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DEALERSOFLIGHTBy

LaraNance

DealersofLightLaraNanceISBN-13:978-1481843652ISBN-10:1481843656©Copyright-LaraNance2011AllRightsAreReserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproduced

inanymannerwhatsoeverwithoutwrittenpermission,exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedincriticalarticlesandreviews.

Ebooks/Booksarenottransferable.Theycannotbesold,sharedorgiven

awayasitisaninfringementonthecopyrightofthiswork.Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thenames,characters,placesand

incidentsareproductsofthewriter’simaginationorhavebeenusedfictitiouslyandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,actualevents,localeororganizationsisentirelycoincidental.

CoverArt:

LaraNanceEditors:ElizabethWalker&LynnRush

Dedication

TotheGivers.

ChapterOne

“Vampires,Nicki?Comeon,thisisn’tfunny.”CaraCollinsswepther

gazeovertheshiveringgirlperchedontheedgeoftheexamtable.Acutonherbruisedcheekoozedblood,andrawscrapesrandownonearm.AwhiffofstalebeerwaftedfromtheclothesNickihaddiscardedinaheaponthefloor.DearLord,hadshesleptinabarinsteadofherapartment?“Let’stalkaboutwhathappenedtoyou,notvampires.”

“Ijustwantedtoknowifyoubelieveinthem.”Nickiclutchedthethinexamgownatherneckwithshakinghandsandherwide,sunk-ineyesfollowedCara’smovements.

“Stopjokingandtellmewhatthehellhappenedtoyou.”Carafrownedandplacedherstethoscopeonthegirl’schest.Athrobbingpulsetappedoutafaststaccatorhythm.Itwastooearlyinthemorningtodealwiththeevasionsherpatientsofferedtoavoidsnitching.She’donlyhadasipofcoffeebeforeNickistumbledintotheclinic,lookinglikeascrawny,wrungoutstreetcat,asthedoorsopenedateight.

“I’mnotjoking.Oh,God.”Nickigulped,andhershiveringmorphedintojerkysobs.Caraputanarmaroundthegirl’sthinshoulderstosteadyheronthenarrowtable.Lord,Nickiwasreallyfrightenedaboutsomething.

Nicki’sweepingincreased.Caragrabbedablanketfromundertheexamtableanddrapeditabouther.AsshetuggeditcloseagainstNicki’schest,sheslippedherhandtotheareajustbeneaththegirl’srightcollarbone.SheconcentratedontheglowofLightfloatinginthecoreofherbeinganddrewoutstrandsofpower.Focusingonherfingers,herthoughtsguidedtheLighttoflowintotheshiveringgirl.Nicki’sskinwarmedafraction,andtheshakingeasedimmediately.Thegirlsighedandhershouldersslumped.

Carawithdrewherhand,andthestrandsofpowerretreatedintoaheated,glowingcenter.Thetingleofenergypassingthroughherbodysubsided,andtheLightsettledintoadormanttickleofwarmth.ThesmallamountofLightlostdidn’tfazeher.SherubbedNicki’sshouldersandmurmuredsoothingwordsuntilNickisatstraighterandrubbedherhead.

Satisfiedshe’dstabilizedthedistressedgirl,Carasprayedwoundcleanseronthecutsandscrapes,thenpattedthemwithgauze.Next,sheappliedantibioticointmentandcoveredtheworstareaswithbandagesandtape.

“So?”Nickitwistedatthewaisttofaceher,browwrinkled.Vampires,didshesay?Goodgrief,whatabizarrequestion,butthenshe

neverknewwhatwentoninthegirl’shead.Nickihadtossedoutcrazyquestionsbefore.CaraheldNicki’schinandflashedthescopetocheckhereyes.Good,pupilsequalandreactivetolight.

CaraopenedthebackoftheexamgownandranherfingersdownNicki’sbonyspine.Poorgirlprobablyhadn’teatenagoodmealinayear.Onherlowerback,adarktattooofadaggerwithasnaketwistedaroundthehiltcontrastedwithherpaleskin.Thetattoohadn’tbeentheresixmonthsagowhenshegaveNickiherregularcheckup.ButatleastshefoundnootherinjuriesthantheonesonNicki’sfaceandarms.

CarasmoothedbacktheshaggyblackhairfallingacrossNicki’sforeheadandobscuringoneeye.Herskinfeltcoolandclammy.Aneyebrowpiercingglitteredintheharshoverheadlighting—anewadditiontothealreadyimpressivecollectionadorningNicki’snose,tongueandlip.

“Vampires?No,Idon’tbelieveinthem.So,tellmewhathappenedtoyou.Wemightneedtocallthepolice.”ShehopedNickihadn’tbeenraped.

Nickiboltedupright,eyeswide.“Nopolice.”Shescootedtotheedgeofthetable,poisedlikeafrightenedbirdreadytotakeflight.

Caraheldonehandhighinsurrender.“Calmdown.Ican’tcallthemunlessyouagree.I’mtryingtohelp.Tokeepyoufrombeinghurtagain.”

Thepoorgirlsaggedbackandhungherhead,twistingherhandsinherlap.“Ijustwanttoknowifyoubelievesomethingcansuckthelifeoutofyou.”

Caraplantedherhandsonherhips.“Youmeansuckthebloodoutofyou?AsinDracula?”Nickimustbeprotectingsomeonewiththiscrazystory—aviolentboyfriendordrugdealermaybe.

Thegirldidn’tanswerforamoment,thenleanedforward,eyesintent.“NotDracula.Bereal,he’sjustinthemovies.Butsomethinglikethat.”

AchillranupbothCara’sarmsatthedepthoffearinNicki’seyes.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Ifthere’ssomethingbadgoingonintheneighborhoodyouneedtotellme.MaybeIcanhelp.”Aganghazinggonewrongmightbeoneexplanation.Notellingwhatviolentritualsthegirlhadwitnessed.Onlytwenty-oneandhershortlifehadbeenrough.

Nickileanedback,afreshflashoffearlithereyes.“Maybe.MaybeIseensomething.”

SeveralsharprapsonthedoormadeCarajump.Sheopeneditacrack,

andoneoftheclinicnurses,Regina,stoodtherefrowning.Damnit!JustwhenIwasgettingsomewherewithNicki.

“It’sMissEmmie,andherconditionisbad,butshewon’tletanyonetouchher.Shekeepsaskingforyou,”Reginasaid.

Oh,no,notEmmie.Caradidn’twanttoleaveNicki,butatleastthegirlwascalm,herbrowneyesveiledandcautiousnow—morelikethetoughstreetpersonasheusuallyportrayed.“Nicki,goaheadandgetdressed,butwaithere.Iwanttotalksomemore,butIhaveanemergency.Okay?”

“Sure.”Nickicrossedherarms,andhergazeslidawayfromCara’s.Caragaveanencouragingsmilethenclosedthedoorbehindher.Her

heartpounding,shefollowedReginaalongthehalltotheleft,twodoorsdownwheretheyhadtakenEmmie.

Reginaheldupthechart.“Pulseisrapidatone-ten,butherBPislow,eighty-sixoverfifty.Respirations28andoh-twosatsat86%,butshewon’tletusgiveheroxygen.”

“Goodlord.Shewon’tgototheER?”Thosevitalsindicatedissueswithbothherheartandlungs.Theycouldn’thandlesuchacutesituationsintheclinic.

“No,keptdemandingtoseeyou.”Caraburstthroughthedoor,andachillpiercedherbones.Twoother

nurseskneltbesidethechairwheretheoldwomansat.Emmie’snormallyrichmahoganyskinhadtakenonanashenhue.

CaraglancedbackatRegina.“Anysignoftrauma?”“Nonewecansee.But,asIsaid,aftergettingvitalsshewouldn’tletus

touchher.”ReginahandedCarathechart.Theoldwoman’sgazemetCara’sandEmmietookadeep,ragged

breath,slumpinginthechair.Herlightblueeyes,whichusedtotwinkleinhumor,hadnowdulledtosilver.Onehandclutchedherbatteredblackpatentpursetoherchest.

“Shallweputherontheexamtable?”Reginarestedherhandonthepapercoveredbed.

“No!”Emmie’seyesflashed,andshejabbedonefingeratthem.“Youleavemebe.”

“Leaveherwheresheisifshe’scomfortable.”Carasanktoherkneesbesidethechair,takingoneofthewoman’shands.Sheinspectedherpatientupanddown,detectingnoobviousinjuries.SheremovedtheslackbloodpressurecufffromEmmie’sarmandtosseditonthecounter.“MissEmmie,whathappened?”

Emmie’sfacescrunchedup,andshereachedashakinghandtowardCara’sface.“Tellthemtoleave,”shewhispered,hergazeshiftingtothenurses.

Carabitherlip,weighingEmmie’srequestagainsttheneedforthenurses’help.But,intheend,itwasEmmie’sdecision,soCaragaveadismissivewave.Thenursesfiledout,reluctanceandconcernetchedontheirfaces.SheturnedbacktoEmmie.Thewrinklesontheoldwoman’sfacesmoothed,andherbreathingslowed.Caraunwoundthestethoscopefromherneck,butEmmielaidahandonherarm.

“Noneedforyoutoexamineme.”Givingheraweaksmile,EmmietightenedhergriponCara’sarm.“Idecideditwasmytimethismorning.IwouldabeenheresoonerbutIwasway‘crosstownatSt.Columba’sshelterlastnight.”

Caraslippedthestethoscopeintoherpocketwithatremblinghand.Shefistedherhandaroundthecoolmetal,herheartachingatthesightofheroldfriendonthebrinkofdeath.“Doyouneedanything?Water?Somethingforpain?”

Emmieshookherhead,stillsmiling.“No,child.I’mnotinanypain.I’matpeaceknowin’IgothereintimetoseeyourprettysmileandthosedeephazeleyesIlove.IalwaysknewIwasseeingyoursoulthroughthem.Yougotagoodsoul.”

CaraglancedbackatthedoortomakesureithadclosedcompletelythenturnedtoEmmie,grabbinghershoulders.“Icanhelp,Emmie.Please,letmegiveyousomeLight.”Shemovedonehandtowardtheoldwoman’schest.Emmieswatteditawaywithsurprisingvigor.TearsstungCara’seyes.Emmiecouldbesostubborn.HowexasperatingwhensheknewtheLightmightkeeptheoldwomanfromdying.Sheclenchedherhands,nailsbitingintoherpalms.

“No!Ididn’tcomeforhealin’.”Emmie’seyesnarrowed,andshetookadeepbreath,thenletitout.Hershouldersslumpedandhergriponherpurseloosenedsoitfellintoherlap.“Factis,Igotsomethingtogiveyou.”

“ButmaybeIcansaveyou.”SheclaspedEmmie’shandandsqueezedit.Ifevershewantedtouseherunusualgiftitwasnow.Thethoughtoflosingherdearfriendshatteredherheartwithgrief.

Emmiefrownedandshookherhead.“Atleastletmeeaseyourpassing.Ican’tbearthethoughtofyou

suffering.”Emmiefixedherwithasternstare,blueflickeringthroughthefilmof

graycoveringhereyes.“Nowjustyoulisten.IgotlittletimeleftandwhatIgottosayisimportant.Youhear?”

Caradrewbackandblinked.“Goodgirl.”Emmie’slidseasedshut,andshepattedCara’shand.After

threelongbreaths,Emmie’seyessnappedopen.Insteadofgrayandclouded,

piercingblueeyespinnedCarawiththeirstare.IcyfingersgrippedCara’shandlikeavise.

“Nowlisten.Something’scoming.Somethin’powerful.Igotapremonition.It’sanevilgrowingoutthere,likeyouain’tneverseenthelikeof,”shewhispered,andCaraleanedcloserfromherkneelingposition.Emmie’sbreathfannedherface.

AshiversliceddownCara’sspine.Didthetemperaturejustdroptendegrees?Emmie’swarmhandsstillretainedsomestrengthdespitetheirfeebleappearance.CaraplacedherotherhandovertheoneEmmiegrasped.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Danger,”Emmie’svoicedroppedevenmore.Caragrabbedthearmsofthechairandleanedcloseruntilherfacewas

onlyinchesfromtheoldwoman’s.Emmie’sfamiliarscentoflavendersoothedthesharpantisepticsmelloftheexamroom.

“They’relikeus.Inaway.Butdifferent,too.Greedy,willingtokill.Powerful.”HergazeboreintoCara’s.“Yougottodosomethingtostopthembeforetheyhurtpeople.Thisisyourdestiny,child.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Cara’smindwhirledattheconfusingwordstumblingfromtheoldwoman’smouth.

Emmieclosedhereyes,herbreathingslowed,andhergriponCara’shandloosened.Afterseveralseconds,Emmiegasped,andherbreathscameinirregularpuffs.“Oh,lordy.Igotsolittletime—”

CaraguidedthelightblueknitcapfromEmmie’shead.Shesmoothedbackthegrayhair,kinkybutsoft,andstrokedherforehead.

Emmieopenedhereyes.“Youalwaysbeensogoodtome.IknewthefirsttimeIseenyou,Isaid,‘Thatgirl’soneofus.She’llhelpotherswithhergift.’AndIwasright,wasn’tI?”

Cara’slipstrembledassheattemptedtosmile.Shecontinuedtostrokethehairfromthewoman’sforehead.Tearsstunghereyes,butEmmieneededstrengthfromher,sosheswallowedtheachingemotions.

“Youhelpedmemanytimes,andnowIwanttohelpyou.Yougonnaneedsomehelpwiththeol’evilacomin’.IgotsomethinginsidemeyouneedandIhurriedheretogiveittoyoubeforeI’mgone.”Herbreathcameinevershorterrasps,butherfaceremainedcalmandpeaceful.

“Emmie,please,justrest.Whenyou’rebetteryoucantellme.”“Didn’tyouhearme?Igotnotime.”Afrownwrinkledherbrow.“This

giftispowerfulimportant.Idonetoldyouit’saboutyourdestiny.Thisiswhatyoubeenwaitin’foryourwholelife.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Please,whatdoyoumeanmydestiny?”Confusion

clawedherbrain.Carawasanursepractitionerwhohelpedpoorpeopleinthecity’sfreeclinic—thatwasherdestiny.Theonlyoneshe’deverwanted.

“Youjustputyourhandonmychestlikeyoudo,andwhenIgo,whatIgotwillgointoyou.”ShepawedatCara’shand,tuggingittowardherchest.

“Emmie,no.”Horrorcrawledoverherskinlikeamillionbugs.“Iwon’ttakeyourLight.No.”Sheresistedandbileroseinherthroat—takinganother’sLight—anathematoaDealer.

“Nowlistenhere,youdowhatIsay.”Emmie’seyesflashed.Shedidn’tcarewhatEmmiesaid.Carawouldnevertakeherfriend’s

Light.Burningdreadsurgedinherchest.AllthiscryptictalkandyetEmmiewouldn’tletherdosomethingtosaveher.“Emmie,Ican’t.”

“Hushup.Listentothisoldwoman.IknowwhatI’mtalkingabout.Itain’tmyLightyou’retakin’,it’smygift.Yougottofigureouthowtouseitorthemevilpeoplearegonnacausealotofheartacheanddeath.Igotnowill.ThisisallIgottoleavebehind.Yougonnagivememylastwishornot?”EmmiesqueezedCara’shanduntilastabofpainbitintoherknuckles.

Carafroze.Shehadnochoice.Emmie’swordsreachedthepanicinhergut.Thistrulywasthelastgiftshecouldgivethiswomansheloved—toconsenttoherwishes.Withasoftsob,sheallowedEmmietoguideherhandtowardtheportal.AfteryearsofsecretlygivingLighttoheal,Cara’sfingerstrailedthesternumwithpracticedprecisiontothedipundertheclavicle.Shepressedthetipsofherfirsttwofingersagainstthecontactarea.Warmanddry.SodifferentfromEmmie’sclammyforehead.Normally,CarawouldbesendingtheLightintosomeone,butnowshewaitedtoreceiveEmmie’sgift.

Emmiesighed.“Ah,yes,goodgirl.”Sheleanedbackinherchair,foldingherhandsovertheblackpatentpurseinherlap,andclosedhereyes.“Notlongnow.Takecareofyourself,child.Andwarnyourfriends—theoneslikeus—theGivers.Warnthemabouttheevilcoming.Promise?”shemurmured,lipsbarelymoving.

“But,Emmie,I’mnobodyspecial.HowcanIstopsomegreatevil?”Emmiemadenosense.Cara’sideaofrealityblurredwithsorrowandhelplessness.

“You’llhavehelpwhenyouneedit.Nowpromise.”“No,youcan’tdieonme.Letmehelpyou.”Cara’sheartpounded,

desperationsurgingthroughhersoul.Emmie’sgazedidnotwaver,andtheoldwomangrippedCara’shand

overtheportal.“Promise.”Withherfreehand,CaraclutchedEmmie’sfadedprintdress.“Okay,

yes,Ipromise.Butthisallmakesnosense.”

CarareleasedthedressandstretchedherfingersoutonEmmie’schest.Diditstillrise?AnitchingtemptationurgedCaratosendsomeLightintothewoman.Butshewouldn’tbetrayherdearfriend’slastwishes.Shepressedherlipstogetherandwaited,kneelingonthehardtilefloor.

“No…timeto…explain.Youmustfindyourownway.Important.Loveyou—”Emmie’slidssqueezedtightthenfluttered.Hermouthopened,asighescaped,andherlipsremainedpartedbutstill.Herheadfellbackandherbodyslumpedinthechair.ThewrinklescreasingEmmie’sforeheadsmoothed.“Emmie,”Carawhispered,tearsspilledovertorundownhercheeks.

HeatgatheredatthetipsofCara’sfingersandshegasped.Richwarmthfloodedthroughherfingertipsandintoherchesttocoursethroughherentirebody,invadingherlimbs.UnlikereceivingtheLight,notinglingsurgeofenergyaccompaniedthis,justtheheavyheatthatfadedinapassingwaveasitsettled,resonatinginhercore.Shedrewherhandback,staringatEmmie’sdearface.ThehintofasmileonherlipswasCara’sonlysolace.

Emmiewasgone.SilentsobsbentCaradouble.Shehuggedherchest,rockingbackandforthonherhaunchesasthelosssweptthroughher.Atidalwaveofgrief.

Amuffledmoanescapedherlipsandshesuckedinabreaththatsteadiedher.SheusedthearmofEmmie’schairtopushtoherfeet,kneesachingfromkneelingsolong.Twostepsbroughthertothecounter,andshegrippedtheedgeuntilherknucklesprotested.Shereachedforthetissuebox,buttearsruinedhervision,andsheknockedittothefloor.

“Damnit.”Shepressedherpalmsagainsthereyes,fightingtoregainhercomposureinthehazeofgrief.Whenhervisioncleared,shegrabbedthetissueboxandyankedoutahandfultoblowhernose.Araggedsighstuckinherthroat.Shewenttothesinkandsplashedcoldwateroverherface.Thestreamsoficyliquidshockedherbacktothemoment.Sheremainedthere,restingherelbowsonthecounteruntilherbreathingreturnedtonormal.

Emmie.Carastraightenedandrubbedherhandsdownthesidesofherblouseand

pants.She’dwitnesseddeathnumeroustimes,butthiswasdifferent.Emmiewasafriend—aDealer.Sniffing,sherubbedhernoseandwenttothedoor.

Threenursespacedthehall,handsonhips.Caraclearedherthroatandtheyfroze.

“Emmie?”Reginawhispered.WhenCarashookherheadReginabitherbottomlipandturnedaway.

ThethreewomenrushedpastCaraintotheroom.Shepalmedthewalltosteadyherself,Emmie’swarningsricochetingthroughherbrain.

Nicki.Shehurriedtotheexamroom,butonlyacottonexamgownpiledonthe

floorremained.Damnit.Herheartsank.MaybeNickiwenttothewaitingroom.Cararushedoutoftheroomto

therightandtenfeettothedoorthatseparatedthepublicareafromtheclinic.Shepushedthroughthedoorandstopped,stonestill,onehandonherchest.

NoNicki.Agray-hairedmanandateenagecoupleholdingababysatinthe

straight,blueplasticchairslinedagainstthewalls.Theyshiftedintheirseatsandgazedather,browsraised.Shepacedpastthepatientsandouttheglassdoor.Shehadtosquintinthebrightsunlight,butacoolfallbreezedispelledtheheat.Twocarsinthelotandthreeparkedonthenarrowstreet.NoNicki.

BuildingsinthisolderpartofNorfolkwerepackedclosetogethersoevenifNickihadonlywalkedahalfablock,shewasoutofsightfromhere.Carabitherlipand,afteralastscanoftheparkinglot,surrendered,returningtothewaitingroom.

Backintheclinicarea,sheleanedoverthecounterwhereRosa,thecheck-outreceptionist,typedawayonthecomputer.“WhathappenedtoNicki?IaskedhertowaitformeuntilIfinishedwithMissEmmie.”

Rosapausedinhertypingandpushedherglasseshigheronhernose.“NotlongafterEmmiecamein,Nickirushedout.Shedidn’tsayanythingtoanyone.”

Carapressedherlipstogetherinafirmline.She’dalreadylostonepatienttoday,shewasn’tabouttoloseanother.Dammit,Nicki,whatdidyousee?

ChapterTwo

“Sean?”RolfVanHardingpausedonthethresholdofthefoyerwithits

glisteningwhitemarbledfloor.Heglancedatamassivebrassandcrystalchandeliersuspendedfromthetwostoryceiling.Thenhisgazewenttohisfavoritemedievaltapestryhangingonthesideofasweepingmarblestaircase,andacrosstotherichtonesofhisRembrandtontheoppositewall.

Heletoutadeepbreath,thankfulhisloyalstaffhadreadiedhisnew,temporaryhomesoquickly.

“Here,sir.”Hisright-handmanstrodeintothefoyerwithhisfamiliar,rigidmilitarybearing.Seanheldoutasheafofpapers.“Herearethelatestreportsfromtheothergroups.”

“Excellent.”Rolfyawnedandflickedthroughthepapers,notingnothingofvitalimportance.Hebrushedahandacrosshisburningeyelids.“Iseverythingsettledinthehouse?”

“Yes,sir.ThecratescamefromLondononlyyesterday,butalltheroomsarefurnished.”Seanrubbedahandoverhischin.“Ifyoudon’tmindmysayingso,youlooklikehell,Sir.”

RolfthrustthereportsbackatSean.“Milanwashell.”“AtleastalltheTakersweredestroyed.”AflushofferaltriumphwarmedRolf’sotherwiseexhaustedbody.“Yes.

Alldead,theirremainsscatteredtothefourwinds.”Seanclearedhisthroat.“There’sonesmallproblem.”“What?”“Someofthecrystalsontheglobewerecrushedintransport.They’ll

havetobereplaced.”IrritationcoursedthroughRolf,amplifiedbyhisfatigue.Hestruggledto

pushtheireaway.Theglobewouldstillshieldhimsufficientlyforadayorso,evenathalfstrength.Hehadtimetorepairit.HisgazeswitchedtotheGrecianurnonatableundertheRembrandt,itsfamiliarbeautycalminghim.Herememberedbuyingtheurninabazaarforpenniesfourhundredyearsago.Butmoreimmediateneedsforcedawaythepleasantmemory.“Howdidthedamage

occur?”SeanflushedbutheldRolf’sgaze.“Sorry,sir.Oneofthestrapsbracingit

insidethecratebroke.”“Unfortunate.”He’dhopedtobeginthehuntrightaway,butitwouldn’t

besafewithouttheglobeworkingproperly.Keepinghispresencehiddenwastooimportant.“I’llhavetofindsomewherelocallytobuymore.”

“Ithoughtso.”Seanletoutabreathandhandedasmallpieceofpapertohisboss.“Here’salistofpossiblestoresinthearea.”

Theburningirritationeased.Itwasn’tSean’sfaulttheglobehadbeendamaged.“Verygood.Anywordofpotentialvictimsitesfromtheteam?”

“Notyet.Butthereareplentyofopportunitiesintheclubsandnightlifehere.”

Atingleofanticipationpiercedhisfogofweariness.Soonhewouldhunthisprey.

Butfirstheneededrest.Sevenlongdaysofdeath-filledbattleslefthissensesdulltothepointofdanger.HemustbeathisbestagainstthefamiliarevilthatdrewhimheretoNorfolk.Anevilhe’dthoughtdeadcenturiesago.

Theurgetohunttorturedhim,pushinghimeveronward—thecompulsiontoeliminatetheevilTakers.Butfirst,hehadtofixtheglobeorhewouldbecomethehunted.“Setupwhatwehave.Letmeknowifanymorenewscomesin.”

“Iwill.ButIdon’tanticipatehearinganythingbeforetomorrowmorning.”Seanleftthefoyer,heelsclickingonthemarblefloorwithsharpprecisionthatechoedunderthehighceiling.

Rolfflexedhisfingers,imaginingthefeelofskinandthetinglingflowofenergywhenhesuckedtheLightfromaTaker,endingtheirexistence.Expectationoftheheadysensationprickledthehairsonthebackofhisneck.

Withheavylegs,henavigatedthestairstothesecondfloor.Thesmelloffreshpainthungfaintlyintheair.Passingfamiliarpaintingsandtapestriesdecoratingthewalls,hepausedinthethirddoorway.Hisbedroom.Againsttheleftwall,themassivebedstooddrapedinfilmynettingfromtheceiling.Twowoodenlionsguardedthefootoppositeascrolledheadboard.Themattresssatonaplatformandinvitedhistiredbodywithitscrispwhitelinens.Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,thememoryofflesh-warmingheatfromthedesertchasingthechillfromhisbones.Backhome,thesoundofpalmfrondsbrushingagainsteachotherinabreezefromtheNiledeltawouldlullhimtosleep.Theearthysmellofsun-bakedbrickshungjustbeyondhisimaginationalongwiththerushoftheNilewaters.

