Darkness Becomes Her

by Jaime Rush

  Lachlan’s face darkened as he hovered, waiting for signs of Magnus’s awakening. “Come out, Maggie.”

  After a few seconds Jessie said, “I need to get hold of Hayley.” She stepped away, and a moment later the girl answered. “Hayley! Thank God.”

  “Jessie!” She heard the same relief in Hayley’s voice. “Is everything all right?”

  “That’s what I was wondering about you.”

  “Uh-oh, you talked to my mom, didn’t you? She knows I snuck out. Shoot. Well, I’m not going back yet. I’m tired of being coddled. I’m with a very nice man who’s taking me to a concert.”

  “Man?” There went the relief.

  Lachlan looked at her, probably because of the way the word had torn out of her throat.

  Hayley said, “Hold on, he wants to talk to you.”

  “Hello . . . Jessie, right? My name is Henry, my dear. Don’t worry about your friend. I’ll take the utmost care of her.”

  Jessie’s blood drained from her head so fast it left her dizzy. Lachlan was looking at her, but hopefully the soft lighting in the room camouflaged her paste-white face. She gestured to him that it was all right and walked farther away. Was Russell using Hayley as a hostage? Or worse, another experiment?

  It clicked, in one horrible moment. He’d seen the newspaper article about her donating blood marrow to Hayley. If he couldn’t get her, he’d take the next best thing: the girl who held her blood.

  “You understand?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. You are most welcome to join us, but there’s only room in my car for one more. Shall we come pick you up? It will take but a minute, and it’s done.”

  He meant that bringing Calista into Hayley would take a minute. If Jessie tried anything, all he needed to do was subdue Hayley and it would be done.

  On the other end, Russell said, “Hayley, if your friend Jessie comes, we’ll be late to the concert. Will that be a fair trade-off?”

  She heard Hayley say, “I’d love that. Please come, Jessie.”

  He wasn’t talking about being late. He was talking about a trade: her for Hayley. She wouldn’t have to know. Russell was using double talk to keep her in the dark. They would go to the concert, where it would be loud and dark and chaotic, and Hayley wouldn’t even know anything bad was happening. He had no reason to harm her if he got what he wanted. He’d take her home, and all she’d know was that Jessie was acting differently. Maybe she was just tired.

  Jessie peered at Lachlan from the corner of her eye. He was tapping his brother’s cheeks and talking softly to him. She could spare him, too, from being involved in this. Magnus wouldn’t feel territorial because there would be no more Jessie.

  “Hayley, I don’t want you roaming around by yourself. I’m in downtown Annapolis. There’s a coffee shop around the corner on Main Street. Pete’s Java. I want you to meet me there. We’ll talk, figure this out, okay?”

  “Well done,” Russell said, getting that she was putting on an act for Lachlan. “I’d be delighted to pick you up. I know it would mean a lot to Hayley. We’ll head over right now.”

  Jessie disconnected, composed herself, and turned to Lachlan.

  “Everything alright?” he asked.

  She rolled her eyes. “Teenage drama. I’m going to talk her down.”

  Lachlan stepped closer. “You said a coffee shop near here?”

  “Just me. You being there will keep her from talking openly.”

  “You’re not going alone.”

  “We’ll ask Cheveyo to put a shield over the shop so Russell won’t be able to find me.” Her words seem to float out of her mouth into an airless room. She had a hollow feeling in her chest, the odd sensation that she didn’t really need to breathe. “Magnus is going to wake up any minute. You need to be here when he does. I’ll have my phone with me. I won’t be long. I need to calm her down so her mom can come and get her.”

  She hated lying to him, especially when he looked so concerned.

  “It’s just around the corner.”

  “Alright. But if you’re not back in twenty minutes, I’m coming.”

  That should be enough time for her to be long gone. “Deal.”

  Lachlan’s phone sat on the nightstand next to the bed. She took it, tucking it beneath the folds of her coat. Downstairs, she slid the phone between the couch cushions. He would eventually find it by having someone call his number, when the time was right. But she didn’t want him to hear any audible indication that he’d received a text message.

