Chapter 48

Claire tiptoed awayfrom Dana's office. The paranoia that drew her there only grew worse when she heard her name in the muffled conversation. The sudden vibration in her pocket made her jump. Unable to discern much from Jake and Dana's hushed tones, she was relieved by the excuse to tear herself away. Especially when she saw it was Betty calling.

"Claire? Where are you?"

"I'm still at Dana's. Why?"

"Can you get away? We really need to talk in person."

Claire peeked through the curtains at the dining room window. "The reporters are still here. I don't think I'm going anywhere for a while."

Betty's silence made Claire's skin crawl. "What's wrong? Is it Max?"

"No but he needs us more than ever. We're his only chance now, and we're running out of time."

"Why? What aren't you telling me?"

"I can't talk about it over the phone."

"Betty?"

But the line had already gone dead.