Chapter 8 · The Real Files

"Mark, listen to me—"

The call cut out.

Mark kept the phone against his ear while the dead line buzzed. Across the room, Amy pressed gauze to her bleeding hand. Daniel had one shoulder against the wall, breathing through his teeth.

Lucas stared at the phone like it had just named him.

"Who was that?" Amy asked.

"Sarah Kim." Mark lowered the phone. "She said Lucas isn't bait."

Daniel's head came up. "Then what is he?"

Mark looked at Lucas. Twenty years old. Baby-faced. Hoodie pulled over a frame that looked too small for the room. The kid had barely spoken during the meeting. Now his eyes stayed fixed on the phone.

"Lucas," Mark said. "What was Sarah about to tell me?"

"I don't know any Sarah."

Amy gave a short, bitter laugh. "She said your name. That's a pretty specific coincidence."

"Maybe she has the wrong Lucas."

"Maybe you're lying," Daniel said.

Lucas's jaw tightened. "I came here for help. Same as you."

"Did you?" Daniel pushed away from the wall. "Or did you come to see where we keep the files?"

"Enough." Mark raised one hand. "Sit down. All of you."

Amy dropped into the nearest chair.