After not seeing Austin for two days, Nicole was surprised when he showed up at the study session on Friday.
And right off the bat, she realized something had changed. In fact, he was standing in the hall when she walked down the stairs to Coolidge’s office, waiting for something. When he opened the door for her, followed her inside, and sat next to her, she figured out he’d been waiting for her.
Of course, realizing this made her instantly nervous. Her palms began sweating, and the cello almost slipped out of her grasp.
“Whoa,” Austin said, steadying the instrument. “Careful there.”
He smiled at her and for a moment, Nicole stopped breathing. His dark eyes searched her face, seeming hungry to take her in. He held her gaze for a long moment before Nicole chickened out and looked down, remembering her frustrations with him. Seeing her shirt reminded her about the tear in her blouse on Monday.
She told Austin about snagging on the doorjamb, and how it had cut her without causing pain.
“I’m glad you said something. We’ll take it easy this time.” His eyes never left her face.
She tightened her bow, glad the other two students hadn’t yet arrived and that Coolidge was distracted. What had happened with Austin? Why was he so friendly, so intense, all of a sudden? Was it possible that he’d moved on from Savannah, and if so, how did Nicole feel about that? She’d spent the last couple of days ranting and raving against him, trying to force herself to hate him. Would she be able to flip the switch if he asked her to?
She wasn’t sure.
But she did remember the kisses they’d shared in Arches and how urgent and eager he’d been, how he’d said he had waited a long time for something to develop between them. Even though she tried not to soften, she felt her heart warm just a little. She did her best not to think about how it would feel to have his lips on hers again.
The door swung open, interrupting her thoughts, and Toby and Pete walked in.
Coolidge looked up from his desk. “Welcome, gentlemen.”
He immediately started the study session, focusing a lot on Nicole and her cello. Nicole was grateful for this because it made her work harder, allowing her to dwell on something other than Austin’s very attentive behavior. He was smiling a lot, and his arm and hands frequently brushed hers. Nicole knew that none of this was by accident. He truly wanted a connection with her, wanted to be close to her.
Even though she was still frustrated with him, every sense fired up. The cologne he wore, mixed with his natural musk, wafted toward her, begging her to breathe him in. She found herself leaning closer, enjoying the proximity, enjoying his scent. She’d pull back, reprimanding herself, then moments later, found it happening again. Despite her firm resolve to be angry with him, their every contact made her ache for more.
Through all of this, Nicole was aware of Toby. He seemed distant, but she recognized he was probably masking his feelings. She met eyes with him just once and then tried not to let that happen again. The hurt, the betrayal she saw and sensed made her agonize for him. After that, she had even more reason to distance herself from Austin. She needed to spare Toby from having to witness anything else.
Nicole and the guys focused on building up her powers before releasing them, rather than encouraging them to go full speed. She practiced on inanimate and animate objects with much the same results as before.
Periodically, Austin would poke her with the sharp end of an open paperclip. After they’d practiced for an hour, the pain stopped registering.
“That’s as far as we go,” he said. “We don’t want to cause any damage to your brain.”
Nicole nodded and Coolidge agreed that they’d practiced long enough. She put the cello away and packed her things, trying not to notice Austin’s every action as he picked up his backpack and held the door open for her.
“I’d better take you home to make sure nothing happens on the way,” Austin said once they were out of earshot of the others.
Nicole tried not to glare at him while her insides warmed considerably at the thought of being alone with him. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” She folded her arms and stared at him. “What happened this week? Why are you being so nice now?”
Austin sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m really sorry about earlier.” He looked at her, his eyes serious. “Starting a new relationship scares me. I have a hard time opening up to new people. And the idea that you’d learn so much about me made me panic.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “It’s just how I’ve always been. It’s hard for me to trust.”
“It is for me too, but I was willing to give it—us—a shot.”
Austin’s eyes searched hers. “Please forgive me, Nicole. I won’t let you down. I promise.”
“How will I know you won’t go back to Savannah again?”
“You won’t, not at first, and not until we know each other better. But I promise you this much—you will never have a more loyal boyfriend, and I will always let you know if I’m struggling in the relationship. I’ve never cheated on a girl, not once. I’ve never even been tempted to. It’s simply not an option for me.”
Nicole took in a deep breath, considering what he was saying. She waved hi to Toby and Pete as they walked past, then she looked back at Austin. “All right. Let’s see where this takes us.”
The smile and relief that spread across his face showed just how worried he’d been that she’d say no. He leaned forward and for a moment she thought he would kiss her. How would she feel about that? She froze. It was too soon—her emotions were too fragile still.
