Page 73 of Johnny

number I had been entering still there on the cheap, crappy screen. And then hesitate.

Should I do this?

Or should I wait?

Why would I wait? The only reason I’m here with Johnny Boston is so I can set him up to fail.

That’s the only way out of the mess I’m in. The only way my disappeared father becomes un-

disappeared.

I press send.

It rings.

“Yes,” a woman’s voice says on the other end.

“I’ve got him. I’m taking him there tomorrow.”

“How did you manage that?”

And you know what? This kind of sets me off. Because she says it like she was expecting me to

fail. “Don’t worry about it. It’s done. We’ll arrive by boat at noon. I’m telling him it’s a shift change

and that’s our best opportunity.”

“Good girl,” she says.

Fuck you, I silently rage.

“And by the way,” I snap. “I almost died down in that dungeon. You know that right? He almost left

me. I don’t know why he came back. Just luck. So… think about that the next time you come up with a

stupid plan like this.”

And then… silence. And I cannot believe I just said all that. It’s like the fear and panic I tucked

away after my rescue suddenly came rushing back and I lost all sense of self-control.

I hold my breath, waiting for her response.

Finally she says, “But it all worked out, didn’t it?”

I don’t answer, just huff. Because I really did think I was going to die down there. All those

thoughts about how strong and kick ass I am? Just delusions.

“You’re doing well, Megan,” she says. Almost soothingly. “We’re right on track and you will see

your father very soon if it all goes to plan. The Way appreciates your loyalty. It will be rewarded.”

It better be.

But I have enough good sense to keep that thought to myself.

“Yeah,” I sigh. “Sure. Just trying to do my part.” Trying not to notice that my whole body is