Codex

by Megan Fatheree

  “I think I made this appointment first.”

  “You did.” Eadric didn’t move an inch. He seemed unfazed by Hunter’s mood swing.

  “We’ll do lunch next time. Okay?” Amorette smiled, hoping to appease Hunter’s temper.

  With a sigh, Hunter shrugged his shoulders and nodded. “Fine. Next time.”

  “Thank you.” Amorette patted a palm against his shoulder. She turned in time to catch Eadric’s lip curled in annoyance.

  Eadric recovered quickly and offered his arm in Amorette’s direction. “Shall we? We shouldn’t be late for our reservation.”

  “Reservation?” With that one word, Amorette’s full attention turned to Eadric instead of Hunter.

  Eadric effortlessly steered her out of The Nook and toward the elevators. “Yes. I find it makes things easier if you make reservations. I’ve been doing so for years.”

  Amorette glanced back to see her guards file in behind them. They kept a larger distance between their bodies and hers this time, as if they trusted Eadric to step in if something happened. Given his quick and resourceful decisions the night before, Amorette couldn’t disagree.

  “It’s more conspicuous if you keep looking back.”

  Amorette winced before she turned back to Eadric. She lifted her chin defiantly. “Don’t tell me what to do.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Eadric released her arm and motioned her into the elevator. He tossed one instruction to the guards before he stepped inside. “Bring her jacket.”

  Amorette looked down, only now realizing she didn’t grab it.

  Why was she so scatter-brained today? It took her an extra hour to shelve books and far too long to ring up purchases. Pull yourself together.

  “Take a breath.” Eadric tapped the elevator button that would take them to the underground garage. “I did recommend that you stay home today. If memory serves, you were the one who refused.”

  “Are you kidding? Staying home with a sprained ankle was tough enough. No way I’m holing up in my room just because some psycho shot at me.” Amorette shrugged a shoulder indifferently, even though she felt anything but indifference. “Besides, I can’t prove that he wasn’t after you instead.”

  Eadric nodded his head, clearly thinking. “Let’s not discuss the shooter for the time being.”

  “Fine by me.” Amorette blew out a breath.

  All the better for her mental state. Even with a sedative in her system, last night’s dreams had been torturous at best. If she could forget the panic and Eadric’s blood, even for a moment, Amorette would treasure the respite.

  Speaking of... she reached a hand up to his cheek. Her thumb ran over the scabs still visible there.

  Eadric looked down at her. “What is it?”

  “They aren’t healed yet.”

  “Should they be?”

  “The dog bite healed faster. These were barely scratches compared to that.” Amorette let her palm flatten against Eadric’s face. She could feel the tick in his jaw, seconds before he pulled away.

  “I told you, the bite was nothing.” He looked away from her, as if he still hid part of himself.

  Amorette dropped her hand to her side and sighed. “Will you ever tell me the truth?”

  “Patience is a virtue.”

  “It’s one I don’t have.” Amorette grinned. “Come on, it can’t be that bad.”

  “I have things to tell you at lunch. Let’s wait until we’ve eaten.”

  The elevator thumped to a stop. Eadric wrapped his hand around Amorette’s and stepped into the dim garage.

  Amorette appreciated the automatic gesture. Her fingers wrapped through his. She didn’t like the dark or the shadows, especially after yesterday. Though bright lights sat at appropriate intervals, the garage would never be without shadow. Amorette cringed away from mysterious corners.

  “It’s secure here. Nothing will happen.” Eadric stopped beside his SUV and opened the passenger side door.

  Amorette crawled in and reached for her seat-belt. “I know that.”

  “Of course.” Eadric shut her door.

  Neither of them believed Amorette’s assurances. Even Amorette knew she shouldn’t be traipsing around the city so soon after a traumatic experience. However, if she didn’t do something, she would go crazy.

  Since she didn’t want to lose her mind, Amorette pressed forward. One decision at a time.