Hepushedasidethesheerdrapesandfellacrossthebedwithout

removinghisclothes.Theneedforcomfortdirectedhisthoughtstothepast,aplaceheusuallyavoided.Confusingscenesofpyramids,obelisksandsailingbargescrowdedhismind.Tirednesskepthimfrommakinganysenseofthewhirlingimages.Thedarknessofsleepdescendedwithblessedoblivion.

###

Whenheopenedhiseyes,hegazedonastonebalconyingolden

sunlight.WhereamI?Thedrynessoftheairscoredhisface,armsandchest.Heranhispalmsdownhisexposedchestandhisfingerstouchedajeweledleatherbeltholdingupapleatedlinenskirt.Puzzled,hishandsgrazedthegoldenbandscirclinghisupperarms.Hewiggledhistoesincomfortablewornleathersandals.Beforehim,theroundeddunesofdesertsandstretchedtothehorizon.

Turningfromthedesolateview,hestrodebackthroughthedoorway,pastgauzylinenbillowinginthebreeze.Inside,hisbelovedwaitedforhim.MySakhet.Surgingbeyonditsbrokenpieces,hisheartswelledwithtendernessandjoy.Herbrowneyessweptoverhim,lovemirroredintheirdepths.Hischesttightenedtoadullacheofloss.Thethinlinenofhershiftrevealedthelusciouscurveofherhipsandthefirmswellofherbreasts.

“Bes,”shewhisperedthroughfull,redlips.Thesoundofhervoiceslippedoverhimlikethesweetesthoney,richandfullofpromise.Theacheinhisheartthrobbed,wanting,needing,withsuchintensityhestifledagroanandgrabbedhischest.

Hestrodeforwardandgatheredherinhisarms,crushinghislipstohersinaharshkissoflonging.Hewelcomedherwarm,lushbodytohislikerainonparchedground.Aneternityhadpassedsincehe’dheldher.Theneedandlonelinesstightenedhismuscles,hishandsflatteningheragainsthiminaspasmofdesire.

Hiskissesintensified.Hetracedhishandsdownherspine,overthecurveofherbuttocks,cuppingthemagainsthim.Shegentlypressedherpalmstohischest,severingtheirconnection.Theachemorphedintounfulfilledpassion,whichburnedlikeglowingcoals,threateningtoconsumehimifhegavein.

Butshe’drefusedhim.Theywerelife-mates.She’dneverfailedtomeethispassionwithherownofequalintensity,andhe’dneverneededhermore.

“Mylove.”Hergazedarkened.“LovemakingisnotwhyIamhere.”Hetouchedhercheek,grazedthesilkycontoursofherfacedowntoher

slenderneck.Hisfingersdoveunderhercurtainofhairandsettledatthenapeofherneck,readytosharehisLight.Hereyeswidened.Sosoftanddelicate,he

strokedtheskinandfixedhisfingerstohisportal.Shesteppedback,breakingtheconnection.Heshiveredattheloss,hisheartfalling.Shetookhishandinhersandledhimtothebalcony.

Heathithimandtheintensityofthesunexplodedinabrightwhiteball.Blinkingandshadinghiseyesagainsttheblindingglow,thedesertdisappeared.Initsplace,thelushdeltaoftheNileRiverspreadout,thelightgreenofnewgrowthwithtallgrassandswayingdatepalms,theairredolentwiththemustypeatfromthemarsh.Thiswaswrong.Wherewashe?

“Bes,Icametowarnyou.”Sakhet’sfingersbitingintohisforearmbrokethroughhisconfusion.“Youareingreatdanger.”

Heclaspedhertohischest,glancingaboutforanassailant.“Danger?Whatdoyoumean?”Realityburnedawayanyremainingfog,hewasn’tbackinEgypt.Sakhetwasn’talive.Painsearedintohisheartwiththesameblazingdespairaswhenhefirstlosther.

“TheTakers.Theywilltrytodestroyyouthistime.Iamafraidforyou.”Sheputherhandsoneithersideofhisface,forcinghimtomeethergaze.“Ihaveseenthefutureandthereisgreatdanger.”

“Mylove,youaredead.Idon’tunderstand.”Thefierycoalsinhischestturnedtoicyshards,slicingopenhisheart.Hesweptherblackhairawayfromherface,searchinghereyesforsomemeaninginthistorture—inhavingherbeforehim,butknowingshewasn’treal.

“Youmustbecareful,mydearest.Aperilousevilisbuilding.Ifeelitevenintheafterlife.”Shemovedherhandstohisshouldersandgrippedhim,herlongnailsscrapinghisflesh.“Anenemywithstrengthtorivalyours.”

“I’mtired,Sakhet.Ilongtobewithyou.”Hesteppedbackandherhandsfellfromhisarms.Hestrodetothestonewallattheedgeofthebalcony.Wearinesswashedawaythepainandleftagapingchasmofnothingness.Thesoftpatofhersandalsontheclaybricksfollowedhim.“Thehunthasgoneontoolong.Letmepassandwecanbetogetheragain.”

“No,youmustnotletsuchthoughtsenteryourhead.Youmustneverthinkofgivingup.Haveyouforgottenwhattheydidtome?”Shegrabbedhisarm,jerkinghimtofaceher.Gods,herbeautyonlygrewwithheranger,breastsheaving,blackhairflowingoutbehindherlikefuriouswings.

He’drelivedhermurderinhisnightmaresforhundredsofyears.Withherancientpower,ittooktenofthemtofinallyovercomeher.Afterthebeatingandtorture,theytookherheadbecausetheyweren’tcapableoftakingherLight.Hecameuponthemattheend,bendingoverher,laughingandgloatingattheirgreataccomplishment.Shewasdeadandnothingremainedforhimbutrevenge.HeslaughteredthemallandcarriedtheLight-emptyhusksoftheirbodiesinto

thedesertwheretheyrottedwithoutlastritesofdeathtoeasetheirsoulsintotheafterlife.Andhehadneverstoppedkillingthemsince.

Herfingertipscaressedhisshoulder,softstrokesalongthehardcurveofmusclethathadalwayscalmedhim.“Iamsorry,Bes—sosorryIhadtoleaveyou.”

Painandanguishwelledinhissoul.Theyshouldhavebeentogetherforever.

“Youcannotgiveup.Andwhenyouneedhelp,therewillbeasource.”Rolfraisedhisfacetothesky.Noonecouldhelphim.He’dbeenalonesolonghishearthadhardenedagainstanyhopeofaid.Shemeanttocomforthim,butherwordswereempty.Herefusedtoallowanysparkofoptimismtoblossom—ithurttoomuchwhentheflamewasdoused.

“Mypoorlove.”Sheglidedawayfromhimtogazeoutatthesceneofthetwistingriverandthefertilegreendelta.“Whatisworse,tobehorriblymurdered,ortoliveforeverwithoutloveandpeace?”

Hewonderedthesamething.“Whyareyouhere?”“Togiveyoustrengthandhope.”“Hope?”Helaughedinderision.“Hopeisthere,butyoumustreachoutandtakeit.Youmustbeopento

acceptit.Sometimesinourdarkestdespair,hopearrives.”Hehunghishead,disappointmentchurninginthepitofhisstomach,

alreadyfullofrancidanguish.“You’retalkinginriddles.”“Thegodswillpermitnomore.”Shereturnedtofacehimandcuppedhis

cheek.“Youwillunderstand,mybeloved.Intime,youwill.Trustme.”Heputahandtohisbrow,theweightofsavingtheworldpressingdown

onhimandfillinghimwithdesolation.“Youasktoomuch.Iamwearyofthistask.Lettheworldpass,letmebewithyouagain.”

“Youwillfindthestrengthyouneedwhenthetimeisright.Untilthen,knowIwillalwaysbewithyouinspirit.”Shereachedbehindherneck.Thegoldchainslidlooseandagoldenankhsetwithasinglerubyslidintoherwaitinggrip.Sheturnedhishandpalmup.

Themetalsettledagainsthisfleshstillwarmfromtheheatofherskin.Hisheartdroppedandtearsburnedhiseyes.Herfavoritenecklace.“No.”

Shesmiledandcurledhisfingersoverthejewel,coveringhishandwithhers.“Takethistoremembermeandthepromiseofourlove.Keepitclosetoyourheart.”

“Sakhet,please.”“Farewell,mylove.”

###

###

Rolf’seyessnappedopen.Hegaspedandboltedupinthebed,heart

pounding.Thefamiliarsightsofthebedroominhisrentedhousefellintofocus.Dimlightfromwallsconcesflickeredacrossthetanwalls,goldinlaidchestsandhistreasuredonyxcatstatueofBest.

NosignofSakhet.Heletoutadeepbreathandlaybackonthebed.Adream,damnit.Nothingbutadream.Disappointmentroselikebileinhischest.Shehadnevercometohimlikethisbefore,sorealhestillfeltthewarmthandsmoothnessofherskin.Notinallthesethousandsofyears.Andthen,todoitonlytobringamessageofhopeinhisnever-endingtaskoffightingtheTakers?Impossible.Yetthefainthintofherjasminescenthungintheair.

Hesuckedinadeepbreathtodispelhisregret.Grabbingapillow,hestuffeditunderhisheadandrolledovertohisside.Onthewhitecomforterbesidehim,Sakhet’sgoldandrubynecklaceglitteredinthedimlight.

ChapterThreeCarapushedopenthedoorofhercottagewithonehand,grapplingabagofgroceriesandherpurseintheother.Dustypokedouthishead,panting,histonguelollingfromthesideofhismouth.Hebarkedandlungedattheopening.Shepressedherthighintothecracktokeephimfromrunningout.

“Okay,okay.Justaminute,letmegetyourleash.”Shejuggledpurse,keys,andgroceriessuccessfullythroughthesmalllivingroomtothekitchen,dodgingDusty’sdancingform,histoenailsclickingwhenhebouncedfromcarpettolinoleum.Afterdroppingthebagsonacounter,sheturneddownthehalltoherbedroomandstrippedoutofherslacksandblousetodonsweatpants,T-shirtandrunningshoes.

“Herewego,Duster-Man.”Sheattachedaretractableleashtohiscollarandruffledhismuttmixofwiryandsofthair.Hetuggedontheleash,draggingheralongthehall,throughthelivingroomtothefrontdoor.

“Holdonaminute,youmonster.”Sheusedherbodytoblockuntilshecouldopenthedoorandtheybothtumbledontothelawn.

Dustyjumpedandbarked,tuggingattherestraint,sniffingthegrassandbushes.Theytrotteddownthestreetandthroughtheprotectivedunestothebeach.Anipintheairheraldedtheapproachoffallandbroughtgoosebumpstoherarms.OnlyafewpeoplestraggledalongthisnorthernsectionofVirginiaBeachwithpantlegsrolledabovetheirankles,makingquickdashesintothecoolsurfandback.

Shebreathedinfreshsaltyairandletitoutwithaheavysigh.Theafternoonsunbroughttearstohersensitive,puffyeyesandshebrushedthemawaywiththebackofherhand.

Dustypulledtotherightandshefollowed,increasingherpacetoaslowjog.

Emmie’sfaceintrudedintoherthoughtsalongwithquestionsabouthercrypticmessage.Emmie’smemoryignitedCara’sneedtorunfaster.Shefocusedontherunningandherbreathing,lettingthepeaceofsolitudewashoverher.Dustycanteredalongatherside,matchingherpace.

TheepisodewithNickiroseinhermindtoreplaceEmmie.Thegirlmusthavewitnessedsomethinghorribletoscarehersobadly.Nickiwasn’tfrightenedeasily.Carau-turned,readytogohome.She’dcallNickiandhopefullythegirl

wouldconfideinher.Theyjoggedtoherhomewhereafamiliarcarparked.Tom.Athrillof

anticipationsweptthroughCara.Shesmiled,pushedthedampstrandsofhairawayfromherface,andhurriedforward.He’dbeentravelingfortwodays.Otherwise,she’dbegettingworried.Heleanedagainstthehood,waiting,hislankyframeachinglyfamiliar.Hedidn’treturnhersmile.Herheartsank.

“Hey,Cara.”HebenttoruffleDusty’sfur.Thedogwaggedhistailandbarked,jerkingontheleashtojumponTom.Hewasgreatatthrowingtennisballsonthebeach.

“Hey.Comeonin,IbroughthomeanicebottleofMerlot.”Sheheadedforthedoorbutstoppedwhenhedidn’tfollow.

“Ican’tstay.”Hiseyesslidawayfromhers,andherhearttwistedintoapainfulknot.

“What’swrong?”Shewantedtorushforwardandhughim,buthishoodedeyesheldheratbay.

“Weneedtotalk.”“Okay,comeinsideandwe’lltalk.Drink.Whatever.Comeon.”She

gaveanervouslaugh,feelinglikeajabberingidiot.Ifonlyshedidn’tknowwhatwasabouttohappen.Butshedid.

Heraisedahand.“There’snopointindraggingthisoutandmakingitmorepainful.Iwantedtotellyouinpersonourrelationshipisn’tworkingforme.Ididn’tthinkitwasrighttodoitoverthephone.”

“What?”Herheartbeatsstalled,butinafarcornerofhermindshe’dknownthiswouldhappen.

Italwaysdid.“Youwanttojustbefriends,gooutandhavefun.ButI’dlikesomething

more.I’mtiredofarguingoverit.There’sjustnopointingoingonifit’snotleadingsomewhere.”Hisbrowwrinkled.

Sheknewhowtomakehimstay.Allshehadtodowasgotohimandsayshewantedmore,too.Temptationtuggedatherheartuntilithardenedandsankinherchest,likeapebbleinapond.Shewantedmore.Cravedmore.Whichdidn’tmatterbecausesherefusedtoriskhissafety.Notafterwhathappenedthelasttimeshe’dgottentooclosetosomeone.

Theoldhorrorroseinhermind—afranticthreea.m.calltoherfriendstocomehelpherrevivepoorChrisaftershe’dinadvertentlydrainedhisLightinthethroesofsex.She’dalmostkilledaman,andithadnearlykilledher.

Sure,herotherLightdealingfriendssaideventuallyshe’dlearntocontrolit,butshecouldn’tjustifyriskinginnocent,lovingmenlikeTom.Itwasn’tfair.Sotheyalwayslefther.Alone.Alwaysalone.

“Isee.”Herlimbsfroze.DustytuggedontheleashtogotoTom,butshepulledhimback.

“I’msorry,Cara.Really.Ithoughtwemighthavesomething,but—”Heopenedhismouth,butsnappeditshut.Musclestwitchedalonghisjawline.Hehalfraisedonehand,letitdrop,andwalkedtohiscardoor,headdown.Hegotinwithoutanotherglanceanddroveaway.

Shestoodthereuntilheturnedontothemainroad.Hewasn’tcomingback.Asingletearrandownhercheekuntilsheswipeditaway.Damnit,itwasn’tfair.Shehadthisgift,thisincrediblegiftshedidn’treallyunderstand,thatallowedhertohealandeasepain.Butitalsokeptherfromhavingloveinherlife.

Rushinginside,sheslammedthedoorandleanedherbackagainstit.Shefoughtagainstawaveofrisingtearsandsliddownuntilshesatonherbutt.Dustytookadvantageofherproximitybylickingherfaceoverandover.Shehuggedhisneckuntilhesquirmedtogetaway,andstoodtheretorturingherwithhisbig,sadeyes.

“Don’tgivemethatdopeylook.There’snothingIcandoaboutit.”Hertremblingfingersfumbledwithhisleashandfinallygotitunhooked.Sheusedthedoorknobtopullherselfup.

“Thiscallsforadrink.”Shesighedandheadedintothekitchentoretrievethebottleofmerlotfromoneofthegrocerybags.Aftercorking,shepouredherselfaglassandgulpeddownherfirstmouthful.Unbidden,pentupemotionsfromthedayaddedfueltohersorrow.GriefforEmmie,fearforNicki,heartbreakforTom.Hottearsstreameddownherface,herbreathhitchingonhersobs.

Thewinenumbedtheedgesofhermindandshedrainedthatglassandpouredanother.Twomoregulpsandthefireburnedthroughherveins,deadeningthepain.Shetuckedthebottleunderonearmandtrudgedintothelivingroom,takingadrinkfromherglasseveryfewsteps.

Shesankintoherfavoritecushychairacrossfromthesofa,andDustyrestedhisheadonherkneewhileshestrokedhisforehead.ThankGodforherdog.Unconditionalloveandcompanionship.

Shehauledinadeepbreath.Shewouldjustgetonwithherlifewithoutaman.Plentyofthingsforhertodo.Maybeshe’djointhePeaceCorpsanddevoteherlifetohelpingothersinfaroffplaces.Movingfromcountrytocountrysotherewouldbenotimeforrelationshipsorregret.

Tearswelledupagain,andshebithercheektochaseawaythefrustratingfountainofemotion.“Iamnotgoingtodothis.”

Shesetthewinebottleandglassonasidetable,jumpedtoherfeet,and

wenttothekitchen,Dustytrailingher.ShepulledhercellphoneoutofherpocketbookalongwithanotelistingNicki’snumberandaddress.Tenringsandnoanswer.Novoicemail.

Damnit.Whydidn’tsheanswer?Carareturnedtohercomfychair,placingthephoneandnoteonthecoffeetable.Kickingoffhershoes,shetuckedherfeetunderher.Couldthisdaygetanycrappier?

Hercellphonerangwithanumbersherecognized.Amber.HerbestfriendandfellowDealer.“Hi,”Carasaid.

“Hey,sweetie.Wanttogetsomedinner?Tor’steachingaclassafterwork,andI’mnotinthemoodtostayhome.”

“Actually,Idon’tfeellikegoingout.”ShetoldherfriendaboutTom’sbreakupandEmmie’sdeath.“IknowyounevermetEmmie,butshewasaDealerlikeus.Shealwayshelpedtheotherhomelesspeoplewhowouldn’tcometotheclinicorthehospital.It’ssuchahuge,superbad,horribleloss.”

“Aww,honey,I’msorry.”“It’sbeenquiteaday.SometimesbeingaLight-dealerismoreofacurse

thanablessing.Andsometimesitjusttotallysucks.”“Youdon’tmeanthat.”“TonightIdo.”Shesighed.“Soundslikeyouneedtotalk.I’llpickupsomedinnerforusandcome

over.”“IthinkIneedsomething.Maybeyoucanhelpmemakesenseofitall.

Comeonover.”Aboutanhour,andhalfabottleofwinelater,Amberarrivedcarryinga

Santino’spizzaboxinonehandandabottleofwineintheother.“Sustenancehasarrived,darling.”Shemarchedin,tanlegsflashingfrom

underherwhiteminidress,foralltheworldlikeapixiewithbiggreeneyesandspikybrownhair.SheplacedthepizzaonthecoffeetableandwrappedherarmsaboutCara,whodrewcomfortfromthewarmthofherembrace,hatingtoletherfriendgo.

“Yougoingtobeokay,sweetheart?”AmberstudiedCara’sface,eyesnarrowed.

“Yeah,atleastEmmiediedpeacefully,andshesaidshewasn’tinanypain.”

AmberwalkedintoCara’skitchentoretrieveawineglass.“Whathappenedtoher?Ididn’tthinkshewastooold.”ShereturnedandsettledonthesofabesideCara.

“Shewasinherlateseventies,butalwayshealthy.Whoknowswhathappened?Heartattack,maybe.”CarapouredwineintoAmber’sglassand

refilledherown.Shegrabbedthepizzaboxandopenedit,freeingthegarlickyscenttrappedwithin.“Mmm,whitecheesewithspinach,blackolivesandmushrooms,myfavorite,”shesaid,mouthwatering.

“Itoldyoubeingavegetarianisn’tallbad.”Amberwinked.“Pizzamakesanythinggood.”Caraliftedaslice,wrappingthehot

stringycheeseoverthetop.“WhathappenedwithTom,honey?”Amberliftedapiecefromthebox.“Sameold.”Amberbitherbottomlip.“Yousureyoudon’twanttotryagain?Maybe

thistime—”“No!”Caraswallowedandthehotpizzascorchedherthroat.Shetossed

theremainderofthesliceontothetopofthebox.Ashivercrawledupherspine.“I’llneverfeelsafewithanon-dealer.Ican’triskkillingsomeone.”

Ambernoddedandnibbledonherpizza.“Poorsweetie.Iunderstand.Iwasscared,too,beforeImetTor.”ShetookasipofwineandpeekedatCarafromunderherlashes.“ButIthinkEmmiedisturbedyoumorethanthebreakupwithTom.Icanfeelthedisruptioninyouraurawhenyoutalkabouther.Tellme.”

Caraswirledherwineandrelatedtheentireincident.“Oh,dear,thatisstrange,”Ambersaid.“Wasshedelusional?”Cararakedahandthroughherlonghair.“No,Iknewherprettywell.She

didn’tseemdelusional.”“But,Cara,honey,thinkaboutit.Whywouldn’tshewantyoutohelp

her?Itdoesn’tmakesense.”Carastaredacrosstheroom,flashesofEmmie’slastmomentsplayingin

herheadlikeamovie.“Sheknewshewasdyingandcametherewithapurpose,togivemeagift.Shesaidso.Keptgoingonaboutmydestiny.”

“Ifitwassoimportanttogiveyouthisgift,whynotletyouhelpherwiththeLightsoshewasabletotellyouwhattouseitfor?”Amberchewedherbottomlip.

“Oneofthelastthingsshesaidwas,‘yougottofindyourway’.Likepartofthegiftismefiguringitout.”

“Idon’tknow…soundsalittlefarfetchedtome.”AmberplacedagentlehandonCara’sshoulder,hereyessoft.“Sweetie,youhavetoconsider,maybeitwasjustherwayofshowingyouhowmuchshecaredaboutyou,andshedidn’twanttodiealone.”

“Emmiewasn’tthetypetotalknonsense,andshespecificallyaskedmetowarnallofusinthegroup.So,itseemstheeviliseithersomethingthreateningthoseofuswhodealtheLight,orwe’retheonlyoneswhocanstop

it.Orboth.”“Brrr,givesmetheshivers.”Amberhunchedhershouldersandclasped

herhandstogether.“Let’sstoptalkingaboutit.”Suddenly,athudrattledthefrontdoorandtheybothjumped.Amber

grabbedCara’sarm.“Whatthehell?”Cararushedoverandpeekedout,withAmberright

behindher.“Crap!”Shethrewopenthedoor.Theirfriend,Dr.MarcBellow,slumpedintothehouse,lyingfacedownacrossthedoorwayinhislightbluescrubsfromwork.Hemoanedandpushedatthefloor.

“Marc!”theybothyelled.Hestruggledtogethislegsunderhim,andtheygrabbedhisarmstolifthim.Hewasalmostdeadweight,buttheymanagedtohalfdraghimtoCara’scomfychair.Hisheadfellback,hisfacethecolorofwhitepaper.

“Marc,Marc,sweetie,lookatme.”Amberpattedthesideofhisface,butheonlymoaned.

Cara’sheartthumpedinherchest.Sherantoherbedroomforherstethoscopeandplaceditonhischest,strainingtodetectthefaintpulse.Hischestroseonlyslightlywitheachbreath.“Marc,whatisit?”Shegrabbedhisshoulders,shookhim,thenpriedopenhiseyelidstopeerathispupils.“Whathappened?”

“Toomuch…”hemurmured.“Gavetoomuch.Hadtosaveher—”“Damnit,Marc!”He’dgivensomeonetoomuchLight.Again.She

pointedtohercellphone,furious.Ambernodded,wide-eyed.Theyneededmoreoftheirfriendstosavehim.“We’vewarnedyouaboutthis.”

Ambergrabbedthephone,punchedsomenumbers,andmotionedforCaratogoahead.CarawheeledtofaceMarc.Hegrimaced,hisheadlollingbackandforth.

“Sorry,buddy,”shesaid,findingherportalunderhiscollarbone.Amber’sanxiousvoicebrokethroughherconcentration,butshemanagedtoblockitoutandfocusherLight.

Shegaspedwhentheconnectionwascomplete.Damn,hewassoemptyhemightinadvertentlysuckherdry.Aflushoftinglingenergysurgedoutherfingertips.Shegrittedherteethtoslowtheflowtoacontrollabletrickle.Marcmoaned.

“That’senough.”Ambergrabbedhershoulder.“Justalittlemore.”Cara’sportionhadraisedhislevelthetiniestamount.

DearGod,whathappenedtohim?“No!Stopitnow.”Amber’sfingersdugintoCara’sskin.Amberwasright.Buttheyallfoughttheallureofgiving—theillusion

youwereinvincible,whichtrickedyouintodepletingyourself.ShewantedtosaveMarc,butAmberwouldprovideaportionandtheothersshouldbeontheway.Strainingwitheveryounceofstrengthshepossessed,sheretractedtheshinystrandsofherpower.Marc’scorestrungouttanglesofneed,butshemanagedtobreaktheconnection.Darknesspressedinontheedgesofhervision,andsheclosedhereyestosteadyherself,bracingherthighagainstthechairarm.

AmbergrabbedCarabythearmonceshebrokeawayfromMarc.ShepushedCaratowardthesofawhereshefloppedintotheseat,dizzinesseasing.