  It seemed to take forever to reach the bottom of the stairs. She turned to find Lachlan watching her. She waved and walked out.

  Maybe her mom didn’t know what it would take to come back, Jessie thought. She hoped not, but she’d probably never know.

  She felt separated from her body already, as though floating somewhere above it. She pulled out her phone and called Carol. “I’ve talked to Hayley. She’s fine, and she’ll get home safe. She’s on her way to a concert, and I’m going to meet up with her. Give her some space tonight, ’kay? Afterward, you can ground her for a hundred years.”

  Sadness tinged Carol’s laugh. “I know I’m too strict and overprotective. I forget how I was at that age. No, the problem is, I remember too well. But you’ll be with her tonight?”

  “Absolutely.” For a while anyway. But Russell wouldn’t hurt Hayley if he got what he wanted. The last thing he needed was to be connected to a hurt or missing girl, especially one who was the darling of the community. “I’ll make sure she calls you as soon as the concert is over.” She finished the call, turned on the video camera, and held it up.

  “Lachlan, it’s me, Jess.” She rolled her eyes. “Well, of course you know that. You’re seeing me. I hope you understand I had no choice, and that there was nothing, absolutely nothing, you could do. Russell has Hayley. I’m trading myself for her. I know you would throw yourself into danger to prevent it, and I can’t let you do that. You need to be there for Magnus. Love him and know how lucky you are to have him. Tell him I’m sorry. You know everything about Darkness that I do, so you can work through it together. By the time you get this, it’ll be too late. If you see me, it won’t be me, so don’t do anything stupid to put yourself in danger.”

  Don’t cry. She swallowed tears that wanted to spill out. “You are a great guy, Lachlan. Forgive yourself. That’s what you can do for me.” She wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, but he would no doubt show this to Magnus. No, let that be. What would be the point anyway? She ended the recording and sent it to him. She hated that he’d go crazy for a bit, but he knew her, knew this was what she’d have to do in this situation.

  He knew her. The only person who really did.

  She reached the warm lights of the shop as a sports car pulled up to the curb. Russell hadn’t been lying about the size; it had one of those barely there backseats.

  “Jessie!” Hayley jumped out and hugged her. “I can sit in the back. I’m so glad you’re coming.”

  Clearly, she had no idea how terrible this man was, just as it should be. As they stood outside the car, Russell peering at them from inside, one desperate thought of running flared in her mind. But he was Darkness. He would catch them in an instant, and Hayley would know how dangerous and awful the world could be, if she survived. Once she was a witness, he couldn’t let her live.

  Hayley crawled into the back, and Jessie sat in the passenger seat and closed the door. She turned to the girl as the car pulled away. So innocent, so beautiful. “Who are we seeing in concert?”

  Jessie thought her voice sounded odd and disconnected. Hayley didn’t seem to notice.

  “Muse. I hope you like alternative rock.”

  “You do realize how dangerous it is to get into a car with a stranger.”

  The girl’s expression fell. “I know. But it was so cold, and I had a while to walk yet. I promise I won’t do it again.”

  “Ever. And don’t sneak out of the house again either. I
know you want to stretch your wings. You’ll have time for that.” Her breath hitched, making her heart hurt. “Plenty of time.”

  Russell watched in his peripheral vision, a small smile on his face. Bastard. He’d found her biggest vulnerability. He’d ripped out her heart and now the slowing blood flow was shutting down her organs.

  They pulled into the jammed parking lot of the auditorium, hearing the throbbing bass right through the closed windows. Only a few people remained outside. Hayley’s face lit up the moment she crawled out of the backseat and looked at the large building. “My first concert!”

  “Shall we go, ladies?” Russell gestured toward the entrance.

  Jessie took Hayley’s hand and they walked together, though the girl’s pace was much faster. Hayley was going to a concert, and she was going to her death.

  “You don’t look well, Jess,” Hayley said. “Are you okay?”

  “I may be coming down with something. I’ll be alright.” Would she? Where would her soul go? To the Void?

  “I’m sorry I dragged you out here.”

