Jackson’s black Jeep sits on the drive exactly where Luka and I left it. Was that only yesterday? I take a deep breath, fortifying my resolve, and stride up the walk to the front door. No one answers my knock. I ring the bell and wait. Ring it again. Worry uncoils in my gut. Could the Committee have lied to me? Could this be another crazy test? Yes on both counts. My trust in them isn’t exactly intact. I frown. Wait . . . did they even promise they would send him back? Or did they just imply it? What if he’s still trapped there? Still being hurt—? I need to know. I jog around the side of the house. A quick check up and down the street ensures that there’s no one in sight. I glance at the neighbor’s house. The blinds are closed. No one’s watching me. I don’t even know why I’m worried that someone is. It’s not like I’m going to break in or anything.