“Nowstay.”AmberpointedherfingeratCara.ShewavedonehandatAmber.“Go,I’mfine.”AmberkneltbesideMarc’schairandranherhanddownhisshoulderto

theundersideofhisupperarm,locatingherportal.Sheconnected,hereyespoppedwide,andshegasped.

Cara’sheartthumped,shecametotheedgeofherseat,poisedtopullherfriendawayifshebecameoverwhelmed.ButAmberhelduponefingerandgrimaced.Afteraboutthirtyseconds,Amberwhimperedandclosedhereyes.ShejerkedbackherhandfromMarc’sarm,rubbingthefingers.

“Areyouokay?”CarabolteduptorestahandonAmber’sshoulder.Ambernodded.“Fine.Wow,he’salmostempty,andhissoulissofullof

fear.Whatthehellwashethinking?Heknowsbetterafterthelasttime.”Shetwistedherhandstogether.“Oh,dear,Ihopetheothersmakeitintime.”

“Who’sclosest?”Marc’swhitefaceappearedunchanged.Caraplacedthestethoscopeto

hischestagain.Hispulsemightbeafractionstronger,itwashardtotell.“Tor.He’sonlyafewminutesfromhereatthedojo.”“Marc’llendupkillinghimselfoneday.”Carafrowned.“Healways

thinkshecangototheedgesavingsomebody.”LastyearMarc’dnearlydiedwhenhesenthisLightintoayoungboywhocametotheERatNorfolkGeneral.Butthiswasworse.

“Ibethedidn’teattodayeither.”AmberbentoverandpickedupacrumpledcandybarwrapperthatmusthavedroppedfromMarc’slimphandwhentheyputhiminthechair.“Heprobablytriedtoeatthisatthelastminute.”Shewavedthepaperintheair,ahandononehip.

Cararolledhereyes.“Likeacandybarwouldsavehimfromthatdraining.”

ThedoorbellrangandCararushedtothedoor.ItwasHatori,Torforshort,Amber’shusband,stillinhisgifromkarateclass.Afteraworriedglanceathiswife,hehurriedtoMarc’sside.

“Dude,youlooklikehell,”Torsaidbeforefindinghisportaljustunderthechin.

Asquealoftiresoutsideannouncedanotherarrival.Caraopenedthedoor,asmiletuggingatherlipswhenShanaexitedherredMiataamidstatiretrailofdustandslammedthecardoor.Thegirl’srumblingcomplaintsfloatedacrossthelawn.Shestalkedtothedoor,herhandstightenedintofists.

“Damnhim,Iknewthiswouldhappenagain.Hejustwon’tlisten.Idiot!Igottacomeoverhereandsavehissorryassinthemiddleofmyshift.LikeIdon’thaveotherpeoplewhoneedmyhelp.Igotafloorfullofpalliativecarepatientsdying,Idon’tneedthiscrap.”ShestrodeintothehouseandcastaquickglanceabouttheroomuntilshelocatedMarcslumpedinthechair.Shefroze.

“Holyshit,”shewhispered,eyeswide.“Sofar,IstartedandAmbergave.Tor’sonhimnow.You’renext.”Cara

motionedherforward.“Hurry,he’sinbadshape.”Shana’snormallyglowingebonyskinturnedalmostgray.Shetossed

longbraidsoverhershoulderandthrewherpurseonthesofa.TorstillhadonehandunderMarc’schin.Hisslantedeyesnarrowedand

hislipsformedatight,thinline.Amberwatchedhim,browfurrowed.“Enough,Tor.”Heremovedhisfingers,shakinghishand.Shanafelltoherkneesbeside

Marc’schair.Herhandcuppedhischeekforasecondbeforeshemovedherfingersbehindhisear.Thedoorbellrangagainandthedoorswungopen.AlistairWickhamstrodethroughthethreshold,nattilyattiredinadouble-breastednavysuit.Hefrowned,eyescenteredonMarc’slimpbody.

“Alistair,honey,”Ambertookhiselbow.“I’msogladyoumadeit.”“Youngfool.DoyouknowhowlongittakestodrivetoVirginiaBeach

fromODUatthistimeofday?It’sagoodthingIwasonmywaytodinewithafriendnearhere.”Alistair’sBritishaccenthadbecomemorepronouncedinhisagitation.“Tryingtosavesomeone’slifeagain,Itakeit?”

“Seemsso.”CaraplacedahandonShana’sshouldertowarnheragainstdraining.“Wedon’tknowthewholestoryyet.Heshoweduponmydoorstepandcollapsed.”

“Bloodytypical.”Alistaircrossedtheroomtothechair.Marcblinkedhiseyesandslightlyraisedhishead.Shanabackedoff,allowingspaceforAlistair.

ShanasidleduptoCaraandwoveanarmthroughhers.“Ishegoingtomakeit?”

“Idon’tknow.”CarapattedShana’shand.“MaybewithAlistair’senergy…”

Afterscrutinizingtheyoungerman’sface,Alistairreachedoutand

placedhislong,thinfingersontheinsideofMarc’sleftwrist.Heclosedhiseyes,stillfrowning.WhenAlistairagainopenedhiseyes,Marcdid,too.Alistairdroppedhishandandglancedattheothers.“Ifit’snottoomuchtrouble,I’dloveaglassofthatredwineyou’redrinking.”HemovedtoawingchairattheotherendofthecouchfromMarcandsat.“Unlessyouhavesomethingabitstronger?Brandyperhaps?”

Caraletoutthebreathshe’dheldcaptive,andShana’sshouldersslumped.

Marcrubbedhishead.Hesatupfurtherinthechairandleanedover,groaning.“Myhead—”

“GonnabeyourasswhenyougetbetterandIkickit.”Shanaglaredathim.

“Aww,Shan,youhere?”Marcraisedhisheadandblinkedatthegroupeyeinghim.

“I’llgethimsomethingtoeat.”CaraslippedherarmfromShana’sandwalkedpastthecouchalongtheshorthalltothekitchen.WithMarcrevived,he’dneedfoodtospeedhisrecovery.Toobadhehatedveggiepizza.

Shanatrailedbehind.“Canyoubelievehowbadoffhewas?”Sheleanedagainstthekitchencounter,armscrossedoverherchest,browneyeswide,afrowntuggingatherlips.

Caraopenedherrefrigeratorandgatheredthemakingsofasandwich.“Hewasalmost…dead.”Shanarubbedherarms.Carawithdrewabottleofwhitewinefromthefridgeandhandeditto

Shana.“Thebrandy’sinthecupboardwhenyoufinishpouringthewine.”Sheplacedtwoslicesofbreadonthecounterandsmearedonmayonnaise.

Besideher,Shanapouredwineandhershakinghandsspilledsomeonthecounter.“Damnit.”Shesetthebottledownandslidahandtoherforehead.“Ijustcan’tstandthethoughtofsomethinghappeningtohim.It’shorrible.”Tearsstreameddownherfaceandsuddensobswrackedherbody.

Carastoppedspreadingmayonnaiseandplacedtheknifeonthecounter.She’dthoughtShanawasn’toverherfeelingsforMarcanditseemedshewasright.ShegatheredShanainherarms.“Youstilllovehim,don’tyou?”

Shanatwistedaway,wipinghercheekswithherhands.“Yeah.Stupidme.Ican’thelpit.Idon’tknowhowtoexplainit,butwhenDealershave—uh,makelove,abondforms.Theybecomeapartofyou.Nomatterwhathappens,Marcwillalwaysbeapartofme.”

“It’sobviousyouguysstillcareforeachother.It’snotjustyou.Iseeitinhiseyes,too.Maybeyoushouldgiveitanothertry.”ShesqueezedShana’sshoulders.ItwashardtocomfortShanawhenherownheartachedtobondwith

someonesobadly,butshe’dwantedtosaythistoShanaforalongtime.“Idon’tknow.I’mnotsurehecanstillcareformeasanythingotherthan

afriend.”“It’sworthittotry.Youguysaresuper,crazyperfectforeachother.”“Really?”“Youknowhowharditistohavearelationshipwithsomeonewho’snot

aDealer.”Cara’stonesharpenedmorethanshe’dintendedatthethoughtofTom.Sadnesscreptinandshepusheditaway.Notimeforself-pity.

“Plus,you’reanurseandhe’saphysician.Seriously,girl,therehastobesomecommongroundthere.”Sheforcedasmileandstabbedthebutterknifeintothemayojar.“TakethedrinksandI’llbringthesandwich.”

WhenShanaleft,Caraleanedagainstthecabinetandsqueezedhereyesshut.Sheballedherfistsandpoundedthegranitecountertopuntilthepaininherhandsovertookthepaininherheart.Takingadeep,shakybreath,sheerectedabrickwallaroundheremotions.Shehadtostaystrong.Forthegroup.Forhersanity.

Shereturnedtothelivingroom.Marcsatstraightinhischair,blueeyesopen,asheepishgrincreasingthepaleskinaroundhismouth.Shehandedhimaglassofmilkandthethicksandwich.Hetookthemandgaveheranod.

“Whathappened,sweetie?”Ambersatonthearmofthecouchbesideherhusband.“Idetectedanawfullotoffearinyou.”

“Guys,I’msorry,okay.Ididn’tmeanittogosofar.”Marcstuffedamassivebiteofsandwichinhismouth.Hegulpedhismilkandrakedshakingfingersthroughhisblondcurls.

“Yeah,youneverdo!”Shanastoodbesidethesofa,wineglassinhand,tappingonefoot.

Caracoughedandpointedtotheglass.“Sit.Drink.Chill.”Shanarolledhereyesbutcompliedwitha“humph.”MarcsentCaraalookofgratitude,andcontinuedhisstory.“Thisyoung

girlcameintotheER,onlyfourteen,andshe’dbeenviciouslyrapedandcut.Basedonhervitals,Ithoughtshewasinshockandhadlostsomuchbloodwewouldn’thavetimetogetatransfusiongoing.So,IhopedI’dgetherstabilizedwiththeLight.Idostufflikethatallthetime.ButwhenIconnectedtoherIgotthisrushofmentalimages.Horrificstuff.”Marcshookhisheadandtookanotherbiteoffood.

Atensedhushsettledoverthegroup,onlysoundsofMarc’schewingdisruptedthesilence.

“Theimageswerefromthegirl?”Amberrubbedherhandsoverherarms.

“Yes.Isawtheattackfromhereyes.Ifeltwhatshefelt.Ican’tdescribehowghastlythosevisionswere.Therewerefourmenalldressedinblackhoodedcloaks.Theyhadhertiedupandtookturnscuttingorrapingher—veryritualistic.Aftereachattack,theywouldputtheirhandsonherandjustwatch.”Tearswelledinthecornersofhiseyes.Hetiltedhisheadback,facingtheceiling.Themusclesalonghisjawtwitched.

TheairgrewheavyandCarashudderedatthementalpictureofthepoorgirlbeingtorturedsoviciously.Whatkindofmonsterswoulddosuchathing?

TearsformedinShana’seyesandherstiffshouldersslumped.“Didtheyfindwhodidit?”HowlikeTor,thepoliceman,toworryabout

catchingthebadguys.“I’vebeenatthedojoallnightsoIhaven’tbeenlisteningtomyradio.”

“Idon’tknow.IwassoinvolvedwithworkingonthegirlIdidn’tpayanyattentiontowhatthepoliceweresaying.TheycameinwiththefamilyandweretalkingtothemwhiletheEMT’swheeledherin.”

“Whathappenedaftertheimagesstarted?”AlistairbroughtthembacktoMarc’stale,hisbrowfurrowedbehindhisglasses.

“TheflowofimagesdrewmeinandIcouldn’tbreaktheconnection.Iknewitwastoomuch,butthedrainwaspowerful.MaybetheLightwasbeingusedformentalhealingaswellasphysical.ButI’veneverexperiencedanythinglikeitinmylife.”

Marceyedeachpersonintheroom.“I’mreallysorry,youguys.IknowIsworeIwouldn’tletithappenagain,butthiswassomethingdifferent.WhenIcollapsed,itbrokethecontact,otherwiseIthinkIwouldbedead.”

“It’sokay,Marc,”Ambersaid,hergreeneyesgentle.“We’reonlyupsetbecausewe’resoconcernedaboutyou.Youcouldn’thaveknownthiswouldhappen.It’sunheardof.”

Tortookhiswife’shandandkissedit,hisgazetender.Cara’sheartachedatthelovinggesture.

“IwanttoseeifIcanfindoutabouttheperps.”Torstood,pulledhisphoneoutofhisgipantspocketandmovedintothekitchen.

Marcshiftedinhischair.“Youknow,thatgirlwaslikeashell,suckeddry,withonlythetiniestsparkleft.”

“Strange,”Alistairsaid.“HowdidshelosesomuchLight?EvenindeaththeresidualofLightonlyfadesafterafewdays.”

“Hervitalswereinthetoilet,butIthoughtitcamefrombloodloss.NowIknowitwaslossofLight.”MarcfinishedhissandwichandCaramotionedforhimtosettheplateonthesidetable.

“Thanks,C.”Hechuggedtheremainingmilkandaflushofpinktinged

hisformerlychalk-whitecheeks.Alistairpattedhissparsegrayhair,andpushedhisglassesuponhisnose.

“Hmm.IdidalotofresearchaboutourkindmanyyearsagowhenIfirstfoundoutaboutwhatwasgoingonwithme.There’ssomethingaboutallthisstirringamemory.Ican’tquiteputafingeronit.”

Torreturnedtothelivingroom,browfurrowed.“Lookslikethedudesgotaway.Thepolicehavenoideawhodidit.”Murmursandsighsofdisappointmentranaroundtheroom.

“Butthereissomegoodnews.Thegirlsurvived.Soyoureffortswerenotinvain,pal.”TorslappedMarcontheshoulder.

Marcletoutadeepbreath.“ThankGod.”TorrubbedhischinandpacedovertoAmber.“Thisisweirdandmaybe

notconnected,butwehavethreerecentunsolveddeaths.Thecoronercan’tfindareasonwhytheyshouldbedead.Noheartattack,nodrugs,notrauma,nothing.”

SilenceclaimedtheroomandashivercoursedthroughCara’schest.“AreyousuggestingsomeoneiskillingpeoplebydrainingtheirLight?”

“Thinkaboutit,guys.Everyoneinthedepartmentisbaffledbythesekillings.”Hefrownedandscratchedhishead.“Now,drainingapersonofLight,man,it’stheonlypossiblemethodofkillingthatmakessense.It’stheperfectmurder.”

ChapterFour

Cloakedfiguresfiledintothedankbasementoneatatime,hoodedheads

down.Waitingattheotherendoftheroom,Desmond’snostrilsflaredatthesmellofmoldanddriedblood.Gaslanternshangingfromhooksontheconcreteblockwallscastaneerie,flickeringglowaboutthechillyundergroundroom.Hemovedtowardthemen,weavingbetweenthesparseobjectsscatteredabout:afewboxes,awoodenchair,andawornleathersofacoveredwithadirtysheet.Splashesofrustybrownmarkedthefloorandwalls.

Desmondmotionedforthetenrobedmentostandinalinefacingthebackwallofthebasement.Themen’sheavy,muffledbreathsincreasedinanticipation,blowingthroughtheblackscarvescoveringtheirlowerfaces.Desmond’slipscurled.Helovedtheserituals,makingthemwearblackcloaks,havingthemcallhim“Master.”Italladdedtothemysteryandstrengthenedhisholdonthem.

Creakingfootstepsontherottedwoodenstairsheraldedtheentranceofothers,alongwithathud,thud,thud.Twomorehoodedmendraggedthelimpbodyofaman.Histrussedfeethitthestepsbehindthem.

Desmond’seyesmetthoseofthelastmantoarrive.Carltonproddedthevictimand,whenhegroaned,noddedtoDesmond.Themanstilllived.

Excellent,thebeatinghadn’tkilledhim.Yet.Desmondraisedanarm,pointingtothebackwall.Themencarriedtheir

unconsciousvictimthereandattachedtheshacklesimbeddedinthewalltohiswrists.Oneslappedtheirvictim’sfaceuntilhisheadlolledback,andhiseyesflickeredopen.Hemoanedanddroppedhisheadtohischest.Arustleoffabricaccompaniedthewatchersshiftingontheirfeet,shouldersrubbingtogether.

“Ibringyoupreytofulfillyourneeds.”Desmond’sdeep,resonatingvoicefilledthebasement.Acoldshiverofanticipationflutteredacrosshisskin.Heranhistonguealongthebottomofhisteeth,savoringthismoment,ofholdingaperson’sfateinthehollowofhishand.Hisfingerstwitched.“Neverforgetwhoisyourmaster.Icancrushyouorbringyoupleasures.Followmyordersandyouwillhavemorevictimsthanyoucanpossiblyimagine.Butifyoudisobey—youdie.”

Theblackrobesrustled,likevulturesrustlingtheirfeathers.“Yes,Master,”theenslavedmensaidinunison.Heraisedhishandsinagrandgestureandallowedthemtohovera

momentbeforedroppingthemheavilytohissides.“Begin.”Carltonandthegroupsurgedforward,placingtheirfingertipsatdifferent

areasoftheman’sbody.Thebarelyconsciousmanhadbeenbeatenuntilonlyathreadoflifeheldhimtothisworld,buthissufferingremained.Desmondclosedhiseyes,imaginingtheflowofmisery-ladenenergyhismenenjoyed.Adelicious,surgingpulseofterror-soakedadrenaline.Betterthancocaine,betterthanheroin.Itboundthemtohim.Slaves.

Oncethevictimhadbeencompletelydrained,oneofthemenloosenedtheshackles,lettingthebodyfalltothefloorinaheap,ahollowshell.Theotherssteppedback,eyeslargeandglowinglikebrightmoons,nostrilsflaring,allofthemstaringatthelifelessmoundonthefloor.

Desmondmadeaflickingmotionwithonehand,andseveralofthemensteppedforward.Theyliftedthelimpformoffthefloortoplaceitonthedirtysheet.Onetuckedthesidesoverthebodysoitwascompletelycovered.

“Makesureyoudisposeofitbetterthanthelastone.Nomoredumpsters.Idon’twanthimfoundrightaway.”Hethrewbackhishood,eyeingeachofhisslavesuntiltheyflinchedandhungtheirheads.

Fourmencarriedthebodyupstairs,quicklyfollowedbytheothers.Carltonremained.Healsoremovedhishoodandstudiedhismaster.“Whydoesitmatterwhenthey’refound,Desmond?”

“Ihaveplans,andIdonotwishthemtobeinterrupted.There’sbeenonemistakealready,leavingthegirlinanalleybeforeshewasdead.Iunderstandsheendedupatthehospitalandshe’sgoingtolive.Youshouldhopesheremembersnothingthatwillleadtous.”

“Weheardapolicecarcoming.ItwouldhavebeenadisastertoletthemfindusbeforetheNetiscast.”

“Ifwe’resloppyindisposingofthebodieswemaybediscoveredbeforeI’mready.”

“Butdeadisdead,noonewillknowwhodidit.”Desmondscoffed.“You’restillsoyoung,Carlton.Therearemanythings

youdonotknowaboutourkind.”CarltondirectedascrutinizinggazeatDesmond.“Whatdoyoumean?”“You’vebeenwithmeforfiveyears,butrememberIamathousand

yearsold.IcomefromthespiritoftheGods.Iunderstandthefrailtyofmortalsinawayyoucannot.ThesemenareslavestothetorturedLight,buttheyhavenowill-power.”

DesmondputoutonewraithlikefingerandtraileditdownCarlton’scheek,thelongfingernailscratchingaredweltinitspath.“Mydearboy,evenyouarestillensnaredwithdesirefortheglorioushurtingsensation.AmInotright?”

Carltonpressedahandtohiswoundedcheekastearsofpleasurewelledinhiseyes.“Yes,Master.”

“Ah,yes,thewonderfulpain.”Desmondleanedcloseruntilhesmelledthesweatydesire,apungent,muskyaromaheknewsowellfromcenturiesofenslavingotherstohiswill.“Seehowitalmostoverpowersyou?”

Carltontrembledandnodded,obviouslywantingmore.HewantedthetreatoftakingLightfromDesmond’sbody,wherehorrificallypainfulmemoriesfromDesmond’slifeproducedanintoxicatingelixirofpain-tingedLight.Butitdidn’tservehispurposetogivethistreattoofrequently.Hesteppedaway,turninghisbackontheyoungerman.

“IhaverecentlysensedapresenceI’venotfeltinalongtime—adangerouspresence—oneIcursewitheverycellinmybody.Iwanttodestroyhim.Buthe’salsotheonlyonewhocanstopus.Wemustbevigilantandkeepaneyeontheseyoungconvertsofours.Theycanbethoughtlessandrashintheirhunger.SoonImustsendthemoutintotheworld,andtheycannotmakecarelessmistakestomarkourpresence.”

Unbidden,hismindflashedtothepastandthehumiliatingbattlewithhisgreatestenemy,Bes,or“Rolf”ashecalledhimselfnow.Thefuryoftheirbattlerippedapartthetemplewheretheyfought,anditcollapsedontopofhim.Therehestayed,weakandtrapped,forhundredsofyears.Evennowthememorysentasurgeofanger,almostoverwhelminghim.Unlikemortals,hewasunabletoproducehisownLight,andBeslefthimtodieaslowandhorribledeath.

Agrimsmilecurledhislips,forhe’doutwitteddeathintheend.Ashudderforcedawaythesmile.Atfirst,he’dthoughthewouldgomad

andperishinhisrockytomb,butafterdaysaloneandweakened,aratventurednear.Hegrabbedthecreaturewiththelastofhisstrength,anddrainedapitifulamountofLightfromitscrushedbody.AsipofLightandhishatredofRolfgavehimthewilltosurvive.“Thispresencefromthepastdisturbsme.Doyouknowwhy,Carlton?”

“Youcan’tmeantheonewhodefeatedyouishere?InNorfolk?”“Hedidnotdefeatme,”Desmondsnarled,whippingawayfromthe

youngerman.Hepacedacrosstheroom,shakingwithfury.“Iamstillalive,soIwasnotdefeated.”

“I’msorry,Master.”Carltonhunghishead.“YouhavenoideawhatIsuffered.Iamdisturbedbecausesuccessis

withinmyreach.Iwillnotletitslipaway.I’vewaitedtoolong.”Carltonfrowned.“Soitishim?”Desmondignoredhisquestion,lostinthepast.Hundredsofyears,buried

aliveuntiltheworkerscametoexcavatetheoldtempleruinsandonewretchedsoulcamewithinhisgrasp.

“Ittookmedecadestoregainmyfullpowers,andamassthewealthIneedtoaccomplishmygoals.MyplansarereadytolaunchandIcannotletRolfinterfereuntilIampreparedtodestroyhim.”

DesmondstalkedclosertoCarlton.SoonhewouldneedtoletCarltontakesomeofhisLighttofurtherhisaddiction,butnotjustyet.Theneedwouldensurehisservant’sdiligence.Hecontinuedbehindhisslave.“Youmustmakecertainthemenadheretomycommands.Therecanbenomistakes,”hewhisperedclosetotheyoungerman’sear.

Carlton’seyeswidened,sweatpoppingoutonhisfaceashistonguesnakedoverhislips.“Yes,you’reright,ofcourse.I’llmakesuretheyfollowyourordersexactly.”

“Excellent.”Desmondcircledbacktofacehisyounghenchman.“Setthemstraightandreturn.Ineedyouworkingonthecomputerprogram.IfearwemaynothaveasmuchtimeasI’doriginallyplannedtoaccomplishourgoal.Readyingtheprogrammustbeourmainfocus.”

Carlton’seyesnarrowed.“I’vebarelystartedhackingthetelevisionnetworks,anditwillstillbeseveralhoursbeforethelinksareinplacetorunthemassiveprogram.”

“I’msureyou’reuptothetask.Makeithappen,Carlton,andyoumayhaveatreat.”

Carltonsuckedinabreath,stumbledback,andgaveahalfbowbeforehurryingupthestairsaftertheothers.

Desmondcalledafterhim,“NothingmustangertheHuaca,Carlton.Nothing.”

ChapterFiveCarasteeredhercarintotheparkinglotofEssenceof

Amber,hercellphonepressedtoherear.Sheparkedandafteramoment,hittheENDbuttonwithagruntoffrustration.“Damnit,Nicki.Whereareyou?”

Thiswasthefourthcallwithnoanswer.EitherNickiwasn’tansweringonpurpose,orshedidn’thaveherphoneon.Hopefully,shehadn’tmetwithanymoreproblems.Caradidn’twanttohearthegirlhadendedupintheERliketheoneMarcsaved.

Amber’snaturalfoodstoresatonasidestreetnearthecoastlineinVirginiaBeach.Caraclimbedthefrontstepsoftheoldtwo-storywoodenhousetothelargefrontporchwithrockersscatteredabout.Severalpatronsrockedaway,smiling,nibblingonscones,andsippingsmoothies.Theoldfloorboardssqueakedintimewiththeirrocking.Windchimestunedtocomplementthesevenchakrassentatinklingmelodyacrossthelightfallbreeze.

Inside,Carapausedtoinhalethedelightfulfragrancesofsandalwoodandcinnamon.Amberstoodbehindthecounteratthefoodbar.ShehandedapaperbagtoacustomerandsmiledwhenshesawCara.Sheraisedafingerindicatingshewouldbefinishedinaminute.Carawanderedovertoagroupofworn,plumpeasychairsandloveseatgatheredinfrontofanunlitfireplace.Shecrossedtothetallbookshelfbehindtheloveseatandfingeredafewspinesbeforepullingoutabooktostudythebackcover.TheHealingGiftofCrystals.Interesting.

