much persuasion to keep me focused on Brandon’s words.

“Hey, babe. How’s it going? You’re probably sound asleep, right? Nothing on your mind? Dang, I wish I was there with you. Of course, if I was, you really would be asleep, and I’d be in another room, in Iowa, probably watching a lame movie with my dad. Still, it beats what I’m doing now, I guess.

“So it has occurred to me that Holland wanted us gone for a reason. I hope you’re being careful. I’m sure Cadence has contacted every available Guardian in the tri-state ar