With one last look, he grabbed his cap from the table and turned to leave, stopping at the end of the couch. His shoulders shuddered and his voice came out a whisper. “I’ve never killed a human before.”
Suddenly, his aggravation made more sense. It wasn’t just the helpless feeling of not being able to do anything. The need to comfort him, to touch him, turned physical. I reached out, placing my hand on his arm. “It’s okay.”
Daemon shrugged off my hand, scowling. “It’s not okay, Katy. I killed two humans. And don’t—just don’t do anything.”
I flinched, more from the use of my real name than his action. Daemon blinked out, and the front door slammed shut. Running both my hands over my head, I bit down on my lip hard enough for a metallic taste to spring into my mouth.
Daemon wouldn’t go back to that warehouse. Never in a million years.
Even I couldn’t convince myself of that.
…
Sleep didn’t come easily that night, and I spent the better part of the next day strung tight as a bow pulled too hard. I kept checking the driveway next door, making sure Daemon’s car was there. He could just zip his way back to the warehouse without his SUV, but seeing the car gave me some relief.
The next couple days of winter break crept by. Most of the time I expected SWAT to bust up in my house, demanding to know what happened to the officers. But nothing happened. The day before New Year’s Eve, Dee stopped by.
“Like my new boots?” She stuck out one slender leg. Black leather boots ended just below her knees. The heel was killer. “Daemon got them for me.”
“They’re awesome. What size are you?”
She giggled, then popped a lollipop back in her mouth. “Okay, before you tell me no, I already cleared it with Ash.”
I frowned. “Cleared what?”
“Ash is throwing a little New Year’s Eve party at her house. It’s just going to be a few of us. Daemon is going.”
“Uh, I doubt Ash is okay with me going to her party.”
“No, she is.” Dee pinged around the living room like a captured butterfly. “She promised she’d be cool with it. I think you’re growing on her.”
“Like mold,” I muttered. Watching Dee made me dizzy. “I don’t know.”
“Oh, come on, Katy. You can even invite Blake if you want to.”
I made a face. “I’m not inviting him.”
She came to a sudden halt, the lollipop dangling from her fingers. “Are you guys having problems?” she asked hopefully.
“You know, if I were actually dating him, I’d have a problem with how happy you sounded there, but since I’m not dating him, I’m okay.”
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What’s going on with you two, then?”
“Nothing.” I sighed.
She sucked on her lollipop for a few moments as she watched me. “And nothing is going on with my brother. Right? He’s just slinking around the house for no reason.”
My lips pursed. “Dee…”
“He’s my brother, Katy. I love him. And you’re my best friend, even though you haven’t really acted like it recently.” She flashed a quick grin before continuing. “So I feel like I’m stuck in the middle of you two. And I know neither of you is putting me there, but I want…both of you happy.”
Wondering how we ended up on this conversation, I sat down with a sigh. “Dee, it’s really complicated.”
“It can’t be that complicated,” she replied, sounding like Lesa. “You guys like each other, and I know Daemon would be risking a lot by pursuing a relationship with you, but that’s his risk to take.” Dee sat beside me, her body humming with energy. “Anyway, I think you guys need to talk or…I don’t know. Cave to your passions.”
I busted out laughing. “Oh my God, are you serious?”
She grinned. “So are you going to go with us tomorrow night?”
As much as I wanted to see the Thompsons’ house, because I bet it was super posh and cool, I was still undecided. “I’ll think about it.”
“You promise?” She nudged me with her elbow. “It would make me really happy if you did.”
Partying with them did sound better than what I had planned, which was nothing. Dee stayed for a little while, borrowing a couple of books, and then left. Then, around suppertime, Will showed up with Chinese takeout. I didn’t turn the food down, but I wasn’t much for conversation. Mom practically floated around the kitchen, buzzing on a good-boyfriend high.
When they left, I spent the rest of the evening reading, finishing a book for a blog tour, and starting a new one I wasn’t scheduled to read. Having time to read was nice and relaxing. I could feel a little bit of my old self creeping back. Not the timid Katy, but the one who did what she wanted because she enjoyed it.
When it got close to ten, I put the book down and considered checking in with Daemon. Was he going back to that warehouse without me? There was a good chance he was. Trying to distract myself, I logged into one of the local news websites and searched for any mention of the two officers going missing. I’d checked each night with no results.
But tonight was different.
The headline on the Charleston Gazette read:
two department of defense officers missing after last seen near petersburg.
My breath caught as I scanned the article. Officer Robert McConnell and Officer James Richardson were last seen near Petersburg on December 26th and have not been heard from since. Authorities are not saying the nature of their dealings in Grant County but are asking anyone who may have seen the officers or may know anything to please contact their tip line.