Instead, he brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers before taking the cello and leading the way up the stairs and out the building. Nicole held her hand to the spot on her cheek—it was warm and tingly—and she couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. She forced it away when Austin glanced back.
“Your car or mine?”
Nicole pulled out her phone, checking the time. “It doesn’t matter—I have to be at rehearsal for symphony in three hours and need to come back to campus either way.” She tucked her phone in her purse and glanced at him, not sure if he’d want to stay with her that long.
“We’ll take mine,” he said. “I’ll drop you off for rehearsal on my way home.”
Nicole smiled. “Sounds good.”
Austin shifted the cello to his other arm, then casually dropped his hand, nudging hers, giving her a questioning look. When Nicole didn’t pull away, he intertwined their fingers. She shivered briefly at the electricity that shot up her arm and crossed her shoulders. Austin was holding her hand. She couldn’t believe how good it felt.
And she would need to get used to these sorts of things, because apparently, they were about to happen a lot more often.
She couldn’t wait.
“You’re progressing really well, now that you’ve got the right instrument.”
“But not as fast as I’d like.” She hoped her voice sounded casual enough. Her heart was racing just from holding hands—it was like she was in high school again!
Austin led them between two buildings and toward a parking lot. “Trust me, you’re doing well.”
Nicole glanced at him. “But compared to what? Surely, not you.”
“Compared to other above-average Aretes. I have no doubt that you have an impressive future ahead of you.” He went somber and didn’t say anything for a moment. “I know you might not understand why, but Restarting at fifteen isn’t easy.”
“I can imagine—you must have been under a lot of pressure.”
He nodded. “People always asked me for help, adults, other students. At first, when I was really young, I was eager to help, but then I started noticing trends.” He glanced at her. “My family is powerful, and many people crave power. They used me to gain access to my parents. A simple request for assistance with a project frequently turned into a crusade to get my parents or even me to perform tasks that might have killed us or caused small civil wars to break out.
“More than once, I discovered that a seemingly innocent person needing help was actually a Tarian wanting to destroy me or my mom and dad. My first-grade teacher is still in prison for trying to kill my parents through me.”
Whoa. Insane. “That’s horrible! How did your teacher try to pull it off?”
“She sent me home one day with poisoned muffins. Mom took a bite, then had to answer the phone. Because of how slowly the poison worked, it wasn’t until forty-five minutes into her call that she passed out. She’d only had one bite, and it landed her in the hospital for several days. It nearly destroyed her liver.”
Nicole didn’t respond at first. They’d just arrived at Austin’s car and he opened her door, then put their things in the back. Nicole felt bad for Austin—for what he’d apparently been through—but she couldn’t stop thinking about why he might have been telling her all this, especially since he tended to under share information. Was he still apologizing for his behavior earlier that year when he’d turned down her request for help?
“Austin, I’m not upset with you,” she said as they pulled out of the parking lot. “For saying no to me earlier, after our first class with Coolidge.”
His eyes flicked toward her. “I know. And I’m grateful for that.”
“Good,” she said. She then gave him instructions to her house. Once they’d gotten well on the way, she said, “Tell me more about your family. What are your parents’ names?”
“Dave and Elyse.”
“Dave and Elyse Young? I haven’t ever heard of them.”
“I’m not surprised,” Austin said. “They’re quiet people and don’t live in the limelight. But word has spread around Montana. They still do small missions here and there, but they used to be very active.”
“What do they do for work? I assume they’re professional Aretes?”
Austin shook his head. “Mom is a homemaker and Dad is a rancher.”
Nicole couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Your dad ranches? But why? It sounds like he could have his choice of any Arete career.”
Austin shrugged. “He loves it. He inherited two ranches from my grandpa—one in Billings and another in bear country near Missoula. Dad loves working with animals and the land. It makes him happy, and we don’t see a need for him to stop.”
“I can understand that.” Nicole pointed. “This is my turn.”
Austin took it and Nicole showed him where to park. They got out of the car and Austin grabbed Niko and walked Nicole to her door, again holding her hand.
He looked down at her for several seconds before saying, “I . . . I missed you a lot.”
Nicole’s gaze didn’t waver, but the familiar hurt welled up inside. “What happened, anyway?”
Austin sighed. “Savannah is a very persuasive individual. I’m not attracted to her or interested in her anymore, so she changed tactics. But it went the exact same way it always does—her throwing fits when things didn’t go how she wanted them to, and me breaking up with her. She doesn’t handle rejection very well.
