Chapter 22 · Dead Man Calling

My phone buzzes at 3 a.m.

I'm awake anyway. Been awake since we left Fiore three hours ago with Dad's watch burning a hole in my jacket pocket. Locke's in the shower. I can hear the water running through the wall.

The screen lights up. Unknown number.

I should let it ring. I know that. Unknown numbers don't call at 3 a.m. with good news.

But my thumb's already moving.

"Hello?"

Static. Then—

"Ivy."

I drop the phone.

It hits the mattress and I'm staring at it like it just grew teeth. Because that voice. I know that voice. I've known it my whole life.

"Ivy, pick up."

My hands are shaking when I grab it again. "Dad?"

"Listen to me. You don't have much time."

The water's still running. Locke doesn't know. Nobody knows.

"Where are you?" My voice cracks. "Everyone thinks you're—"

"Dead. I know. Safer that way." He sounds tired. Older. "Red October."

I go cold.

Red October. That's our code. The one we used when I was twelve and he taught me what to do if men in suits ever came for him. If you hear Red October, you do what I say.