The ride to Sterling Creek the next morning was quiet, and the heavy atmosphere had nothing to do with the cold weather.

Zeda could feel the tension radiating off everyone. They were all dressed in identical black combat outfits, specifically provided by Mr. Percival for the mission.

She had barely slept the night before, a restless combination of residual anger at the memory of Lucian with the girls on the beach, and acute nervousness about the danger looming.

Speaking of her ex, he had ...