“You look delicious tonight. Love the dress.”
Her gaze jerked up and scanned the audience again, her heart pounding. When she didn’t see anyone looking at her, she texted back: “Who is this?”
It wasn't more than ten seconds later when she received back: “The giver of your dreams, the lover of your soul. I’m here, and I want you.”
She almost dropped the phone. Gage. Once again she scanned the area below. She didn't see anyone she knew, but he had to be here. She quickly shoved her way back down the stairs, fear tightening around her chest.
Claire glanced at everyone she passed until the room began to spin, and she couldn't tell one face from another. The air in the club was smothering, hot and musty from the sweaty crowd. The smell made her nauseous.
Finally she reached the hall leading to the back of the stage. She stumbled into it, blinded. At first she thought something was wrong with her eyesight, but after rubbing her eyes, she realized the hall lights were off. At the end was a thin stream of light beneath the closed door of the dressing room. And not far from there, Claire knew she'd find the door leading outside.
Not liking the idea of creeping down a darkened hallway, she decided to run and risk the chance of tripping. Luckily she didn't trip, but she did crash into something solid. Hands gripped her arms tightly. In her mind, Claire saw Gage's cold eyes and twisted smile. She began to struggle, punching at the unknown person in front of her.
"Claire! Stop it. What's wrong with you?"
It took her a moment to realize she recognized the voice. "Logan?"
"Yeah. What's wrong?"
She fell against him. "Get me out of here. Please."
Logan wrapped his arm around her and guided her to the door. As soon as it opened, she stumbled into the night. Her hands pressed on her knees while she gasped for air. She thought she was going to throw up, but then Logan pressed his hand against her back and her stomach slowed its centripetal motion.
"What's going on?" he asked.
Claire straightened and tilted her head toward the dark sky. "I can't see the stars," she said, trying to think of something else.
Logan stepped in front of her. "Claire! What's wrong?"
She lowered her eyes to meet his. "He's here."
"Who?"
"Gage."
Logan's muscles tensed. "Where?"
"Inside somewhere."
"You saw him?"
"He sent me a text message."
"Let me see."
Claire handed him the phone. He quickly read over the messages. "I'm going back in."
He moved to open the door, but she stopped him. "No! Please don't leave me."
Logan’s eyes closed, and his jaw muscles bulged, but he stayed. "You should probably call Smith. Tell him about Gage. They'll want to know he’s here."
Claire nodded and dialed the police station. Smith wasn’t in so she explained to a deputy what was going on. He assured her they’d look into it.
When she hung up, Logan didn't say a word. He reached to take hold of her hand but hesitated. Claire didn’t care for any of that right now. She took hold of his palm, needing something to ground her.
Logan led her out of the alley and onto a bench.
"We'll wait here," he said.
She sat down and looked up again, desperately searching the night sky for stars. She needed light. Not man-made ones, either, but real heavenly-created light. Just the thought of Gage seemed to fill her with a darkness so great, she was afraid it would swallow her whole.
Logan pointed into the night sky. "Over there. The North Star."
Through the haze of the city’s lights, she could just barely make out the star’s faint glow.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice as faint as the star's light.
“Don’t apologize,” she said, wondering what he was sorry for. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. When he opened his mouth to speak again, she asked, “How’d you know it was me? In the hallway?”
“The second I touched you, I knew.” He looked at her briefly and she swore she saw her reflection in his eyes, but then he turned away. “I know you, Claire.”
She said nothing, just feeling incredibly grateful that she had such a good friend. Together they sat side by side on the cold metal bench, staring at the stars for a long time until she heard, "There you guys are."
Claire turned around. Kate, Steph, and Audrey walked toward them. Ethan followed behind. He looked confused when he saw her with Logan. She jumped up and rushed toward him. "Can we go, please? Now?"
He looked at Logan and then back at her. "What's wrong?"
"Gage was here."
Ethan’s head swiveled around. "What? Where?" His whole body tightened.
"Inside."
"That guy had the nerve to show up here?" Kate gasped.
"Who's Gage?" Audrey asked.
Claire tugged on Ethan’s arm. "I've already called the police. Let them deal with it. Please, just take me home."
Ethan looked back at the club, deep lines appearing in his forehead, and said, “I want to talk to Smith myself.”
Logan walked by him. "You can call him on the way home. Let's get out of here."
"But who's Gage?" Audrey said again, loud enough for passing strangers to stop and stare.
Kate took her arm. "I'll tell you in the car. Come on, Steph."
The three of them headed off in another direction.
Claire followed Logan to his car. Ethan kept a steady hand pressed against her back. When she moved to sit in the passenger seat, Logan stopped her. "Sit in back with Ethan."
She gave him a weak smile. "Thanks."
The long drive home was quiet except for Ethan’s phone call to Smith who he finally got a hold of. Smith had already been informed of the situation by his officer’s and had spoken to Roseburg’s local authorities. Smith assured him the situation was being dealt with.
When he was finished, Ethan wrapped his arms around her and rubbed the underside of her hand with his thumb. Logan pretended to be into his music, but she caught him glancing at her in the rearview mirror several times, his eyes sad and she swore she even saw anger a couple of times.
