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aboard. This was not a scenario they had practiced; if he spotted Mia the whole thing could blow up in their faces. The soldier did not attempt to walk inside yet.
    â€œIs your whole crew from Stahl?”
    â€œNo, sir,” Zack said. “Jesse and Bryan are American veterans as well.”
    Jesse and Bryan stepped forward with their fake papers.
    â€œAre you two expatriates or making money overseas as well?”
    â€œMoney,” they both replied.
    The man smiled and nodded before turning back. Andrew felt some relief, but it vanished when he stopped in front of Carter.
    â€œThe ­people of Stahl tend to have dark hair and eyes,” he said. “You don’t seem to fit the profile.”
    â€œHe doesn’t know what you’re saying,” Zack said.
    â€œThen I’ll say it in Italian,” he said. “The official language of Stahl.”
    There was a cruel smile on his face. Andrew doubted the man spoke Italian, but he might know a few phrases from his time in ser­vice. Andrew knew Carter didn’t speak any.
    â€œBased on the age and the features, you look an awful lot like an American youth. I think this plane may be sneaking an unserved male out of the country. Which all of you know is treason. If any of you step forward and admit this fact, your life will be spared,” the officer said.
    Andrew clenched his fists. This was the time to take the man out. He hadn’t told anyone they were here yet. It would be simple to knock him out and shoot him with his own gun.
    â€œThat’s preposterous,” Zack said.
    â€œ Habla español? ” Carter said.
    The man’s attention was diverted back to Carter.
    â€œWe sailed from Stahl,” Zack said. “But this young man is from Nalley. After the two countries finished their war he was orphaned. If you can speak Spanish I’m sure he’d love to talk your ear off. None of us can understand a word he says.”
    The officer’s face seemed to relax. The odds of an American knowing a second language were slim to none. The boys were left uneducated, to fend for themselves. Carter’s being raised by his father came in handy here. The officer turned around to face Zack.
    â€œWhat is your purpose in France?”
    â€œRestock and relax,” Zack said. “Perhaps show the young men a brothel or two.”
    â€œDon’t spend all your money,” the officer said. “Not if you want a decent bride.”
    He stepped back and Andrew felt the breath rush out of his lungs. He hadn’t realized he was holding it in for so long.
    â€œGet back to work,” Zack said. He clapped his hands and everyone continued unloading the plane. Andrew went toward the hull, knowing Mia was not going to enjoy the next part of their trip.

 
    UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE
    HarperCollins Publishers
    ....................................
    Chapter 6
    As soon as the boat we commissioned hits the shores of America I am going straight home to look for Wallace. I no longer care about obeying my orders since there aren’t any.
    â€”­The diary of Megan Jean
    Anger and rage filled Mia. She was so unsure whom to direct it at. Maybe Affinity, who had made it out like Mia was a valuable part of the mission, or Zack, whose idea this was, or Andrew, who had convinced her to go along with Zack’s method of transporting her. Mia decided all of them deserved her ire. The vehicle they were in stopped moving. The sound of the wind had died down and Mia could hear again. Mia wished she could see where they were, but hiding in a burlap bag did not afford her that luxury.
    â€œYour rooms are ready,” an unfamiliar voice said. “You will wash up and change, then be at Madame Martineau’s in the morning.”
    Mia found the man’s accent enchanting. His voice was light and it was almost as if he sang his words. Mia wondered if she was going to get smuggled into the hotel inside this