Julia was asleep when the phone rang. It rang three times before she realized no one was going to answer it, and she sat up blearily, grabbing the receiver. "Hello?"
"Julia?" someone asked.
"Yes?" she said, trying to shake off her sleepy-eyed stupor.
"This is Mariel Hemingway."
Julia suppressed a groan.
"Are you safe at your present location?"
"I… think so." Julia got out of bed and opened the door to her mother's room. "Mom?"
"She's here with us," Agent Hemingway said. "Someone is on their way to get you."
Julia's arm started to itch. Restlessly she said, "What's going on?"
"A problem with the Scrolls has been discovered," Agent Hemingway answered.
There was a knock at the apartment door.
"Open, the door, Julia," said a muffled voice from the other side. "It's me. I mean, it's Jack."
Julia went over to the door and peered through the peep-hole. It was indeed her grandfather. She opened the door cautiously. "What's going on?" she asked, turning the portable phone off.
"Get your stuff. You need to get out of here," Jack said, striding efficiently into the small apartment. "You'll be coming back with me."
Julia obediently turned and scooped up her backpack.
"Where's the bandages they gave you at the hospital? You might need them."
"They're in my bag," Julia replied. "What's going on?'
"I'll tell you more when I can," Jack said. "For now, just know it's nothing good."