“The thing is, I couldn’t stop thinking about you while I was with her. I hated having her touch me. We didn’t even hug.”
Austin raised their hands to his mouth and kissed the back of Nicole’s. A grin stole across his face as something occurred to him. He nibbled on one of her fingers. “Did that hurt?”
Nicole returned his grin, savoring the tingle that spread down her hand. “No.”
“Well, I guess that means I can’t leave you alone yet. One can never be too careful.”
Nicole laughed and opened the door, leading the way in. She showed Austin where to put the cello, then stashed her things in her bedroom.
When she came out, Austin was leaning against the counter, arms folded, looking so attractive, it made her hesitate for a moment. His tee was tight on his biceps and pecs, his tanned skin contrasting against his white shirt. His dark hair was disheveled, his brown eyes bright. Could it be possible that he was here, with her?
Austin motioned for her to approach. She did so shyly, feeling unsure of herself, and stopped a foot away. He laughed and put his arms around her, nestling his face against her neck.
Nicole’s stomach fluttered. Would he kiss her now?
He pulled back, his lips not more than an inch from hers, and looked deeply into her eyes for several seconds before placing a kiss on her cheek. “Popcorn and a movie?”
Nicole nodded, trying not to feel disappointed that he hadn’t done anything more. She took a breath, firmly telling herself that going slow was just fine. “Your pick.”
Austin sifted through Nicole’s DVD collection and chose a movie while she popped popcorn. She joined him on the couch, setting the bowl within reach. He opened his arms and she scooted over, nestling against his chest, enjoying the warmth his embrace offered.
Nicole heard Lizzie’s door open and shut, followed by the sound of feet coming down the hall and into the room. The footsteps paused abruptly.
“Oh,” Lizzie said. “Well, I guess I don’t need to ask Nicole about Savannah today.”
Austin chuckled, rubbing lazy circles on Nicole’s back. “Join us? We’re watching Indiana Jones.”
Lizzie shrugged. “Sure.” She plopped on the couch on the other side of Nicole and tossed a handful of popcorn in her mouth.
***
Austin ended up going with Nicole to symphony. He sat at the edge of the room, reading on his phone, but every now and then, she would catch him watching her. They would meet eyes, and he sent her a half smile before turning back to his phone. He was so much more relaxed now than he had been days earlier.
For the time being, Nicole was using a school cello. Once she figured out her Channeling and returned Niko, she’d rent a cheap instrument and save up money to buy a good one. Or maybe the university would finally respond to Coolidge’s queries about her cello getting destroyed on the university-led expedition to Arches and replace it for her.
Nicole invited Austin to go to the party Saturday night, but he and his father would be negotiating the purchase of more land near their Missoula ranch. So, Nicole and Lizzie both went dateless.
Lizzie had barely knocked when Denise threw the door open and invited them in with a hug. “Welcome!”
The girls helped themselves to food after dropping off the brownies they’d made. They strolled through the apartment, following as Denise introduced them to her friends and other people in their building.
After they’d met everyone, Denise settled in a couch near Nicole and Lizzie. “So, how is your Channeling going?” she asked Nicole.
“It seems to be better, though I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to practice since you helped me.”
Sandy grunted, interrupting Denise’s response. “That shadow still following you around?”
Nicole mock glared at Lizzie, folding her arms. “Can’t have any secrets with Lizzie around, eh?”
Lizzie’s mouth popped open. “Hey, you were gone for a long time. Who else was I supposed to talk to?”
Nicole patted her friend on the knee and grinned. “It’s fine, Lizzie.” She glanced at Sandy. “The shadow leaves me alone now.” She hesitated, wondering how to ask her question. “Um . . . do either of you know anything about the Tarians?”
Sandy paled, her jaw dropping, looking like she’d been slapped. “Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you anything. There are things you shouldn’t know or even talk about.”
Denise rolled her eyes. “Sandy’s son is one.”
“That’s none of their business.”
“It’s not like people don’t already know.” Denise put her hand to her mouth and said in a stage whisper, “Practically everyone knows how much he hates Aretes.”
Sandy harrumphed, then turned to Nicole, obviously wanting to explain the situation. “Tarians aren’t good people. I love my son, but I don’t love what they’ve made him become.”
Lizzie tilted her head. “I don’t get it—wouldn’t you agree with their ideas? Forgive me for saying it, but you haven’t exactly hidden your dislike for Aretes.”
