But Saffediene does, immediately followed by Mason Isaacs. They catch each other’s eyes, and I know they’d rather be anywhere but here. One lost a boyfriend, the other a daughter. I assign them the coastal northwestern cities. It’s the longest mission available.
Surprisingly, Gunner volunteers too, with Raine’s hand raised as high as his. They get seven cities to visit and instruct. With Gunn’s voice, I know everything will be taken care of.
“Irv,” I say. “Will you and Trek stay here? Maintain the transmissions and start the clean up?”
He nods, his eyes still rimmed with tears.
“Won’t you be here?” Gunner asks.
“No,” I say. “Vi and I will take the Mountain Region out west. Right, babe?” I look at her and find gratitude in her expression. She needs to go home, away from this city where the most important people in her life have died. She needs to sleep in her own bed, and sit on Zenn’s front steps, and skip rocks in the lake like she used to with Ty.
“Yeah, sure,” she says. “I want to go back to Seaside anyway. I’d like to visit my sister’s grave.”
“I’ll come too,” Fret Bower says. “I want to erect a memorial for my brother and my father in the Goodgrounds.”
I swallow hard, purposefully not looking at the empty seat next to me where my second-in-command—my once-best-friend—Zenn—should be sitting. I cannot imagine anyone but Zenn writing me notes and sliding them across the table. I cannot thank him enough for giving his life to the Resistance. For dying so Vi could live.
“It’s settled then,” I say, unable to contain the tremor of pain in my voice. “The three of us will go together.”
acknowledgments
Wow, a third book! What an adventure this series has turned into. From Possession—which was written as a stand-alone—to Abandon, I can’t thank Anica Rissi and Annette Pollert enough. The whole crew at Simon Pulse is an absolute joy to work with.
Michelle Andelman is one of my biggest champions, and this book wouldn’t have even been written without her.
I appreciate all the questions and conversations about my writing and books from my friends and family. You are all made of awesomesauce! Especially Adam, my patient husband, and my kids, who have eaten more home-cooked meals this year than ever before.
The life of a writer is filled with roller coasters. For making the ride fun: the Baconistas. Seriously. I’d be dead in the water without you. For encouraging me to get back in line for another ride: my critique group. You guys are awesome listeners. For reminding me that roller coasters are at carnivals and carnivals are supposed to be magicaclass="underline" my blog readers. Your support is priceless. Thank you, thank you!
I love getting e-mails and Facebook messages from readers who love this series. You always make me smile—and I hope Abandon is the ending you were hoping for.
elana johnson wishes she could experience her first kiss again, tell the mean girl where to go, and have cool superpowers. To fulfill her desires, she writes young adult science fiction and fantasy. She lives in central Utah, where she spends her time with many students, one husband, and two kids. Find out more at elanajohnson.com.
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