And then he was gone again, and it was just Evie. She looked away for a moment, and he realized she was watching Dash. Probably waiting for him to get back to his homework or an electronic game so that he wouldn’t see what she was signing.
After a moment, she started up again. She told him about a UPS truck. A camera by their driveway. She wanted to believe she was just being paranoid, but she didn’t. Still, what could it mean? She’d taken the pension, they’d kept quiet. Everything had been fine. They hadn’t done anything, had they?
He felt panicked and fought to control it. Don’t go home, he signed. I think something bad is happening. I’m trying to fix it.
She looked at him. Was it worry in her eyes? Or . . . betrayal?
Where are you? she signed.
I can’t explain now. But I will when I’m with you. I’m sorry.
When will you be here?
I’m not sure. Sometime tomorrow. As soon as I can. But don’t go home. Not until I’m there.
What is happening?
I’ll tell you everything when I’m back. I . . . He felt self-conscious, even though Dox wasn’t watching him, even though in all likelihood the man couldn’t read sign. I miss you. And Dash. So much.
I’m scared.
It’s okay to be scared. Just be careful. I’m so sorry.
Don’t be. You didn’t do anything wrong.
That hurt. How do you know?
I know. But where should we go?
For all he knew, that UPS truck might have been in the parking lot that very moment. Can you just stay there? he signed. At the school?
Yes. Dash could stay in the dorm with one of his friends—
No. Stay with him.
She looked frightened at that. He added, I’m just being careful. Stay with him until I’m back. I might not be able to text you, but I’m coming.
Okay.
But don’t stay in your office. Someplace else.
He could tell he had frightened her again. He hated it. But the alternatives could be worse.
I don’t know, she signed. There are couches in the faculty lounge—
No. Not a common place. Not a place someone else would expect. And don’t take your phones with you.
She nodded. She would know not to take the phones, of course. She knew more about that kind of thing than he did. More than almost anyone. He was scared for them, that’s why he had said it. He realized his hand had dropped to the hilt of the Espada. He was going to find the people who were behind this.
He glanced at Dox again. He was still holding up the phone, and still looking away. Not for the first time, Manus was impressed by the man’s instincts.
He looked at Evie. I love you. Be careful. I’ll be home soon.
He took the phone, clicked off, and powered it down. “I have to go,” he said to Dox. “Right now. Drive me to the airport.”
“The airport?” Dox said. “Are your people all right?”
“No.” He told them about the UPS truck and the camera.
“Look, they’re all right for now,” Dox said. “Let’s take just a minute to think this through. Where are you flying to?”
“Washington.”
“Okay, fine. But even if you can get a red-eye tonight, you won’t land until tomorrow morning. By the time you get to them, it’ll be, what, midmorning at best?”
Manus was getting irritated at how much the man talked. “The sooner I leave, the better my chances. Do you want to drive me, or should I call a cab?”