by Cate Dean
I leaned against his shoulder, and studied the blueprint. “What is this for?”
“New office building. They’re tearing down the old department store on Main, and want the new building to reflect the charm of our quaint downtown.” He didn’t need air quotes; the sarcasm in his voice was more than sufficient. Yep—I get it from my dad. “I’m going to make sure they get the authentic, serve it with a smile and plenty of architect jargon, and they can gush over my brilliance.”
“Dad—stop being so humble.”
His laughter rumbled through me, and I snuggled closer. I missed this—the easygoing dad who always had a smile for people. It faded too fast, his arm around me tightening. “Tell me what happened today.”
I did, spilling everything, even my fear about Sam. “I know he didn’t do it,” I whispered. “But the thought that he was able to just won’t be pushed out of my head.”
“That’s not a bad thing, Alex. Knowing that Sam is—more than human helps keep things in perspective. For the record, I don’t believe he hurt Matt, or Leo.”
“Thanks, Dad.” It meant so much for him to say that. I hugged him, my arms tight around his waist. “I should get to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“I love you, Alex.”
“I love you back.”
He gave me a final squeeze and let me go. Relieved, I limped to the door.
“Alex.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m sure your mother mentioned this, but if there’s clear evidence that Sam had something to do with this, you’re not seeing him again. Ever.”
“What?” I whirled, ready to do battle. Yes, Mom mentioned it—but that was Mom. I could usually count on Dad to be more calm about, well, everything. “Dad—”
“I know how you feel about him, about the haven, but I won’t have you anywhere near danger again.” His voice deepened, rough and emotional. The last few months had been hard on them both, and I had a feeling Dad blamed himself more than a little for what happened, even if he couldn’t have prevented it. “Please understand, sweetheart.”
“I do.” God, I wished I didn’t. I wanted to have a full on teenage tantrum to get my way. Instead, I appealed to his logical side. “Please let him have the chance to prove himself, before you shut him out.”
“I wouldn’t dream of jumping to conclusions. It will take facts, Alex. But if they are there, it’s over. Are we clear on that?”
“Yes.” To let him know I understood, I moved back to him and wrapped my arms around him. “I’m so sorry.”
Dad rubbed my back. “Nothing for you to be sorry for. It’s been a tough haul for us. I want that to be the past. Your mother nearly had heart failure when she saw Detective Sampson here.”
I didn’t even think of that—the cop who investigated my assault, in the house right after another murder . . .
Sometimes I was really dense.
Dad gave me a noisy kiss, and pushed me toward the door. “Bed, young lady. It will sort itself out. I wanted you to know where your mother and I stood. It’s always with you, Alex, even if you don’t think so.”
I made my way back to my room, forgetting that I left the bag of chips in his office until after I lowered myself to the bed. I was too tired, and too heartsick to go back down for them. Besides, I’d lost my appetite after the conversation with Dad.
If any evidence pointed anywhere near Sam, I’d lose him. Forever.
7
Simon didn’t show up on Sunday.
I went to school on Monday, for the distraction if nothing else. I needed to see Sam, so badly, but I knew better than test my parents. They were already on edge.
And school sucked.
I spent most of the day with my head down, ignoring everyone. I just wanted to get through the day.
By the time I met Misty in the library after her practice, I was dragging. Misty noticed when she joined me at our usual table.
“We can hang out and do nothing,” she said. “I’m more than okay with that, if you’re not up to working on the project.”
The project. Because of my time in the hospital, our teacher took pity on me and gave us until the end of the year to finish. Once I ditched all my notes when I told Misty she could pick a different book, the work on the project became easy, and almost fun. It helped that she picked an entertaining book, though I never would have chosen it for a final project.
The Lightning Thief. Yeah—but I could work with it. After all, weren’t we intimately acquainted with monsters?
“I think doing nothing is a good idea,” I said. My mind was already exhausted.
“So.” She smiled at me. “Zach asked if we could double for the dance.”
The dance? Oh—oh. I’d forgotten about it, after Matt. I think the dress was still in its bag, thrown—somewhere in my room. I wasn’t about to tell Misty that. I’d get an ear-blistering lecture.
“Are they still going to have it? After . . .”
“It’ll be mandatory now. To keep up the façade of normalcy.” I clapped one hand over my mouth to stop the burst of laughter. Her imitation of our stuffy principal was spot on.
At least we didn’t have Mrs. Swiller to worry about. She was on permanent sabbatical, after attacking the Devil last fall, and pretty much losing it when she failed.
“I think I can still go,” I said. “My parents are on the fence about Sam. Again.”
Misty’s blue eyes widened. “They don’t think—”
“They don’t want to. But they’re being super cautious right now.”
“Yeah.” She let out a sigh. “I don’t really blame them. We’re going to make plans like you’re going, okay? Because I’m thinking positive. Oh, hey!” She did a pom pom pump. “We can take a limo! That would be beyond cool. Tell me we didn’t earn cool, Alex.”
“I can’t.” Because we did. I just had visions of me falling out of that limo, in my gorgeous dress, in front of the entire school. Every geek’s nightmare—complete humiliation. “I don’t know, Misty. I think it might be too much.”
