Chapter 33

Jake prowled the hallways of the orphanage, his boots clicking rhythmically against the worn linoleum. It was May 10th, and the air inside was thick with the frantic energy of a hive under threat. Children were scurrying between rooms, their small forms bent under the weight of travel bags. They weren't grabbing the things children usually prized—there were no dolls or toy soldiers sticking out of the zippers. Instead, they were stuffing the bags with cans of preserved peaches, boxes of crackers,...