The depot bus left before its published departure time.
Eli reached the yard as its rear wheels crossed the gate line. People waved from the windows. A child held a stuffed animal against the glass, making it face backward toward the volunteers who had loaded their bags. Nothing about the departure looked like an attack. Its timing frightened him anyway.
Olin came down the hall steps with an amended sheet.
“We brought it forward,” he said. “The receiving rooms are ready.”
“Where’s Mira?” Eli asked.
“Gone to the dam.”
“When?”
“Before this bus.”
