Chapter Twenty-Five
Arriving in Northern California only minutes after leaving the house in Washington, we began to search along the coast with Samson leading us north until dawn was threatening to break through the darkness. We backtracked half a mile and rested in an old hunter’s cabin in the woods, not far from the coast of southern Oregon. Liam and Aedus had magically blacked out the windows and sealed the door of the small bedroom, then taken turns returning to faerie for food. When I woke in the afternoon, I found the three of them stretched out on various chairs and rugs, sound asleep. Amazingly there was coffee ready for me on a camp stove. Gotta love the fae. Samson was snoring next to Liam. He opened one eye to look at me. I put my finger over my lips and he closed his eye and returned to his doggy dreams. I grabbed a cup of coffee and went back to the closet-sized bedroom to let them sleep a little longer. I was amazed to see that my cell was working. I called the house and Sinc answered.
“How are things going?”
“Quiet today. Kyle said that you, Liam and Aedus are back in California.”
“We’re following a new lead. I’ll keep you posted. Is Sasha up yet?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“How’s he doing?”
“Fine. He and Heinrich are keeping us safe and this evening he’s giving Will and Bridgett a physical training session. No donors have died.” She laughed.
I sighed and relaxed my shoulders, relieved. “And Bridgett?”
“Sometimes when Bridgett opens her mouth, she’s her own worst enemy. But she’s up early everyday making breakfast and she’s manning the phones and the computer without complaining. I guess you’ve heard that Bridgett and Will are getting closer and I think they’re doing more than just holding hands.”
I shook my head and groaned. “Um, maybe you could have a talk with her?”
She laughed again. “Garrett, she’s seventeen. Do you want me to tell William to back off?”
“No, it’s fine. I think it’s great for him—great for both of them. She just seems so much younger than Jackie.”
“I know, but she’s matured since she’s been here. You’ll be surprised when you see the change.” She whispered, “Garrett, will Ethan be coming home soon?”
“When I find Jackie, I’ll put him and Kyle on a private jet back home.”
“Oh, okay.”
Something was up. “Is everything good between you?”
“Um hmm. I’m just stressed, that’s all. I hope you find Jackie soon. I’m so worried about her.”
Liam was at the bedroom door, disheveled, but rested. “We’ll find her, Sinc. Looks like my troops are up. Have to go. I’ll call again when I can.”