“Nope. I’ve already decided.” She got busy on her phone, manically texting—someone. Probably her dad, who had a fleet of limos he rented to local businesses. “We’re getting the white stretch, if I have my way,” she muttered. “We will look amazing stepping out of that baby.”
My best friend. She’s crazy, but I really like that about her.
~ ~ ~
Because Misty had a cheerleading thing, we parted ways after leaving the library. I was already dreading the thought of the afternoon alone when I pushed the front door open.
“Hey, Alex.” I almost jumped out of my skin at the deep, quiet voice. Its owner stepped out of the shadow of the building, a smile on his model gorgeous face. “I thought it would be better to meet you here than at your house.”
I limped down the stairs and threw myself into his arms.
Simon was back.
~ ~ ~
I refused to let go of him. Finally, here was someone who understood. As Zach’s Watcher, he knew about the worry, the fear, and how much it wore down the person involved.
“You’ll have to free me eventually, Alex. I don’t think I can drive with you in my lap.”
I let out a watery laugh, and loosened my death grip. “Sorry. I’m just—I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I told you I’d come. I was unavoidably delayed, otherwise I would have been here yesterday.” I figured the unavoidable delay was the monster Zach told me Simon was tracking for one of the havens. I knew better than to ask for details. “You hungry? We can get a bite, and you can catch me up on all the details. I want to hear everything before I see the scene, talk to Sam.”
“Okay.” I followed him to his car, a sleek black Impala. “Inconspicuous.”
Simon laughed. “It’s heavy duty, and you’d be amazed at what I can stuff in the trunk.”
Right. I climbed in, and we took off, Simon cruising through the quaint town center. He pulled into the parking lot of the
most popular restaurant in Emmettsville—the one that served my favorite burgers. Too bad I wasn’t hungry enough to appreciate it. He parked, and waited for me as I limped around the car.
“The ankle’s still acting up?”
I shrugged. “I don’t give it much of a chance to heal.”
“You should have Zach take a look. Ever since the adventure with Elias, his healing ability has increased.”
I nodded, not even thinking of that before now. I always viewed Zach as human, even though he was so much more. He was just too humble—and too private—to let that get around.
Once the hostess seated us, and we ordered, Simon leaned forward and braced his arms on the table.
“Alex—”
“There’s been another murder, Simon.” I blurted it out before I could stop myself. I wanted to work it into the conversation, but after dealing with it all day at school, the weight of his death hurt too much to keep it in any longer. “It was Sam’s best friend. Matt Kinski.”
He took my hand. “I am so sorry, sweetheart. Does Sam know yet?” I figured he did by now, so I nodded. I hadn’t heard from him since I left the haven—not even a return call on my message. “Tell me everything you know, even the parts that you’re not happy about.”
I did, and after about two minutes he took out a small notebook and pen and started scribbling. I stopped long enough for the waitress to serve our food, then launched in again. Telling him was like purging the poison out of my system.
By the time I told him everything I could think of, I knew he had something to say to me. I wasn’t all that sure I wanted to hear it.
“Simon—”
“Sam loves the haven, doesn’t he?” I nodded. This wasn’t the way I expected him to go. “And the residents?”
“He considers them family.”
“Good.” He leaned back, tucking the notebook and pen in his pocket. “I need to see a few things, talk to some people, before I can tell you one way or the other. I know you want to believe Sam’s innocent in all this, but there is the possibility that he lost control, and had no idea he was hurting anyone.”
“I know.” He didn’t remember, the first time he changed—right before he went after me. I hardly expected him to remember now, after he’d kept the Fenris inside for so long. It was probably worse for him, since losing the protection of the necklace. There was no recognition in his eyes that first night, so there was a good chance he wouldn’t have recognized Leo or Matt in his Fenris form. “We just want to find out the truth. If it wasn’t Sam, then there’s a killer in Emmettsville, and everyone aboveground and below are in danger.”
“I’ll take you home, then go check it out. No, Alex.” He stopped me before I could start my objection. “This needs to be impartial. I’m going to be a cop down there, and I can’t have you protesting every time I want to interrogate someone. I’ll be cautious. I know quite a few of them, and they’ll help smooth the way with the residents I don’t know.”
I couldn’t argue the logic. Damn it.
We finished eating, and Simon drove me back to the school. “Thanks,” I said. “For dropping everything to come back for this.”
“It helped that I had a delivery in the area.”
“Santa Luna?”
He nodded. “This one was better suited for our haven. Former demon possession.” Yeah. Sam didn’t like dealing with them. Too unpredictable. “I also need to find a way to get a copy of the police file for Matt, without announcing my presence to the entire town.” He pushed hair off his forehead. “We’ll deal with it when we have to. I’ll call you after I’m done.”
I leaned over to kiss his cheek, then climbed out of the car. Simon waved as he pulled out of the parking lot. It had been long enough that all the various practices were over, and the lot was deserted.
I limped over to my MG—and I sensed the presence a second before I heard their shoe scuff the ground behind me.
With a cry I spun, dropping into defensive mode without thinking.
Oliver backed up, both hands raised, and a surprised look on his face.