Settlingontothesofa,sheletherpursestrapfalloffhershoulderandflippedthroughthebook.Manypeoplebelievedcrystalshadmagicalproperties,and,althoughshe’dneverusedtheminhealing,theinformationherefascinatedher.Maybesheoughttogivecrystalsatry.

Amberstrolledupwithatraycontainingapotofteaandfourwarmapple-cranberrymuffins.Sheplacedthetrayonthesmalltablepositionedinthemiddleoftheseatinggroupandpouredtwocupsofsteamingtea.Cinnamonwithahintofnutmegwaftedthroughtheair.Cara’sstomachgrowledandshediscardedherbook,droppingitontotheseatbesideher.

“Mmm.”ShecrumbledthewarmmuffininherfingersandAmberhandedheracupoftea.“Thesearegreat,”Caramumbledbetweenbites.

“Beingvegetarianisn’tallbad,”Amberremindedherforthefourhundredthtime.“Areyoufeelingokaytoday?”

Caraswallowed.“Yeah.IfIdon’tthinkaboutEmmie,Tom,andwhathappenedtoMarcI’mjustsupergreatfantastic.”

Ambergaveasympatheticpout.“Ah,honey,I’msorrysomuchhappenedtoyouyesterday.Badenoughthinkingaboutallthe…stuffwithMarc.ThankGod,it’sbeenabusymorningherewhichhelpedmenotthinkaboutyou-know-what.”

“Let’scontinuenotthinkingaboutit.Iwanttohaveapleasantdayoff.”Carafinishedhermuffinandlickedherfingersforthelastfewcrumbs.Notthinkingaboutthingswasagoodsolution,shedecided.Ifyoudidn’tthinkaboutthem,youdidn’thavetodealwiththem.Perfect.

Amberchuckled.“Youcanhaveanother,youknow.”“No,oneisplenty.Iwasthinkingaboutgoingtothesalonfora

massage.”Sherolledhershoulders.“Ithinkitwouldhelpmystress.”Ifshestayedreally,reallybusy,everythingwouldbefine.

“That’sagoodidea.IwishIhadtimetogowithyou,butadeliveryfromthefarmer’smarketisduesoon.Ican’tleaveSusanherebyherself.”

Bellsoverthedoortinkledasafewcustomersstrolledin.Ambergreetedthemallbyname.SheplacedherteacupinthesaucerandpointedtothebookbesideCara.“Enjoyyourbook.I’llbebackafterIhelpthem.”

Carasippedherrose-hipteaandclosedhereyes,savoringthespicyaroma.Shemeltedintothecomfy,oldstuffedcouchandsighed.Thebellsjingledagainandsheopenedhereyestoseewho’dentered.Hergazemetthestareofatall,strikingman.Hepausedinthedoorway,ice-blueeyesboringintohers,hishandstillonthedoorknob.Thoseeyesmesmerizedher,compellingherlikeahypnotist’smight.Severalsecondspassedbeforeheblinkedafewtimesandturnedhisgazetosurveytherestofthestore.

Sheswallowedbuthermouthhadgonedry.Atinglingsensationspreadoverherbody.Hestoodsotallandcommanding,theroomshrunkinhispresence.Hisstarkravenhairsproutedupinaspikycrewcut.Blackmustbehisfavoritecolor:blackT-shirt,blackleatherjacket,andblackjeanswithasilverbelt.EvenhisshoeswereblackItalianloafers.Hestrodeacrosstheshopinherdirection.Likeaprowlingpanther,hispowerfulmusclesshiftedbeneathhisclothing.Shesankbackinherseat.

Hepausedafewfeetfromherandraisedbotheyebrows.Thenheredirectedhispathtothebookshelfandleanedforwardwithhishandsbehindhim,scanningthetitles.Sheletoutthebreathshe’dbeenholding.Hisaristocraticbearingwasatoddswiththelaidback,hippystyledécorofthehealthfoodstoreandthetypicalpatronssheencounteredhere.Themanslowlymadehiswaydowntheentirelengthofbookcase.AshepassedbehindthecouchwhereCarasat,thehairsstooduponthebackofherneck,andshecaughtawhiffofhiscologne—somethingdark,muskyandexotic.Wasthatwarmth

comingfromhim?Amberreturnedandstoodbesidethesofabeforehecompletedhis

search.Caramaderollingeyegesturestowardthestrangemanbehindher.Shemouthed,“Doyouknowhim?”Ambershookherhead,frowning.

ThemanreachedtheendofthebookcaseandwhirledaboutsoabruptlyAmberjumped.

“H—h—hello.M—m—mayIhelpyouwithanything?”Amberretreatedastep.

Hisbrowscametogetheroverthosecoldeyes.Hestaredatherforamoment,angularfeaturesandhighcheekboneshighlightedbyhisslantingblackbrows.Thenhisgrimacesmoothedintoasmile,lipsathin,sensualcurvedline.“Iwaswonderingifyouhadanybooksabout—”HisblueeyesfocusedonCara.“—crystals?”

Cara’sfingersclosedonthebookbesideher.Whatgamewasheplaying?“Thisisagoodone.”Sheroseandtookafewsteps,stretchingherarmtohandthebooktohim,but,atthelastmoment,shedroppedthebookandgasped,backingup.EvenfromafewfeetawayshefelttheheatofapowerfulDealeremanatingfromhim.HottereventhanAlistair,theoldestofthemall.Sheclaspedherhandagainstherchest.

Theman’ssmilevanished.Hebentslowly,keepinghiseyesonhers,andretrievedthebookfromthefloor.“Ah,yes.Thankyou,”hesaidwithoutglancingatit.

“Whoareyou?”Caraasked,breathless.Obviously,themanwasaLight-dealerbutoneofenormouspower.Hemustsenseherasone,too.Hispresenceherefascinatedandterrifiedheratthesametime.She’dnevermetanyonelikehim.

“Please,acceptmyapologies.MynameisRolfVanHarding.”Hissmilebroadenedandhisicygazesoftened.HisgazetraveledoverCara,leavingherbodyatinglingmess.

“You’veneverbeenherebefore.”AmberglancedbetweenhimandCara.“No,I’mnewintown.Andyouare?”“Well,um,mynameisAmber.Iownthisstore.ThisismyfriendCara.”“Verypleasedtomeetyouboth.”Hegaveasmallbow,clickinghisheels

together.Heturnedthebookoverinhishands,scanningthecover.“Oh,thisisnotwhatI’msearchingfor.Sorry.”HehandeditbacktoCaraandthistimetherewasnoradiatingheat.“Forgivemeforinterrupting.”Heexecutedanotherofhisformalhalf-bows,andstrodeoutthedoor.

SheandAmberturnedtoeachotherwithmouthsopenthentothedoorwherehe’ddeparted.“Whatthe—”

“He’saLight-dealer!”Amberputahandoverhermouth.“Nokidding.”Cararanherhandsoverherarms,nowchilledwiththe

absenceofhisheat.“Healmostincineratedmefromthreefeet.”AmbercrossedtothedoorwithCarabesideherandpeeredout,eyes

scanningtheparkinglot.“He’sgone.Justgone.Nocar,nothing.”“Hecamehereforsomethinganddidn’texpecttofindotherLight-

dealers.Hewasstartledwhenhesawme.”Carascannedthefrontyardagain.Intheparkinglotshesawonlytwocars,abicycleandatalltelephonepoleattheedgewhosebrokenstreetlightflickeredonandoffdespitethebrightsunshine.

“I’mcallingTor.”Amberhurriedtothecheckoutcounterforherphone.Carareturnedtotheseatingarea.Shefloppedontheseatwithan“Oof.”

Herheartbeatracedandsheputahandtoherchest.“Holymoly,”shesaidunderherbreath,takingslow,deepbreathstocalmherpulse.

ApowerfulDealerandwow,whatanextraordinarilyhandsomeman.Buttherewassomethingelse—anelectricdisturbanceoftheatmospheresurroundinghim.Adisturbanceexudingbothdangerandpowerwhichleftherbreathless.

AmberreturnedafterseveralminutesonthephonewithTor,herfacepale,hergreeneyeswide.“There’sbeenanotherone.”

“What?”Carablinked,breakingoutofRolf’sspell.“Whathappened?”“Torwasonacallthismorning—ahomicideontheeastend.Theyfound

abodyinadumpster,andhecheckedbeforethecoronergotthere.ThepoormanwascompletelyemptyofLight.”

ThenewsparalyzedCarawithhorror.“Afreshbody?”Ambernodded.“Lessthantwelvehoursold,hethinks.”“Trauma?”“Nothingthatshouldcausedeath—justsignsofsuperficialtorturelike

small,shallow,knifecuts.”“Crap.”“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Amberfingeredthejadecrossshealways

woreatherthroat.“ToomanyunexplainedeventsarepoppinguprelatedtoLight-dealing.I

shouldtalktoAlistair.He’stheonlyonewhomightbeabletounravelthismystery.”CaragatheredherpocketbookfromthecouchthenhuggedAmber.

“Maybeyoushouldstayhere.”Ambercrossedherarmsoverherchest.“WhatifRolfVanHardingisouttherewaiting?Hecouldbethekiller.IcancallTor.”

“He’snotoutthere.I’llbefine.”“Honey,pleasebecareful.”

“You,too,”Carasaidoverhershoulderandheadedoutthedoor,sendingthebellintoafrenzyofclangs.Anxietychurnedinherstomach,despiteherreassurancestoAmber.Anotherdeath,andnowtheappearanceofthismysteryDealer—toomuchofabizarrecoincidencenottobeconnected.Shemighthavejustcomefacetofacewithadepravedkiller.Sheshiveredandhoppedintohercar,lockingallthedoors.

ChapterSixRolfstoodatthecornerofDukeandFreemasonStreets.

ThechillofTakerevilnippedathisskin.Heshudderedinacombinationofrevulsionandanticipation,thenslowlyturnedhisheadtoglancedownthestreet.Somuchenergy.Theremustbetwelve,atleast.Overeveryothersensation,adeeper,moresinisterawarenesshovered.Desmond.Hisoldenemy.

Carefultosuppressthesignatureofhisenergy,Rolfmovedalongthestreet,hisawarenessatthehighestlevel.Hedarednotriskbeingcapturedbythisgroup.Everythingaboutthesituationpuzzledhim.HishuntforTakersusuallyinvolvedtwoorthreeatmost—rogueDealerswhoturnedtoTakingandsuccumbedtotheallureofevil.Thiswassomethingdifferent.Organizedandpurposeful.

Hestrolledalong,keepingtotheshadowoftreesliningbothsidesofthestreet.Occasionallypeoplepassedhim,butnoneglancedinhisdirection.Hestoppedacrossfromathree-storybricktownhouse.Arushofcold,putridTakeressenceassuredhimthiswastheirresidence.Tidalwavesofdisgustslammedintohimandheclenchedhishandsintofists.Desmond’spungentessence,thoughlingering,indicatedhewasn’tcurrentlypresent.Atall,lankymansteppedoutthefrontdoor,andRolfturnedintothedrivewayoftheoppositetownhouse,disappearingbehindahedge.

Huddledinthemassofleafybranches,Rolfwaitedwhilethemandescendedthestepstothestreet.Ahalfdozenothermenfollowed,pilingintoavanparkedatthecurb.

Anunaccustomedsliveroffearslicedintohim.Somany!Morethanhe’deverfaced.Buthehadtotakethemon.Takershadtobedestroyednomatterwhat.

Heglancedatthewindowsfacingthestreet.Nothingmovedintheirdarkdepthsandhesensednootherpresence.Thechillonhisskinfaded.Hescurriedacrosstheroadtothesideofthehouse.Hecircledthestructure,stoppingatthefirstwindowtopeerin,butnoonestirredinside.Luckily,thetallhedgesonthesidesofthehousehidhimfromviewifanyneighborshappenedtobelookingouttheirwindows.

Hevaultedoverthebackyardfenceandedgeduptotheslidingglassdoorsonthepatio.Nothing.Hetuggedonthedoorhandleanditslidopen.Whatluck.Heslippedinsideandlistened,butnosoundofinhabitantsreachedhim.

ThelivingroomhousedatraditionalQueenAnnesofa,loveseatandwingchairsindeepblue.Thick,off-whitecarpetsoftenedhisstepswhenhe

crossedthefloortothewalnutwoodstaircaseoppositethefrontdoor,thenranupthecarpetedsteps.Hepausedonthelandingatthetop.Totheleftlayasittingroomwithafocalroundtablesurroundedbybookcasesandchairs.Atwofoothighgoldstatuesatinthecenterofthetable,toppedbyamilkybluestone.Theancientcarvingsonthepiececlashedwiththeotherdécor.SomeancientartifactofDesmond’s,nodoubt.

Hepassedthesittingroomandfoundadoorontheright.Hepaused,listening,butthehouseremainedsilent.ThechillofTakersdulledtoamereirritatingbreathagainsthisskin.Withonehand,hepushedopenthedooracrack.Nooneinside.Heenteredandrotatedinaslowcircle.Elaboratecomputerequipmentlinedtheleftwallaswellastheareabesidethedoor.Acorkboardcoveredmostoftherightwall,andatallwindowclaimedmostofthewalloppositethedoor.

Hecrossedtothecorkboardandreadnamesofcitiesoncardswithstickynotespostedundereachonelistingpeople’snamesandgovernmentormilitarypositions.Whatthehell?IfDesmondhadTakersinallthesecitieshewasplanningsomemassivecampaignneverseenintherealmofTakersandDealers.

AburningdreadhitRolf’sgutandexploded.Theclickofadownstairsdoorechoedupthestairway.Hefroze.Two

malevoicesfollowingtheclicksenthimintoaction.Hestrodetothewindowandslidthebottomhalfup.Muffledfootstepsonthestairssenthimscramblingthroughtheaperture.Feetbalancedonthesill,hepushedthewindowclosed,andgrabbedthetopoftheshuttertoinchawaytotheright,outofviewthroughtheglasspanes.

Acastirongutterdrainrandownthecornerofthehouseaboutthreefeetaway.Hegrittedhisteethandleapt,scrapinghisknucklesonthebricksashegrabbedit.Heclungthereforasecond,hisfeetclawingthepipeforafoothold.Finally,thetoeofhisrightshoefoundacrackinthemortarandhemanagedtoclamberdownthedrainpipe.Thelastcouplefeethedropped,landingonhisfeetatthesideofthehouse.Nothingmovedabovehimatthewindow.Hepushedthroughthetallhedgesurroundingthehouseandhurriedaway.

Whathe’dfoundsentdismaysurgingthroughhim.OnepersonwouldnotbeabletofightsuchanorganizedgroupwithDesmondleadingthem.Sakhetwasright,somethingbigwascoming,andhestooddirectlyinitspath.

###

CaradrovetoOldDominionUniversity.Noclassestoday,whichleftthe

campusdesertedsaveafewrandomstudentsmeanderingabout,enjoyingtheclearfallweather.Thenoontimesunwarmedtheairandthestudentstookadvantage,wearingshirtswithsleevesrolledupandshorts.

ShepulledintotheparkingdeckacrossfromtheTedConstantCentercoliseumandhurriedupthestreettotheBattenArtsandLettersbuildingwhereAlistairhadhisoffice.Thearomaofdisinfectant,oldpaint,andpipetobaccohungheavyinthehallwaysleadingtoherfriend’soffice.Hersandalsfloppedonthetilestoechoalongtheemptypassage.

Carapassedthreeopendoorsyetencounterednoone,theatmosphereeerilyhushed.Sheglancedoverhershoulderacoupletimes,unnervedbythequietnessandquickenedhersteps.Atthelastdoorontheright,shestoppedandknockedontheframe.

“Alistair,”shesaid,breathless.Thedoorstoodopen,andhesatathisdeskwithhislonglegscrossed,reading.HeworehishabitualSavilleRowtypesuitwithacrispwhiteshirt.Bookcaseslinedthewalls,filledwithneatlyarrangedstacksofbooksandancientartifactshe’dpickedupwhileactivelyinvolvedinarcheologicaldigsyearsago.

“Why,Cara,whatapleasantsurprise.”Herosefromhischair,removedhisglasses,andrubbedhiseyes.“Here,takeaseat,mydear.”Headjustedoneofhissidechairsclosertothedesk.“Allright,then?”

“No,notallright.Ihadtocomeandtellyouwhat’shappened.Weneedsomeanswers,andyou’retheonewhocanmakesenseofthisancientstuff.”

Alistair’sbrowwrinkled.Hereturnedtohispositionbehindthedeskandrestedonehandonanorderlystackofbooksbesideaperfectlyalignedpileofpapers.Theonlyotherobjectsonthepolisheddesktopwereafewpictureframesandanonyxobeliskpaper-weightcoveredinhieroglyphics.“Youseemabitknackered,mydear.”

“Iam.Ihadallthatdramayesterday,andtoday,Tor’sonpatrolandfoundabodycompletelydepletedofLight.Hesaysthebodyislessthantwelvehoursgone.Somethingbadisgoingon.”

Alistairreplacedhisspectaclesandpattedthethingrayhaironthesidesofhishead.Hestaredatherwithoutanswering,buthislipstwitchednervously.

“Andthat’snotall.WhileIwasatAmber’sstore,amancamein.Hewassooutofplace.Ican’texplainitexactlyexcepttosayitwaslikehewasfromanothertime,almostcourtly.WhenIcamewithinthreefeetofhim,Ifeltintenseheatradiatingout.”

Atthislastsentence,Alistair’seyebrowsshotupandcamebackdownin

acrashingfrown.“Blast,he’saDealer.”“Oh,yeah.Inabig,huge,enormouslygiganticway.”“Sarcasmisn’tnecessary.Igetyourpoint.Whatelsedidhesay?”“Notmuchreally.Heaskedaboutabookoncrystalsand,whenIgave

himone,saiditwasn’twhathewaslookingfor.Heleftabruptly,andwedidn’tseeacaroranything.”

“Didn’tyouaskhimanythinguseful,suchaswherehecamefrom?”“No.Weweretooshockedwhenheturnedupoutoftheblue.”“Abeastlydevelopment.IwashopingTor’sconjecturewasmerely

fancy.”Alistairrubbedhistemples.“Tosaytheleast,I’mworried.Whatifthatstrangeristheonecausing

thedeaths?”Alistair’seyesnarrowed.“Idoubtit.He’dhardlychatyouupthentake

off.ButIreallymustgenuponthis.NowIbelievewhathasoccurredismorethanjustafewunexplaineddeaths.”

“Youdo?”Herheartpickedupitspace.Shedidn’twanttobelievethiswasorganizedserialkillings,donebypeoplewhodealttheLightasshedid.Suchascenariowastoohorribletoimagine.

“Ineedtogohome.Mostofmyresearchonourkindisthere.”Hegatheredhiskeysandafilespillingoverwithloosepapers.

Shestoodandputahandonhisarm.“Can’tyoutellmeanything?”“Notyet.”“Thisisallveryfrightening.Whatarewegoingtodo?”“I’mnotsure,andit’sbestnottospeculate.”“Please,speculationwouldbebetterthannothing.”“ThismaybeworsethanIimagined.”Hestuffedthepapersandfolders

intoaleatherbriefcase.“Alistair!”Caratuggedonhissleeve.Fearoftheunknownchilledherto

thecore.Sheneededanswers.“I’llcallyoulater.”Herushedoutthedoorandleftherstandinginhis

officewithhermouthopen.

###

CaraandDustyreturnedfromarunandhercellrang.Sheslammedthe

doorbehindher,unhookedtheleash,andgrabbedthephone.

“Cara?Alistairhere.”“Yes?What’sgoingon?”“I’monmywayover.Calltheotherstomeetus.”“Alistair—”Thephonewentdead.“Dammit.”Thephonerangagain.Shewasreadytogivehimapieceofhermind,

butitwasatextcominginfromShana.MarchadanotheroneintheER!WTF?ShefellbackinhercomfychairandDustycametolickherfingers

wheretheydangledoverthearm.Anotherone.Whatwasouttherekillingpeople?Shetextedback:YouandMarccomeovernow—profontheway.

Shanareplied:Half-hour.ShecalledAmberandgaveherthemessage,andleanedbackinthe

chair,herheadspinningwiththoughtsofdead,torturedbodies.MixedupinitallwereimagesofEmmie,Marc’swhiteface,andRolfVanHarding.AtleastallthisdramakeptherfromfeelingsorryforherselfaboutthebreakupwithTom.Shesnortedattheideasuchdistractionscouldhaveasilverlining.

Herthoughtsgravitatedbacktothemysteriousstranger.Thesmooth,menacingwayhewalkedandthoseiceblueeyesconsumingher.Brrrr.Inthebackofhermind,Emmie’swordsrepeated,I’mgivingyoumygift.Theevilshe’dwarnedCaraaboutmightbeouttherekillingpeoplebydrainingtheirLight.

Ajitteryfizzlegrewinherstomachthelongershewaited.Sheblewoutabreathandjumpedtoherfeet.Carryinghercell,shestruggledpastDustyandoutthedoor.Thenipintheeveningairbecameawelcomebalmtoherfrazzlednerves.ShepunchedinNicki’snumberagainandtappedonefootastheringingcontinuedonandon.Stillnoanswer.TorandAmberpulledupandshehittheENDbutton.AlistairwasrightbehindtheminhisBMW.Hesteppedfromhiscar,mouthsetinagrimline.

“Alistair,MarchadanotherdrainedpersonshowupintheER,”Carasaid.

Theprofessorpaused,thenmotionedthemthroughthefrontdoor,hisbrowfurrowed.“Let’sgeteveryonetogether.Anybrandyabout,Cara?”

“What’sgoingon?”Amberwhispered,followingCaraintothekitchen.“Ihaven’taclue.”Carafrowned.“ShanatextedmeandsaidMarchad

anotherdrainedpatientshowupintheERrightbeforeIcalledyou.”Ambersuckedinabreath.“No.”“Yes,andthankGod,hedidn’ttrytosavethisone.”“Thatpoorperson,butstill,I’mgladMarc’slearnedhislesson.Some

peoplearejusttoofargonetosave.”Amberrubbedherarms.“Thisisgetting

scary.”“Whydon’tyoubringthewineandglasses?”Caragesturedtothebottle

andglassesattheendofthebar.“I’llgetsomebrandyforAlistair,andwe’llseewhathehastosay.”

Alistairtookhissnifterandhislipstwistedinabriefsmile,buthedidn’tmeethergaze.Thedoorbellrang,slicingthroughtheheavy,tension-filledsilence.DustybarkedwhileCarahurriedtoletinShanaandMarc.Behindtheirbacks,CaragaveAmbera‘thumbsup,’seeingthetwowereholdinghands.Maybetheyweregettingbacktogether,afterall.

“Hey,guys,anymorewineleft?Icanuseit.”Marcpushedhissandyblondhairoutofhiseyes.Hisfacewaspaleandtherewerelinesaroundhiseyeswithshadowsunderthem.Theincidentwiththegirlhadtakenalotoutofhim.HefloppedintothecomfychairacrossfromTorandAmberonthesofa.Shanaleanedagainstthearmofhischair.

“Helpyourself.”CarapointedtotheglassesAmberhadplacedonthecoffeetable.

“So,”Alistairsaidfromthewingchair.“Isupposeyou’reallwonderingwhyIaskedyouhere.”

Shanasnortedatthecampyphrase,andCaraputahandoverhereyes.Alistair’sbrowswentup.“Sorry,I’mnottryingtobefunny,quitethe

opposite,infact.”Hepushedhisglasseshigheronhisnoseandstaredatthegroupfrombeneathbushygrayeyebrows.

“Okay,dude,whatdoyouknow?We’redyingtohear.”Torroseandtookthebottletopourmorewineineveryone’sglasses.

“Thedescriptionofthedeathsyouhavediscoveredsparkedamemorylastnight,and,today,whenCaratalkedaboutthemanatAmber’sstore,IrememberedsomethingIuncoveredmanyyearsago.”Hepausedandclearedhisthroatbeforetakingaswallowofbrandy.“Atthetime,therewasnoevidencetomakemethinkitmightbetrue,butnow…Ireviewedtheinformationthisafternoon,andmyhunchwasright.Ibelieveitexplainsrecentevents.”Heextractedawadofpapersfromhisjacketpocketandsmoothedoutthefolds,thepapercracklingbeneathhisbonyfingers.

“Youmeantherearerecordsofthistypeofactivityinthepast?”Carapressedahandtoherchest,horrifiedthiswasn’tjustsomenewaberration.

“That’sexactlywhatImean.Ipassedoverthisinitiallybecausethesebeingswereknownas‘energyvampires’orvariousotherbarmyterms.Itwasthoughttheywereundead,andrequiredtheenergyofothersinthewaytraditionalvampiresrequirethebloodoftheliving.”

CarabitherlipasaflashofNickitalkingaboutvampirespoppedinher

head.Somethingthatsuckedthelifeoutofyou.“Atfirst,Ididn’tthinktherewasanyconnectiontowhatweare.But,

givenalltherecentactivity,Irevisitedthoseaccounts.MostofthesestoriescomefromSouthAmerica.Talesofbeingswhofedofftheenergyorlifeforceofothersandkilledthem.Thereareevenaccountsofritualistictortures—asortofsacrificetoabeingofgreatpower.Itseemsthe,uh,painofthevictimsenhancedtheenergy-takingexperience.”

“What?”Marcscootedtotheedgeofhisseat.Hisfaceblanchedtoflatwhiteandhiseyespoppedwide.“That’s—that’sappalling.”

Shanaputahandonhisarm.Shewhisperedinhisearandrubbedhisshoulder.Henoddedandsatback.

