Chapter 90  The room was a complete mess, and the storm outside wasn’t helping. Rain was blowing in sideways, soaking the book by the window. There were shattered porcelain pieces scattered all over.  Grandma lay still on the floor, and I was too scared to think about what that might mean.  Mom had always had this deep respect for Grandma. Sure, she’d vent sometimes, but you could tell she cared a lot about her. Seeing Grandma like that was a shock, and Mom rushed over, calling out her name.  Nicole didn’t see Mom coming, and for a split second, I caught a glimpse of something dark in her eyes before she quickly masked it. She switched gears fast, her voice full of fake concern. ‘Mom, Grandma just lost it and came at me. I was trying to help, but I couldn’t catch her in time, and she fell. It’s all my fault…”  Nicole had a red mark on her face from where Grandma had slapped her, so Mom believed her story without a second thought. If I hadn’t seen it all go down, I might have bought it too.  Mom, shouting for Marian, moved closer to Grandma. “Mom, Mom…” But Grandma didn’t budge.  My heart twisted, and I yelled out, desperate for her to wake up. “Grandma, please…”  Mom checked for Grandma’s breath, her hands shaking just like my insides. Then she exhaled, relieved. “Thank goodness, she just got knocked out.”  Nicole looked annoyed for a second. She probably thought today was the day, but Mom had messed up her plans without even knowing.  “Call 911, Nicole!” Mom urged.  Nicole snapped out of it and nodded. “Oh, right.”  Mom assumed Nicole was just rattled, not knowing she was plotting something sinister.  Grandma was rushed to the hospital, and I stayed by her side. My heart felt heavy seeing her so frail. Though she dodged death today, knew Nicole would try again.  Even with this bird’s–eye view, I felt helpless to change a thing.  Grandma…  All I could do was pray, over and over, for her safety. But as soon as the ambulance left the Kennedy estate, I was stuck. I couldn’t follow them. I was bound to my ashes‘ resting place, unable to stay with Grandma without the book she usually had with her.  I returned to the prayer room, kneeling before the Virgin Mary statue Grandma often prayed to, bowing my head relentlessly. If there was any higher power listening, I was willing to bargain anything for Grandma’s well–being. She deserved peace, not this chaos because of  I don’t know how long I was there, but when I finally looked up, the scene had shifted, and I was back with Chase.  He and Dad had just landed, and Shadowmoor was dark. They left the airport and got into a beefed–up SUV that screamed bulletproof.  The scenery outside the city was nothing like home, where lights blazed even at night. Shadowmoor got more desolate the farther you went, and the moon’s ghostly light was just enough to outline the distant hills.  I’d heard tales about Shadowmoor. It was a place of danger, and its hills swallowed men whole. It had been divided and war–torn for ages. The economy was in tatters, with people caught in the crossfire and crime running rampant.  Dad handed Chase some fast food. “You need to eat something. It’s been hours; you can’t keep going like this.”  Chase looked like he hadn’t eaten for the whole flight. He was torn and restless, and I could sense his conflict. He wanted to see me but was afraid of what he might find.  His indecision drove me nuts. I wished he’d either toughen up or see through Nicole’s games.  I was worried sick about Grandma. With Nicole around, she was in danger, but I couldn’t even be there to stop it.  Chase barely touched his food, and the driver, Hank, chimed in, “Boss, you should eat. It’s not like home; if fighting starts, we might go days without food.”  Hank, lean and dark–skinned, wore flip–flops but had a gun tucked into his waistband.  Chase took a bite. He asked with a raspy voice. “I wonder how she’s doing.”  Hank replied, “If they took her to the camps, getting there early might be okay, but if it’s late…”  Chase’s grip tightened on his burger. “What are you saying?”  “She’s a woman, so chances are she’s gone. Even if you find her, it might be too late.”  Chapter 91  Chapter 91