"There's no woman in Vancouver is there?" I said as I pushed back my wet hair. The water was cooling now. "No contacts your mom gave you." "No, that's a story they fed me. But we're going to follow it, because getting you guys to Vancouver is the best chance you have." guys. Not us. Best chance have. Not we. "When we get to Vancouver, you'll pretend to suddenly realize it's a trap," he said. "You'll turn on me and you'll run, and leave me behind." "But they'll--" "They'll catch me. I know. It's the only way. They'll think I did my best, so Annie will be safe. I wish--" He looked away, then leaned toward my ear again so I couldn't see his face. "There's no other way. Annie needs me. And you...you don't. Not like that. You can look after yourself and..." He straightened and gave me a crooked smile. "By then you'll be happy to be rid of me, I'm sure." I leaned forward and whispered, "No, I won't." Then I kissed him. Just a kiss, my hands still at my sides. When I pulled back, he looked stunned. Then he rubbed his mouth and said, "I know that just means you understand. At least, I hope you do." "I do." I said the same words he'd said to me before he'd let go. "It's okay." A twisted smile. "No, not really. But it'll be okay soon. Or as close as it can get."