Page 87 of Love Me

“I heard you caused a ruckus again.”

“These walls have ears?”

“Thin walls and all.”

Heat creeps up my cheeks. They all must have heard us.

“Let’s scout that location in the woods near the Family’s compound,” he says.

“Now?”

“It’s the best time, plus I can’t sleep.”

We slip into his car and spend the drive in silence. When we reach the heart of the forest, he cuts the lights off. A spiky wire fence surrounds the building. Cameras are posted in every corner, rolling nonstop, and thick trees surround it. The best cover for a property you don’t want to be found.

And will be virtually impossible to get inside undetected.

If my mother is alive, they must be keeping her here.

“How can we even get inside?” I think aloud.

“Create a diversion?”

“How many diversions can we create? The closer you get, the harder it will be to get inside.” I point at security guards patrolling around, weapons strapped to their sides.

“Let’s observe then.”

We put our binoculars on, and I count ten guards and a few cars.

After a while, Hunter says, “We’ll take turns.”

I nod, and he adds, “I’ll start tomorrow.”

“You’ll skip classes.”

“A shocker since I have always been such a studious guy.”

“Shut up. You wouldn’t have gotten all those perfect grades if you weren’t.”

A shadow of a blush taints his ears. I suppress my amusement while he scratches his neck.

“I only make plans for the mission.” He’s terrified to plan for the future. I hope the hole in his heart over his mother’s loss will close.

“Let’s head back.”

On the drive back, I turn on music, dragging my knees to my chin.

We tiptoe inside only for Mia to find us, her arms crossed, and we halt.

“We scouted the location in the woods,” Hunter says.

“And you didn’t inform me?”

“Because it would have drawn attention, and you’re better at socializing than we are,” I reply.

“What did you find out?”

“That place is heavily secured. Whatever they’re hiding in there is important.”

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