The Great Thirst Three: Pursued

Keith and Talia's Guardian contacts finally unlock secrets of the holographic map but no one imagined the cost of following the clues. The Ax of Britomartis reveals an unexpected power but they can't use it when they are thrown out of the country. Accusations, heartache,. strife, and even romance can bring the quest grinding to a halt. When the black van changes from pursuer to prison, Keith needs help not even Talia can give. Jenny Kaine might just find out what she needs to know to destroy the Word once and for all.

Excerpt: 

Keith stepped over to the intercom by the door. “This is Mr. Bradley. Ms Ramin and I need a monitor for our class, room 205, please,” he said, and released the button. “Ms. Ramin, please join me in the hallway while we wait for relief.” 
Talia hefted her duffel bag and followed him out without a word. 
“So, if Naddy and Sophie are okay, or at least going to be okay, what’s wrong?” Keith demanded, grabbing Talia’s bag from her and almost dropping it. “Whoa. This is heavy even for you. What’s going on?” 
“I’m leaving,” she whispered. “I can’t do this anymore.” 
“Can’t do what? Talia – Ms. Ramin – Do you feel bad about paying the ransom? Why? I mean, yeah, it sucks, that you had to do it, to give in to those bastards, but Naddy’ll make it back up in a couple of days at the tables, right? He’s like, the James Bond of Poker, right?” 
“He plays Baccarat.” Talia pushed away the smile that tugged at her lips. “I can’t keep lying to you. I can’t keep any more secrets from you.”