  EADRIC WAITED FOR BRYANT and Collins to arrive before he even considered unlocking the SUV doors or letting Amorette out. He wasn’t foolhardy enough to believe Codex didn’t have eyes on one or both of them. However, Eadric also knew Codex wasn’t idiotic enough to make a move on either of them in broad daylight. Not when they were together and had security close by.

  Besides, there were too many witnesses. Codex played their cards close to their chest.

  Bryant and Collins exited their vehicle.

  Eadric took that as his cue. “Stay still,” he instructed Amorette.

  Eadric stepped out of the car first. In a matter of seconds, he assessed the surrounding area. Everything seemed fine, so he circled the car and opened Amorette’s door.

  “Shall we, then?”

  Amorette smiled at him and reached for his offered hand.

  Eadric could honestly say he’d grown fond of that smile. The one that spoke of trust and security. She believed in him, and that was something Eadric hadn’t felt in a long time.

  Collins and Bryant stepped into position behind Amorette. Eadric knew, with their training, that the two men’s attention shot anywhere but at the woman they guarded. It was their job to avoid a catastrophe if it could be avoided. They would look for any attacking forces. Which left Eadric to pay special attention to the woman beside him.

  He held the door for her and followed her inside the cozy restaurant interior.

  It was unusually quiet for a weekday at lunchtime. No chatter filtered from the dining area. No crash of dishes sounded from the kitchen. A lone receptionist stood behind the front desk.

  She inclined her head in a respectful greeting. “Welcome to Rosenthal’s.”

  “Thank you,” Eadric handed the receptionist a handful of twenty dollar bills. “You’ve all been quite good sports about everything. We’ll return the establishment to you in an hour or so.”

  “The kitchen and wait staff are at your disposal.” The girl stepped aside and motioned Eadric and Amorette into the empty dining area.

  Amorette looked around like a child who entered a candy store. Eadric found it amusing to watch her head whip from one side of the room to the other. He doubted she missed much.

  Crystal chandeliers hung over their heads. Silk napkins adorned expensive China plates. Fresh flowers created intricate centerpieces on each table.

  “Why is it empty?” Amorette asked.

  Eadric chose a table away from the windows and pulled out a chair for her. “I made a reservation.”

  “You rented out the whole place?” Amorette’s mouth went slack. “How much does that even cost? Wait, no, don’t answer that. I’m sure it’s more than my yearly salary. Let’s... let’s forget I asked.”

  “It’s natural to wonder.” Eadric tipped his head toward the chair he still held. “Won’t you have a seat?”

  “Am I dressed appropriately for this?” Amorette glanced down at her jeans and blouse.

  Eadric smiled. He was used to seeing her in things like this. It had become an endearing trait, her casual dress. “You’re perfect. Sit down.”

  Amorette settled in the chair and took out her napkin. “It’s a little bit of overkill.”

  “Think of it this way,” Eadric pushed her chair in and circled to his own seat. “An empty room is easier to secure than one with a whole host of unknown variables. With the time limits I had, this was the simplest way to keep everyone safe.”

  It was a half-truth, but the important bits remained intact. He didn’t want to worry during this lunch. If people filled the room, he would fret over sp
ies and assassins and the like. Better to get rid of all the distractions. Besides, he and Amorette had things to discuss.

  Amorette flipped her menu open. A shocked gasp caught in her throat.

  Eadric winced and reached over to pluck the menu from her fingers. He expected it to give way, but instead, Amorette held tight.

  “Amorette...”

  “This... I’m hallucinating, right?” Her eyes didn’t leave the list.

  Eadric sighed and yanked hard. The menu tore from Amorette’s fingers long enough for Eadric to tuck it beneath his own.

  “Are we on a date right now?” Amorette’s head tilted in an expression Eadric knew well. If he didn’t stop her soon, she would overthink the entire situation.

  He hadn’t planned on things going this way, but he could roll with the punches. “That’s something I thought perhaps we should converse about.”

