Chapter 6

I stepped out onto the grand steps of St. Michael's Academy.

The rain had softened to a drizzle. The sky was gray. The air smelled like wet stone and exhaust.

Down on the avenue, Mason's black sedan pulled away from the curb. Its red taillights blurred through the rain. Inside, I could see the silhouette of Eli's small head pressed against the rear glass.

My hands stayed steady.

I watched the car until it turned the corner and disappeared into the Uptown traffic.

Then I looked at the bottom of the steps.

Four jet-black SUVs idled parallel to the sidewalk.