Page 70 of After the Burn

I saw Harper over Wren’s shoulder, and she looked sad.

Eventually, Wren stepped back, still smiling even as tears ran down her face.

I was surprised when the old lady from the boarding house walked by and gently patted Wren on the shoulder. That seemed to snap everyone out of the trance they’d been in since Wren started this whole spectacle, and they all went back to what they’d been doing.

“Come on,” Harper whispered. “We have a meeting with Gideon.”

Wren frowned. “Why does Gideon need to see Robin?”

“She’s not Robin, Wren. Your sister died. Remember?” Harper asked her gently.

Wren started laughing. “You’ve gone completely out of your mind. Robin is standing right here.” She shook her head. “Finley is working you too hard.”

I sighed. “Let’s just go. She’s not changing her mind anytime soon.”

Harper nodded. “This way.”

“Don’t worry, Robin. I’m coming too.” Wren hooked her arm back through mine.

“I wasn’t worried in the least,” I said, exasperated.

Lila was trying to hide her laughter behind her hand. “Come on, Robin. Let’s get this meeting over with.”

I rolled my eyes so hard that they should’ve popped out of my head. “Why did I ever promote you from asset to friend?”

Behind us, one of the scavengers called out, "Good luck, Robin.”

I heard the laughter pick up after I flipped him off. Then he muttered, “You’re going to need it.”

Fantastic.

Absolutely fantastic.

CHAPTER TWELVE

TARYN

By the time we reached the courthouse, I’d almost convinced myself that the whole thing with Wren had been my imagination.

That hope died the second I glanced over my shoulder.

She was still there and smiling widely, following me down the sidewalk as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

As we approached the courthouse, I saw the guard at the door sigh when he spotted Wren, already looking exhausted at the thought of dealing with her.

He clearly knew her well.

Same, unknown man. Same.

“Wren.”

"Ron," she countered.

“Don’t even try. You’re not getting in.” He sighed again. “Gideon gave special orders to all of us that under no circumstances are you allowed in here.”

“If my sister is going in, then so am I.” Wren stepped up beside me and gave me a reassuring look.

This woman was one lightning strike away from talking to squirrels.