Another brief whiff of bitter apple filtered in like a Granny Smith on a cold, fall day. Its crisp bite touched my nostrils, and then diminished before my brain registered the direction it came from.
“It’s just that… well, Lucas asked me,” Stephanie whined. Lucas pulled her into his arms. He nuzzled his nose into her neck, and she squealed.
He had no idea I couldn’t care less.
I looked at Emma and squeezed her hand. Her returned smirk read more than disgust. She understood we were both off the hook. I opened the driver’s side rear door and grabbed the bag on the seat. “This yours?”
“Yes,” Emma answered.
After shutting the door, I reached for Emma’s hand and we walked toward my Cruiser where Molly and TJ waited.
“Good. Now Stephanie and I have space to spread out in the backseat!” Lucas yelled.
Emma tensed for a second until I put my arm around her. Lucas’ thoughts bounced from making Emma jealous with Stephanie to being angry with me.
It appeared to be the first time Lucas was rejected.
Teenagers walking to their cars noticed us. Humans gossiped, while immortals monitored Lucas’ behavior and measured his vitals. When Lucas’ thoughts were angry, they were borderline violent and his adrenaline spiked. As the rage peaked in Lucas, so did concentrated droplets of the bittersweet hybrid odor. Yet, there was no sign of its source.
We’re getting abnormal readings, Jorgenson said, observing the situation from the safety of our agency headquarters. Now’d be the time to get a blood sample.
Impossible. Besides, there’s at least three different hybrid scents. They intensify and dissipate quickly. Molly and Claire concurred. It appears to be circulating around Lucas. But he’s not a hybrid. I confirmed his soul, I told Jorgenson.
Emma and I reached my Toyota, and I tossed her bag in the back seat.
“Are you okay?” Molly asked. To my surprise, she greeted Emma with a hug.
“Yes. Perfect,” Emma said. “Thanks, Molly.”
See, Benjamin. I can be nice. Besides, it’s about flipping time you kissed her. We’ve been waiting for this for how long?
This is cause for celebration, Claire added.
I turned away to prevent Emma from noticing my grin.
“Hey, you guys heading to Trent’s party?” Molly questioned.
“Yeah, I think so. Right, Ben?” Emma answered.
“Yup. Let’s go.” I noticed Lucas and Stephanie already left, and so did all trace of the sickly sweet odor.
As I started the engine, I wondered if the hybrids were protecting someone. And if so, who? The more I thought about it, the more I realized the comings and goings of their presence even at the Inn. The concentration of scents began as parents congregated for pictures. Was one of them worthy of hybrid protection?
Pete, can you chart all of Victor’s sightings—dates, times, and locations? And do a comparison against Charlene Tillman’s past? I asked as I pulled out of the school lot. Wait. And add Ray Tillman’s whereabouts, too. I reached for Emma’s hand.
What have you got in mind? Jorgenson asked.
Call it a hunch.
Chapter 110
Emma's Story
Claire looped her arm through mine when I got out of the car at Trent’s house.
“Omigod! You and my brother make such a cute couple,” Claire whispered as we walked along the dark road and reached Trent’s driveway with Ben and Drew behind us. There were a handful of cars, all lined on the same side of the dead-end street.
“You think so?” I asked.
She nodded. “He really likes you. I can tell.”
Her words of encouragement made me blush. Again.
Trent’s dad opened the door before we even knocked. “Keys inside the bowl,” he said.
“We’re not driving,” Claire said.
“Okay. Boys, keys in the bowl,” Mr. Hadley said to Ben and Drew. “No one drives home tonight. There are tents out back. I’m not condoning any drinking, but I know how you kids are. If you drink, you stay. Got it?”
“Yes, sir,” Drew answered and complied, handing his key ring over.
“I’m not drinking,” Ben answered.
“Don’t matter. Keys in the bowl, son,” Mr. Hadley grunted. It was the first time I met Trent’s dad. He reminded me of Lewis’ dad, but he wasn’t nearly as intimidating. When Ben seemed reluctant, Mr. Hadley added, “You can get ’em back later if you can prove to me that you haven’t been drinking.”
