Chapter 20 · Platform Seven

The train lurches and I'm thrown against Kade's shoulder. His hand comes up, catches my arm, steadies me. His grip's too tight. I can feel the tremor in his fingers.

"How long?" I ask.

He doesn't answer. His eyes are locked on the window, watching the tunnel walls blur past. The overhead lights flicker. Someone coughs at the far end of the car. We're the only ones left after the last stop.

My phone buzzes again. I don't look. I already know what it says. Crowe's countdown ticking away while Juno bleeds out in some holding cell.

"Kade."

His jaw tightens. "Don't."

"She bought us time."

"And we use it." His voice comes out flat. "We go back now, he's got all three of us. That's what he wants."

I know he's right. Doesn't make it easier to sit here doing nothing.

The train slows. Brakes screech. The automated voice announces Platform Seven in that dead tone they all use down here. End of the line. Everyone off.

Kade's already moving before the doors open. I follow him onto the platform. It's empty. Concrete pillars hold up a ceiling covered in water stains and old graffiti.