Sophia's expression was unreadable. "He's been preparing for this day for years."
"Why didn't he tell me?"
"Because you wouldn't let him go."
Back at the dorm, Zephany rushed down the hallway, hair still damp from a hurried shower. She clutched her phone as she texted Reynold.
Zephany: Where's Kendrick?
Zephany: Please tell me you know.
She reached the lobby and nearly collided with Pia, who was pacing in front of the elevator.
"Whoa, slow down," Pia said, grabbing her by the arms.
"I need to find Kendrick."
"I thought you two were—"
"We were. We are. But something's wrong."
Pia held up her own phone. "You're not the only one who thinks so. Look at this."
She tapped on a secure messaging app and pulled up a blurry photo—Kendrick, wearing his usual dark hoodie and cap, entering what looked like a parking facility beneath the hospital.
Timestamp: 2:43 a.m.
Zephany's stomach dropped.
"Where did you get that?"