With that, Ben dropped his keys in the bowl.
“Everyone’s downstairs or outside at the bonfire.” Trent’s dad noticed the tote bag on my shoulder and the duffel Claire carried in. “You girls wanna change?” Claire nodded. “There’s a guest room and bathroom down the hall, and another bathroom downstairs.”
“Thanks, Mr. Hadley,” I said.
Ben smiled at me as we parted ways.
By the time Claire and I switched into jeans and made our way downstairs, the guys were already outside. The lower level in Trent’s house had a full kitchen and family room with a door that led to a stone patio with a fire pit in the middle.
Ben waved to me from the split-log bench beside the fire pit, as I stood in the doorway. He was holding a can of Coke in his other hand. Obviously, he was serious about not drinking and didn’t care what anyone else thought.
“You girls gotta try this,” Trent called from the kitchen. He pulled out shot glasses, lined them up on the counter, and poured a pink liquid into each. Molly, Bianca, and Hannah took one, raising and clinking their glasses to each other before slamming the contents. It looked like it wasn’t the first time they did it that night.
“Tastes like Kool-Aid,” Hannah said, following Molly and Bianca back outside.
I glanced at Claire. “Want one?”
She nodded, and we grabbed the remaining glasses. “Cheers!”
“Hey, we should toast to Lucas,” Trent added.
“To Lucas?” Claire asked. “I don’t think so.”
“I agree. I’m not toasting to Lucas,” I replied.
“He got us all the booze, man. Where is he? I thought he was with you?” Trent looked at me. When I shrugged, he said, “Okay. To us, then.”
We clinked glasses and knocked back the fruity, spiked juice.
“Beer’s in the cooler. Soda’s in the fridge. Lucas’ whiskey, and some other stuff, is in the box over there.” He pointed to the table. “Help yourselves.”
“So your dad doesn’t care?” Claire asked.
“Nah.” Trent shrugged. “Well, what he doesn’t know…”
We thanked him, grabbed beers, and joined everyone outside. Ben greeted me and put his hand on my back. The gentle touch created a tingle like before, and I found myself leaning into him. I didn’t realize what I was doing at first, but Ben didn’t seem to mind.
“Wanna sit on the bench?” he whispered in my ear.
I melted. Yes, of course, I want to sit with you, ran through my mind.
I nodded, and we walked to the bench.
When we sat down, Ben put his arm around my shoulder, and I leaned into him. Hannah noticed with a shocked expression on her face. She mouthed, “What’s going on?”
I replied, “I’ll tell you later.”
The fire’s pop and crackle was louder than the sounds of conversations around us.
“You warm enough?” Ben asked.
“Yeah. You?”
“I’m good.”
“You’re not drinking a beer.”
“Nah. I’m driving later.”
“Oh.”
“Besides, I’m trying to make a good impression.” He smiled. I wanted to tell him it was working, but instead, I just smiled back.
Trent passed around the bottle of pink stuff and another of whiskey. Claire took a swig of the caramel-colored liquid and cough-choked on it before passing it to Drew.
Everyone laughed.
“She can’t handle her liquor,?
?? Ben said soft enough that only I heard, but it looked like Claire glared at him anyway.
“Ben, you need to take a drink of this!” Claire said as if in response to his comment.
“No, thanks. I’ll pass,” he answered, and then added, “Besides, I don’t want your backwash.”
Drew laughed so hard, he spit out what he was drinking. Claire slapped his shoulder in a teasing gesture that led to him putting his arm around her. They made a cute couple, and I guessed she really liked him.
The laughter settled down as did the intense flames. The fire crackled as Trent passed the bottle of pink stuff to me. Trent asked TJ about Lucas when I took a sip of the fruity alcohol, but I didn’t hear his answer. Aside from the orange glow, it was pitch black around us. I couldn’t even see the moon under the thick covering of trees. It was quiet and peaceful, and I felt completely comfortable.
When someone suggested playing Never Have I Ever, I cringed. I hadn’t played it before, but I heard enough stories. It was a sure-drunk game, especially if you got singled out. Of course, that was what Melissa’s brothers did back in Highland Park. They would pick someone out and get them drunk.
