Page 32 of Gideon

Mike’s expression softened. “My mom died when I was sixteen. After that, I lived with our dad.”

“I’m glad you had him to turn to,” I said. “My mom never told me who my dad was, so when the foster system asked for his name, I had nothing. Do you want another burger?”

“No, I’m stuffed,” he said with a small smile.

“I’m happy you’re my brother, Mike,” I said, hesitating slightly. “I just don’t know how to act around family yet.”

15

Gideon

“Doyou think Laney has met your family yet?” I asked Raven as we continued searching for our friend.

“I don’t know,” Raven replied thoughtfully. “Maybe Dad went to see her. She was nervous about meeting them. She’s been alone for so long that trusting someone who says they love her feels dangerous. Laney has done everything on her own for so long that being alone feels… safe.”

“She told me once it was like raising a child when she married Gavin. Said he never helped around the house and was even afraid to kill spiders.”

Raven smirked faintly. “You two must’ve had plenty of time to talk while on the road. What else did she say?”

“It was mostly about Haley,” I said. “She admitted that after Gavin was killed, she was terrified something might happen to her, leaving Haley all alone. She told me she’s relieved you’re her brother. She said she trusts you to keep Haley safe if anything ever happens to her.”

“That’s sweet,” Raven said, his tone softening. “I’d take care of Haley in a heartbeat.”

I saw the faraway look in his eyes and gently nudged him back to the present. “Let’s check out this building and see if Pete’s here. I still can’t believe he escaped from that jail. Do you think he actually made it out, or…” I hesitated. “...do you think they killed him?”

“God, I hope they didn’t kill him,” Raven said, his jaw tightening. “I don’t think they did. If they had, they’d have plastered it all over the news to send a message. They’d want everyone to know.”

“You think they’re hunting him, too?”

“Absolutely. He’s not in this building, but he’s got to be close. If what we heard is right, he escaped just two blocks from here. We need to find him before they do,” Raven said. He motioned toward another structure. “Let’s check over there.”

“Wait,” I said, freezing. “What the fuck is that?”

A group of men appeared at the far end of the street, moving quickly. “Look at those men coming this way. Are they running?”

Raven cursed. “Shit. Run! They’re coming for us. We’re dressed like everyone else—how the hell do they know we’re Americans?”

“Maybe they heard Pete’s nearby,” I said, my pulse racing. “Let’s hide.”

Before we could move, the crack of gunfire erupted. Bullets hissed past my head.

“They’re shooting at us!” I yelled, and then everything shifted. My body slammed into Raven’s as I felt the bullets hit me.

Raven grabbed me as we turned the corner, pulling me toward a narrow doorway. Suddenly, hands yanked us inside.

“Get in the jeep! We’re getting the fuck out of here,” Pete shouted.

Raven hauled me into the back seat. Pete hit the gas, and the jeep rocketed forward, bullets spraying the air around us.I slumped back, my mind spinning, floating in and out of consciousness. Images of Laney filled my thoughts.

“We need to get Gideon to the plane so I can treat him,” Raven said, his voice tight. “He doesn’t look good.”

“Where’s the plane?” Pete asked.

“Let me drive,” Raven added. “You’re a doctor, right? Get back here.”

I vaguely heard them shifting positions, then felt Pete rip my shirt open.

“You couldn’t just pull it over my head?” I muttered before fading out again. I heard Pete laugh faintly as I slipped away.

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