Chapter 185

#52

The path stretches out ahead of us, but every step away from that building feels impossible. I grip Lucas’s small hand tightly, pulling him along until we reach a dented blue shipping container near the edge of the lot.

I drop to my knee in front of him.

“Listen to me very carefully,” I say, “I need you to stay right here. Hide behind this corner and wait for me..”

His face puckers up, his lower lip quivering. “Y-you’re leaving me?”

“I’d never do that,” I say quickly. “I’m just gonna go get Eli and we’ll be right back for you.”

“Please don’t go,” he begs, sobbing. “What if those bad men come out?”

I pull him into a hug, fast and fierce, pressing my cheek against the top of his head.

“They’re all back there, Luke, which is why Eli had to go stop them so they don’t follow us,” I tell him quietly. “You’ve been brave for hours… I just need a little more. Be a superhero for me until I get back.” I pull away and look at him. “Can you do t