“I am so sorry, Alex. I thought you heard me say your name.”
I straightened, the rush of adrenaline spiking my temper. “Well, I didn’t. You need to learn not to sneak up on people around here. One of them might snap your head off before they realize who you are.”
“Thanks for the warning.” His charming smile defused my temper. “I wanted to check on you, be certain you’re all right. I am afraid I gave you a rather horrible start, what with Sam attacking that poor—”
“Not another word.” So much for no temper. I wanted to punch him. Instead, I clutched the hem of my sweater. “Until I have absolute proof, Sam is innocent. And you better keep your comments to yourself, especially in the haven. The residents there worship him.”
“I did notice. Look, I am sorry. I had to reveal what I saw. If a logical explanation clears him, I will be as happy about it as everyone else. I came here to help Sam, and Jake. I am hoping to gain their trust, not alienate them.”
“My advice? Stop condemning Sam with every other sentence.” I stepped back, before the clenched fist did what it wanted and connected with his face. “I have to get home.”
“Alex?” I stopped only because he sounded—sad. And desperate. When I turned around I was surprised by the raw emotion in those pale green eyes. “If I’ve done anything to hurt you, I am sorry.”
“Apology accepted. I really do have to go.” These unexpected run-ins were starting to weird me out.
This time he didn’t stop me. I locked my doors after I slid into the car, and lifted my hand when I drove past him. He looked so lonely. Part of me wondered if not changing set him apart at the haven in England.
If he could help Sam and Jake do the same, I’d be happy to let him stay. As long as he kept his distance, and learned that even a little loyalty goes a long way when you’re the outsider.
~ ~ ~
Simon called, late. I only heard the buzz of my phone because it was next to my ear.
“Simon? What did you find?”
“Sleeping, Alex?” I heard the amusement in his voice.
“Not anymore.”
He laughed, and I hoped the good mood meant he had equally good news.
“Leo wasn’t killed by a Fenris.”
If I wasn’t already flat on my back I would have been, from sheer relief. “You’re sure?”
“I’ve seen enough wounds now to know. Whoever did this wanted us to believe it was a Fenris attack.”
“Thank you, Simon.” Thank you, thank you, thank you. He was getting a bucket of hugs and gratitude the next time I saw him.
“I knew you’d want me to call, even if it is late. I’ll hang around a few days, in case something else comes up. But if Matt’s injuries are the same, it looks like Sam is in the clear.” I flinched at the mention of Matt. His death was still raw, and coming right on the heels of losing Leo, my heart was bruised. Simon’s next words distracted me—and not in a good way. “So, I hear you’re going to a dance.”
“Don’t rub it in.”
His chuckle had me smiling, in spite of myself. “Give yourself a chance to enjoy it. It’ll be a memory you’ll want, Alex. Trust me.”
He was right. I’d only been a part of this craziness since last October, and I craved normal like I craved salty.
“I’ll try and remember that, when I’m embarrassing myself in front of the entire senior class.”
“You are going to be spectacular, sweetheart. Believe in yourself, be yourself, and you can’t go wrong.”
He ended the call before I could say anything.
I set the phone on my bedside table and hugged my pillow. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad night. I did have a pretty amazing dress, and my best friends were going to be with me.
Yeah—it could be a great memory.
Or a complete disaster.
8
I spent the next week waffling between great and di
saster. The closer it got, the more I was leaning on the side of disaster, and praying for bad weather.
Despite all my prayers for a nice thunderstorm or even a flash flood, the day of the dance arrived. And, of course, the weather was beautiful.
Add in Misty bouncing higher and faster with every day the stupid dance got closer, and by Saturday, I was ready to strangle her.
She decided we had to get dressed together—and make a day of it. Seriously, a day? It didn’t take that long to try on the dress in the store. I gave in, because I knew Mom would be giddy with happiness. Unfortunately, I underestimated her happiness.
With two girls to primp and fuss over, Mom was in her element. I had an idea that she missed this with me, but not how much, until she had the chance to do it.
I was the center of attention. Between Mom and Misty, they tamed and curled my hair, convinced me to try some makeup that wouldn’t make me feel like I was a reject from a beauty pageant, and actually produced some jewelry I wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear in public.
I was also exhausted at the end of it. Yeah—the dance hadn’t even started yet, and I was worn out just getting ready for the stupid thing. How did girls do this on a regular basis? Combing my hair and throwing on a hoodie was so much easier.
They wouldn’t let me near a mirror until they were done with me. I was anxious and grateful, because I was half afraid I’d look like a freak, trying to pass as a girl. When I was finally led to the full length mirror hanging on the inside of my closet door, I stared at the image, shocked into silence.
“Alex?” Misty appeared behind me, a vision in her white gown, her waist length blonde hair swept up on one side, with luxurious waves falling over her shoulders. “What do you think?”
“That’s not me,” I whispered.
How could it be? The girl in the mirror had big, smooth curls that were actually behaving, and curves. I don’t have curves. What I did finally see were what Sam always described as my sea nymph eyes. With mascara and a thin line of blue eyeliner, they looked—ethereal, otherworldly. Maybe I wouldn’t embarrass Sam tonight.