Point

hts. I can not breathe because my heart is beating so fast. Ethan's shoulders are tense as he stands in front of me, ready to hit me. Mia grabs

n replies in a raised, low voice. He do

e says, "Ethan, I found something you lost," in a sweet yet piercing voice. "Thought

to say. Mia speaks loudly and leans forward.

"Work?" Indeed. Isn't Lila alway

toward Vanessa. "Leave her alone."

e after placing my hand there. Vanessa should not see how afraid

something significant, Ethan. Something you require.

s eyes. "What ga

." Eight o'clock at the old warehouse on Fifth Street. She loo

the function of the key? What question do you wish to pose?

door closes, I release a trembling breath. Mia's large green

ead is spinning from these thoughts. Ethan gives me a more compassion

k in a low voice. "And who is Ma

's... tough to explain." Do not go near either

ace or Vanessa's mean smile in my mind. As I think about my ba

hould tell Lila what is goin

"I understand. But it is not easy. Lila, put your

t going to say anything else. I stand up and no

going with you." I am not

r. For a second, his eyes get softer as he lo

ople are talking and typing in the hallway, which is noisy, but it does not feel crowded. Vanessa's key and

u need to tell Ethan soon that you are going to have a bab

ld. What if he does not wish for th

However, you must not keep this secret

w, the city is hard to make out. I smile a little and feel my stomac

fice. "Are you okay, Lil

ay, "I am fine." "Ju

Do not stress out, okay?" "Your work

am thinking about Ethan and Vanessa. I keep seeing that shiny, bad key. How does it

ats her chips, she is quiet. "Lila, I am scared," she finally says. She is no

w." "What should I do?" "Et

n find out on our own." Find out w

hat is dangerous." "

will be sneaky." Lil

s. My mind is going crazy as I finish my sandwich. I might no

om Ethan on my phone. "Be careful, Lila. "Do not go anywhere by yourself

n it, but I am not sure. It has bee

it. In my mind, Ethan and Vanessa are meeting at the warehouse. What does he have to do now? Is

. When my phone rings, I pick it up. The text message comes from a number I do not know. "Lila, I know what you are hiding." Do not ta