“I don’t like the Tarian methods. They’re dangerous—flying off the handle. Not only that, but things are getting even worse now. My son says something huge is about to happen. Someone important is coming to take over, to lead them against the Aretes. Someone who has been in hiding.”
Nicole narrowed her eyes. Hopefully, that wouldn’t happen before she, Rebecca, and Captain Price could stop the Tarians. “Did they say who it would be?”
“No. The higher-ups, if they know anything, are pretty hush-hush about the matter. But speculation is that it’s a wealthy man living in Germany. From what my son has said, the man is amassing large numbers of supporters in Europe.” Sandy sniffed. “Now, if you would excuse me, I need to check on my punch.”
Nicole tucked away Sandy’s information, hoping she’d get the chance to talk it over with Rebecca soon.
The rest of the party went well. Though she longed for Austin’s presence, Nicole had a lot of fun. When it was over, she and Lizzie returned to their apartment, tired and ready to sleep.
Austin got back from his father’s ranch the next day and came over to her apartment almost immediately. He gave her a hug, then they settled in to do homework together. At first, Nicole had a hard time concentrating—he still hadn’t kissed her yet. Maybe he was waiting for her to do something first? She couldn’t imagine what because she hadn’t exactly shied away from him.
Austin seemed to notice her distraction, so Nicole pushed her thoughts away and put her attention fully on their homework.
It didn’t surprise her that Austin wasn’t struggling in most of his classes—he seemed to excel in every subject. Only music seemed just outside his grasp, but Nicole had enough experience there to help him fill the holes for the section of his humanity class that covered famous compositions.
Once they’d finished Austin’s assignments, Nicole got out her cello to practice. “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said. “Albert wants the cello back on Wednesday. That only gives me a few days to master Channeling.”
“Didn’t he say you could stay there and continue learning?”
Nicole shrugged. “Yes, but that wouldn’t be an ideal situation. I mean, he’s a single old man and I’m a single young woman.”
Austin nodded. “I’d be terrified of being alone with him too. He’s so strong and foreboding.”
Nicole laughed. “Tease!” She playfully whacked him with her bow. “Seriously, though. If roles were reversed, would you be comfortable?”
“Probably not. And no, it’s not ideal. I’d much rather have you here where I can see you and work with you. But still, you actually need Niko to practice. The next nearest antique cello is in San Diego. And while we may be able to arrange for you to go down there to practice, who’s to say it would be any safer than working with someone Coolidge has known and trusted for years?”
Nicole didn’t respond. She saw Austin’s point and realized the chances of her going to Moses Lake were pretty high. After all, that was where the anti-Tarian elixir would be sent. But she still hoped something miraculous would happen before Wednesday.
***
Something miraculous didn’t happen before Wednesday. In fact, what happened wasn’t marvelous or awe-inspiring in the least, but freaky.
On Tuesday, Nicole attended Professor Whitman’s class with Austin and Lizzie. Austin sat next to Nicole, holding her hand, gazing at her frequently as if wanting to be sure she really was there. And when Nicole smiled back, she couldn’t help but see Judith Ann at the end of their row. Her surprise and annoyance made Nicole chuckle.
Whitman came to class late and started lecturing immediately. Oddly enough, she wore a heavy tiara that was clunky, with metal and wood entwined around what looked like a metallic core. A slight magical pulse emanated from it.
Nicole tilted her head as Whitman began talking. Her speech was slurred, her movements abrupt. Her eyes were glazed over. A weird, chemical smell followed her around the classroom.
“She’s totally stoned,” Lizzie whispered after class had been going for several minutes.
Austin glanced around the room, then stiffened, gasping. “Professor Whitman, throw that crown out the door. Right now!”
Whitman put her hands over the thing. “What? No way. It’s growing my powers.”
Just then, Lizzie threw up all over the girl in front of her. To Nicole’s surprise, the girl didn’t even react, and Nicole saw quickly why—she’d fainted in her seat.
Lizzie wasn’t the only sick person. Soon, the sounds of people vomiting filled the air. Those who didn’t vomit fainted.
Nicole’s stomach turned.
Austin jumped out of his seat and propelled himself over the two rows in front of them. He grabbed Whitman’s arm, shielding himself from the tiara. “Where did you get it?”
“EBay!” Whitman shrieked, struggling to undo the pins that held it in place. “Help me take it off!” The woman began sobbing. “I don’t know . . . I didn’t know . . . I’m so sorry . . .”
Nicole rushed out of her row and down the two steps, joining Austin and Whitman. She raised her hands to help, but Austin yanked her away.
