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“Yes, he has power over everyone, and whatever he says, people just follow him out of fear that he will kill them. Some of us are living in constant fear.”
“Okay. Well, if you want to, it’s going to be tough, and you’re going to get hurt.” Karissa doesn't answer right away. She just stares at me.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Yeah, Theo, what’s your plan? I’m ready to get out of these dark hallways,” says Chris.
I look around to make sure no one else is in the hallway listening. “I'm going to need to punch you in the face.”
22
THEO
The medical center is quiet and dark as we approach its doors. I gently tap my fingers on the door three times, looking around to make sure no one is sneaking up on us. A few seconds pass, and no one answers. I lightly tap three times once more and wait.
“Why are they not answering?” Chris asks impatiently.
“They will. Let’s give them another second,” I respond.
Several seconds pass, and I’m about to start pounding on the door a little louder when I hear shuffling behind it. The door slowly opens a crack. It’s Julie; she hesitates a second when she sees Chris and Karissa standing behind me.
“They’re with me,” I say, pushing the door open.
“What happened? Where is Tyler?” Julie demands.
“Tyler is fine. Let’s close these doors so I can explain everything.”
Once we are all settled inside and the door is re-locked, I ask everyone to join me at a table. The room is quiet, and the balcony door is open, letting in a cool, refreshing breeze. Kelly quickly zeros in on Chris and hugs him. She is excited that he is alive and even more excited when I tell her that Sara is doing well. Kelly tries to start a conversation, asking about all that’s happened, but I quickly quiet her.
“We made it to their group. As you can see by Chris being here with me,” I say.
“Are they all–” Mary goes to ask something, but Julie interrupts before she can.
“Where is everyone else?” Julie asks. I can’t help but notice a change in Julie’s attitude. I know when my wife is pissed at something. Something had to have happened between them while I was gone.
“They have 78 people safe inside Paradise Cove. They are all scared to go out because Logan has gone on a killing spree. Evidently, he is killing anyone who questions his authority,” I say.
“Logan has gone mad,” says Chris.
“So, are they comi—”
“We’re ready to leave if we need to,” says Julie, cutting Mary off once again.
“No, they are coming here. We don't have much time, but I'm going to need all of you to make enough space for them. Clear out all the rooms so they have somewhere to go,” I say.
“Okay, we can do that,” Mary responds quickly. Julie rolls her eyes and looks away. What is going on with them?
“We met Karissa while we were out there,” I say, pulling her in front of me.
“Hey, sweetheart, how ar–” Mary is cut off again.
“Who is she?” Julie asks. I grit my teeth so hard I can hear my molars squeak.
“Julie, can you stop cutting Mary off every time she speaks. What has gotten into you?” I snap. She doesn't answer. Instead, she huffs a deep breath and stares at me.
“She is going to help us with Logan. She and her brother have been with Logan’s crew and she agrees that he needs to be stopped.”
“What happened to your face, Karissa?” Mary asks, staring at Karissa's swollen eye and split eyebrow that's dripping blood.
