CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVEN – DEALINGS WITH CROOKS

As night fell, they found a small clearing to rest. Cassie had managed to transform back to her human form, though the effort left her exhausted. "What now?" she asked as Maxwell built a small fire. "We need to find a way across the border," Maxwell replied. "It won't be easy. Karl's men will be watching all the official crossings." Cassie nodded, her mind racing. "What about unofficial crossings? Smugglers, maybe?" Maxwell looked at her, a hint of a smile on his face. "That's good thinking. It's risky, but it might be our best shot." The next day, they made their way to a small border town. Maxwell's keen instincts led them to a seedy bar on the outskirts. "Stay close," he murmured to Cassie as they entered. "And let me do the talking." The bar was dimly lit and filled with rough-looking characters. Cassie could feel their eyes on her as they made their way to the bar. Maxwell leaned in, speaking softly to the bartender. Money changed hands, and soon they were being led to a b