“Don’t touch it,” he said. Instead, he grabbed Whitman’s purse and thrust it at Nicole. “Search for a handkerchief or a tissue or something.”
Nicole slammed the purse on the table and rummaged through it, setting aside keys, receipts, pens, gum, and a wallet. Finally, she found a silk scarf crumpled at the bottom of the purse and tossed it to Austin, who was doing his best to keep Whitman from flinging herself out of the classroom.
Using the scarf like a glove, Austin pulled out the pins and wrapped the tiara in the silk fabric.
Drawn by the chaos, the halls had filled with students. Many of them were sticking their heads in the door, their noses wrinkled.
“Call 911,” Austin said, pointing at one of the students. He glanced at Nicole. “Come on.”
Nicole motioned to Lizzie. “I need to stay with her.”
He shook his head. “You need to come with me as backup in case this thing does something to me. We can’t take chances.” He jerked his head to the students in the hall. “They’ll help her.”
Nicole shot one last glance at Lizzie, who offered her a nod and a weak smile, then jumped to follow Austin, not asking where they were going. It soon became clear as they neared the science museum that they were going to Coolidge’s office.
Austin pounded on the door until Coolidge opened up, a sandwich in his hand. Without waiting to be invited in, Austin rushed past and set the tiara on the desk.
Coolidge stood near the door, frozen. “Where did you get that?”
“Whitman wore it to class today. Students started passing out and throwing up.”
“Did she say where she got it?”
“EBay.”
Coolidge closed his eyes and shook his head. “The lengths that woman goes to . . .”
Austin scowled. “What is it?”
Coolidge shrugged, finally approaching his desk. “Obviously something evil. And I’m not going to touch it without knowing where it came from.” He looked up at Austin and Nicole. “I need to talk to Whitman about this. Alone. She’s not likely to open up in the presence of students. Go home. If I need further help, I’ll contact you.”
Austin nodded, then he and Nicole left Coolidge’s office, Nicole leading the way up the stairs. They exited the building, pulling up their hoodies against the rain that had just started. Sirens blazed in the distance. The two jogged back to Whitman’s class.
The smell of vomit was so strong that the moment they entered the classroom, Nicole began to dry heave. The girl in front of Lizzie who’d fainted was trying to wipe Lizzie’s puke from her hair while Lizzie helped from behind, using paper towels from the bathroom. Lizzie looked a little green and she wasn’t the only one. Those who had fainted were awake now, but no one looked well.
Judith Ann sat on the stairs against the wall, head between her knees. She looked better than most everyone else, but still sick.
Being careful not to step into anything, Nicole went to Lizzie. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, now that the crown is gone.” Lizzie pulled out another tissue and continued cleaning the girl’s hair. The girl had tears rolling down her face, but she didn’t seem upset at Lizzie. She wordlessly watched the paramedics arrive and start helping people. Austin met the paramedics and explained the situation.
“What can I do to help?” Nicole asked Lizzie.
“We’re pretty much done here,” Lizzie said. “Would you mind giving me a ride home?”
“Sure. As long as they don’t want you at the hospital.”
Lizzie groaned. “I hadn’t thought about that.”
Austin finished with the paramedics and joined Nicole. “This is insane.”
“Why didn’t it make us sick?” Nicole asked him. “Why everyone else, and not us?”
Austin shook his head. “I don’t know.”
It didn’t take long for the paramedics to figure out that no one was deathly ill, but they still requested that everyone who had been affected get checked out at the hospital. Lizzie’s trip there, with Nicole driving, was a short one, and only an hour after she got there, the doctors sent her home to rest.
That night, after Lizzie had gone to bed, Rebecca visited Nicole. As soon as Nicole spotted the spider, she began pacing in her room.
“What has you so agitated?” Rebecca asked, appearing by the door.
“Just . . . things. I’m supposed to return the cello I’ve been using tomorrow. My friend got really sick today . . . and I still don’t know if I can trust you.”
Rebecca sat on Nicole’s bed, her eyebrows knitted. “What have I done to lose your trust, my dear?”
“The question should actually be, what have you done to gain my trust? I mean, you lived in a possessed tree, Rebecca. And people died when the tree and spiders attacked them.”
“That was only a temporary location for me, a place to prolong my life. Like other things I’ve lived in, it was already evil when I got there.” Rebecca’s transparent look solidified, and she reached for Nicole as she paced past, setting her hand on Nicole’s arm, stopping her. “I didn’t kill anyone, sweetie. The tree used those bodies to strengthen itself.”