  “Oh my gosh, we’re on a date.” Amorette averted her gaze.

  Eadric took a steadying breath. “Amorette. I realize this is all... very sudden. I can’t explain it. Not really. But I can try if you’d like.”

  “If I get uncomfortable, can I leave?”

  “I don’t think that’s a wise idea, given our situation.”

  Amorette wrinkled her nose. “Okay, fine, you have until the food is gone. I don’t know what to order.”

  “You like steak.” Eadric closed both menus and folded his hands atop them.

  Amorette nodded. “Well, yeah, who doesn’t?”

  “They have a divine prime rib here. You should try that.”

  This, Eadric felt comfortable with. He could suggest food any day, solve problems as long as they didn’t involve his own emotions. It was everything that came next that he couldn’t quite grasp.

  A single waiter appeared from the kitchen. All business, he offered wine that Eadric refused, took their orders, and disappeared again.

  Amorette turned her attention to Eadric. “I suggest you start talking now.”

  “I’ll give you the short version.” Eadric leaned on the table again. “Amorette, beyond reason, I find myself attracted to you.”

  “Seriously? Are you saying what I think you’re saying right now?”

  “I’d appreciate if you don’t interrupt. I only have two more things to say.” Eadric reached into his coat pocket. The small box still sat where he put it earlier. He took it out and set it on the table. “From now on, don’t give Hunter any hope that he can have you. Give all your hope to me instead.”

  Amorette nibbled on her lip before she pointed to the box. “Is this for me?”

  “Yes, this is a gift if you accept the proposition.”

  Eadric watched the wheels tick in her head. He hated every second that she thought through this. If only he could make her act impulsively when he wanted. When it would make sense to act impulsively. She barged into his office to complain about a broken phone, yet she wouldn’t immediately accept his offer.

  “Amorette?”

  “Shh, I’m considering what you said.” She glanced up. “You like me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Like me, like me?”

  “That’s what I’m saying.”

  “Then ask like a man.” Amorette folded her arms. “You’re such a child sometimes. Say the words.”

  Eadric blinked. Honestly, he should have anticipated something like this from her. Amorette believed in fairy-tales. She needed the words.

  He blew out a breath. “Let’s date. Be mine.”

  Amorette set the tip of one finger on the velvet box. “Ring, earrings, or necklace?”

  “Open it and see.” Eadric grinned.

  He had her on the hook. He saw the way she looked at him, last night and in this moment. He would prove himself every day if she said yes. There was no other way to live.

  Amorette’s smile was more than enough to appease his worrisome thoughts. She slid the box closer and cracked the lid. Her eyes went as round as the saucers on the table.

  Eadric smirked. “You like it?”

  “Are those diamonds?” Amorette lifted the box closer to her face.

  “They are.” Eadric stood and leaned sideways against the table. He plucked the necklace from the box and let the pendant dangle. “Do they satisfy your taste?”

  Amorette trailed a finger over the compass pendant. A single diamond adorned each spoke on the wheel. The center contained a large black stone.

  Amorette grinned up at him. “It’s gorgeous. Thank you.”

  “Shall I put it on you?” Eadric offered.

  Amorette nodded enthusiastically.

  Eadric unclasped the necklace and stepped behind Amorette.

  Amorette swept her hair up in one hand and tipped her head forward.

  It was the most silent they had been around each other in a long while. A silence charged with questions and inexplicable answers. Eadric secured the necklace well and went back to his seat.

  Amorette lifted the pendant to study it one last time. “Thank you.”

  “You still haven’t answered my question.”

  “I didn’t exactly hear a question. I think you claimed me.” Amorette shrugged. “I’m cool with it. Just know I’m not going to bend to your every whim. I’m human too. We’ll work together, and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”

  “It will work out.” Eadric was more sure of that than anything else. He and Amorette were destined, it was just a matter of convincing her of that. Since she agreed to date him, she must have some inkling. “It will be more dangerous for you now that we’re official.”