“Goon,Alistair,”Shanasaid,keepingherhandonMarc.“Therewerealsostoriesofbattles,althoughthisisnotclear.Itseems

therewereconflictsbetweenpeoplelikeuswhousetheflowofenergytohealandthosewhouseittokill.Therewereclans,whattheycalled,ayllus.Eachaylluowedallegiancetoeitherthehealersorthetakers.”

“Butwhyisthishappeningallofthesudden?”Carafidgetedwiththestemofherwineglass.“Ifthese…beingsexistedhundredsofyearsago,haven’ttheyexistedallalong?Whyhavetheyjustsurfacednow?”

Alistairadjustedhistie.“I’mnotcertain.”“IbetIknow,”Torsaid.“Thinkaboutit,guys.Thesetypesofdeaths

havetocausesomeattentionandquestions—peopledyingwithoutobviousreasons.Afewmightgounnoticed.Therearedeathsofallkindsinlargecitieseveryday,soeveryunexplaineddeathcan’tbeinvestigatedtoresolution.Whenapatterndevelops,though,departmentsallocatemoreresourcestoinvestigate.Moreintensescrutinymightleadtodiscovery.”

“You’reright,”Marcsaid.“Thesame’strueaboutdeathsintheER.”“Mybetisthesedudesgofromcitytocity.Theykilluptothepointthe

deathsstartcausingmorethannormalattentionthenmoveon.”Torplacedhisindexfingeragainsthisbottomlip.“Iftheysticktolargemetroareastheystandevenlesschanceofbeingdiscovered.Ifwedidsomeresearch,wemightfinddeathsofthisnatureinotherlargecities.”

“Isitallaboutthekicks?”ShanatookherhandfromMarc’sshoulderandsatforwardonthearmofhischair,graspingherknees.“Thethrillofsuckingthelifeoutofsomeonewho’sinpain?That’sit?”

“I’mnotsure.”Alistairrubbedhischin.“Ihavefurtherfactstoinvestigate,butitseemsthereisamoreinvolvedpicture.Alargescalebattleofgoodagainstevil.Evilisconstantlytryingtogrowandovercomegood;goodisalwaysattemptingtowipeoutevil.”

“Really?TheBadDealersversustheGoodDealersinafighttocontroltheworld?”Shana’svoicerose.“Please.”

“Shana!”Carasnapped.Theydidn’tneedShana’ssarcasmrightnow.“Well,comeon,thisisjustcrazy.”Shanastood,handsonhips.“Some

evilguysfromancientSouthAmericacomeheretosuckLightoutofpeople?”Marcfloppedbackinthechairandputahandoverhiseyes.“Shan—”“Whydoyoufinditsohardtobelieve?”Alistairfingeredthestemofhis

brandyglass,staringatherovertherimofhisglasses,unmovedbyShana’soutburst.“Youhaveapowerfewpeoplehaveandyouacceptit.Whyisitsuchastretchtobelievebadpeoplemightturnsuchpowertoevil?”

Shanawhirled,directinganappealinggazeateachperson,braidsflippingabout.“I’mnotsomesuperhero.I’mjustanormalpersonwithagiftforhealing.That’showIseeit.Don’tyou?”

Marctookherhandandpulledherbacktothearmofthechair.“Calmdown.”

“Shan,we’reallinthistogether,”Torsaid.“Wedon’tknowhowweendedupwiththisgift,buthey,youcan’tdenywhat’shappened.Whetherthesedudesareancientornot,someone’ssuckingtheLightoutofpeopleandkillingthem.”

“Ithinkweneedtokeepalloptionsopen,”Caraadded.“Wecan’tignorethisinformationAlistair’suncovered.”ShegaveShanaameaningfulstare,andherfriend’sshouldersslumped.

“Allright,allright.”Shanawavedherhandsoverherhead.“ButI’mnotbuyingthisancientevilbusiness.Ithinkmodernevil’sbadenough.”

“Whatarewegoingtodoaboutit?”Caraswirledherwine.Allthisspeculatingaboutoriginswasfine,butitdidn’tsolvetheproblem.“AndwhowasthemanAmberandIsaw?”

“Obviously,apowerfulLight-dealer.Whethergoodorevilisimpossibletotellatthispoint.”Alistairdrainedhissnifter.Carastoodandcarriedthebrandybottlefromthecoffeetabletohim.Theamberliquidsloshedintotheglass,andAlistairgaveherawink.

“Youknow,heseemedlikehecamefromanotherera.”CarahandedthefullglassbacktoAlistair.“Hismannerisms,likebowingtous,thewayhespoke,wereallveryformal.”

“It’strue.”Ambernodded.“Couldhebeoneoftheseancientsyou’retalkingabout?”

“It’spossible,Isuppose.OurgrouphasstayedisolatedheresoIdon’tknowaboutotherareas.”Alistairsippedhisbrandyandcrossedonelegovertheother.“WehavetoassumethereareLight-dealersinothercities.”

“Wait,hetoldushisname,Rolfsomething.”Amberputahandtoherchin.ShegazedatCaraforhelp.

“Van...RolfVan...”Carasearchedhermemory.Whyhadn’tsheremembered?Thiswasvital.

“NotVanHelsing,please.”Shanarolledhereyes.“No,VanHarding.That’sit:VanHarding.”Carasnappedherfingers.“Howcanwefindoutabouthim?”AmberturnedtoAlistair.“Yeah,it’snotlikethere’sanationalorganizationforLight-dealers,or

anything,”Shanasaid,voicedrippingwithsarcasm.“HowwouldyougoaboutfindingaBDunlessitwasbychance?”

“BD?”Carablinked.Shanashrugged.“BadDealer.”“Well,I’lljustGoogleMr.VanHardingandseewhatwefind.”Cara

wenttoherdeskinthecornerbehindMarcandslippedintoachairbeforeit.Sheflippedupthelaptoplidandhitakeytowakeit.“Okay,Rolf.Van.Harding.”Hernailsclickedonthekeys.

Torclearedhisthroat.“Thinkingasacop,weshouldinvestigateallthequestionabledeathsandseeifthereareanysimilarities.Likewherethosepeopleworked,lived,exercised,whatever.Ifwecomeupwithapattern,weheadinthatdirection.”

“Doyoureallythinkweshouldgetsoinvolved,sweetie?”Amberplacedahandonhisarm.

“Wehaveto,babe.That’showweroll.”Torpattedherhand.“Tothepolicethey’reallunrelateddeaths.OnlyusDealersknowthetruth.”

“Itmightbedangerous,”Marcsaid.“It’screepy,there’sabsolutelynothingonanyonenamedRolfVan

Harding.”Caraturnedinherchairandfacedthegroup.“Weneedmoreinformation.Alistair,keepatit.Weneedtoknowmoreaboutthesebeingsifthey’rereal.”Everyonenodded.“Tor,MarcandShanacangetinformationaboutthepeoplewhodied,thenwecangetbacktogetherandseeifanypiecesfallintoplace.”

Caraknewherfriendswerecommittedtothisplan,butitdidn’tlessenherfear.Wherewouldallthislead?

Forherpart,shehadnotroublebelievingsomeancientevilcouldappearinmodernday.Toomanyunexplainedparanormaleventsexistedintheworldtocompletelyruleitout.Theywereabouttowalkintodangeroussecretsofthepast,and,shehadtoadmit,RolfVanHardingmightbeoneofthem.

Thatmadehisallureallthemoredisturbing.

ChapterSeven

Cara’scarhitadeeppotholeonVirginiaBeachBlvd.,jarringherteeth

andhercar’sframe.SheglancedoverhershoulderatDusty,buthewasfineloungingonthebackseat.

“Damn.”IntheoldersectionofNorfolk,theroadwasnarrowandriddledwithbrokenpavement.Shegrittedherteethandgrippedthewheeltighter.

Aflashofredandblueofftotherightcaughthereye.Sheslowedandscannedthefivepolicecarsintheparkinglotofasmallstripmall.Theplacewasfullofabandonedstoreswithsad,peelingpaintandboardedupwindows.Themainattractionseemedtobeafriedchickenfastfoodrestaurantonthefarcorner.

Makingaquickdecision,sheturneddownthestreetbesidetheparkinglotandpulledtothecurb.Anambulanceaccompaniedthevarietyoflawenforcementvehicles,andemergencypersonnelscurriedaroundoneoftheboardedupstores.Torstoodtalkingtoataller,lankypolicemanintheparkinglot.

“Stay.Goodboy,”shetoldDustyafterrollingdownthewindowspartway.SheclimbedoutofthecarandwalkedtowardTor,raisingahand.Asenseofdreadcrawledoverherskinlikeicyspiders.Hesawherandpointedafingerather,signalingforhertowait.HepattedtheothercopontheshoulderandheadedtowardCara.

“Hey,”Torcalled,expressiongrim.Theknotinthepitofherstomachtightenedwitheachstephetook.

“Sorry,Idon’twanttobotheryouwhenyou’rebusy,butIjusthadtoknowifit’sanotherone.”Herhandstightenedintofists.

Torglancedoverhisshoulderattheambulanceandnodded.“Itis.Foundadudeinthatdesertedstore,wrappedinasheet.Bodywouldhavebeenthereformonthsiftheownerhadn’tcomebytoshowthestoretoaprospectivebuyertoday.Thebodymusthavebeenhiddentherelastnight.”Heremovedhishatandranahandoverhisshortblackhair.Asheplacedhishatback,hisfacelookedashadepalerthannormal.“It’sfreakin’weird,Cara.”Hevisiblyshiveredandwrappedhisarmsacrosshischest.

“Theguywasdrained?”Cara’sheartflipped.She’drarelyseenTorsounsettled,anditfrightenedhermorethananything.Hewasalwaysstrongandcalm,thetoughstreetkidfromBrooklyn.

“Hewasbeaten,butitdidn’tkillhim.Man,thissucks.”Torgrimacedandshookhishead.“Cara,thisistheworstthingI’veeverbeeninvolvedin.AndI’veseenalotofshitinmylife.Iwannathrottlesomebody,butthisissomethingyoucan’tgetagripon.”Heheldhishandsup,fingerscurledaroundanimaginaryobject.

“Iknowwhatyoumean.”Suddenly,shewantedtobehomeinhersnuglittlecottagewithherdogbesideheronthecouch.Maybesheshouldgetagun,orataser.

“IsAmbercomingovertonight?”Torasked.Carahuggedhermidsection.“Inanhour.”“Good.TellherI’lldrivebywhenIgetoffandfollowherhome.Idon’t

wantsomeschmuckgettin’hishandsonmybabe.”“Youreallythinkthat’snecessary?”Acreakofgurneywheelsechoed

acrosstheparkinglot.CarashiveredwhenabodyinablackbagwascartedoutoftheabandonedstorebytheEMTsquad.Alumproseinherthroat.

“Somethingbad’shappening.Somethingevil.”Torpressedhislipstogetherandhisrighthandrestedonthehiltofhisgun.“Weneedtobecareful.That’sallI’msaying.”

Sheflinchedawayfromthesightofthebody.“Ihavetogo.”Henoddedandwenttojointheotherpolicemen.Ithadtobehardfor

him,knowingwhathappened,butnotwhodidit.Hewasunabletosharehisinformationwiththeotherpolicemenbecausetheywouldn’tbelievehim.Energyvampires,ha!Or,whatdidShanacallthem?BD’s?Yeah,BadDealersthatsuckthelifeoutofyou.Yeah,thepoliceforcewouldreallytakesupernaturalbeingsseriously.

AndwheredidRolfVanHarding,enigmaticmysteryDealer,fitintoallthis?Sadistickillerorstrangecoincidence?

Shedidn’tknow,butshewouldfindout.

###

Desmondstaredatthetwomenbeforehim,standingwiththeirgazes

directedattherichcarpetofhisstudy.Carltonwaitedathisside,armscrossedoverhischest,afrownmarringhisboyishfeatures.

Fury,barelycontained,flamedinDesmond’sgut.“Ibelievemyordersweretoplacethebodysomewhereitwouldnotbefoundforawhile.”

Oneofthemenraisedhisheadaninch.“We’dbeenwatchingthestoreandnoonehadbeeninitinmonths.Itwasafreakcoincidence.Iswear,Master.”

“Atleasthewasdeadwhentheyfoundhim,”Carltonsaid.“True,”Desmondsaid.“ButIwanttobesurenexttimethereisno

chanceofthebodybeingfoundforatleastamonth.Nomoreslipups.ThepolicearenotfoolsandneitherarethedoctorsintheER.AmIclear?”

“Yes,Master,”thetwomensaidinunison.Hestalkedtowardthem,slow,evenstepslikealionapproachinghis

prey.Inhalingthesweetscentoffearsentajoltofdesirecoursingthroughhim.Ah,howhelovedtoinflictpain.Hethrilledtotheirquaking,thebeadsofsweatformingontheirforeheads,theirwhite-rimmedeyeswidewithhorror.

Onemansteppedback,butCarltongrabbedhisarmanddraggedhimforward.Desmondlickedhislipsandjabbedhisspreadfingertipsagainstthecenteroftheirchests.Bothgaspedandonewhimpered.ThedelectableLightsparkedhotandheavywiththecontactuntilthemenflinchedandgroaned.Gloriousterror-soakedLightpouredlikemoltengoldthroughDesmond’sfingertips.Hottinglingpleasurespreaduphisarmsandflushedintohischest,thesensationssointensehisheadsnappedbackattheimpact.

Euphoriapulsedineveryinchofhisbody.Howeasyitwouldbetodrainitallandluxuriateintheexcessofpleasure.Buthewasthemasterandabletocontrolhisdesire,unliketheseyoungones.Hestillneededtheseworthlesswretchestocompletehisplan.Withonlyaflickerofregret,hecutofftheflowanddroppedhisarmstohissides.Hesuckedinabreathandmadeanabruptgestureofdismissal.Themenstaggeredfromtheroom,gropingthewallstostayverticalonweakenedlegs.

DesmondpointedatCarlton.“Locktheminaroomtosufferuntiltomorrowsotheydon’tdoanythingelsestupid.ThenyoumaytakethemasnacktoregaintheirLight.”

Carltonbowedandgrabbedthetwomenbytheirarms,jerkingthemfromthestudy.

Desmondhopedhisdemonstrationofpowerwasenoughpunishmenttokeepthemfrommakingmistakesinthefutureandareminderhewascapableofkillingthematanytimehechose.Herubbedhisfingers,relishingthelastsmolderoftaintedLight.

Carltonreturnedafterafewminutesholdingaslipofpaper.“IhaveamessagefromRichmond.”

Desmondstudiedhisright-handmanforanysignofweaknessordoubt,thenwalkedtothewindowofhissecondstorystudyandgazedonthequiet,tree-linedstreetbelow.Soon,hewouldcontrolthiscity,andmanymorebesides.Deliciousenergythereforthetaking,anytimehewished,andmillionsofpeopletodohisbidding.Butitwouldonlyhappenifhecontrolledhismen,andCarltonwasintegraltoholdingthemtogether.

“Theyawaitonlyyourmessage.Theyhavepeoplepreparedtoplaceinthegovernment,military,andpolice.”

ThetimewasnotyetripeforactivatingtheNet.Ithadtooccurwhenthecosmicenergyalignedperfectlywiththewaningofthemoon.Also,forthemoment,theonlypersonhecompletelytrustedinthiscitywasCarlton.Heneededassurancetheothersherehadbecometotallyaddictedandobedient.“Sendthemwordthetimeiscomingsoon.Theymustbepatient.HowmanyconvertedDealersdotheyhavenow?”

“Five.”“WiththefourolderTakers,itputstheirayllusatnine.Itwillbe

sufficientforthepowerweneed.Theothercitiesstandready?”“Yes,readyandwaitingforasignal.”DesmondturnedfromthewindowtofaceCarlton.Hestrodetowardhim

untiltheystoodafootapart.Carlton’sbreathquickenedandhiseyesshone.“ItistimetosendtherestoftheconvertsoutontheirowntoreaptheLight.Ihavetoknowiftheyarecapableofpracticingrestraintandavoidingdetectionwithoutoursupervision.”

Carlton’sheaddipped,buthisgazeremainedfixedonDesmond’sface.Thetipofhistongueflickedouttowethispartedlips.

“Ifthereareanymoremishaps,Iholdyouresponsible.”HereachedoutandranafingeralongthebaseofCarlton’sneck.Theyoungermaninhaledsharply.“Dealwiththosetwoinlockupandtesttheothers.”

“Iunderstand,Master.Therewillbenomoremistakes.I’llseetoit.”“Excellent,”Desmondwhispered.“YoumayhavealittleLight.”Carltongaspedandhishandtrembledwhenheraisedittoward

Desmond’soutstretchedwrist.DesmondsuppressedachuckleatCarlton’swide-eyeddesperation.Theyoungerman’sfingersclampedontheundersideofDesmond’swrist.Theconnectionsuckedtight,andCarltonmoaned.Hesanktohisknees,mouthopenandeyesclosedinecstasy.Desmond’supperlipquiveredandheunleashedthetormentofhispasttoallowtheultimatetorturedLighttoflowintohisslave.Araretreat,fornoonehadsufferedmorethanDesmond.

ChapterEight

“Cara,honey,Ijusthadtocall.You’renevergoingtobelievewhat

happened.”Amber’svoicewasfastandhighpitched,farremovedfromhernormalsoutherndrawl.

“Calmdown.What’sgoingon?”Carashiftedthecellphonetoherotherhandtokeepherrightonthesteeringwheel,dreadcurlingitsfingersaroundherheartinastonygrip.Dustybarkedfromthebackseat.

“MyfriendJennyjustcamebythestore.YouknowshehasahealthfoodstoreoveratHilltop?”

“Irememberher.”Shestoppedataredlightandwavedahandintothebackseat,snappingherfingerstostopDusty’sbarking.Damnit,hewasdrowningoutAmber.

“She’dcalledearlierandaskedifshecouldbuysomecrystalsfromme.Whenshegotheretopickthemupshesaidsomemancameinandboughteverycrystalshehad.Overfivehundreddollarsworth.Holdonasec.”

Inthebackground,acustomeraskedAmbersomethingabouttofuandCara’smindwanderedforasecond,hopingthiswasn’taboutfindinganotherbody.

“Okay,I’mback.Sorry.Anyway,Ihadthisfunnyfeeling,soIaskedherwhathelookedlike.Shedescribedhimwearingallblackandhavingblackhair.IthastobeRolf.”

“Holycrap!You’reright.ItmeanshecametoyourstoreandleftwhenhefoundwewereLight-dealers.”Caratappedherwheelwithherfingertips.WhyhaddiscoveringLight-dealersdisturbedhimsomuch?

“Iknow,Iknow,andIcan’timaginewhathewantswithallthosecrystals.”

“You’retheexpertinthatarea.Iuseastethoscope,remember?Canyouthinkofanyparticularuse?”ShesteeredthecarintotheparkingdeckatODUandfoundaniceshadyspotwhereshecouldsafelyleaveDusty.

“Gosh,wemustbetalkingabouteightytoahundredinthiscase.”“Maybehemakesjewelryoutofthem.”

Amberlaughed.“That’sanawfullybignecklace,honey.”“Well,makesureyoutellTor.I’matODUrightnowonmywaytosee

Alistair.Ihopehe’sfoundsomegoodinformation.”Afterendingthecall,shepattedDusty’sheadandrolledthewindows

downacrack.Itwasniceandcooltoday,sohe’dbefinethere,takinganapwhileshevisitedtheprofessor.

ThedoortoAlistair’sofficestoodopen,thesmellofstalecoffeewaftingfromthesmallroom.Alistairstoodbehindhisdesk,hisjackethanginghalfwayonthebackofhischairandhisshirtunbuttonedatthethroat.Hisnormallyneatgrayhairwasdisheveled,andtheshadowofabeardfrostedhisjawline.SeveralbookslayopenamongamassofscatteredfileswithStyrofoamcupshalffullofcoffeeperchedprecariouslynearby.Paperslitteredthefloorlikefallleaves.Heleanedoveronevolume,afingerfollowingthetext.

“Alistair?”Shesteppedintotheroom.Heraisedhishead,eyesglazedwithcreasesalongtheirsides.Heblinked

twiceandgaveherabriefsmile.“Ah,Cara.I’mgladyou’rehere.I’vefoundafewitemsofinterest.”Hemotionedhertoachairbesidehisdesk.

“AbouttheBD’s?”Shemovedastackofleather-boundbooksoffthechairtothefloor,theirmustysmellticklinghernostrils.Theoldwoodenframeofthechaircreakedasshesat.

“BD’s?”Thesmileslidfromhisfaceashisbrowswentup.“BadDealers.Shanacameupwithit,remember?”“Ah,yes.Shana.Quiteright.Well,whatIwantedtoshowyouisthis.”

Hescootedalarge,leather-boundbookacrosshisdeskandopenedtheworn,yellowedpagestoaplacehe’dmarkedwithasheetofpaper.“Thisdrawingistheartist’srenditionofapaintinginacavenearsomeIncanruins.Quiteinteresting.”

Asimplepenandinksketchoccupiedtherighthandpage.Init,atallmanwithfierceeyesinafeatheredheaddressandwhitetunicstoodbehindastonealtarwithabodydrapedacrossit.Hehadonehandontheproneman’schestandtheotherhandraisedhighintheair.Twomenindecorativeloinclothsheldthearmsandfeetofthefigureonthealtar.Thevictim’sfacecontortedinfear,fingersspreadwideonhandsraisedtotheheavens,andlegstwistedatoddangles.

AsurgeofstingingbileroseinCara’schest.Herhearthammered.Thiswastheslaughterofanunwilling,terrifiedvictim.SheglancedatAlistair.“It’sasacrifice.”

“Yes,IfoundthiswhilegenninguponIncanhistorysometimeinthepast.Itdidn’tmeananythingatthetime,justanothergenericpictureofsacrifice.

But,lastnight,IstudieditagainandInoticedsomethingmissing.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Sheleanedforwardforabetterview.“Takeacloserlook,mydear.What’sconspicuouslymissing,giventhe

themeissacrifice?”Shestudiedthemanwiththeraisedhandandthevictim.Herheartbeat

paused.“There’snoweapon.”“Exactly.Insimilarpicturesofsacrificesthroughouthistorythereis

alwaysaweapon.Ifthismanisabouttobekilled,themanintheheaddressshouldhavesomethinginthehandraisedintheair.But,Ibelieve,therealweaponiselsewhere.”Hepointedtothehandonthevictim’schest.

Thekillinghand,fingersspreadwide,pressedinthecenterofthechest.Littlejaggedlines,likeachildwoulddrawlightening,radiatedoutfromthehand.Ashiveroffearpuckeredherskinintogooseflesh.

“It’sLight.ThoselinesareindicatingatransferofLight.”“Yes,andwedon’tneedtoguesstoknowwhichwaytheflowisgoing,

giventheexpressionofthesacrificialvictim.”Alistairflippedtoanotherpage.“Here’sabriefaccountofagroupwhoexistedattheperipheryoftheIncannationintheareaneartheseruins.TheleaderwascalledtheHuaca,whichmeansquiteliterallystonebutalsomeantsacredorholyinsomeparts.There’snotalotofinformationaboutthem.IdidfindsomevagueimplicationsthisHuacafigurewasimmortal,butheneededsacrificestosurvive.So,hisfollowerswouldkidnappeoplefromtheIncannationandbringthemtohim.”

“HewouldtakeLightfromthemandtheydied?”“Precisely.Abloodyenergyvampire.”Shegrabbedthebookandflippedbacktothepicture.TheHuaca’s

featureswereharshwithhighcheekbones.Darkhairstrungwithbeadsandfeathershungpasthisshoulders.Anelaboratefeatherheaddresssatonhisheadwithalargecarvedsettingholdingafist-sizedstoneinthecenter.Raysoflight,depictedassquigglylines,ranoutfromit.Black,mercilesseyesnestledunderdark,angledbrows.Sheimaginedfacingsuchacreature,stretchedoutonanaltar,knowingherendwasnear.Ashudderofhorrorranthroughher.

“Huaca,”shewhisperedhisname.“Doyouthinkthisiswhat’sgoingonhereinNorfolk?”

Alistairpluckedoffhisglassesandtossedthemonthestackofdisheveledpaperslitteringhisdesk,rubbinghiseyes.HepickeduponeoftheStyrofoamcups,sniffeditthentossedthecupinthetrash,nosewrinkled.“Eitherthisevilstillexistsandhascomehere,orsomeoneiscopyingthetradition.Inanycase,it’sbloodybad.”

“Whatcanwedotostopit?”

“Ihaven’tfoundanyspecificdetailsyet.Justhaveacare,Cara,andtelltheothers,too.”Heplacedahandonherarm.“Ifthisistrue,we’reallindanger.”

Shepattedhishand.“Iwill.Takecareofyourself…andgetsomesleep.”Hegaveherawaveandimmediatelyburiedhisnoseinabookagain.Sheemergedfromthebuildingintotheafternoonsunshine,andheardthe

beepofhercell,signalingatext.Stoppingundertheshadeofatreesoshecouldseethescreen,shecheckedhermessages.AnewonepoppedupfromTor,andherbreathcaughtinherchest.Whatnow?

Tortexted:Clue!Commontattoofoundonthreevictims.Agangsign.Apicturewasattached.Sheclickedonitandbitherlipwaitingforittodownload.Whenitpoppedup,shegaspedandnearlydroppedthephone.Asnakecurledaroundthehiltofadagger—Nicki’stattoo!