Nicole gave a quick nod. “Which, in turn, strengthened you.”
“Well, yes. Of course.”
Nicole sighed. “What do you want from me?”
“It is time for you to go to Moses Lake. The portal will only get strong enough to deliver the elixir when you are near it.”
Nicole snorted. “Moses Lake—it’s so convenient. I’m heading that way tomorrow.”
Rebecca smiled. “Yes, I know. I chose that location for a reason. The portal needed a secure and secluded spot. I already knew you’d end up in Moses Lake eventually, and the forest there provided the right amount of magic to allow the transition.”
Rebecca patted the bed next to her, indicating for Nicole to sit, which she did. “Christopher told you about my embryonic manipulator, correct? The machine we created that stopped people from having very many children? We need to right that wrong. We need to restore things. Please help us, Nicole.”
“How will the elixir fix what’s happened?”
“The vessel—meteor, as you and others have called it—was sent from another dimension of earth. A dimension where great and powerful beings rule—creatures who have far superior intellect and understanding. These beings helped us create the embryonic manipulator, and with sufficient pleading and begging on my part, they’ve agreed to help us destroy it.”
“Why would they flop sides like that? And why do they care either way?”
Rebecca shrugged. “Curiosity. They look at us like ants—easy to squash, but kind of funny in the meantime. They’re entertained by our actions. It is important that we continue having them look on us in this fashion. Draw their attention the wrong way, and their curiosity and humor will turn to irritation. Then they’ll kill us.”
Nicole thought about the monsters she’d encountered in Arches. “Do they have any relation to Shoggoths and Agarchs?”
“Shoggoths are creations of the Agarchs. And Agarchs are servants to these Great Ones. Nicole, the Shoggoths and Agarchs are small in comparison, where magic, size, intellect, and ability are concerned.”
Nicole shook her head. “This is ridiculous. What you’re asking me to do is ridiculous. Those beasts were smart and strong—we barely got them to leave us alone.”
“I’ve really only asked you to do one thing so far, honey. Stay at Moses Lake for a few weeks, allowing the portal to grow from your powers. And then, once the portal has grown sufficiently, accept the elixir. What happens beyond that is entirely up to you. We won’t even discuss it until you’re comfortable. And as a side note, having the portal feed off your powers won’t disrupt your life in any way.”
“Will it be dangerous for me or anyone else?”
Rebecca glanced at Nicole. “Any interaction with the Great Ones is dangerous. I’ll do my best to help you navigate safely. As for others, sometimes sacrifices must be made.”
“And that’s the sort of opinion that makes me wonder about you, Rebecca.”
Rebecca smiled. “You’ll come to understand things from my point of view eventually.” She sighed. “I must leave now. Good luck, my dear. You may not know it, but Captain Price and I care for you deeply. We don’t want any unnecessary harm to come to you and will prevent it at all costs.” She put her hand on Nicole’s arm. “Will you help us?”
Nicole nodded. “Yes. But don’t send me to Moses Lake and then leave me there stranded. I expect frequent visits from you.”
“Of course.”
Rebecca’s solidified form became translucent until she disappeared completely, and Nicole grabbed her phone and called Austin. He picked up on the first ring.
“Is it common to see ghosts?”
Austin chuckled. “Hello to you too.”
“Seriously—I’ve been seeing one.”
“We saw Elizabeth when we went to Britnell Manor,” he said.
Nicole nodded, remembering their experience with the changing photograph. That wasn’t something she wanted to repeat.
“Tell me about this ghost.”
“Her name is Rebecca. She used to live in the tree outside our apartment that attacked us.”
“Excuse me? And she’s visiting you now?”
“I know it sounds stupid and dangerous . . . but she’s trying to help.” Nicole wasn’t sure how much she could tell Austin. She wanted Rebecca and Captain Price to trust her, and they had told her some very private things. But Austin was her boyfriend. Nicole tilted her head. Was he? She’d just assumed . . . he’d said he’d be the most loyal boyfriend she’d ever had . . . but did that mean they were now dating? Should she ask him? Was it time or too soon? Or would they have that conversation at some later point?
“Hello? Are you there?” Austin asked.
“Oh, yes, sorry. Just in my own world.”
“I’m coming to see you off tomorrow morning. I wish I could go with you to Moses Lake.”
“Me too. But I doubt your professors would let you skip so much school.”
“I know.” Austin’s voice went faint, then came back strong. “It’s late—you and I both need to get to sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”