"So, someone else was helping Jin?"
"It's possible, but we know Cole was the one killing the Lost. The void isn't a living thing."
"True." I leaned against the wall next to my door. "We can talk it over with Logan later. Your room is the way you left it. Now that you're home, Gran is sure to want to ask you if she can dust. I think she's been itching to do that."
"It's your house." Vincent looked at the room down the hall. He looked upset, but my sleep-deprived brain couldn't work out why.
I shrugged. "It's your room. Get some sleep. I'm sure Logan will have work for us tomorrow."
Leaving Vincent in the hall, I shut myself in my room and then kicked off my shoes. Knowing that my clothes were grubby, I threw them off, before falling into bed.
***
"Do you think the tree will be okay at your place?" I asked Rider as he drove me home.
"It is amazing how much it resembles a tree," Rider said. "Logan agrees that it is the best place for it until we figure out something different."
When I had spread the Path into the ground to tether me down, it had branched out. Once it was unearthed and flipped over, all those tendrils resembled a tree, and the base that had wrapped around me looked very much like a trunk.
"Gerald did a good job of painting it," I said.
"He is talented. I understand that you have plans later today," Rider said.
"With Ethan, yes," I couldn't keep the enthusiasm out of my voice, “but it's you and me this Sunday."
"Would you like to bring him with you when we get together?"
"Really? I thought you didn't like him."
"He is your friend, but I do not know him."
I beamed at Rider. "He's not the same kind of friend that you and I are. Maybe we can all get together another time, unless there's someone you want to invite."
Rider shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I am still uncertain about how those types of relationships work here. I do not think I am ready."
"Well, when you are, or if you want to know anything, you can always ask questions. In the meantime, though, Sunday's for us."
Rider seemed pleased by that. "Have you spoken with Ethan about anything that has happened in the past few weeks?"
My good mood plummeted. "I haven't talked to him much in the past few days. Besides, our work is confidential."
"There are things that are not, though. I thought since you have not spoken with anyone, you might talk to Ethan."
"I've only been seeing Ethan for a few weeks. There's no reason for him to know."
Rider was quiet and I searched for a way to change the subject. "How's work?" It was a lame question, but it would move us away from talking about me.
"When you and Vincent return to work, it sounds as though Vincent will be my new partner."
"That'll be interesting."
"Does it seem odd to you?"
"No, you and Vincent have worked together before," I said.
"Most of the agency is human," Rider said. "Yet, the Lost and those with special abilities are paired together, leaving the humans to themselves."
"The luck of the draw I guess. Clancy works with everyone."
"This is true."
"Oh, Ethan's here early," I said as we drove up. "Gran's not home, but you’re welcome to come in. You can keep Ethan distracted while I run and change."
"Is Vincent home?" Rider asked.
"No, he's out looking for an apartment." I slid out of the car when Rider stopped and greeted Ethan at the door. "Sorry that you had to wait." I opened the door to let them both in.
"It's my fault for getting here so early," Ethan said.
"Early is good," I said, “and it'll give us more time together. First, though, I need to change. I'll only be a minute.”
I dashed upstairs but slowed down when I reached my room. Maybe Rider would have a chance to get to know Ethan a little better if I left them alone for a while. I changed into jeans and a T-shirt, but grabbed a long sleeve button up shirt to go over it. It was a warm day, but this time of year, you never knew if that was going to last. After I put on my hiking boots, I took the time to brush my hair.
It was only when I ran out of things to do that I checked the time. Eight minutes. It would have to do. I bounded down the stairs but slowed when I saw the two men. Rider looked serious, and Ethan looked troubled.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"I believe so," Rider said, as though nothing was out of the ordinary. Only, he didn't look me in the eye. "I am going to visit Logan. Do you mind if I leave my car here?"
"It's no problem," I said. "I'll see you out."
"No," Rider said a touch too quickly, "I do not want to hold you two up."
He left before I could protest. The back door shut and I turned to Ethan. "What happened?"
Ethan seemed to come out of a reverie. "What? Oh, it was nothing. Guy talk is all."
I put my hands on my hips. "I didn't think Rider knew what that was."
"I think it comes naturally. You look nice today," Ethan said, obviously trying to change the subject.
They obviously didn't want to tell me what happened, so I let it drop. "Thank you."
"Are you sure you want to go hiking today? We could do something else if you'd rather."
"No way," I said. "You have no idea how much I need to get out and away from everything."
"If you're sure," Ethan said.
He sounded uncertain, which made me worry. "Um, if you don't want to go..."
Ethan smiled, closed the gap between us, and then took my hand. "I'm looking forward to it."
Then he kissed me.
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to all my family, who are my biggest supporters in my writing. Adria Waters provided excellent feedback. Along with Christina Benedict, she provided support and encouragement along the way, especially when I became hesitant. I’d also like to thank Hadena James, who consistently encourages me to move forward.
The Columbia Writers Group provided me with different viewpoints which were beneficial throughout the process. The Editing company BubbleCow provided detailed comments that assisted me in making several points of the novel in a new light which I appreciated greatly. Thank you to Frankie Sutton, my editor, for all of her assistance. Deranged Doctor Design provided me with a wonderful cover design and formatting.
I also want to thank my parents for reminding me I can do anything I set my mind to, and my sister Tamera who is always supportive. Many, many other family, friends, and acquaintances have been incredibly supportive. Thank you all.
Most of all I must thank my husband for his continued reassurance, inspiration, and assistance in all my writing endeavors.
About the Author
Amanda Booloodian lives in Missouri with her loving, and often times peculiar, husband. In 2006, she took part in Great Beginnings and was awarded first place in the Mystery/Thriller category. Amanda has been passionate about the written word throughout her life. Now, much of her spare time is spent at the computer, delving into worlds accessible only through vivid imagination. In warm weather, when she isn’t pounding on the keyboard, she can often be found wandering through the wilderness. Occasionally she gets it into her head to SCUBA dive or to sit back at home and make wine, which can have interesting results and inspire her writing.
You can find out more about Amanda and her writing, including upcoming releases, on www.Booloodian.com. You can also find her on Facebook: Amanda Booloodian - Author, Twitter: @ajbooloodian, and Amazon: Amanda Booloodian.
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Broken Paths (AIR Book 2) Page 30