Chamaeleon: Book 3.5 of The Stardust Series

by Autumn Reed

  After an uncomfortable fifteen minutes of small talk, where I learned about Helen’s past and tried to dodge questions about my own, she asked me if I was interested in renting. We settled on the terms, I paid my first month’s rent in cash, and she handed me the keys. All things considered, the process was much less painful than I’d expected. Thankfully, Helen seemed pretty trusting and didn’t require a background and credit check.

  I was looking forward to feeling more settled again, and I hoped that having a job and a place to live would help with my feelings of displacement. Unlikely.

  * * *

  Thursday, April 30th

  After packing what few belongings I had in my car, I checked out of the motel and drove over to Helen’s. It didn’t take long to settle in, and I wasn’t expected at the coffee shop until late afternoon; it was time to ditch the car. Much as I enjoyed the freedom of having a car, and loathed the sunk cost of what I was about to do, I knew it was necessary. The Civic had served its purpose, and now it was one more way the guys could track me. The farther I could distance myself from it, from them, the safer we all would be.

  The guys . . . I had purposely stayed busy to keep my mind off of them, to keep from dwelling on what they were doing or if they missed me as much as I missed them. Unfortunately, it didn’t work, and I found that they were never far from my thoughts, especially when I lay in bed at night unable to sleep. I wondered if the ache would lessen over time, but I doubted it.

  Of course, when I wasn’t thinking about them, my brain was counting down the hours until the deadline Douglas set for my dad to contact him. Since I hadn’t heard a peep from the Batphone, and knew it was unlikely that I would in the next two days, I was attempting to mentally prepare myself for the repercussions. I had almost convinced myself that even if Douglas revealed my identity, no one would care. I was just a random girl, not someone the media cared about. What were the chances DuBois would even find out?

  Driving to the other side of the city, I hunted for a destination within walking distance of a bus station that would take me back to my new place. After about thirty minutes, I found a secluded parking lot and left the keys in the unlocked car, hoping that it would be useful to someone else.

  I watched the passing scenery out the bus window as I contemplated how drastically my life had changed in such a short time span. It was like déjà vu, but instead of waking up in the cabin or at the loft, I was completely alone in a new city. As much as I longed to wake up from this nightmare, I knew wishful thinking would only lead to disappointment. My one consolation was that my self-imposed waiting period to contact Jess would end soon.

  Chapter 11: Knox

  Friday, May 1st

  Chase threw a pen across the office, and I bit back a grin. I probably shouldn’t have been entertained by the fact that he’d traded in his usual mild-mannered personality for one belonging to a fire-breathing dragon. But, I had to find amusement somewhere; otherwise, I was likely to go insane worrying about Haley. Logically, I knew she could take of herself, but that didn’t mean I was okay with her being on her own.

  I liked taking care of Haley and keeping her safe. Was that so wrong?

  Realizing that it was past lunchtime, I logged off my computer and walked over to Chase’s desk. He was staring intensely at his monitor, typing at an impossible, nearly inhuman, speed. How did his brain work that fast?

  When he didn’t notice me hovering, I snapped my fingers in front of his face a few times, and his head finally jerked in my direction. After pulling out his earbuds, he turned his attention back to his monitor and grumbled, “What?”

  “Come on, I’m treating you to lunch.”

  “I don’t have time.”

  “Make time. I want to pick your brain about something, and you need a break.” And at least twelve hours of sleep, I thought. The circles under his eyes were so deep they were beginning to resemble craters.

  When he ignored me, I said, “It’s about Ethan.”

  His fingers paused over the keyboard, and his shoulders slackened. “Okay, but only if we make it quick.”

  “No problem. We’ll grab something downstairs.”

  Once we were seated at a small table, I dug into my food and noticed that Chase was barely picking at his pasta.

  “I know you’re stressed, but you have to take care of yourself.”

  He nodded and ate a few bites, then set his fork on his plate. “This sucks.”

  “Then get something else.”

  “No, not the food. Haley. Ethan.”

  “We’ll find Haley.” We will, I reassured myself. “As for Ethan, it concerns me that none of us have been able to reach him since he walked out of the meeting on Monday. You still haven’t heard anything, right?”

  “Not a word.”

  “I’ve checked everywhere I can think of. His favorite bars. That crazy martial arts gym he goes to. Even that damn ice cream place he loves so much. I’ve talked to his aunt, and she swears she doesn’t know where he is. My guess is, he’s hiding out until after his dismissal from the team is official.

  “You know him better than anyone. Can you think of any place he might go? Even out of town? Somewhere that’s special to him, maybe?”

  “I don’t know, Knox. Nothing like that is coming to mind.” Chase returned to his lunch, and after a few minutes, said, “Did you try talking to the paramedic he volunteers with? Jared?”

  “No. I’ll add him to my list. Anything else?”

  He shook his head.

  “Okay, well if I do manage to find Ethan, do you want to go with me to talk to him?”

  He looked contemplative, then sad. “It’s probably better if you go alone. I’m sure he’s still upset about me kissing Haley.”

