Page 150 of Cavern of Silence
"Take care, Julieta. And don't forget to tell Andre to have Kalim back off."
"I will, but can you tell me why?"
"I'm sorry, but it's safer if you don't know."
"Are Malin and Emilia in danger?"
He sighs. "Julieta, I think you of all people understand we are all in danger. If the Global Leaders aren't stopped, the entire world will combust."
"Okay, stupid question," I admit.
"Not stupid, but you already know the answer."
"You're correct. Thank you again." I step out with Millie, and he hands me the bag. My gut flips as I walk the pavement. I ring the doorbell.
The door flies open. "Slo—" A man who looks like Andre shuts his mouth.
I look past him and see the back of Zoe's head. So many emotions overpower me. I'm relieved I've gotten Millie to safety. I'm scared it might be too late for Ryker. I'm overwhelmed seeing people I've worried about for so long. I shove past him, and as soon as I get to them, I cry out, "This is Millie, Penelope's daughter. Emilia saved her. Please, we have to rescue Ryker."
For a brief moment, everyone gapes at me. But it doesn't last long.
Naomi and Zoe embrace me.
"Where is Ryker?" Andre booms.
"Jonas Torres's compound. They make him fight."
"Can I take Millie from you and lay her down?" Dirk gently asks, and I realize I'm gripping her tightly. Hesitantly, I let him place her on the couch.
"Julieta, are you okay?" Naomi asks.
"Yes, but Ryker isn't."
Andre points next to Millie. "Have a seat and tell us everything you know."
I obey and explain everything I know about where he is and what happened. When I get through my story, Naomi, Zoe, and I have gone through a box of tissues.
I pull the note out of the bag Emilia gave me and hand it to Naomi.
"Where are Hunter and Vanessa?"
"They went to Hunter's place in Australia," Dirk says.
"How?"
"Private plane with a guy from the Marines we know."
Dirk glances at Andre. "Hunter needs to get back here."
Andre rises and pulls a phone out of his pocket and leaves the room. Dirk follows.
Millie's eyes flutter open.
I stroke her cheek. "Hey, Millie," I gently say then turn to Naomi. "Can you get her water? Gustave said she needs to drink lots of it."
She groggily rubs her eyes, and when she sees us, fear crosses her face, and her green eyes fill with tears.
I pull the picture of Penelope out of the bag. "Millie, we know your mummy."