ChapterNineCarasuckedinadeepbreathandgrimacedwhenherGPSindicatedthey

hadarrived.Themechanicalvoicealmostseemedtoannouncetheirdestinationwithagroan.Nicki’scontactinformationhadledhertothisdilapidatedprojectapartmentbuilding.Screenshunglopsidedinsomewindowsandtheyardaroundthebrickbuildingwasmoredirtthangrass.Shesteeredthecartoacurbandstopped.

“Great,justsuper,fantastic,great.”Herchesttightenedattheprospectofenteringthebuilding,butDustydidn’tshowanyconcerntheywereabouttogointoaquestionablearea.Someguarddog.

Duskapproached,sendingtallshadowsoftelephonepolesacrossthestreet.DearGod,shehadtofindNickibeforeitwascompletelydark.Tobeonthesafeside,shetextedTorthatshewasgoingtowarnagirlwhohadoneofthegangtattoosandsenthimNicki’sinfo.Atleastsomeonewouldknowwhereshewas.

“Allright,buddy.Wehavetodothis.”ShereleasedDustyfromthebackseatandwrappedhisleasharoundherhandtwice.Theywalkedupthecrackedsidewalktothethree-storybrickbuilding.Theairechoedwithcriesfrombabies,TVnoise,stereosandyelling.Askinnyboyinlow-risejeans,armscoveredintattoos,struttedbyandgaveherahardstare.Awaveofhischeapcologneslammedintoher.

Agroupofyoungmenloiteredonthestepsjustinsidethedoubledoorentrance,smokingandlaughing.Severalsquattedonthefloorrollingdice.Thedoorclosedloudlybehindherandalleightpeopleinthegroupturnedtheirgazeinherdirection.Silencedescendedastheygavehertheonce-over,scowling.Onesteppedforward,tallandmuscular.Atwoinchscarpuckeredtheleftsideofhispaleface.Hiseyesmightoncehavebeenbrownbuttheleftonehadabluehazetoit.

“Hey,richbitch.Whatyoudoin’?Slummin’?”HeswaggeredtowardherandshewrappedDusty’sleasharoundherhandathirdtime,thankfulhewasn’tgrowlingorbarking.

“I’mtryingtofindNickiPetroski.”Sweattrickleddownherbackunderherjacketandintothewaistofherjeans.

Theleaderglancedatoneoftheothersandpushedhishandsintothe

pocketsofhishoodedsweatshirt.“She’sourhomie.Youlookin’tocausetroubleforher?”

“No,I’mafriend.Iwanttohelpher.”Hisbrowwrinkled.“Idon’tthinksheneedsyourkindofhelp.”“Someonemaybetryingtohurther.”Shegavethegroupasweeping

glance.“Infact,thisdangeraffectsallofyou.”“Danger?”Hecrossedhisarmsandlaughed.“Yeah,well,bringit,sister.

Welovedanger.Weeatdanger.”Hesnappedhisteethather,andtheotherslaughed.

Shefistedherhands.“Look,someoneistargetingpeopleingangsandkillingthem.”

Thegroupshuffledandmumbled.Theleaderspreadhisfeetinawidestance.Onemanflippedaknifeoverandoverinhishand.

“IjustwanttohelpNicki.”Carastaredattheweaponandherkneestrembled.

Theleaderhitcheduphislowhangingpantsandtheothersexchangedglances.

“Myname’sMambo,bitch.Itakecareofmyown,see?Wedon’tneednorichslummin’bitchlookin’downhernoseatus.”HeleanedforwardandpointedafingerinCara’sface.“Besmartandwalkaway.”

Sheswallowedandsteppedback.Dustygrowled,andshetuggedonhisleash.Thethreekneelingmencametotheirfeet,andtheentiregangglared.Boy,weretheyexpertsatglaring.Scaredthehelloutofher.Shecontinuedtoretreatuntilshereachedtheoutside.

Damnit.HowwasshegoingtogetuptoNicki’splacewiththosehoodlumsguardingtheentrance?

SheledDustyawayandheadeddownthesidewalk.Lookingupattheplainrectangularbrickbuilding,shefiguredtheremustbeastairwayoneachsideoftheplace,soshecontinueddownthesidewalktothefarend.Shepausedatthecornerandsnuckalongtheedgeofthebuildingtoametaldoorwithdarkbluepaintpeelingoffit.

Shecrackedopenthedoorandpeekedthrough.Thestairwellatthisendwasempty.ThankGod.Shepushedthroughthedoorandglancedattheaddressonhernoteagain.Itindicatedthesecondfloor,sosheandDustycreptupthesteps.Thereekofurineandthesoursmellofoldtrashstunghernose.Theycontinueddownanarrow,ill-lithall,andshescannedeachsideofthehall’sdoorsfornumbers.TheyapproachedNicki’s,andarumblingnoisestoppedCara.ItcamefromDusty.Thehaironhisbackstoodonend.HisearspointedforwardandhestaredatNicki’sdoor,strainingontheleash.

“What’swrong?”Achillenvelopedher,andherkneestrembledanew.He’dneverbehavedthiswaybefore.Evenwhenpeoplecametoherdoor,hisactionsweremoreofanalertthananaggressiveresponse.

Dustydraggedherforward,andsheliftedonehandtoknockonthedoor,butitwasajar.Afaintsoundofascuffleemergedfrominsidethenamoan.Dustyjerkedattheleash,hisrumblesnowafull-blowngrowl.FearmomentarilyimmobilizedCara,butthenconcernforNickikickedherintoaction.

Shethrustopenthedoor.Inside,shadowsfilledthesmall,clutteredspace,withonlytheglowofoutsidestreetlightstoslicethroughthedarknessoftheroom.Acrossfromher,thincurtainsaroundtheopenwindowswirledintheeveningbreeze.Nickilayonthefloorwithadark,malefigurestraddlingher,onehandpressedtoherforehead.Herlegskickedandherarmsflailed,pennedbeneaththeheavybody.ThefloorcreakedwhenCarasteppedinside,andthemanturnedhisheadtothedoorwithasneer.Dustybrokefromhergraspandflewatthedarkfigure.

“Dusty!”shescreamed.ThemanroseandliftedanarmintimetodeflectDusty’sattackonhisneck.Dusty,snarling,teethbared,lungedagain.Themankickedoutandcaughtherdoginthechest,sendinghimspiralingacrossthewoodenfloor.AtDusty’swhimper,ajoltofangerpulsedthroughherand,relinquishinglogic,shechargedtowardtheman,herhandsoutlikeclaws.“Youasshole!”

Nickiscrambledbackwardonherelbows.Herheadmetthewallwithathud.

Theman’ssidestepbroughthimintothefaintlightfromthehalltorevealafacereddenedandtwisted,withdarksoullesseyes,hoodedandeerieinthedimness.HeblockedCara’sassaultwithhisarmthengrabbedherbythethroat.Onetossandherbodyslammedagainsttheunforgivingdrywall,sendingspasmsofpaindownherspine.Flakesofplasterrainedoverher,andapicturefromthewallfelltothefloor,spewingglassshards.

“So,twoforthepriceofone.Finewithme.”Headvancedonher,feetcrunchingonthepiecesofglass.

“No!”Sheclawedathisface,buthishandslockedontoherthroatagain.Hereyesbulgedoutatthepainandhervisionblurred.Themansqueezedherwindpipe,stiflingheryellforhelp.Instead,onlyasqueakleakedthrough.

Hisotherhandpressedagainstherforehead.Thatmustbehisportal.HewasabouttotakeherLight.Frantic,shegrabbedhiswrist,buthisforceoverwhelmedher,andlackofoxygensappedthestrengthfromherarms.Heknockedherhandawayandplantedhisfingersagainstherforehead,pushingbacksoherheadbangedagainstthewall.Agaspexplodedinherchestandpain

searedthroughherskull.Shepanted,panicstealingherbreathwhenhisconnectionsealedtight.

Hisgreedyeyesglitteredinthepalelightfromthewindow,andanevilsmilecurledhislips.TheLightinhercenterflaredandshemoaned.“No,no,no.”I’mabouttodieatthehandsofthismonster.ButherflickerofLightprotested,curlinginonitselfinatightball.Sheblinked.Nothinghappened.

TheTaker’seyesgrewwide,andhissmilefaded.“Whatthehell—”Outofnowhere,afistconnectedwiththecreep’stemple.Herattacker

loosenedhisgripandstumblingsideways.Carafelltoherknees,suckingairintoherstarvedlungs.

Astealthyblackshadowadvancedontheman,slammedherattackeragainstthewall.TheTakerbouncedofftolandonaspindlysidetablewhichshatteredbeneathhisweight.

Thedownedmangrabbedapieceofthebrokentableandhurleditattheshadowyfigurebearingdownonhim.TheTakerkickedDustyoutofhiswayandscrambledtothewindow.Hethrewhimselfoverthesilltothealleybelow.Dustyranandputhispawsonthewindow,barking.Inthelightfromthestreetlamp,thedarkshadow,herrescuer,tooktheshapeofatallman.HeplacedahandonDusty’shead.Herdogglancedupthenlickedthestranger’shand.Hey,dog,doestheword‘stranger’meananythingtoyou?

Thefigureturnedfromthewindow,lipscurledbackfromhisteethanddarkbrowspulledtogetherinafrown.RolfVanHarding.Caragasped,andherheartdropped.Sheputahandtoherthrobbingthroat.Painsearedherlikeahotbrand,andshemassagedherbackwhereithadslammedintothewall.Shelookedupandthehardcreasesofhisgrimacesoftenedintoconcern.

“Areyouallright?”Hisdeep,silkentoneslidoverherlikeblackvelvet.Shehauledinabigbreath,tryingtocalmherheart.“Ithinkso…Nicki.”

Sheswiveledonherkneesandcrawledtothegirl.Nickistilllaystretchedonthefloor,eyeswideinterror.“Areyouokay?”

“Whothehellwasthat?”Nickiclutchedherownthroat,hereyesshadedwithfear.Thegirlsatuptoleanagainstatatteredchair,rubbingherthinarmswithshakinghands.HereyesdartedfromCaratoRolf,whohadsteppedbackintotheshadows.

“Nicki,weneedtogetyoutoahospitaltomakesureyou’reokay.”Caraputahandonthegirl’sforeheadandfoundtheskinicecoldtohertouch.SheranherfingersoverNicki’sskullbutdetectednoevidenceoftrauma.

“I’mnotgoingtonohospital.”ShepushedCara’shandsawayandscrambledtoherfeet.Herkneeswobbled,butshestaggeredtothedoor.

“Whatthehell’sgoin’onhere?”avoicecalledandCararecognizeditas

Mambo’s.HeandseveralofhisganggatheredoutsideNicki’sdoor.Knivesandgunsflashedintheirhands.Nickisobbedandfellintohisarms.

“Theyhurtyou?”HeglaredatCara.“No,no.Theysavedme.Somedudewasgoin’tokillme,andtheycame

inandsavedme.”Nicki’svoicetrembled.Mambo’sglaresoftened,buthepointedatCara.“Itakecareofmyown.

Remember.Nowgetoffmyturf.”HebackedawaywithNickiunderhisarm,andtherestwanderedoffin

theirwake.“Nicki.”Carastoodandrushedoutthedoor,staringafterthegirl,butthe

gangcontinueddownthehallwithoutabackwardglance.“Youhaveacut.”Thesmooth,deepvoicestartledher.Shewhirledabout.“You.”Stillunsureifhewasfriendorfoe,her

instinctspushedhertostepawayfromhim.“Yes?”Hestaredather.“YoucameintomyfriendAmber’sshop.Isawyou…I…I—Isawyou

there.”Herheadpoundedwitheachbeatofherheart.Sheputahandtoherforehead.

“Iremember.”Heeasedcloser,hisgazerovingoverherfromunderloweredlids.Hetuggedatoneofhisearlobes.“YournameisCara.”

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Hervisionblurredandsheslappedahandtothecrackedwalltosteadyherself.Theblooddrainedfromherhead.

Rolflurchedtowardher,andeverythingfadedinablackmist.

ChapterTenConsciousnessreturnedlikeafoglifting,andshefound

herselfinanunfamiliarroom.Carablinkedseveraltimes,bringingthedisjointedimageintofocus.Goldandgreenstripedwallpapercoveredthewallsoftheroom.Furniturewithgildedlimbsandcushionsofsilkandvelvetsurroundedher.Thickrugscoveredthemarblefloor.Thesoftsoundofclassicalmusicmetherears—sometunesheknewbutcouldn’tname.Oddly,afourfoottall,whitestoneobeliskstoodinthecorneroftheroom,outofplacewiththeotherdecor.Thesmellofwoodburningtickledhernostrils,andthecracklingofafirecametoherears.

Painthrobbedinherhead.Herneckandbackhurtaswell.Sheraisedherupperbodyfromthegoldvelvetchaise.Acrimsonsatinpillowsupportedherhead.Shesatuptherestoftheway,swingingherfeettothefloor.

“I’mgladtoseeyou’rebetter.”Rolf’svoicefilteredinfrombehindher.Sheturnedherheadandsuddendarknesscurvedtheedgesofhervision

inresponse.“Thatsucked,I’lljustnotturnmyheadforawhile.”Sheclosedhereyesforamoment,andherheadcleared.

Rolf,stilldressedinallblackbutnowasuitwithablackT-shirt,satinachairbesideafireplacewhereasmallfireburned.Abookrestedacrosshisknees,andDustylayathisfeet,contentedlysnoozing.Thetraitor.Anopendoorledintothehall—apossibleescaperoute?

Sheroseandmovedaroundthechaisetofacehim,leavingafewfeetbetweenthem.Justincase.“Whereisthisplace?Whydidyoubringmehere?”

“We’restillinNorfolk,inahouseI’verentedwhileI’mstayinghere.Iliketotravelwithmyownfurnishings.AndIbroughtyouherebecauseyouwereunconscious.”

“You’reaLight-dealer,”shesaid.Thehalfsmiletwitchingatthecornersofhislipsbothirritatedandattractedher.

Dustyroseandpaddedovertogreether.Helickedherhandandleanedagainstherlegs.

“Light-dealer.”Rolfshiftedinhisseat.“I’venotheardthatterminmanycenturies.Howstrange,yetsoothing.”Heglancedatthecornerwheretheobeliskstood,hisfocusdistant.

“Whatdoyoumeancenturies?”Echoesofancientsecretschilledher,yetaninexorableurgegrippedhertobeclosertohim—totrusthim.

Hiseerie,iceblueeyesrefocusedonher.“I’msorry.Yes,IdealintheLight.Ihavenotmetverymanyinthesedayswhohaveknowledgeofwhatthey

do.Whatawelcomesurpriseitwastofindtwoinoneplace.Bytheway,Icanhelpwithyourheadacheifyoulike.Takeawaythepain.”Hereachedoutahandtowardher,butshebackedupuntilherbuttpressedagainstthechaise.

“I’llbeokay.”Shetouchedahandtoherheadandherfingersbrushedabandageontheskinaboveherlefteye.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Intown,orattheapartmenttonight?”“Both.”Rolfletoutasmallbarkofalaughandgesturedforhertotakeaseatin

thechairacrossfromhis.Sheshookherhead,stillnotsurewhattothinkofthiswholesituation.Theheatthathademanatedfromhiminthestorenolongerexisted.Hemustbeabletocontrolit.

“I’mintowntodealwithathreat.IwenttotheapartmentbecauseIfollowedtheTakerthere.”

“Athreat?Taker?”Shetiltedherheadtoonesideandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Pleaseexplain.”

“Youreallydon’twanttobeinvolvedinthis.”Heshiftedinhischair.“Youhavenoideaofthedanger.”

Carapointedtoherhead,indicatingherinjuries.“Alreadyinvolved.”Ahalfsmiletweakedhisfulllips.“It’sbeensolongsinceIhadthe

opportunitytoconverseopenlyabouttheLight.Please,tellmehowyouknowaboutLight-dealing.”

“Iappreciateyourattempttodivertme,butwe’vehadsomestrangehappeningsrecentlyandifyouknowanythingaboutit,wereallyneedtoknow.”Sheleanedforwardandjabbedafingerathim.“Peoplearedyingandnotnicely.MyfriendsandIknowhow,butnotwhy.”

Rolfleanedbackinhischairandpuffedoutabigbreath.“So,youdemandthetruth.ItseemsyoumayhavesomeinklingofwhatI’mheretoinvestigate.Please,trustme,myintentistomakesurenoharmcomestoanyone.Haveaseat.You’vebeenthroughalottonight.”

Sheeyedhimaskanceandmovedtowardthechair.Thepainurgedhertosit,soshecomplied.Ifhereallycameheretohelp,heneededtoknowaboutthemurders.AnimageofEmmiepoppedinherhead,ignitingasuddendesiretotellhimaboutthegift—No,sheshouldkeepthatbitofinformationquietfornow.“I’lltellyouthismuch:therehavebeenatleastfivedeathsandtwoneardeathsinthepastfewweeksinthisarea.AlldeadfrombeingdrainedofLight.”

AniceblueflamelitRolf’seyes.Heloweredhisheadforseveralminutes,withhishandsgrippedtogetherbeforehim.Theflameshe’dseeninhiseyesresembledthatofapantherstalkingitsprey.Athrilloffascinationcoursedthroughherveins.

“Well?”shepromptedafterthemomentofsilencestretchedtoolongforhernerves.

Heglancedupandhisbroadshouldersslumped.“Thisistheworstpossiblenews.Itconfirmsmyownfears.”

“So,oursuspicionsaretrue?SomeoneorsomethingissuckingtheLightandlifefrompeople?”Hervoicetrembledasterrorsweptoverher.

“Yes,ofcourse,andit’shappenedmanytimesinthepast.Youcoulddoitifyoudesired.It’sjustareverseoftheflow.Thedifferenceis,youwouldneverdreamofsuchanact.However,therearesomewhocometocravethisdeprivation.”

“Crave?Youmustbekidding.”Guiltcrashedthroughhermindassherememberedthenightshe’dalmostdrainedthelifefromheroldlover,Chris.Buttherehadbeennojoyinsuchahorriblemistake—andcertainlynodesiretorepeatit.

“TheTakersabsorbLightbutalsoinflictpainonanindividual.ThentheytakeintheLight,thrillinginthepainandagonysoakedintotheenergy—abizarreformofsadomasochismasaddictiveasheroin.Itstartsslowly,likeanyaddiction.AdealertakessometaintedLightthencravesitmoreandmoreuntiltheyarecompletelyturnedtoevilandliveonlyforthepowerfulsensation.”

Herstomachrolledatthishideousthought.Itconfirmedwhathadbeenhappeningwiththedeadbodiesandtorturedindividualswho’dshownupintheER.Thisismadness.DealersstealingpainedLight.Itcouldn’tbetrue.

“Iseefromyoureyesyouhavesomeknowledgeofthis.”Rolf’svoicelowered.

Caragrippedherhandstogetherandsaggedinthechair.Sheshivereddespitethewarmthfromthefirebesideher.Once,she’dtakenLightbymistake,buttherehadbeennopaininvolved.Noenjoyment.Howfrightening.“YoucallthemTakers?”

“Yes,thereareGiversandTakers.You’reaGiver,theyareTakers.Howmanylikeyouareinthiscity?”Rolfasked,eyesnarrowed.

“Why?”Shestudiedhim.“I’mintrigued,asIsaid.It’srareforpeopletorealizetheextentofthis

talent.It’sapleasuretofindlikesouls.”“But,fromwhatyou’vesaid,youseemtobedifferent.”“True,Iamdifferent.I’veexistedforthousandsofyears.Thereareother

ancientoneslikemescatteredabout.ButI’vemadeitmybusinessthroughthecenturiestoactasguardianofthisgift.Othersdon’tcaresomuchifourkindcausesharmornot.Theyfocusonamassinggreatwealthandpower.”

Thousandsofyears!Sheshuddered.Hewasancientandyettheywere

bothDealers.Whatwerethedifferencesbetweenthem?“Areyoucold?”Heroseandwenttoagildedsofaagainstthewallto

gatheranelaboratelyembroideredthrow.Hereturnedtohersideanddrapeditabouthershoulders.“It’slikelyyou’reinshock.”

Hishandbrushedhercheekandarushofelectricwarmthcoursedthroughheratthetouch.Shelookedathimandhegazedbackatherwithbrowsdrawntogether.Heheldhergazeforafewsecondsthenbrokecontact.Hepivotedtostrideovertoasidetablesetwithseveralcrystaldecantersandgoblets.Hesplashedarubyliquidinoneglassthenhandedittoher,hisfeaturesbacktoneutral.

Shesniffedandthemustyaromaofaburgundyfilledhersenses.“It’swine.”Hepouredaglassforhimselfbeforereturningtohisseat.“I’mnotinshock.”Sheswallowedthewineandsavoredthesmooth,rich

flavor.“Oh?”“I’manursepractitioner.Iknowwhatshockis.WhatIhaveisabad

headachefromslammingmyheadagainstthewall.”Shepressedahandagainstthebackofherskull,grimacing.“Andabigcaseofdisbeliefineverythingthat’sgoingon.Howhaveyouhavebeenaliveforthousandsofyears?That’simpossible.”

Heswirledhiswine,andtookadrink.“ThenyoumayalsofindithardtobelieveIdon’treallyknow.”

Sheexpectedmore,buthedidn’tspeak.“Youdon’tknow?Seriously?”“No,Idonotknow.Isimplycontinuetoliveandnotdie.Overtheyears,

I’veseentheTakerstryagainandagaintogainpowerandtakeoversmallareas.Imadeitmymissiontodefeatthem.”

“Butyouhadtocomefromsomewhere.”“Ihardlyremembersolongago.Butmyearliestmemoriesareofthearea

younowcallEgypt.”“Egypt?Really.Ihearblueeyesareverycommonthere.”Onesideofhismouthquirkedup.“Agiftfromthegods.ItoldyouI’m

different.”Thiswasimpossibletofathomwithherheadmistyfrompain.She

neededtogetawayfromhereandtrytomakesenseofwhathe’dtoldher.Sheglancedatherwatch.Eleveno’clock.Solate,andsheworkedtomorrow.Hopefully,herheadwouldnotbehurtingthisbadinthemorning.She’dhavetowearascarf,herneckwassuretobebruised.Shestood.“Well,thanksabunchforsavingmylife.Theguywasn’tabletotakeanyLightfromme,butheprobablycouldhavebeatenandkilledmetheold-fashionedway.So…thanks

again.”Hesethisglassonthetablebesidehimwithaclinkandsomeoftheruby

liquidsplashedovertherim.“Whatdidyousay?HewasnotabletotakeanyLight?”

“Yes,hetried.Itwaskindoffunny.”Shechuckled,butpainsearedthroughherheadsoshestopped.“Youshouldhaveseenthelookonhisfacewhenitdidn’tworkandyourfistcameoutofnowhere.Pow!”Atingleofsatisfactionaccompaniedthatmemory.

Rolfputahandoverhismouth.Afteracoupleseconds,hedroppeditandstoodtopaceacrosstheruginfrontofthefireplace.

“What’swrong?”Herkneestrembled.“Yourdescription,whilevastlyentertaining,isalsointriguing.”“Why?”“HeshouldhavebeenabletotakeyourLightthesameasanyoneelse.”“EventhoughI’maDealer?”“TakersdeveloppowerfulmethodsfortakingtheLight,evenfrom

Dealers.Itisstrangehecouldn’ttakeyours.”Caradidn’tknowwhattosay.Sherubbedhertempleswithher

fingertips.“Yes,itisverystrange.ButIhavetogo.Ineedtobeatworkinthemorningateight,andI’mexhausted.”Sheturnedaround,lookingforherpocketbook.“Ohno,andmycar.”

“Don’tworryaboutyourcar.IdroveitwhenIbroughtyouhere.”Rolfwalkeduptowithinafootofherandshesteppedbackfromhisdomineeringheight.Hesearchedhereyes.“Yourpurseisstillinit.”

“Thanks,that’sreallyswellofyou.Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedoneifyouhadn’tshownupwhenyoudid.Justlikethecavalry.Canyoutalktomyfriends?Maybewecanhelpyou.Oryoucanhelpusor—something—”Herheadspun.MaybeIaminshock.

Rolfgraspedhershoulderstosteadyher.“Cara,youcan’tgohometonight.”

Justlikethat.No:“Idon’tthinkyoushould”or“Maybeyoushouldn’t.”Flatout:“Youcan’tgohome.”

“Ihavetogohome.I’mfine.Excellent.Super,infact.IhaveDustytotakecareof,and—and…”God,ifshecouldjustsitdownandthinkmaybeshewouldmakesense.

“Ifyougohome,youwilllikelynotlivetoseethemorning.”

ChapterElevenCarastaredatRolf,unabletospeakpastthesudden

constrictioninherthroat.Hervisionblurredandclearedseveraltimes.Theroomclosedinaroundherasherkneesshook.Ifonlyherheadwouldstoppoundingsoshecouldthink.

Placingahandunderherelbow,heledhertothechaise—lucky,becauseherkneesgaveoutaboutthen.Sheploppedontothesoftcushionwithasmall“Oof.”Hesatbesideher,stillholdingherelbow,concernwrinklinghisbrow.

“Wh—whatdoyoumeanIwon’tlivetoseethemorning?”“TheTakersknowyousawoneofthem.Theywilldiscoverwhoyouare

andeliminateyou.”“Whywouldtheybesodeterminedtofindme?Ican’tstopthemby

myselfandnoonewouldbelievemystoryifIwenttothepolice.”“Whateveritistheyhopetoaccomplishinthisareawillonlybepossible

ifpeopleareunawareoftheirmethods.Ifanyonethreatensthat,theywillbeeliminated.Period.Trustme.I’veseenithappentimeandtimeagain.”Herose,strodetothedoorandleanedout.“Sean,canyoucomehere?”

