The first night back home for the summer had been just as hard as Elliot had imagined. She hadn’t seen Max…since the train the day before. Had they gotten used to each other’s presence? Of course. Her heart was hurting. She missed holding his hand.

….We’ll meet, okay?

When? Father—he said we weren’t allowed—

After dark. We can do it, Elliot—be brave—

I will! I can be—just—don’t let him—

I won’t.

Staring at her father’s guards at the front gate surrounding Morganzo Manor, she took a deep breath and prepared to set their plan in motion.