I turned, my heart racing as we locked eyes.

Images did him no justice. Atlas hadn’t aged a day in five years.

Yet somehow, he felt like a completely different person. The Atlas in front of me was a stark contrast to the one I fell in love with.

“What, Mi lady? Are you frozen?”

I smiled despite the storm inside me and I reached into Mr. Ford’s pocket and pulled out his handkerchief.

Something flickered in Atlas’ eyes as I wrapped the handkerchief around the gun and picked it up.

“There, go on. Do it. I’ll protect you.”

I pointed the gun at Mr. Ford and the man paled,...