We had to decide where to go first, but before we did anything, I wanted to talk to Aunt Melanie. And while I spoke with her, I didn’t want any WAM operatives eavesdropping. I huddled near the corner of the building with my back to the street. Bryn stood behind me. Mercutio prowled the space between buildings. Zach waited several feet away, watching the street and likely estimating the potential number of operatives in the pair of sedans that were parked at the front and back of the van. Aunt Mel’s cell rang and rang and then went to voice mail. I left a message and then called again. She answered, “Tammy Jo, thank God. I was just about to call you. Crux escaped.” I grimaced. For the love of Hershey! “I let Johnny and his boyfriend in, but my phone rang before I had the chance to warn them, and—” “It doesn’t matter what happened. I need to ask you something real important.”