  “Are you—”

  “Wait, I have an idea!” Chase interrupted, his expression brightening. “Ethan’s dad used to take him fishing. What was the name of that lake?” He pulled out his phone and typed, then started scrolling. “Got it! Anderson Lake. It’s about an hour outside of Santa Cruz.”

  “Good thinking.”

  “It’s a long shot, but a lead is a lead.” Chase stood. “Let’s get back to work.”

  * * *

  Saturday, May 2nd

  I pulled up to the small cabin, relieved to see Ethan’s Audi sitting in the driveway. After spending my Friday night researching rentals near Anderson Lake, I’d made a list of the most promising options and headed out first thing this morning. This one was the eighth on my list. Not too bad, considering.

  Ethan opened the door, a scowl on his bearded face. That’s a new look, I thought, also noticing that his T-shirt appeared to be stained with pizza sauce and—was that chocolate? Probably smashed Peanut Butter M&M’s.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” His voice was scratchy with sleep, and I couldn’t resist checking my watch. Yep, it’s afternoon.

  “Did I wake you, princess?”

  “Why couldn’t you leave well enough alone?”

  “Have you met me?”

  “Unfortunately,” he grumbled.

  “Gonna let me in?” He didn’t budge from the doorway, so I continued standing there patiently. I’d learned long ago that pushing Ethan wouldn’t get me anywhere.

  After a drawn-out stare down, he huffed and disappeared inside. “Might as well get this over with,” he called.

  “I’m feeling the love,” I muttered.

  When I stepped into the small living room, Ethan was already sitting on the couch and opening a beer. I chose a chair across from him and attempted to ignore the countless empty bottles that littered the coffee table.

  “Nice cabin.” It reminded me of the one we rented outside of Coleville, although quainter. I wonder if Haley would ever want to spend a weekend someplace like this? Maybe just the two of us?

  “You didn’t come all the way out here to admire my cabin, so spit it out.”

  “Fine,” I sighed. “I’m worried you’re about to do something incredibly stup
id, and I want to stop you.”

  His laugh lacked even an ounce of humor. “Pretty sure it’s too late for that.”

  “Technically, it’s not too late until tomorrow. You can still change your mind. You should change your mind.”

  “Not happening,” he said, knocking back the rest of his beer.

  “Ethan, seriously. Whatever issues you have with Jax can be worked out. It’s not worth walking away from the team.”

  “You don’t know shit.”

  “Explain it to me, then.”

  He regarded me with obvious disdain, his eyes ice-cold.

  “I’m not Theo. You can’t stroll in here acting like Papa Bear and expect me to go along with whatever you say.”

  Ethan shoved off the couch and stalked to the kitchen, grabbing yet another beer from the fridge. “It’s funny. You didn’t give a crap about helping me until I threatened to break up your precious little family.”

  “That’s not true. I tried talking to you, but you shut me out. You shut Chase out. And, I thought that it was your family, too.”

  “No.” He tipped his bottle my direction as he sprawled back onto the couch. “I had a family, unlike your shitty excuse for parents, but they’re gone now. I don’t need second-rate replacements.”

  I kept my expression shuttered to hide the wound his words inflicted. Not the part about my parents; he was spot-on about them. But, deep down, I’d believed that he didn’t want to quit the team. That he simply needed someone to fight for him.

  Apparently, I had been wrong. He was done with us. Bitterness was clearly eating him up, and I didn’t think anyone could reach him right now.

  Holding back the urge to lash out in retaliation, I decided to give it one last shot. “Insults won’t scare me away. Why don’t you tell me what all this is really about?”

  Ignoring my question, he sat up a little. “Did you find Haley?”

  “You care about her,” I responded, not answering his question.

  He shrugged, attempting nonchalance that I didn’t buy for one second. “She’s my friend. Of course I want to know if she’s okay.”

  Suddenly realizing that I’d been taking the wrong approach all along, I dropped my head to stare at the ground. “I don’t know if she’s okay. We haven’t found any promising leads past San Francisco.”

  “Are you kidding me?” he spat. “It’s been a week!”

  “Haley’s smart. She’s obviously being careful, covering her tracks.”

  “Sure, she’s smart, but finding people is what we do.”

  “We would be able to do it better if we weren’t missing a vital member of our team.”

  He scoffed. “Whatever. Chase and Jackson are the hackers. You don’t need me.”

  “There’s more to it than hacking. Plus, you could take over some of their duties so they can focus on searching.”

  “Nice try, but that’s not going to work. You’ll find her eventually, with or without my help.”

  I ran my fingers through my hair and tried to keep my frustration in check. “You do realize that when we get Haley back, if you’re no longer on the team, you’ll lose your chance with her, right?”

  “I’ve already lost my chance with her,” he mumbled.

  What does that mean?

  Ethan stood abruptly. “Look, Knox, believe it or not, I appreciate that you came out here and tried to change my mind. But, it’s not going to happen. Tell Chase I’m sorry.”

  He strode to the front door and held it open for me. Not one to ignore not-so-subtle hints, I followed him. Before walking out, I gave his shoulder a squeeze. “It’s not too late. Don’t make a mistake that you will regret forever.”

  Back in my truck, I pulled out my phone and texted Jax.