“I haven’t heard of it before. How’s it played?” Bianca asked.
Hannah explained the rules and gave an example. “Never-Have-I-Ever sat at a bonfire in Trent’s backyard,” she said, smiled, and took a swig of the beer in her hand.
We complied, Ben sipping from his soda.
“Everyone has to drink because we’re all here. So what I said was a lie. If what I said was true for you, then you don’t drink. Got it?” Hannah asked Bianca.
“I think so,” Bianca answered. “Okay, my turn. Never-Have-I-Ever drank a beer.”
“This is going to be a long night,” someone chimed as everyone drank. After a few rounds of toasts, it was Drew’s turn.
“Never-Have-I-Ever gone to a dance with one date and left with another,” Drew said.
“You’re an ass!” Ben answered with a chuckle and glanced at me. We clinked cans and took a sip.
“Wait, wait,” TJ said. “You need a beer. No soda, Parker.”
Trent got up and headed inside, followed by Molly, who claimed to need the bathroom and Hannah and Justin, who needed more drinks. TJ and Drew suddenly vanished, and Ben and I were alone at the fire.
“Are you having fun?” he asked.
“Yes, are you?”
He nodded and lifted my chin. When our lips touched, my body sprang to life. Electricity flooded my veins. His hands moved to my back, as his tongue danced with mine. I was winded and wanted more when we parted, but by that time, everyone was back. Trent handed Ben a shot glass with a clear liquid in it.
“Penalty shot. No soda in a drinking game.” Drew smirked.
The peer pressure was intense. The guys joked with Ben until he agreed to drink a shot of vodka. He mouthed sorry to me. I shrugged before he downed it. His eyes went wide, and he shook his head before handing the empty glass back to Trent.
“Good stuff, huh?” Trent asked. “Pepper-flavored vodka. Compliments of Lucas’ stepdad, I guess.”
“Yeah. Good stuff,” Ben answered. I could tell he didn’t like it.
After a few more rounds of the game, I excused myself in search of a bathroom.
Chapter 111
Ben's Story
People dispersed.
Emma went in the house. Justin and Hannah set up their sleeping bags in a tent. Drew and Claire decided to mix up more drinks, and Trent went in search of food, with Bianca and Molly volunteering to help. Even Mr. Hadley’s thoughts were quiet. I wondered if he was gone or asleep.
That left TJ and me at the fire.
“I’ll be right back,” I said to him and headed into the woods. There’d been no sign of hybrids, which just egged me on. They had to be following Lucas.
Ben, we got something, Jorgenson said as I hiked out a few yards from Trent’s house.
What’s that?
First, there’s nothing on Ray Tillman before Westport. Looks like he showed up about seventeen years ago. Only thing we have is what you already know about his auto shop.
He’s older than seventeen, Pete. Where was he before?
I’ve got nothing. We need a download or his DNA. Something. Because right now, this guy doesn’t exist.
Okay. Anything else?
Here’s the part I think your hunch is about, Jorgenson teased. It seems Victor was spotted in Wisconsin, at a tavern in Riverside, actually. About the same time Ray set up shop.
Interesting.
I know. He’s a man of disguise, Ben. Whatever you do, be cautious. He’s had to have numerous aliases over the years. We even suspected him as a farmer in California a few years back but that fell through.
Farming?
Yeah. An agent thought he took over some dilapidated farm and got it operational. He had a pasture full of cows and produced thousands of gallons of milk. The community loved him.
And he staffed it with hybrids? I asked.
That was the thought. How’d you know?
Because the farm down the road has all the signs.
The one on Summit?
Yeah.
Look, Ben, need I remind you how dangerous he is? Jorgenson’s voice was serious.
I understand… and I’ll take precaution.
I’ll send in a team. Be careful.
Ten-four, I answered, and Jorgenson broke the connection.
Listening for Emma’s thoughts, I located her heading toward the kitchen. She had too much to drink, but she’d be safe inside the house with our human friends. I called to Molly and didn’t wait for her response. Instead, I propelled into the trees in the acre of woods between Trent’s home and the house next door. I could only spare a few minutes before my absence would be noticed. There was no sign of hybrids here.