  “Just enjoy yourself. And when we get out, call your mom and have her come get you. She’s worried.”

  “She’s going to be pissed.”

  “Yeah, and deservedly so. You have to earn her trust, and she has to give it to you. Work on that together.” Jessie wanted to give her all the advice she could think of, but they were approaching the box office.

  Russell bought the tickets but held them in his hands. “We need to stick close together.”

  Hayley gushed in gratitude. Jessie did not.

  They walked in, his hand on each of their shoulders. Jessie shook it off, but he only put it back and squeezed gently. Cooperate, he was telling her.

  She moved away again. Get your hand off me. I’m not going anywhere.

  Bleachers went way up all around the sides, but Hayley led them straight into the crowd in front of the stage. The music was hard, pounding, and loud. Blinding white lights flashed and swept over a mass of heads and arms. Hayley became one of those people, moving to the music next to her. Russell stood right behind Jessie, his body brushing hers ever so slightly. He was smiling, eyes glittering with anticipation. The song was about being victorious. The bass pounded right through her, making her eardrums itch.

  She leaned next to Russell’s ear. “What if I die like all the others?”

  That, at least, stole the smile away. “How the hell did you know about them?”

  “That doesn’t matter. What if I collapse right here in front of everyone? You can’t hide my body like you hid the others’.”

  “It will work. You’re a part of her.”

  “Does she know you’re trading me for her? That you’re sacrificing her own daughter?”

  “Shut up.”

  Maybe she could somehow talk to her mother before the exchange and get her answer. That was her only hope, that Calista would be horrified and refuse. Mothers sacrificed for their children, not the other way around. Well, in theory.

  Hayley screamed. Jessie jerked around, imagining a column of black smoke coming down into her head. But she was frantically waving at someone.

  “My friends!” she said. “I’ll be right back.”

  She weaved through the crowd to a group of teens. One girl hugged her and both girls jumped up and down and squealed. Hayley gestured toward Jessie, clearly trying to get her friends to come her way. They shook their heads, pointing to the spot they had near the stage.

  Russell pointed to a section way up high and nearly empty. “We’re going up to the bleachers.” Most people were either on the floor or midway up.

  A few minutes later Hayley returned, looking letdown.

  Jessie leaned closer. “We’re going to sit up there. It’s too crowded down here.”

  Hayley’s face reflected even more disappointment. “But I like it here. Can I stay with my friends? No, then I’d be leaving you, and you came because of me.”

  Leaving her.

  She looked at Russell. “Hayley’s going to stay with her friends.” It wasn’t a request.

  He considered it, then nodded. It would probably work better in his plan anyway.

  Hayley hugged her. “Thank you, Jess.”

  “Why don’t you plan on staying with them the rest of the concert?”

  “And leave you with some strange guy? No way.”

  “You were comfortable enough with him to get in his car. Besides, I’m a grown-up. I’ll be fine. I don’t want to stay for the whole concert anyway. Now that I know you’re safe with your friends, I’m good with leaving early.” When Hayley hesitated, Jessie said, “It’s okay, really.” Yes, get away from Russell.

  “Well, all right. Text me when you get home.”

  Jessie smiled. “Yes, Mom.”

  Hayley rolled her eyes. “I did so totally sound like her, didn’t I? I guess I can see why she worries.”

  Jessie pushed back a strand of Hayley’s pink hair. “It comes with caring. It’s a small price to pay, believe me.”

  The girl dashed off to her friends, merging with the group. Jessie followed Russell through the crowd to one of the stairways that led up toward the cavernous ceiling. Her heart tightened into a tiny ball with each step. He wouldn’t wait much longer. He had a couple of hours to do what he needed to do and give her time to recover. Or leave her there and escape if she died. Would he try again with Hayley? Probably not. If she didn’t work, Hayley wouldn’t either. And Hayley would now be with her friends.

  She told Russell that. “She’ll be expecting a text from me when I get home tonight. Otherwise she’ll be worried.” And investigate. “Text her that I have to leave town now. Assure her that it’s not her fault.”