Back at the grocery store parking lot, Claire thanked Logan again and said goodbye. He nodded and drove away, not looking back.
"I'm glad he was with you," Ethan said after they got into his car and pulled onto the road.
Claire just stared out the window thinking of Gage. How did he know she was there?
"It should’ve been me,” he said. “I went to the balcony first, but when I didn’t see you, I went back to the dressing room.”
“We must’ve just missed each other. Don’t worry about it.”
"It's a horrible feeling."
She looked at him. "What is?"
He gripped the steering wheel tight. "Not being able to protect you."
"You don't have to protect me. I actually enjoy fighting, remember?" But what she didn’t admit was that there was something inside of Gage she didn’t know how to fight and it terrified her.
"That's not what I mean,” Ethan said. “I want to protect you from evil. That's not something you can physically fight."
She startled. It’s like he’d read her mind. "You really think he’s evil and not some messed up teenage boy?"
Ethan shook his head and furrowed his brow like he was trying to figure out his next words. "I think this Gage guy goes beyond messed up. You said so yourself, there was something dark in him, indescribable."
Claire turned her attention to the darkened window, not knowing how to respond. He was right. Something about Gage frightened her beyond anything she’d ever met and that included her father. Maybe evil was the right word to describe him.
"That's what I want to protect you from,” Ethan said. He reached over and took her hand. “I can tell you’re scared, and I'm not used to seeing that side of you."
"I'll figure it out."
"Not alone." He squeezed her hand and s
aid nothing else until they pulled up to her house a few minutes later. At the front door, he stopped her from going in.
"One day soon," he said, his face close to hers, "you're going to fall in love with me as much as I am with you.”
He kissed her briefly and walked away.
Claire thought the night had been ruined and nothing could salvage it, but in one simple and sweet sentence he'd made her feel whole. If this was love, then she was really looking forward to feeling more of it.
Chapter Six
Albert had lost control. And it had only taken one seemingly perfect distraction to cause the tear in his identity, and what had oozed out the jagged wound was the familiar darkness he'd been trying to hold back. Gage.
He stared into the mirror across from his bed. His gaze was strong, immoveable.
Gage had made his appearance while Claire was singing without the help of any drug. His prison had been carelessly unattended; his guard distracted by the voice of an angel. Fortunately for Albert, the rip was not wide enough for Gage to fully take control, but it had given him enough time to steal a phone and contact Claire. To scare her.
Gage had seen her frightened expression just before he was mentally shoved back into his cage. The fear in her eyes had given Gage an added strength, and Albert feared it was just a matter of time before he returned.
Chapter Seven
Lunar Festival of Lights. That's what the mayor had called it. The celebration was meant to bring in more tourists during August when they began to taper off. Another solid month of tourist income would do a lot for Bandon’s economy. That’s what the mayor had said. And if it worked, then the festival would become a yearly tradition.
Claire was excited for it, mostly. The city had called Kate to ask if their band could play a few songs, their tamest ones, they had been quick to say. But Claire had a couple of reservations about playing at the festival—Bodian Dynamics, more specifically Gary, and Gage. Even though nothing had happened for several days, she was still nervous that one of them might easily find her if she performed in public.
In the end, however, she didn’t let her fears stop her from singing and attending the event. She wanted to make the festival memorable. She and Ethan together, beneath the light of the full moon. She couldn't imagine a more perfect setting. Besides, the police would all be at the festival so she should be safe.
"You coming?" Kate called from her car.
Claire stared up from her porch into a cloudy night sky. So much for her perfect setting. Already a heavy mist was creeping through the trees as if it, too, wanted to experience this new celebration. She zipped up her jacket and bounded down the stairs.
"So how come Ethan didn't pick you up?" Kate asked when Claire closed the passenger door.
She put on her seat belt. "He had to work over at Bullard’s Beach Park. He'll meet me there."
"So you two seem to be getting serious,” Kate said, eyeing her sideways as she eased the car onto the road.
"Maybe."
"Don't you think it’s weird? I mean, a few years ago you guys were practically a couple and then you don’t speak to him forever and now you’re back in love?”
“I wouldn’t say we’re in love,” Claire said, squirming in her seat. “I just forgot how cool he was.”
"Maybe he’s not as cool as you think he is.”
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Kate tightened her lips like she was trying to keep from saying more. Instead, she said, “So did Logan mind playing for Audrey tonight?"
She turned the car right toward town.
"Yeah. When is she coming back?" Claire was glad Kate changed the subject. Ethan was still a sore topic between them. Sometimes, she wondered if Kate was jealous that Claire had a boyfriend and she didn’t.
"Tomorrow. Wish I could be in Hawaii.”
“Don’t we all.”
Claire’s phone buzzed. She looked down and read a text message from Logan out loud. "Logan says not to worry about all the equipment. He’s already setting it up."
"Good. Logan’s so cool. Too bad you’re not dating him.” Kate tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. "I hope this festival isn't lame.”