Amuscularyoungmaninblackpantsandwhiteshirtentered.“Yes,sir?”“Ineedsomefoodforourcaninefriendhere.Canyoufindbowlsfor

waterandfoodandbringthemin?We’rehavingovernightguests.”RolfmotionedtoherandDusty.

Seannodded.“Willyoubeeatinginthediningroomthisevening,Sir?”“No,setupatablebythefire,andbringsomeaspirinforCara.”He

strolledbacktoherafterSeanleft.“You’llstayheretonight.Icanprotectyou.”“Whatabouttomorrow?Ihavetogotowork.Peopledependonme.I

savelives.”Shestood,findingthestrengthhadreturnedtoherlimbsaftertheinitialshockofhiswordsretreated.“InacoupledayscanIgobackhome?”

Hemovedupclosetohersofastshegasped.“DoyouthinkI’mjokingaboutthis?”Hespokeinalowvoicebutitresonatedwithpower,andhisgazeboreintoherslikeicysteel.“I’mdeadlyserious,andyouneedtobe,too.Otherwise,yourlifewillbeoveralltoosoon.”

Hisfingersclampedaroundherupperarm,thefingertipsbitingintoherskinhardenoughtosendaflashoffearthroughher,butshewasdeterminednottolethimseeit.Herbreathcameinshortbursts.Dustyletoutashortbark.ShemetRolf’sglareandaflushofangersurgedthroughher.Shepunchedhiminthechestwithherfreehand.“Letgo.”

Hereleasedhisgripandletoutaharshbreath.“Iapologize.Ididn’tmeantohurtyou.But,youmustunderstand,I’vebeenfightingthemforcenturies,andIknowwhatthey’recapableof.”

Sherubbedherarmwheretheredmarksfromhisfingersbloomed.“Don’ttakeitoutonme,okay?”

Hesqueezedhiseyesshutandnodded.“I’mtryingtoprotectyou.”Whenheopenedhiseyes,theharshnesswasreplacedwithacharmingtwinkle,meltingherboilinganger.

Shepuffedoutabreath.“Okay,whatarewegoingtodo?”“IplantocontinuedoingwhatIcameherefor.Iwillhuntthemdown

anddestroythem.”Hepacedbacktohischairandsat,retrievinghiswineglass.“Whataboutme?”Shefollowedhim,standingwithherhandsonher

hipsbeforehischair.“Ican’thideouthereforever.”“Youwillstayheretonight.Icantakeyoutoworkinthemorningand,if

youdon’twishtostayherelonger,youmayfindafriendwhereyoucanstay.Butonnoaccountshouldyougohomeorbeanywherealoneuntilthisisover.”

“Ican’tbelieveit.”Shesatacrossfromhimandputherheadinherhands.Dustysettledinfrontofherandrestedhisheadonherknees.Inamatterofhours,herlifehadbecomecompletelydisrupted.Disorientedandvulnerable,shehadnochoicebuttotrustRolf.She’dhelpedhimbutnowsheknewhissecretandmightbeadangertohim.Somethinghe’dhavetocontrol.

Seanenteredtheroom,carryingtwobowls,onefilledwithwaterandtheothersometypeofdrieddogfood.HesetthemonthefloorbesideCara’schair.Dustytrottedoverandstartedlappingupwater.SeanhandedCaraabottleofaspirinandshetooktwowiththeremainingwineinherglass.

“Sir,Ihavetwomessagesforyou.”HehandedslipsofpapertoRolf.“I’llbringdinnerinamoment.”

“Thankyou,Sean.Afterthatyoucanworkonthepolicereports.”“Verygood,Sir.”Seangaveasmallnodandleft.Rolfskimmedthepapersbrieflythenstuffedtheminhisjacketpocket.

“Cara,ifyouneedtofreshenupthere’sabathroomdownthehallontheleft.We’llhavesomethingtoeatshortly.IsthereanythingelseIcandotomakeyourstaymorepleasant?”

“I’dliketousethetelephonetocallmyfriends.They’llbeworriedaboutme.”

“There’soneonthedeskoverthere.”Hepointedtoanantiquedeskwithspindlylegsinacorneroppositethefireplace.“Ihavesomebusinesstoattendto,butI’llrejoinyoushortly.”

RolflefttheroomandCaraboltedoffthechair.Fivequickstepscarried

hertothedesk.Tremblingfingerspunchedherbestfriend’snumberonthekeypad.ShegaveAmberaquicksummaryofthenight’sactivities.

“Cara,myGod,howhorrible.Areyousureyou’reokay,honey?”Amber’svoicesqueakedwithconcern.“WhenTortoldmeyourememberedseeingthetattooononeofyourpatientsIwassureyouweregoingtodosomethingdangerous.”

“I’mokay.Rolfsavedme.”“Areyousureyoutrusthim?”“Ithinkso.Hedidsavemylife,andhecould’vekilledmeinthelast

half-hourwithnoonearound,buthedidn’t.Thathastobeagoodsign.”“Well,ifyoufeelsafe,Iagreeyoushouldn’tgohome.Youcancome

heretomorrowafterwork.Nomoregoingoffonyourown.Okay?”“I’mnotgoingtoargue,”shesaid.“I’mreallyafraidafteractuallyseeing

oneofthosecreepsinaction.Youshouldhaveseenhiseyes.Theywereempty,justcompletelyempty.”

“Howhorrible!Ican’tbelievethesedemonsarerunninglooseinourcitykillingpeople.”Shepaused.“I’llletTorknow.MaybetheycanhaveacargobyandchecktomakesureNickiisokay.”

“Oh,Amber,thatwouldbegreat.Thankyou.IfeelsobadIdidn’tdomoreforher,butshewentoffwithhergangbuddiesand,afterwards,Iblackedout.Ithinktheywilltakecareofher.”

“She’stough.She’llbeallright.I’mmoreconcernedaboutyou.”“I’mprotected,atleastfortonight.”“Okay.Staysafe,sweetie.Ifyouneedusduringthenightjustcall.”“Thanks.I’lltalktoyoutomorrow.”Caraleftthelivingroomandtiptoeddownthehallofblackandwhiteart

deco,whichwasaccentedwithpostersbyErteanddecorativewallsconces.Shewentintoaworldofmodernbrightwhitemarble,clearglassandchrome.Everyroomhadaparticulartheme.Rolfmustbeincrediblywealthy.

Shesplashedwateronherlowerfaceandinspectedthebandageonherforeheadwhereasmallamountofbloodhadseepedthrough.Shewoulddressitproperlyonceshereachedtheclinictomorrow.Thankgoodnessthepaininherbackandheadhadrecededwiththeaspirintakingeffect.Faintstreaksofyellowandbluecollaredherthroat.Ick,that’snotgoingtobepretty.

WhathaveIgottenmyselfinto?

###

“MymenhavestakedoutlocationswheretheTakersusuallystalktheir

prey—differentclubsandlatenightareas.”Seansatinfrontofamonitorinthecontrolroom,filledwithcomputerequipmentandvideoscreens.Heheldaphoneinonehand,coveringthemouthpiecewiththeother.“What’sthat?”hesaidintothephone,raisingahandtoholdoffRolf.

Rolfglancedatthemonitors,whichflasheddifferentshotsofthehouse’sexterior.Nomovementthere.Good.

“Sir,Jimsaidtheyalsodiscoveredasiteinvolvedinatleastoneofthemurders,andthey’vecountedatleastthirteenmengoinginandoutofthattownhouseyoudiscovered.”Seancoveredthephone,lookingtoRolfforinstructions.

Rolfadjustedthefocusononeofthemonitors.“Tellthemtocontinuesurveillanceonthetownhouse.Ineedmoreinformationontheirmovements.”

Seanrelayedtheinformationandhungup.“Thisisalargecell.”“Largeandorganized,”Rolfsaid.“Notwhatwe’reusedto.”“Atleastweknowwheretheyare.Weshouldbeabletotakethemout

beforetheyknowwe’rehere.”Seanturnedtohiscomputer,typingaway.Rolffiddledwithanothermonitor.RescuingCaracomplicatedthings.He

alwaysworkedalone,butnowhefeltresponsibleforprotectingher,whichinvitedherintohislife.ShewasaDealer,aGiver.HisopportunitiestointeractwithawomanoftheLightwerefewandfarbetween.Becauseofhisgreatpower,hehesitatedtotouchanyone,forfearhewouldtakeLightfromthem.Theonlywomenhe’dtouchedrecentlywereTakers,thosehe’dkilled.

Heleftthecontrolroomandstrolledalongthehalltothelivingroom.Histhoughtsfilledwithvisionsofthenight.He’dbeensurprisedatthefuryhe’dexperiencedwhenhefoundtheTakerattackingCara.Evennow,theurgetoprotectherswelledinhischest,anancientcompulsionlongforgotten.

Whenhejoinedherinthelivingroom,oneofhismenhadsituatedatablebetweenthetwochairsbythefireplaceandplacedfoodandtablesettingsonit.Carasatonthechaise.Sherose,andabeamingsmileflittedacrossherfeatures.Immediately,though,hercheeksgrewredandshebentovertopetherdogtocovertheexpression.Acurtainofstrawberryblondehairfellforwardtoobscureherface.Thehairappearedsosoft,invitinghimtorunhisfingersthroughit.

Thebreathsqueezedoutofhim,leavinghimlightheaded,thefeelingsoalienhehadtostopandthinkwhathadhithim.

Attraction.No.HisfistsclenchedalmostinstinctivelyatsuchdisloyaltytoSakhet.

Bitinghischeek,heforcedthelightfeelingbackintothedarkrecessesofhissorrow.Heretreatedtothesmallbartorefillhiswineglass.“Didyoureachyourfriends?”

Whenshefacedhimagainherskinwasitssmoothivorycoloragain.“Yes.Thankyou.Amberandherhusbandwillletmestaywiththemtomorrow.”Shefollowedhimtothechairsbythefireplaceandsatacrossthesmalltable.

Seanhadprovidedatrayofcoldcuts,cheese,androastedvegetables,alongwithabasketofrolls.ThearomaofsoysauceandgarlicfromthevegetablesmadeRolf’sstomachgrowlinhunger.

TheyfilledtheirplatesandCaraheapedarollwithham,cheese,onionsandzucchini.Shetookabigbiteandclosedhereyeswhileshechewed.“Mmm,Ididn’trealizeIwassohungry.”Sheimmediatelysankherteethintothefoodagain.

“I’mgladyou’llhaveasafeplacetostaywithyourfriends.”Theideaofhavingherinhishomeevenforonenightsentdisturbingechoesthroughhismind,whichhepreferredtoavoid.Bestshestayedwithherfriendsaftertonight.Hefilledarollhimselfandbegantoeat.“Howdidyouknowaboutthedogs?”

Shestoppedchewing,swallowed,andtiltedherheadtooneside.“Whatdoyoumean?”

HepointedtoDusty,nowlyingatherfeet.“Dogs.OnceaTakerhascompletelyturned,dogscansensetheirevil.Youdidn’tknow?”

“No,IjustwantedsomecompanionshipbecauseIlivealoneandhavinghimmakesmefeelsafer.”ShereacheddowntopetDusty’shead.“So,that’swhyhereactedsoaggressivelywhenwegottoNicki’sapartment.IwassurprisedhebecamesoviolentwiththeTakerandyet,whenyoushowedup,acompletestranger,helickedyourhand.”

“Animalsareverysensitivetoparanormalevents.Theyalsohaveatruesenseofgoodandevil.It’sexcellentyouhavehim.”He’dhadmanydogsoverthecenturies.Theyhadbeenhiscompanionsinthehunt.Butitwaspainfultoconstantlyhavethingsaroundyoudiewhileyoulivedon.Hehadpeopleworkingforhim,mercenaries,buttheywerenotDealers;eachmancameandwentovertheyears.HavingCaraandDustyhere,ontheotherhand,onlymagnifiedthelonelinessofhisexistence.

“So,howdidyouuseallthosecrystals?”Caraarchedonebrow.Hepausedintheprocessofpullinganotherrollapart.“Crystals?How

didyouknowaboutthem?”“YouboughtalotatastoreownedbyAmber’sfriend.”“Ah.Nosecretsinthatbusiness,Isee.”Shesmiled,crinklingtheskinaroundhersparklinghazeleyes.Evenwith

thebandageonherface,sheglowedwithbeauty.Astrangewarmthsmolderedinhischest,anachingneedtoprotecther.

“Youshouldknowwe’veuncoveredsomeusefulinformation.Amber’shusbandisapoliceman,andtwopeopleinourgroupworkinthehospital.Ithinkwecanhelpyou,”shesaid.“Maybeweshouldshareinformation.”

Hegulpedhiswineandclosedhiseyesafewsecondstoregainhiscomposure.“Tellmewhatyou’vediscovered.”AnyinformationthatwouldhelphimfigureoutDesmond’splaninterestedhim.Buthewasn’tsureheshouldinvolveCara’sfriendsinanymoredangerthantheywerealreadyin.

SheexplainedwhatherfriendsShanaandMarchaddiscoveredfromthehospitalrecords,andwhatthepolicemanTorhadfoundfromfellowofficersinothercities.

Rolfrubbedhischin.“EverythingI’velearnedsincecomingherepointstoaconcertedefforttoinfiltratecitiesinanorganizedmanner.I’veneverencounteredsuchadevelopedplan.”Inthepast,he’donlyseensmalltownsfallvictimtothedepravityoftheTakers.

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”ShebenttopetDusty.Themovementshiftedherblouse,giftinghimwithaflashofcurved,creamyflesh.Ashiverofdesiresweptthroughhim,andhegrippedthechairarmstokeepfromreachingforher.

Hegrabbedhiswineandtookanotherswallow,studyingherovertherimofhisglass.Herheadremainedtilteddown,thatgorgeoushairstreamingoverhershoulder.Dustyclosedhiseyesincontentmentatherstroking.Shemurmuredendearmentstoherdoglikehewasherchild.Ifitweren’tforhispast,Rolfwouldbeenchantedbyhercompany.But,infact,astrongcompulsionurgedhimtoavoidherforfearofbetrayinghislonglostlove.Heputahandtotheoutlineoftheankhbeneathhisshirt,hopingforresolve,butnonecame.

Logically,however,hehadtoadmitheneededassistancewiththisorganizedassault.Caraandherfriendsmightproveusefulagainstsuchalargegroup,andpossiblyCarawasthewomanSakhetsaidwouldhelphiminthisfight.He’djusthavetokeephisemotionsfocusedondestroyingtheTakers.Whenitwasover,hewouldleaveandneverhavetoseeCaraagain.

Carasatup.“Hello?Stillwithme?”“I’mnotsureyet.”Herubbedhischin.Shesippedherwine.“WhatiftheyfindoutI’mhereandattackus

tonight?”“Impossible.”“Howcanyoubesosure?”“Haveyoufinishedeating?”

Sheconsumedthefinalbiteofherhamandcheesestuffedrollandnodded.

“Iwanttoshowyousomething.”Sheswallowed,thenpointedatDusty.“Stay.”Rolfroseandmotionedhertowardthedoor.“Thisway,please.”Theywalkedsidebysidedownthehalltoemergeinthefoyer.He

crossedtheblackandwhitemarblefloortothehangingtapestryonthesideofthestaircase.Movingtheheavyfabricasiderevealedasmalldoor.Hepulledakeyfromhispocketandinserteditinthelock.Thedoorswungopen.

Cara’seyesnarrowed,butshefollowedasheledherdownthedarkstairs.Herbreathingquickenedinthesilenceastheydescended.Atthebottom,heflippedaswitchandoverheadlightsflickeredthenglowed.Inthecenterofthelarge,cementbasementsatthegoldencrystalsphereonitsplainblack-coveredtable.Therainbowofcolorsspinningoutfromthecrystalsneverceasedtofascinatehim.

Cararushedtohisside,hermouthhangingopenasshestaredattheglowingglobe.Shecontinuedtowardit,eyesdartingovertheintricategoldensculpturecarvedinthesurfaceandthecrystalsinsertedinholesscatteredamidthedesigns.“Whatisit?”Shepausedjustshyoftheglobeandretreatedastep.

“It’ssomethingIinventedmany,manyyearsago.IfoundtheTakerscouldsensemypresencebecauseofmystrongenergysignature.IcancontrolmyenergywhenI’mawake,butIneededtomaskmylocationsoIcansleepwithoutfearofdetection.Crystalsareasourceofpureenergy.OnceIfiguredouthowtochanneltheirpowerthoughthisdevice,itwassuccessfulinovershadowingmyenergy.”

“Amazing.”Caracircledthetable,inspectingtheapparatus.“It’sgenius.Ithink.Ofcourse,Ihavenoideahowitworks,butitcertainlysoundslikegenius.”

Hehadtochuckleatthat.Itfeltgood.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehehadlaughed.Justlikethesenseofattractionearlier,itwasasensationfromanother,happiertime.Shesmiledathisresponseandlaughedaswell.

“Thanks,I’mveryproudofit,”hesaid.“TheprinciplesarebasedonancienttheoriesI’velearnedovertheyears.Ican’texplainitsimply.”Heshrugged.

“I’mnotsureIwouldunderstandifyoudid.ButI’mhappytoknowtheycan’tfindushere.”

“Ithinkyoushouldgetsomerest.I’llshowyoutotheguestroomand,inthemorning,I’lldriveyoutoyourjob.”

“Thankyou.”Sheflashedhimasmile.“Ireallyappreciateallyoudid

tonight.YousavedmeandNicki.”Hehesitated,unsurewhattosay.Yes,hehadsavedthem,buthis

intentionhadbeentokilltheTaker.Thathedidn’taccomplish.Theevilonehadescaped,andtheotherswouldsoonknowhewasherehuntingthem.Pickingthemoffoneatatimehadnowbecomemoredifficult.Ontopofeverything,hehadtheaddedcomplicationofprotectingCaraand,hehadtoadmit,thedangerousdistractionshewouldbe.

Theyreturnedtothefirstfloor,gatheredDustywithhisbowlsandRolfledherupthewidestaircasetothesecondfloor.Twodoorsdownontheleft,heguidedhertoasparebedroomdecoratedinopulentVictorianstyle,burgundyvelvetandcarved,darkwalnutwood.Heplacedthebowlsontheflooratthefootofabed.Caratookinthedecorations,touchingapiecehereandtherewithgentlefingers.

Asuddenimageofthosefingerscaressinghisskinflashed.Hisabdominalmusclestensed,chestconstricted.Hegrippedoneofthecarvedbedpoststosteadyhimself.Shemovedonunaware,strokingthegolden-carvedsurfaceoftheOrmoluclockonthefireplacemantle,sendingunwantedfirethroughhisveins“Thisisbeautiful,”shebreathed.

Bereftofspeech,heonlywatchedher,tortured,untilthespasmofemotionpassedandhewasabletoretreattowardthedoor.“Sleepwell,”hemurmured.“Therearepajamasonthebed.Theyshouldfityou.Ifyouneedanythingelse,please,letmeknow.

Shewhirledinthecenteroftheroom.“Thisisallsobeautiful.Youhavesometrulylovelycollections.”Shestoodfacinghim,headtiltedtooneside,thosehazeleyessearchinghisface.“Whatanenigmayouare.”

“Enigma?”Heatcreptuphisneck.Shetossedherlonghairoveroneshoulderandsteppedback.“You’rea

mystery.Apersonwhocannotdie,fightingevildoers.Youshouldhaveacapeandacatchyname,oratleastawhackysidekick.”

“What?”Heblinked,forcinghiscontrolbackinplace.“Youknow,likeBatmanorTheGreenHornet.”Shewavedahand.

“Sorry.That’striteforwhatyou’redoing.It’sjust…I’venevermetanyonelikeyoubefore.Thisisallabitoverwhelming.”

“Goodnight,Cara,”hemanagedtosay.“Sleepwell.”HetouchedDusty’sheadandwenttothehall,closingherdoorbehindhim.

Hestaggeredforwardanunsteadysteptoleanoneshoulderagainstthewall,hisbreathcomingingasps.Whatwasshedoingtohim?Onehandwenttothenecklaceunderhisshirtandhepulledouttheankh,pressingitbetweenhisfingersindesperation.ButCara’sfacedominatedhismind.

Stumblingalongthehall,hemadeittohisroomandpressedhishandsagainsthistemples.Finally,hisheartrateslowedandthetightnessinhischesteased.Heloweredhimselftothesideofhisbed.He’dbeenwithhundredsofwomeninhislonglifeandnonehadtemptedhimthisway.WasitmerelybecauseCarawasaDealer—apurelyphysicalreactiontosomeonehisbodyrecognizedasapotentialmate?Ashiverofdesiresweptthroughhim,makinghimgrithisteeth.Heforcedinadeepbreathandlockedhissteelyreservebackinplace.Thisdesire,hisattraction,wouldn’thappenagain.TherewasnowayhewouldbetraySakhetand,furthermore,Carawassimplytoodangerousadistractionfromhiscurrentmission.Tomorrowhewouldputherfromhismindandgetonwiththehunt.

Itwashisdestinytobealone.

ChapterTwelveCarablinkedtoclearthefogfromhereyesasshedrove

towork.Adullacheinhertempleremindedheroftheattack.Rolfsatinthepassengerseat,quietlyfidgetingwiththebuckleofhisseatbelt.TheytraveledinsilenceexceptforoccasionalepisodesofpantingfromDustyinthebackseat.

“Areyouokay?”Rolflookedoveratherasshemaneuveredthecarintoanemptyspace.SeanpulledintothelotbehindtheminablackMercedes.

Sheturnedthekeyandsatforamomentstaringoutthewindshield.Wordsseemedinadequatetoexpressherfeelings.Herlifehadcompletelychangedsinceyesterday,andshewasn’tsurewheretodaywouldlead.Sheonlyknewshehadtokeepgoing.“I’llbeallright.Whatareyougoingtodo?”

“Iplantospendtimegatheringinformationtoseewhat’sgoingoninothercities.”

Herfingerssqueezedthesteeringwheel,releasingherpent-upanxiety.BadenoughtothinkthevictimswerejustafewunluckyindividualswhoranintorenegadeBD’sontheprowl.TothinkofanorganizedinvasionofTakersterrifiedher.

Caraturnedtohim.“Thanksforlastnight.Really.”Hisfacewasatautmask,revealingnothingofhisfeelings.“HowcanIgetintouchwithyouincasewefindoutanythingyouneed

toknow?”Hedidn’tmoveforamomentuntilhisjawtwitched.“Rolf?”“I’llgiveyoumycellphonenumberforemergencies.But,Ihavetosay,

I’mhesitanttoinvolveyouandyourfriends.It’sdangerous.”Angerfloodedthroughherfear.“IthinkI’malreadyinvolved,don’t

you?Ican’tgobackhome,andyousaymylifeisindanger.So,seemsI’mveryinvolved.”

“Iseeyourpoint.”Hewrotehisnumberonapieceofpaperfromhispocketthenhandedittoher.“Callmetonight.Findoutallyoucanfromyourfriendsandletmeknow.”

Caratookthepaperandslippeditintoherpurse.“Okay.Good.Iwill.”Dustyjumpedoutwhensheopenedthereardoor,andRolfexitedhisside.WhatthehellwasthematterwithRolftoday—sostiffandformal?She’djustgottenusedtomysterious,ancient,anddeadly,thenhehadtogetallmoodyonher.

Hewalkedaroundthecarandstoodbesideher.“Becarefultoday,Cara.”

Shegazedintohiscoolstareandwonderedwhatthoughtsreallyranthroughhismind.Hehaddonesomuchtohelpherlastnight,butdidhereallycareanythingforherasaperson?Thismissionseemedtomattermosttohim,andshemightbeexpendable.But,deepinhiseyes,shethoughtshesawsomethingmore—atleast,shehoped.“Iwillbecareful.Takecareyourself.”

Caraputahandonhisforearm.Theiceinhiseyesthawed,andheleanedtowardher,holdinghergaze.Heatflamedhercheeks.Hewasgoingtokissher.Herheartflip-flopped.Butheclosedhiseyes,themusclesinhisjawtightened,andhesteppedback.Herarmfelltoherside,andblooddrainedfromherface.

Withoutabackwardglance,hestrodeawayandslippedintothepassengerseatoftheMercedes.Determinednottoshowherhurt,shedrewinadeepbreathandheadedfortheclinic.Shewalkedacrosstheparkinglotandpausedatthefrontdoor.BeingattheclinicbroughtmemoriesofEmmie’sdeath,floodinghersoulinacloudofsorrow.Theolddear’swordsechoedagaininsidehermind:“You’regonnaneedmyhelpwiththatol’evil.”

Shefoughtdownthelumpinherthroat.Emmie.Whycouldn’tyoutellmemoreaboutthegift?

Puttinggriefandfearaside,shestrodethroughthefrontdoor.Therewereotherswhoneededhernow.Alreadythewaitingroomoverflowedwithpeopleperchedanxiouslyontheedgesoftheirchairs.Sicknessdidn’twaitoncrazy,evilLight-takers.Peoplehereneededhelptheycouldn’tgetanywhereelsebecausetheyhadnoinsuranceandnomoney.

Shegreetedthosepatientssheknewbyname.EveryonewantedtopetDusty.He’dvisitedherworkbefore,andsomepatientsknewhimwell.

“How’stheschedule?”sheaskedRosaasshepassedthereceptionist’sdesk.