  “What do you mean? Official?”

  “You didn’t know? The people after you already think you’re my woman. Now that it’s official, they’re bound to find out.”

  “You’re saying the security guys are a ‘from now on’ kind of thing, aren’t you?”

  Eadric didn’t miss the disappointment in her voice. Afraid that she would back out, he reached across the table for her hand. “Until we sort out this Codex situation.”

  “That reminds me.” Amorette held up a finger and reached into her bag. She produced Eadric’s journal, bound and just as he remembered it last. “You can have this back now. I finally read it.”

  “How much?”

  “I don’t understand how or why, but you don’t die.” Amorette thrust the journal toward him again. “I don’t think it’s right to keep someone else’s personal journal like this. Not with the memories stored here.”

  “I don’t need it back.” Eadric pushed the book back toward her. “You keep it. Until you understand it all. Ask anything you want.”

  “Why don’t you die?” Amorette clutched the book to her chest like a lifeline.

  Eadric smiled wryly. “I’m not entirely sure either. I’ve known several others like me, and I have a hypothesis.”

  “What kind of hypothesis?”

  “I’ve been waiting for you.” Eadric said it with a smile, but deep down he knew it was the truth. He couldn’t love just anyone, no matter how hard he tried. Hate was easy. Love defied all logic.

  Amorette opened her mouth to speak, then shut it again. “Codex,” she finally demanded. “Tell me about Codex.”

  “From what I’ve gathered, they believe immortals are monsters, things to be rid of forever. They’ve run experiments and documented known cases of immortal men and women. Some of my own friends have fallen prey to them. I’m not sure how your father knew who I was, but I believe they must have some sort of dossier on anyone they believe to be immortal.”

  He didn’t mention the most important factor. The one that made no sense but somehow seemed true. The professor. Eadric hadn’t quite figured that out yet, so he remained silent on the matter.

  “My dad is a part of that group?”

  “For years, he has been.” Eadric paused, considering his next words carefully. “Your mother, too. May I ask what happened to her?”

  “I don’t know.” Amorette shrugged. “I have no memories of
my mother. She left when I was very little.”

  Eadric nodded. Of course she wouldn’t know anything. Why would her father tell her about things that would endanger her? Any loving father would try to keep his daughter as far from that catastrophe as possible.

  The waiter’s swift arrival saved Eadric from the most uncomfortable part of this luncheon. Or, at the very least, postponed it.

  Amorette and Eadric ate in silence, with only the occasional clink of a fork or scrape of a knife to break it. All the while, Eadric knew he had to tell her. He didn’t have Doon investigate it so that he could keep Amorette in the dark. If she chose this path, she needed to know at least this much.

  “Amorette,” Eadric wiped his lips and set his napkin down beside his empty plate. “This lunch... is also an apology and an explanation.”

  “Okay, wow. No need to be so cryptic.” Amorette set her silverware down and folded her arms. That defiant chin lifted once more, denoting her nerves.

  Eadric reached inside his jacket and produced the envelope. She needed to know, for everyone’s sake. “I know what happened to your mother. I only need your father to confirm a few minor things, but... I’m excellent at filling in puzzle pieces.” He held the envelope out to Amorette. “You should read the files.”

  AMORETTE STARED AT the manila envelope suspended in the air between her face and her new boyfriend.

  It still sounded weird, even to think the word. Even stranger, something she sought from her father for years now presented itself at the most inopportune time. She asked her father about her biological mother so often. He only ever shut down.

  If there were files, it meant whatever happened to her mother had been meticulously documented. One logical deduction presented itself.

  “She died.”

  “You should read the whole story.” Eadric set the envelope on the table. “Take your time. I’ll wait.”

  Courage fled at the thought of discovering the truth. What if she didn’t like what she found? What if it broke her all over again?

  Amorette toyed with the corner of the envelope. Could she bring herself to do this, when she thought she finally came to terms with her mother’s disappearance?