Remembering where I picked up a scent before, I put up a shield and headed to the river.
Chapter 112
Emma's Story
I should’ve listened.
Dad told me about the effects of too much alcohol. I stood alone in the dimly lit, upstairs kitchen. It was quiet here. My head was spinning, and I needed water. Melissa once told me to have water after drinking. “You’ll feel better in the morning,” she said.
“What about now?” I mumbled.
Uneasy on my own feet, I reached for a glass in the cabinet next to the sink. I tried to focus on the faucet as I touched the handle and turned on the tap. Everything blurred. My lashes moved slowly when I blinked. It was like windshield wipers that weren’t working properly. Things didn’t come into focus as they should. I followed the curve of the chrome faucet with my eyes from its base to the spout.
Before me, the gooseneck faucet came to life like a coiled snake, unfolding inches in front of me. I was frozen in place, afraid to move, unable to look away. The snake appeared to pull back, ready to strike. Its metallic, scaly skin glistened in the light from over the sink.
This couldn’t be real.
I shut my eyes, squeezing them tight. Playing that drinking game was the stupidest thing I’d ever done, besides hang out with Lucas.
My head told me the snake wasn’t real, but I was afraid to open my eyes in case I was wrong. I leaned against the counter and wished it away.
I didn’t hear anyone come in. Was someone behind me?
Ben?
I felt the heat of his breath on my neck when he whispered my name.
No. It wasn’t Ben. It was a voice I heard before, but I couldn’t place. His words were wet and steamy. I opened my eyes as quick as I could. A woozy feeling overwhelmed me, as I refocused on the sink. The snake was gone. Water was running down the drain, not filling the glass in my hand. I moved the tumbler to catch the water.
“Huh?” I asked, glancing up to the voice behind me.
It was Ray.
He startled me.
“I don’t like how you treated Lucas,” Ray said. He moved closer, surrou
nding me. Placing his hands on the counter on either side of me, he pinned me in place.
I looked back to the half-filled water glass. My vision was hazy.
“His mother won’t be happy you two broke up,” Ray whispered in my ear, hovering around me. My cheek was dampened by his breath. Shivers ran down my spine. I focused on the cup in my hand. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’m gonna give you another chance. To make it up to me.”
“Um—”
“You tell me where Molly is, and I’ll let you go,” he interrupted. “Then you and Lucas can work it out, so Char never has to know. Understood?”
I nodded and he let go of the counter, placing his hands on my upper arms.
“Good. I thought so. Okay, now. Where’s Molly?” he asked, gently rubbing my arms.
“I—I don’t know.”
“That’s not how this is going to work, Emma. Elizabeth. Bennett.” He rubbed my arms harder. The friction felt hot.
“She’s here. I just don’t know where she is this second. I left her at the fire. With TJ.”
“TJ?” He let go of me. “Good idea… Good, good idea. I like you. You’re pretty smart. I think you’d make a good asset.”
I shut my eyes, wishing him away.
When I opened them again, he was gone. Water overfilled the tumbler in my hand, spilling over the sides. The cold wetness shocked my fingers and I dropped the glass, shattering it in the ivory, cast-iron sink.
Tears welled in my eyes. Did I imagine that?
Chapter 113
Ben's Story
I increased the density of my barrier.
In case the farm on Summit was Victor’s hiding spot, I wanted to sneak in undetected. A subtle essence was evident as I moved closer to the river, to where the trees were older and the brush thinner. Like before, a gentle breeze whipped up the sweet, bitter fragrance from two distinct hybrids. The aroma appeared to be different from those I smelled at the high school parking lot. The pungent odor came and went with the wind, leading me west toward the abandoned farm where I rescued Stephanie.
Before going too far, I called out to Molly, loosening my shield temporarily. I wanted to tell her to head back to headquarters, even though I knew she wouldn’t listen. Instead, I needed confirmation that she was safe inside of Trent’s house.
Molly didn’t answer.
I listened for her voice and heard nothing.
Claire, have you seen her? I asked.
No, but I’ll check the bathroom, she said.