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Janie. “Antony will be back.” He referred to himself in third person, which she recognized as a common theme within this group of undead. Antony placed his hand on his chest. “This isn’t the last you’ve seen of me, Seeker.”
    The gangs dispersed. Neither turned their backs on the other. Jerome snapped his fingers and they took off in the direction of the city.
    “Well played.” Kai appeared at her side.
    “I told you to go. I can handle them.” She let out a relieved laugh.
    “You did,” Kai agreed. “You knew I was here if you needed me.”
    “Huh—thanks.” She placed her weapon in her waistband. An image of Matt, sweaty and lethargic, flashed before her eyes.
      “Uh—guys,” Matt said from just a short distance, where Kai had secured him, behind the base of a huge tree. “There’s something sticking out of my shoulder, a stick or something. It’s wedged in my bone.”
    Janie and Kai shot each other the same look. “Demon splint,” Janie said.
    “Sounds like it,” Kai agreed, the urgency less apparent in his tone.
    “A what splint?” Matt said. “I’m feeling a little weak.”
    Janie hurried to Matt’s side. “Let me see.” A thin piece of wood resembling a long needle stuck out of his varsity jacket. She spoke to Kai. “Is that what the splint looks like?”
    Kai hovered over them. “I can smell the poison. He’s not as strong as you. He doesn’t have much time.”
    “We can’t just let him die. Can’t we take him to Albania?”
    “My bike only holds two.”
    She glared at Kai. “Then you take him. I’ll stay here.”
    “I have my car,” Matt said, falling in and out of consciousness.
    “Check his jacket pocket for the keys,” Kai ordered.
    Janie slipped her hand into his pocket. “Found them.” She jingled them in the air.
    Kai bent over and hoisted Matt over his shoulder.
    “Meet me around the front of the house,” Janie said. “I need to talk to my friends. Matt drives a silver Acura. It’s—”
    Kai nodded and disappeared.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 5
     
     
    Janie found Ava and Luke roasting marshmallows. “Ava, I need to talk to you.”
    “What’s up? You look terrible. Did you forget your inhaler again?” Ava handed her poker to Luke and followed Janie, out of Luke’s earshot.
    “No, it’s in my pocket.” Janie searched her pocket. No inhaler. She realized she must have lost it in the woods. No time to go back. “I’ve got to go. Take Luke and get out of here. A Daychild has attacked Billy and Matt.”
    “What?” Panic stretched across Ava’s face.
    Luke got up and started over.
    “Shhh—” Janie said. “I need you to act like everything’s okay.” Ava started to shake. Janie clutched her arms. “Now, listen to me. Billy is dead, but Matt is still alive. He needs help. I’m leaving with Kai.”
    “Who’s Kai?”
    “The guy from earlier. On the motorcycle.”
    Ava stared at her blankly.
    “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Just get Luke and leave.”
    “What should I tell him?” Ava said.
    “Tell him you feel sick or something, but go.”
    Luke moved up next to them. “Is everything okay? Ava—you look like you’re gonna hurl.” He looped a worried arm around her waist.
    “Can you take her home? I think she’s got the flu. She has a fever.” Janie patted Ava’s face.
    “She was fine just a second ago.” He appraised Ava’s ghost-white complexion. “Sure, but what about you? Are you coming?” he asked Janie.
    “I think I’ll stay with Matt.” Janie flashed him a fake smile. Inside, she felt terrified, and she never felt terrified. She’d been around death too much for it to affect her. Why is this time any different?
    “You like him, J.” Luke nudged her with his shoulder and waggled his brows. “Have fun. I’ll get Ava home. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
    “Thanks, Luke.” She touched Ava’s forearm. “You feel better. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
     
    Kai carried Matt up two flights of steps. The