  Jessie wanted Hayley as far away from who she’d be. She was sure Russell would take his love—her body—away as soon as the exchange was complete. The girl would be hurt by her distance, but Hayley would go on.

  Thank God.

  She would go on, too. She just didn’t know where.

  Chapter 21

  From the window, Lachlan watched Jessie walk down the sidewalk. She was on the phone, probably calling the girl’s mother to assure her she was all right.

  Cheveyo stepped up beside him. “You’re still worried about her.”

  “I trust your shield. It’s kept Russell from finding my home so far. But . . .”

  “You love her.” That wasn’t a question either. Cheveyo smiled. “I’ve seen the look before, and I’ve felt the same resistance you feel now. I had my reasons, too. Good ones. But you know, reasons, codes of honor, don’t fill your heart, don’t warm your bed or slake your desires. They’re cold and lonely when it comes right down to it.”

  Lachlan only grunted in answer. How did the guy know so much? He wasn’t a normal guy, that’s why.

  “Go on, follow her. She doesn’t have to know you’re there. I’ll watch over Magnus. The second he wakes, I’ll call you.”

  He gave Cheveyo a nod of thanks and went to grab his phone. He searched the floor, under the bed, everywhere. Then he looked downstairs. “Where the hell is my phone?”

  “Give me your number and I’ll call it.”

  Lachlan traced the ring tone to between the cushions of the couch down in the living room. Odd. He pulled it out and saw a text message notification from Jessie. Even odder. He opened it. No message, but a video. Tightness pulled at his chest even before he could think of why she’d be sending a video.

  Her words plunged his heart to the depths of despair. That’s why the phone had been hidden. She hadn’t wanted him to find it before she had a chance to do something really stupid.

  Lachlan turned to Cheveyo, standing behind him. “Where’s the nearest coffee shop? She said the name of one on Main Street . . . it had a name, Jack, Peter—”

  “Pete’s Java?”

  “That’s it.”

  “Follow me.” Cheveyo ran down the stairs to the door, Lachlan steps behind him.

  It wasn’t far to
what looked like the main drag. Their shoes pounded on the pavement, his blood pounding the same way in his head. Lachlan saw the lighted sign, PETE’S JAVA, no one standing out front. Was she inside? He tore through the entrance just as a couple was coming out. He slammed right into them, but his gaze scoured the space, the woman in the corner with her laptop, not Jessie, a woman at the counter ordering, not Jessie. No Jessie anywhere.

  “Hey, man,” a voice said next to him.

  A cup lay on its side on the floor, coffee spilling.

  “Sorry.” Lachlan dashed back out to the sidewalk where Cheveyo was still searching, shaking his head.

  “She’s not here.”

  Lachlan’s heart was like that cup, all of his blood spilled right out. “I’ve got to find her.”

  “Let’s get Pope.”

  They raced back to the town house. Cheveyo called out for Pope the second he opened the door.

  Lachlan grabbed his sword. He hated asking for help, but there was no room for pride when Jessie’s life was on the line. “Olaf, now would be a good time to have your help.”

  No answer.

  Cheveyo and Pope rushed back in. Pope said, “To Jessie?”

  “Yes. Now.”

  Pope grabbed his arm and Lachlan felt a whoosh. He heard Cheveyo’s outraged, “Hey! What about me?”

  Lachlan and Pope materialized in a dark, loud place that smelled of sweat and smoke. It only took a second to orient himself. Concert.

  Lachlan searched the crowd. “Where is she?”

  “My ability hasn’t come back precisely. She’s here somewhere.”

  They pushed their way through the mass of people in the smoke-filled space. Twenty minutes later, he spotted Hayley.

  “Where’s Jessie?” he asked, startling her.

  She pointed up. “She and the guy who gave us a ride went up there. She’s not, like, with him—”

  Lachlan turned, finding Pope and gripping his arm. “Up there!”

  In a flash, they transported to the top of the bleachers.

  Jessie! Lying limp across Russell’s lap, his hands hovering inches above her, his head thrown back as he looked at the ceiling. Bringing down Darkness, though in the murky smoke-filled air Lachlan could hardly discern it. Russell looked up, and his expression fell.