  Me: Operation Last Ditch was unsuccessful.

  Jax: As expected. Thanks for trying.

  Chapter 12: Theo

  Tuesday, May 5th

  I was stopped by the sound of Kara’s voice calling my name. “Theo. Hey, Theo. Wait up.”

  Slowing my pace, I reluctantly held the elevator for her. If only I’d left work a few minutes earlier. I liked Kara but had an inkling of what she might say, and it was a conversation I’d been dreading.

  Once inside the elevator, she turned to me, her expression serious. “I haven’t seen Haley around lately, and she hasn’t returned my texts. What’s going on?”

  “She took a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons,” I answered, quoting the standard response the guys and I agreed to for questions about Haley.

  “Oh.” She paused, her brows pinching in apparent concern. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, don’t worry.” I tried to smile, but it felt forced.

  Kara gave me a look that said she didn’t quite believe me. “Will you at least tell her to let me know if she needs anything?”

  “Sure,” I fibbed.

  “I hope she comes back soon,” she said as the doors opened to the parking garage.

  “Me too,” I muttered, referring to more than Haley’s return to the office.

  I drove toward campus, not even remotely excited about my favorite class. Ugh. I couldn’t wait for this quarter to end so I could capitalize on the brief window before classes restarted to find Haley. I thought being separated from her while living in LA was terrible, but that was nothing compared to this. At least then I knew she was safe at home with Knox.

  Now, I hated wondering where she was, constantly worrying about what she was doing, and knowing she couldn’t possibly be happy. The two-and-a-half weeks she had been gone felt like a lifetime, and we were no closer to finding her. Shit. How could she just vanish?

  Meanwhile, life marched on as usual—I still attended class, put in my hours at Zenith, and biked almost every day, but it all felt hollow. Though I always struggled with maintaining focus, since Haley left it was completely shot, like I had a one-track mind honed in on her. Even Ethan’s dismissal from the team, which was finalized yesterday, seemed like a minor blip on the radar. I knew rumors would circulate at the office, and it sucked that things turned out this way, but eventually the drama would settle and our team would regroup.

  Sitting in class, I made no attempt to pay attention, and wondered for the millionth time what prompted Haley to leave. This wasn’t the first time that I faced abandonment, but I was determined not to let her go without a fight. I hated feeling helpless, and no matter how much I tried to escape it, the fact remained that she was gone.

  Facial recognition software continually scanned cameras in San Francisco, starting with the bus station, and we had since expanded outward with our search. So far, we knew that she took a transfer bus to a smaller station and visited the bank. But San Francisco, like any large city, was ideal for hiding, thanks to the expansive geographic area and bustling population.

  Technically, Patrick's visit to the safe deposit box was successful, considering he accessed the contents without any trouble. But we were still no closer to understanding Haley’s motives or ascertaining her current whereabouts. The only clues she left were a handwritten e-mail address and the driver's license Jackson made for her. As much as it saddened me to know she was forced to ditch what I thought of as her real name, at least we knew for certain not to hunt for “Haley Jones.”

  As expected, the searches we ran on her dad’s new alias found in the safe deposit box yielded nothing. We were working under the assumption that it was an emergency identity that had yet to be used, but we set an alert on the name so we’d be aware of any future hits.

  Thanks to Liam’s trip to Vegas, we hacked Jessica’s e-mail account and set up an alert to monitor for messages from the generic e-mail address Haley left in the safe deposit box. We had also combed Haley’s laptop and work computer, searching for clues without success. And, we were all holding our breaths for Chase to finally recover the data on her phone. Between her phone and e-mail address, we had to find something helpful. Had to.

  I met Chase after class ended, hoping
he would have an update on Haley. Before I could even ask, he simply shook his head, his silence telling me everything I needed to know.

  “Have you figured out where you’re going to live next year?” I asked.

  “No,” Chase sighed, “but I have until the fifteenth to give the leasing office an answer.”

  “I don’t know if you’re interested, but Knox and I would be happy for you to move into the loft. You could take the spare room down the hall from mine, although we’d have to share the bathroom.”

  “Really?” he asked, that one word giving away his hesitance and relief.

  “Of course. We should have offered before, but you know . . .” I shrugged, trying to convey that it was an oversight rather than a slight.

  “Yeah, I know. Too much change at once. I’m ready for things to calm down again.” I noticed the circles under his eyes and knew he had been running on little to no sleep lately, like most of us.

  “I’m ready to find Haley,” I said wistfully.

  He paused, as if unsure whether he should speak. “I know you say that, but do you really want her here if she doesn’t want to be?”

  “It didn’t stop us the first time,” I snipped back.

  “But maybe it should have,” he answered solemnly.

  “The past doesn’t matter. She belongs with us. I’m sure she isn’t happy, and I know we aren’t,” I said almost angrily. I didn’t want to argue with Chase, but I couldn’t understand his reluctance to bring Haley home.

  He nodded but didn’t speak as we walked across campus. We had faced stressful situations as a team in the past, but it seemed like our current issues were pushing us to the brink. I hoped there would be a break in the search for Haley soon, before the team ended up broken beyond repair.

  Chapter 13: Chase