Claire chose to ignore the first part of her statement. "I'm sure it will have some lameness to it. A sixty-year-old planned it."
"Whoa!" Kate said and slowed the gas.
Claire looked up. Lining the streets was bumper-to-bumper parked cars and they were still six blocks from town. Not only that, but just up ahead their small city was practically glowing with lights.
"Maybe there will be more people than I thought," Kate whispered.
"Where are we going to park?" Claire looked in all directions, trying to find a spot.
Kate’s lips curved up. "VIP parking."
"Where's that?"
Kate didn't answer, but after a minute Claire knew what she was talking about. Barely fitting between a fire hydrant and a parked car, Kate slowly guided her old Buick over the concrete curb and up onto the grass. She proceeded to drive into the park, swerving through trees that were glowing from millions of strung lights. The white light tried to push through the growing fog, but it pushed back, creating a haze of blurry trapped light.
She was about to comment on the illusion to Kate, but just then her skin turned cold. She wasn't sure why until her brain registered what her eyes were looking at through the side window. Not far off, standing beneath a streetlight as if a ghost, was Gary. His stare touched her, and ran up her spine, leaving shaking nerves in its wake. She quickly looked away and clutched the dashboard.
"You okay?" Kate asked as she parked next to a homemade stage in the middle of the park.
Claire forced herself to relax. "Just fine. You sure we can park here?"
"We're rock stars, remember?" Kate got out of the car.
"Right."
"You coming?" she said, peeking her head back into the car.
Claire remained frozen in her seat, staring straight ahead.
Kate banged the top of the car with her hand. "Hey! You coming or what?"
She jumped. "Yeah. One sec."
Kate closed the door.
Claire glanced in all directions for Gary before she opened the door. He must have wandered off because she couldn't see him now.
“Relax,” she breathed. Gary probably lived in this area so it shouldn't surprise her that he was here. Besides, he hadn't bothered her in a couple of weeks.
A few minutes later Logan appeared. "Now you're sure we're up first, right Kate? Because everything’s set up."
"That's what the lady at city hall said."
"Good." Logan eyed Claire. "What's wrong?"
She turned away. "Nothing. Long day is all."
"You sure? Because you look like you've seen a Chupacabra."
Claire tried to smile. "Once I start singing, I'll be fine."
And that’s exactly what happened. Thirty minutes later she jumped from the stage after performing their last song feeling great. There wasn't much of a crowd, mostly teenagers, but she didn't care. Singing was all that mattered.
"Should we walk through town? See what else there is?" Steph asked.
"Can't. I've got a date," Kate said.
Up on the stage, a man and woman, who looked like they were attending prom wearing a matching tux and pink ruffled dress, set up a cello and a violin. Claire felt Logan come up behind her.
"Who with?" Steph said.
"It doesn't matter. Later," Kate said and walked away.
Steph turned to Claire. "That was weird."
She nodded, although nothing Kate did surprised her. The woman on stage began to play the cello. Her long fingers fascinated Claire as she moved them across the strings.
"So are you guys coming?" Steph asked.
"I'll go. Claire?" Logan asked.
She turned around. "Sure. Just down Main Street?"
"That's where the action will be," Steph said.
"Cool. I'll text Ethan so he knows
where to look for us."
With Steph on her left and Logan on her right, they followed the path of lit-up trees. The melancholy sound of strings followed behind them. Claire couldn’t believe how Main Street had been transformed. All the shops had placed little white bags with candles inside them on the sidewalk and brought out their inventory, discounting their prices significantly. Old-fashioned street vendors walked the streets selling everything from hot dogs to cotton candy.
"You can still hear the music," Logan said.
Claire stopped and listened. Sure enough, she could still hear the couple playing their haunting melody.
"Hey, guys." Ethan's voice.
She turned around and smiled. He stood, hands in pockets, grimacing. "Did I miss it?"
"We played first,” she said. “But don't worry about it. It's not like you haven't heard me sing before."
He took hold of her hand. "But there's nothing I love more."
"Oh, please," Steph said and pulled on Logan’s arm. "Let's keep walking before I vomit."
Claire and Ethan followed behind them until they reached Town Square. Lights had been hung above them and with the fog they looked like stars close enough to touch. She had to hand it to the mayor; the place looked amazing and would no doubt become a yearly tradition they all looked forward to.
"Why has everyone stopped?" Steph asked. A growing crowd was huddling together in front of the library, preventing them from walking past.
"It must be time for the drawing," Logan said. He reached inside his pocket and pulled out a ticket.
"What do you win?" Claire asked, trying to peer over the crowd.
"Bandon Motor Sports is giving away a four-wheeler.”
"Where have I been?" Ethan asked.
From seemingly nowhere the mayor appeared on the library steps. His round, balding head stuck out of his checkered shirt like an over-inflated red balloon. After wiping sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, he used a megaphone to speak.
Claire listened for a few minutes while he spoke about Bandon's history and the significance of the festival. "Amidst a raging storm, sailors looked for light,” he was saying. “It was this light that brought safety and loved ones together…”
Unleashed: Part 2 (Unleashed Series) Page 3