Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Maddox – age 16

"Pike!" My whisper was a desperate plea as I frantically scanned the darkness for my best friend. "Pike!"

Thiswasn't the first time we'd been in trouble together. Nor was it the first time we'dbeen caught. Things weren't looking too good either.

I could see the shadows of police officers as they came closer and the blue glow from the lights. There was no way that I could get clear before they got here, no way that I'd be able to run.The chain link fencing on either side was impossible to reach, borderingthousands of acres of Arizona desert.

Panic settled into my chest as I thought of ways toescapethis newest batch of troubleI'd landed into.I'd probably lose my current foster home placement, which was a shame since it hadn't been bad. There were no groping hands, no looming in the dark.Now, though,I could take care of myself.I'd grown up into a bigger version of the small, crouchingboythat Iused to be.

But the most crushing blow was the realization that Pike hadn't returned as promised. The feeling of betrayal cut deep. He had been my rock, my constant, in a constantly changing life. I had trusted and believed in him, and now it felt like I had been abandoned.

Bitterness clogged my throat as I peered around again for him before the police officers came around the corner. Finally, I hit the dirt and held my hands in the air—nosense in getting shot.