“I resisted the urge to pour mouthwash in my brain.”

“Mouth in gear, brain stuck in neutral.”

“My feet hurt, my back hurt, and I really needed to pee. Yeah, I was feeling really powerful.”

“I cupped my hands over my ears. “No, no, no. Get out. Get dead.”

“I relaxed my grip. “Say I win.” “I win,” he managed.”

“What part of you is dead, my daughter?”I didn’t know—my sense of humor maybe?”

“Greyson is gone.” A high-pitched ringing started in my ears. “Dead?” I asked, not at all ashamed at the tiny bit of hope that leaked into my voice. “No. Escaped. He’ll be hunting you.” With that as the option, I liked dead better.”