The Redding is a sinister force that captures and controls anyone it knows by name. Meg and her fellow survivors navigate a delicate balance of survival using nicknames and newfound communication methods, until they discover the rain can communicate...
"Conspiracy theories?" says Ditzy with a raised eyebrow.
"He was a scientist. He and another ex-member were the ones who figured out why Chesnet was dangerous. So he might be onto something."
"They're just going to try and kill us again," says Calico J.
"We can break and enter," says Ditzy helpfully.
"It's too dangerous," says Patrick.
"Only if they're still alive."
Everyone falls silent when I say it. "We don't have to approach them directly," I continue. "We can sneak around and see if there's anyone left. They're losing members fast, and if the Sleepers are evolving..."
"The Redding might be coming for survivors," says Calico J, finishing my thought. "Like it just came for us."
"It was coming in through their basement when we left. They'll have evacuated if they're smart, or it might have gotten them. Either way, the house could well be empty."
"And if it's not?"
"I might be able to convince Ember to work with us." It's a slim chance after our dramatic exit, but I don't think it's a hopeless one. Ember asked us to join the Anport Rescues so she and Oreo would have more competent people on their side. If we've figured out why we're immune to the Redding, I can prove we're not cursed. That's the biggest bargaining chip we have.
"And if they try to kill us," says Ditzy, "we grab their vehicle and run?"
"It'd be faster to get one from somewhere else," says Patrick.
"It's not about the vehicle," says Calico J, and I shoot him a look of thanks. "If they have theories on what the Redding might be, we need to try. Especially if it's evolving."
We have no way out except forward.
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Veins of Redding still carpet the road back to the Anport murder house, but they too don't bother us. We approach the house from the forest this time. Moving alone feels dangerous, so we break into pairs, ready to bolt into the trees if the Anport Rescues come for us. Patrick and Calico J keep watch by the driveway. Ditzy and I approach the house itself. It's eerily still. My phone reads twelve-thirty, but the van is still parked outside, despite Ember telling me the group sends people into town every day to forage. All but one of the windows is dark. I'm almost certain that's the office.
"Should I go investigate?" murmurs Ditzy.
She went all-out for this stealth mission, donning already-dirty clothes and decking out in mud, leaves, and other forest detritus. There's even a leafy twig thrust into her tied-up hair. That won't give her any camouflage if she sneaks across the lawn, but at least she's graceful.
"Just be careful."
She nods and slips away. I take the moment to scout the forest for tracks. I'm trying to find the ones where Psy left and returned again, though there's a good chance the rain erased them. What I find instead makes my blood run cold. Footprints. Lots of them, so recent, the grass blades they crushed have only just begun to bruise. They all move the same direction, and they all left at the same time. They all drag. I count the trails and then crouch beside them, waiting for Ditzy to return.
