Infinite Risk by Ann Aguirre

store, determined not to miss it. The snow in the street was above my ankles, and my fabric sneakers were sodden. I made it to the bus stop with Kian right behind me a few seconds before the bus groaned to a stop, sliding as it did.
    Probably because of the awful weather, there was nobody else on board. The driver said, “You’re lucky, kids. The CTA ordered us back to base, so this is the last run of the night.”
    Kian’s eyes widened. “But I need a transfer to get home.”
    â€œSorry. Your family will have to pick you up.”
    The bus started with a jerk, and the floor was slippery. I’d have fallen if Kian hadn’t grabbed me. We tumbled together into the nearest seats. He didn’t immediately let go and since the bus wasn’t that warm, I couldn’t object. I shoved my hands in my pockets, trying to ignore the fact that my feet were freezing.
    â€œThis sucks,” he murmured.
    â€œYou can’t get a ride?” I already had an idea of the answer, but Nine didn’t.
    â€œProbably not. My uncle is away this weekend for work and my aunt … well, she won’t go out in this weather.” He didn’t say for me , but I sensed the unspoken addendum.
    Before I could think better of the offer, I said, “You can stay at my place if you want.”
    He glanced at me, eyes wide. “Are you sure? Won’t your parents mind?”
    â€œMy mom is … gone,” I said. “And my dad doesn’t pay much attention. He’s not around tonight anyway.”
    That was surely pathetic enough to discourage questions. A flash of sympathy glimmered in Kian’s green eyes. Then he said, “That’s my situation in reverse. My dad’s dead and my mom has … issues.” A polite way to describe her drug habit. “But I’m with my aunt and uncle. How come…” He trailed off, likely unable to figure out how to frame the question.
    â€œWe don’t stay in one place long enough for anyone to notice,” I said softly, expanding on my fourteen schools in two years story.
    This might be a bad idea, if feeling sorry for me made him want to save me. I wasn’t sure if his white-knight complex had emerged yet. But it was my fault we’d come out tonight to get his ID, and I couldn’t let him sleep in the bus station. My room might be shitty, but it was better than that. Probably.
    â€œIf you’re sure it’s cool, I’d appreciate it. I’ll text my aunt.” From his expression, that was more of a courtesy than necessary for permission.
    And sure enough, five minutes after he sent the message, he got back OK, and that was it. No questions about his friend or the family he’d be staying with. I had the feeling he could text Moving to Siberia, and the response would be the same. Though I’d never met this woman, I already didn’t like her. Even if she hated Kian’s dad, that wasn’t his fault.
    With the bus creeping through the snow, it took half an hour longer than usual to get to my stop. The snow was coming down even harder, nearly blinding me as the wind whipped it sideways, catching the light from the streetlamps so it looked like a white stream. Kian grabbed my hand, probably so he didn’t lose me. A few cars parked on the street had six inches on them, and if it wasn’t for the fact that the whole city was caught in this, I’d think Wedderburn had something to do with it.
    Maybe he does.
    Kian was a catalyst he hoped to acquire. So Raoul must be watching and reporting. By hanging out with Kian, I’d certainly expose myself if Wedderburn focused on the future at all. The snowstorm seemed like a reflection of ire more than a planned attack, though. So that meant he was pissed that Kian had stopped inching toward extremis.
    It’s working. I’m changing things.
    So despite the shitty weather, I was smiling when I led Kian into the Baltimore. For once,