The bus doors closed with a pneumatic sigh. The engine growled to life.
“Get back here or I’m calling the cops! You know you’re not allowed to leave the property!”
“Found a guy,” Kis said, her voice a low rasp. “Works at a ranch. Needs help with horses. Room, board, cash under the table.” The bus doors closed with a pneumatic sigh
Veronique froze for a half-second. Her hand went to the pocket of her hoodie, where she had a crumpled letter from her little brother—the only family she had left, who Meadows had forbidden her from calling. The memory of that cruelty solidified her spine.
Veronique knew. She’d been there a year longer than Alexis. That’s why she had the plan. You know you’re not allowed to leave the property
Alexis looked at Veronique. Veronique looked at Kis. And for the first time in a very long time, all three of them smiled.
Alexis didn’t look back. She grabbed Veronique’s arm and pulled her up the steps. Room, board, cash under the table
The runaway was over. The living was about to begin.