“You’reslammed.Goodluck.”CarastrodetoherofficeandfilledDusty’sofficebowlswithwaterand

food.Helookedupather,cockinghisheadtooneside,andsherubbedhisears.“Wehavearoughroadaheadofus.Butwe’llsticktogether,okay?”

Dusty’sbrowneyesheldawealthoftrustandunderstanding.Heofferedhersomuchcomfort,especiallywiththenewsRolfhadgivenheraboutdogsbeingabletosensethepresenceofBD’s.IjusthopeIneverhavetofaceoneofthosecreepsagain.

Herdayprogressedfrombusytohectic.Atfive-thirty,shesankintothechairbehindherdeskandbeganwritinginthechartsofpatientsshe’dseen.Dustycurledupinawarmlumpatherfeet,snoozing.

Herphonebuzzed,andwhensheanswered,Rosa’svoicesoundedirritated.“Cara,there’sapatientoutheredemandingtoseeyou.Ican’tgetherto

leave.”“Whoisit?”“NickiPetrosky.Saysshehastospeaktoyou.She—shelookshorrible.”“I’llberightthere.”CararushedtothefrontoftheclinicwhereNicki

pacedbeforethereceptionist’sdesk.Apalefaceandthedarkcirclesunderhereyesgavethegirl’salreadythinfaceaskeletalappearance.

“Nicki,comehere.”Sheopenedthedoortothewaitingroomandmotionedthegirlbacktotheexamarea.Thankfully,nogangbuddiesaccompaniedher.

“Areyouokay?”sheaskedafterusheringNickiintoanemptyexamroomandclosingthedoor.Nicki’ssweatandfearmixedinapungentaroma.

“Whathappenedlastnight?”Nickiputherhandsonherhips.“Thatguy,washegoingtokillme?”

“Calmdown.”WhenCaragraspedthegirl’sthinarm,itquiveredbeneathherfingers.CarascannedNickiforsignsoftrauma.Avioletbruisemarkedherupperleftarmandmorebruisescircledherthroatalongwithredscratches.

“MissCara,whatwasthatman?”NickigrabbedCara’sarmandherfingersbitintotheskinlikeclaws.Herbreathcameinrapidgaspsandhereyesweredilated.

“Relax,breatheslower.You’rehyperventilating.”SheledNickitoachairandpushedhergentlyintoit.Fillingapapercupofwaterfromthesmallcountersink,shehandedittoher.“Drinkthis.”

Nickisuckeddownthewaterinagulpthencrushedtheemptycupinonehand.Herbreathsstillcameinpantinggulpsthroughhermouthbuttheratehadslowed.CaraplacedahandonNicki’sshoulder,rubbingtheskininsoothingcircles.ShemanagedtokeepahandonNicki’sshoulderwhileherfirsttwofingersdrifteddowntoherportalnearthecollarbone.AtrickleofLightfedintothegirl.Softly,slowly,sogentleshewouldneverknowCarawashealingher.

Nicki’sshouldersdropped,andshesighed.Carasmiledandbrokethecontact.“Now,tellme.Howdidyoumeetthemanthatattackedyou?”

“HewasataclubIgoto.Ithoughthewasaregulardude,aplayer.Heboughtmeadrink,flashedsomecash,andaskedaboutgoingbacktomyplace.Hehadanexpensiveride,soIthoughthewascool.”Sheswallowed.“ButwhenIopenedmydoor,hegrabbedmyarmandputhishanduphere.”Shepointedtoherforeheadandherfacecrinkledastearsfilledhereyes.“ItriedtohithimandgetawaybuthepunchedmeinthefaceandIfelldown.”Shegulpedinairandbrushedathereyes.“Thatwasaboutthetimeyoucamein.Whatthehellwereyoudoingthere?”

CarapulledovertherollingstooltositonandrestedahandonNicki’sbonyknee.“Listen,theotherdaywhenyouwerehereyouaskedmeifIbelievedinvampires.Didyouseethissamethinghappentosomeoneelse?

Nicki’seyeswidenedandshehungherhead.“Yeah,Iseensomethinglikethat.”

“Tellme.”“Idon’tknowifIshould.”Herhandstwistedtogether,adefiantglowin

hereyes.“Nicki,peoplearedying.Themanlastnighttriedtokillyouandhe

wouldhavekilledme,too.Therearemorelikehimoutthere.Iwanttostopthesepeople,butIneedinformation.Whateveryoutellmewillonlybeusedtocatchhimandhisfriends.”Frustrationboiledinsideher.Nickididn’trecognizethedangershewasin,evenafterbeingattackedandnearlykilled.Thestreetgirlstillwantedtoprotecthergang.“I’mnotgoingtogetyourfriendsintrouble.Ipromise.”

Nickiraisedherheadandglancedsidewaysather,eyesnarrowed.Shesatstraighterandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Okay,butyoushouldknowthisisthesecondtimesomeoneattackedme.”

“What?”Carasatback,stunned.Whathadthispoorgirlbeenthrough?“Nicki,startatthebeginning.Tellmewhatyousawbeforeyoucameintheotherdayandaboutyourattacks.”

Nickitwistedherhandstogetherandletherheadfallforward,unrulyblackhairobscuringherface.“Itallhappenedatthissameclub.Iwashangingwithsomefriends.WehaddrunkalotandIgottafeelin’sick,likeIwasgonnapuke,youknow?”

Caranodded,urgingheron.“Iheadforthebathroom,buttherewasalineoutsidethegirl’sroom.I

wasabouttohurlsoIopenedthedoortogooutback.See,itopensonthisalleyfulloftrashcansanddumpsterswithjustthisonestreetlight,soitwasdarkandhardtosee.”Shepausedandlickedherlips,eyesdartingtothedoorthenbacktoCara.

“Ihurledupmygutsagainstthewalland,after,Iseenthesetwoguysdownthestreetaways.Theywasbothboys,soIfigureditwasjusttwogayguysgettin’iton.ButInoticedtheoneguyhadahandontheotherguy’schestandIknewthatguy.Hewasn’tgayandtheywasn’tkissingornothing.Juststandingthere,oneguywithhisbackpressedagainstthewallwithhisheadback,andtheotherguywithhishandonmyfriend’schest.Ican’tdescribeit,butitfreakedmeout.

“IwasintheshadowssoIgotalittleclosertoseewhatwasgoin’down.

IknewIhadtohelpthisguyifIcould,he’smyhomie,butIwasscared.Finally,theoneguytakeshishandawayandtheoneagainstthewalljustslidesdownandfallsoverinaheap.Iknewhewasdead.Itwassortalikewhenvampiressuckthebloodoutofyou.Iseenitinthemovies.Itwasjustlikethat…onlyheneverbithim.”Sheswungherheadbackandforth.“Justhadhishandonhischest.”

“Butnowyouknowhewasstillsuckingthelifeoutofhim,onlyitwasn’tblood,”Carasaid.

Nickinoddedandhungherhead.“Ididn’thelphim.IranandranandfelldownsomanytimesIendedupbangingmyselfupprettybad.Icametoseeyouthenextmorning.”

“Andyouwereattackedbeforethemanlastnight?”“Iwashavin’adrinkatanotherbarbeforeallthathappened,andthis

dudecameup.Hewasdressedrealnice,likehedidn’tbelongthere.Hadagoldringonhisrighthandwithsomekindofcrestonit.Ifiguredhemightbeslummin’,youknow,slippin’outonthewife.Hey,Ididn’tmindifheboughtmeafewdrinks,yaknow?Anyways,hesaidheneededsomeairandIwentoutsidewithhim.Hestartedactin’allsquirrelyandpushedmedownanalley.Slappedmeinthefaceandslammedmeagainstthewall.ButIgothimgood.Kneedhimintheballs.Iranoffandwenttomyregularclub.Nowthesewhack-o’swanttokillme.Why?”

“Didtheguywhogotkilledbelongtothesamegangyoudo?”Nicki’sheadshotupandhergazeflewtoCara’sface.“Whatdoyou

knowaboutgangs?”“Thetattooyouhaveonyourlowerback.It’sagangtattoo.Someofthe

otherpeoplewho’vebeenkilledhadthesametattoo.Wethinkthisevilgroupistargetinggangs.”

“Oh,God!”Nickislappedahandoverhermouth,hereyescrinkledupagain.

“Theclub,what’sthenameofit?”“Ican’ttellyou.”Frantic,Caraalmostshookthegirl.“Youhaveto.It’salink.Now

they’vetargetedmorethanonepersonfromit.There’sagoodchancethey’llgothereagain,especiallyifit’sahangoutforgangs.Don’tyouwanttoprotectyourfriends?”

Nicki’seyeswelledwithtears,andsherakedfingersthroughherhair.“Youthinkthey’regonnacomebackforme?”

“It’sagoodpossibility.Doyouhavesomeoneyoucanstaywithforawhile?Preferablysomeonewho’snotinagang?”

Nickistruggledtoforceawayhertears,squeezingherlidstogetherandbitinghernails.

Caraleanedforwardandrestedahandonthegirl’sarm.“It’sokay.Everything’sgoingtobeokay.Justletmehelpyou.”

“Blade,”Nickimurmured.“What?”Carasatback.Nickisniffedandranherhandunderhernose.“Blade.That’sthename

oftheclub.”Blade?Ridiculousname,andyetthesekidsateupthedangerandedgy

nightlife.“Okay.Okay.”Caraletgoofherandstood.Shesnaggedatissuebox

fromthecounterandhandedittothesnifflinggirl.Nickigrabbedahandfulandpressedthewadagainsthernose.

Caratossedtheboxonthecounter.“Letmecheckyououtandmakesureyou’reokayandthenyouneedtostayawayfromtheclubandyourapartmentforawhile.Wherecanyougo?I’lltakeyou.”

“Idon’tknow.”Nickiputherhandstohercheeks,gazeroamingabouttheroom.“Wait,I’llgostaywithmyfriendErin.She’snotinthegang,butwewenttohighschooltogether.She’sinanapartmentnearODU.”

“I’lltakeyouthereandgiveyousomemoneytoliveonforawhile.Iwantyousafe.”

CaradroppedNickiatherfriend’sapartmentwithahandfulofcash,andthenpickedupsomeCaraandDustynecessitiesbeforeheadingovertoEssenceofAmber.

“Cara!”Amberenvelopedherinawarmembracewhenshesteppedinthedoor.“I’vebeensoworriedaboutyou.”DustyfriskedaroundAmber,waitingforhisturnatagreeting.“Andyou,too,Mr.Dusty.”Amberkneltandruffledthefurofthedog’sneck,receivingagenerousfacelickinreturn.

“Areyousurewe’renotgoingtobeaproblemstayinghere?”“No.Absolutelynot,sweetie.That’swhatfriendsarefor.Comeonup.

Torwillbehereshortly.”Shelockedtheshop’sfrontdoorandscannedtheparkinglotthroughthewindowbeforetheywenttothelivingquartersonthesecondfloor.

“Man,I’mtired.”CarastoppedatthetopofthestairswhereAmber’slivingroomspreadoutwithitsmismatchedchintzcoveredcouchandchairs.SheabsorbedtheeclecticatmosphereofclutteredfairystatuesAmbercollected,thinkingtheylookedlikelittleguardianangelstoday.Sighing,shedroppedherbagsatherfeet.

AmberpointedtothesofaandCarasankontoit,letherheadfallback,

andclosedhereyes.God,I’mtired.ThelingeringsmellofcinnamonfromtheshopsoothedherwithmemoriesofMomandapplepie.

Ambergatheredupapileofmagazinesfromtheglass-toppedcoffeetableandstowedtheminabasketbesidethecouch.“I’llgowhipupsomethingtosnackonwhilewewaitforTor.I’mdyingtohearallaboutRolf.”

Shepassedthroughanarchwithahangingbeadcurtaintothekitchenandreturnedwithabottleofwine,glasses,plusatrayladenwithcheeseandcrackers,whichsheplacedonthecoffeetable.

“Rolf.Wow,Ican’tbelievehowthisturnedout.I’vebeenthinkingaboutitallday.”AmberpickedupthebagofdogfoodCarahadbroughtandpouredsomedriedkibbleinabowl.SheglancedatCaraunderherlashes.“What’shereallylike?”

Carasighed.Atthispoint,shefiguredshe’donlyseenaglimpseoftherealRolf.“Well,he’sstrong.YoushouldhaveseenhimpunchtheTakerlastnight.Itsentthatcreepflying.ButRolf’ssmart,too.Ofcourse,Iguessyoucan’tliveforthousandsofyearsandnotpickupathingortwo.ButIonlyscratchedthesurfaceofhiscomplexity.”

“Youknow,whenhecameinthestore,thewordthatpoppedinmymindtodescribehimwassupernatural.Isthatweird?”Amberpickedupthebottleofwinefromthecoffeetableandpouredthembothaglass.

“Strange,weird,mysterious.”CaraacceptedtheglassAmberhandedherandsipped.“It’sallprettyaccurate,I’dsay.Thesupernatural,ancienthunterofLightTakers.Yep.That’shim.”

“Doesn’tthismakeyouquestionalot?Ithoughtaboutourpowersalllastnightafteryoucalled.WhatareDealersreally?Andwhydowedie,butthereareotherslikeRolfwhodon’t?Wheredidthisabilitycomefrom?”AmbersettledbesideCaraonthecouch.

“Idon’tknow.I’maspuzzledbyallthisasyouare.ButIwanttofindoutmore,andI’mhopingRolfwillsharesomeknowledgetohelpusunderstand.”

Thedownstairsdoorcreakedandthebellsjingled.“It’sme,”Torcalled.Dustystoodandwaggedhistail.Torpoundedupthestepsintotheliving

roomandstrippedoffhisbelt,whichhungheavywithhisgunandotherpolicetools.

“Hey,babe.”HeleanedoverandkissedAmberonthelips.Herfurrowedbroweasedandshesmiledasshetouchedhischeekwithherfingertips.

Caraswallowedagainsttheconstrictioninherthroat,achingassheoftendidinthepresenceofthesetwoandtheirobviousloveforeachother.Itwas

magic.Sheglancedawaytohideanyenvythatmightshowinhereyes.“Hey,Cara.I’llgochangeandbebackinaminute.Ican’twaittohear

aboutthisRolfdude.”Torgaveherawave.Whenhereturned,hesatonthearmofthesofabesideAmber,andshe

handedhimaglassofwine.Carafilledhiminonthedetails.“So,that’swhathedidwiththecrystals,”AmbersaidafterCara

describedthegoldandcrystaldevice.“Impressive.IwishIcouldseeit.”“WesentacarbyNicki’saddresslastnight,butshewasn’tthere,”Tor

said.“I’mnotsurprised.Man,ifoneofthoseBD’scameafterme,I’dleaveandnevercomeback.”

“ShedidcometotheofficerightbeforeIleft,andIwasabletogetsomeinformation.She’sbeenattackedtwice,believeitornot.”ThenshetoldthemabouttheclubandthelinktotheBD’s.

“Blade,”Torsaid.“Makessense.It’saknownganghangout.Theclub’sremainingopenbytheskinofitsteethduetothenumberofincidentstheyhavethere.Thecitycouncilwouldlovetoclosethosedudesdown.”Hesethisglassonthetablethenpoppedacheesesliceandcrackerintohismouth.

“IftheBD’sarehauntingittofindvictims,wemaybeabletouseittolocatethem,”Carasaid.

“True.”Tor’sgazeslidtoAmber,andhereachedouttotouchherface,hisexpressionfulloftenderness.“Iknowyou’reafraid,baby.”

“OfcourseIam,sweetheart.”Amberclaspedhishand.“MaybeweshouldjustletRolftakecareofthem.”

Torshookhishead.“I’dsaywe’realreadyinvolved.Butonethingwecandotoprotectourselvesismakesureourgroupisabletofightifthetimecomes.”Torpoundedhisfistintohispalm.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Caraasked.“Iwanttomakesureallofthepeopleinourgroupcankicksomeassif

somethinghappenslikelastnight.”Torroseandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“I’mgoingtoteachyouguyshowtofight.”

CaraandAmberexchangedaglance.“Idon’tmeankarate.Itwouldtaketoolongtogetyoutoapointwhere

youcoulddefendyourselves.I’mgoingtoteachyoustreetfighting,downanddirty,man.”Hemadeapunchingmotion.“LikeIlearnedinNewYork.”

“Idon’tthinkIcandothat,”Ambersaid.“YouknowhowIfeelaboutviolence.”

“Iknowhowyoufeel,butthisisaboutprotectingyourself.”Torrestedahandonhershoulder.“Idon’twantyoutobedefenseless.”

“He’sright,”Carasaid.“Wehavetobeinapositionofstrength.Right

nowwe’reweak.”Amberbitherfingernail,butnodded.“Itwouldn’thurttohavesome

peppersprayorsomething.”Torchuckled.“Okay,babe,I’llgetyousomepepperspray.”Thenhe

turnedtoCara.“I’llletAlistair,MarcandShanaknow,too.We’llstarttomorrownight.Wecanworkatthedojoaftertheregularclasses.”

“I’mgladyouthoughtofthis,Tor.I’llfeelbetterifIcanprotectmyself.Whenthatguyattackedme,Ididn’tknowwhattodo.”Carathoughtforamoment.“Youknow,everyoneshouldalsothinkaboutgettingadog.TheycanalertustothepresenceoftheBD’s.”ShegavethemarecountingofwhathadhappenedwithDustylastnight.“Notabadidea.”Torcrossedhisarms.HelookedatAmber.

“I’dlovetohaveadog.”Shegaveasmallsmile.“I’mallforthat.”Carasmiledandpushedwithachingmusclestorisefromthecouch.“All

IwantrightnowistocrawlinbedafterIcallRolfandupdatehimonNicki’sappearance.Tor,willyoucallAlistairforme?”

“Sure.”TorfloppeddownbesideAmberandattackedthecheesetrayagain.

Carahauledbagsthroughthedoortothehallintothesparebedroomshe’dusedmanytimesinthepast.ShebothdreadedandeagerlyanticipatedcallingRolf.HedidneedtoknowaboutNicki,though.Bladewasthebestcluetheyhadsofarand,nomatterhowdangerous,theyhadtocheckitout.

ChapterThirteen

“Youfool.”Desmonddrewbackhisarmtobackhandthebaldman

slouchedbeforehim.TheTakersoaredintotheairandcrashedagainstabookcasecoveringthewall,sevenfeetaway.Thenheslidintoaheap,unconscious.Ashowerofbooksfellontopofhim.

CarltonstoodbesidehismasterinDesmond’ssecondfloorstudy.HebarelyflinchedasDesmondattackedhisunderling.TheotherTakerscoweredagainstthewallbythewindow.

DesmondeyedCarlton.Thiswasalessonforhimaswellastheothers.Hewouldn’ttolerateanymoremistakes.“Incompetence!Youtriedtotakeagirl’sLightandinsteadletherescape?Idiot.Takehimaway.”Desmondflickedahandandtwoofhisfollowerssurgedforwardtodragthelimpbodyfromtheroom.Theothershurriedafter,eyeswide.OnlyCarltonremained.

“Whatwillyoudowithhim?”Carltonasked,claspinghishandsbehindhisback.

“Ishouldkillhim.”Ragetaintedhisvisionwithred,angryscenesofdestruction.He’dneverdestroyRolfwiththeseincompetentssurroundinghim.

Carltonnodded.“Butthosewiththegiftarefewandfarbetween.”Desmondpacedacross

theOrientalruginfrontofhisdesk,rubbinghischin.“Myplansaretooadvancedforthesemenialdisruptions.ButIneedeverymanIhave.Ifitweren’tforthatIwouldkillthemall.Thiscannothappenagain.”

“Iunderstand.”“Doyou?”Desmondwheeledtostareathissecondincommand.“Idon’t

thinkyoudo.Iamonthevergeoflaunchingaplantoeventuallycontroltheentireworld.AndyetIhavefoolswhocannotcarryouteventhesimplestassignment.Doestheabsurdityofthatrealitystrikefearintoyourheartforthesuccessofourendeavor?”

“Iseewhatyoumean.”Carltonglancedatthefloor.“Buthowdoyoutrustajunkie?Becausethat’swhatthesemenare.Light-dealersgivenatasteoftorturedLightandturnedtothedarkness.Nowtheycraveitandwoulddo

anythingforanotherhit.Onlythethreatofdeathcontrolsthem.”“Thenit’sfortunatetheyknowIcankillthem.”Desmondstompedtothe

heavy,darkoaktablehousinghistreasuredgoldenstatue.Hebrushedhisfingersoverthesmooth,creamyturquoise-coloredopalplantedatopthegrimacingIncangod.

EvenCarltondidn’tknowthisstonewasthecenterofhisplan.Hedidn’tneedtoknowyet.WhentheyspreadtheNethewouldrevealthisgreatsecret.

TheenormousAndeanopal’spowerhadbeenevidenteveninthetombofearthwhereDesmondoriginallyfoundit.Radiancefromthestonepenetratedthroughthegroundinthecaveandhedugitoutwithhisfingers,clawingthroughchunksofdirtandrocks.Usingithadallowedhimtoescapethecaveprisoninwhichhisbrotherplannedforhimtospendeternity.

“I’llmakesuretheyunderstandtheirliveshangbyathread,”Carltonsaid.

“Good.I’mgladyou’renotblind.Now,seeifyoucanfindthesetwowomenanddealwiththembeforetheygotothepolicewithanyinformationordescriptions.Anddisposeofthemsomewheretheywon’tbefound.”Hestalkedforwardwithmenacingstepsandliftedtheyoungerman’schinwithonefinger,leaningclose.“Don’tfailme,Carlton.Idon’twanttoloseyou.”

Carlton’snostrilsflared,andhisgazeshiftedtothefloorinsubmission.“Oncewehavepeopleinthepositionsofpowerweneed,wecancontrol

theworld.I’msureyouwanttobeapartofthat?”Desmonddroppedhishandandeasedback.

Carltonswallowed.“Don’tworry.I’llseetodisposingofthewomenpersonally.Andthehackisalmostcomplete.Ishouldbefinishedwithinaweek.”

Desmondsmiled.HetiltedforwardagaintopatCarlton’scheek.“Excellent.Iknewyoucoulddoit.”

“Weneedtostarttapingtheadswe’regoingtorunsowe’rereadyoncethelinkissecure.”Carltonblinkedseveraltimes.

“Verygood.Wecanworkonittomorrow.”DesmonddroppedhishandtoCarlton’sshoulder,andgrippedittightenoughtofeelbonesgrinding.

Carltonwincedandbackedaway.Desmondfollowedhimfromthestudy,downthehalltoCarlton’soffice.Tenglowingcomputerscreenswithavarietyofkeyboardsandprocessorsfilledeveryavailablespaceonshelvesliningthewallbythedoorandthesidewall.FansacrosstheroomblewtheheatfromthemachinestofanhisfaceandhebreathedinthemuskysmelloffearfromCarlton.

Desmondstrolledtotheothersidewallwiththelargecorkboardand

scannedthelabelstackedtherelistingmajorcitiesthroughouttheUnitedStateshecontrolled.Underthose,asuccessionofnotecardslistednames.Namesoftrustedgovernmentofficials,police,militaryandVIP’s,carefullynurturedoverthepasttenyearsbyDesmondforonepurpose—controlofthecities.

Innerwarmthsuffusedhim,thinkingofthepowerandwealththatwouldsoonflowtowardhimlikeriversflowedtothesea.Herubbedhishandstogetherinanticipation.Theonlymishapatthispointwasifhisidiotmencontinuedtoscrewup.

Heturnedfromtheboard.Carltonplacedhisphoneandalaptopinasatchelandswungitoverhisshoulder.Desmondhopedhewouldbeabletocleanupthemessmadelastnight.Anymoremistakesandsomeonewouldhavetodie.

###

“Damn!”Rolfslammedthephonedown.Thespindlyantiquedeskinthe

livingroomcreakedinprotestatsuchabuse.So,thegroupofTakersthey’dtrackedinRichmond,VirginiahadlinkstotheonehereinNorfolk.Desmond’scontrolreachedmuchfurtherthanthelocalarea.WhileRolfwasstampingoutsolitaryTakersacrossEuropeforthelasttwentyyears,DesmondhadbeenbuildinganempirehereinAmerica.

NexttimeheconfrontedtheHuacahewouldn’tleavehimburiedinapileofrubble.He’dmakesurehewasfinishedcompletely.Hepacedtothefireplace,assessingtheenormityofthesituation.

Aninvoluntarysnarlescapedhislips.Soonhewouldhavetofacehisoldenemyagain.Butfirst,heneededmoreinformation.Thistimeitwasn’tjustDesmondhemustdestroy,itwaslargegroupsofTakersinfivecitiesaswell.

Rolfpulledhiscellfromhispocketandstaredatitforseveralseconds.Didhedarecallher?Hetunneledhisfingersthroughhisshortblackhair.Itwasdifficulttoadmit,buttheextentofthethreatpushedhimintoutilizingCaraandherfriends,andyetheworriedforhersafety.Butitwasimperativetocontrolhisemotionsforthesakeofsavingtheworld,asusual.HesighedandpunchedinCara’snumber.

“Hello?”Hervoiceresonatedwithdependabilityandselfassurance.Itcalmedhim.

“It’sme.Rolf.Whereareyou?”“I’matTor’sdojo.He’steachingustofight.”

“Yourotherfriendsarethere?”“Yes,why?”“Givemetheaddress.”“Areyoucominghere?”“Ineedtoseeyou,ah,andah,yourfriends.Isthatallright?”“Ofcourse.Issomethingwrong?”Hervoiceheldatimbreofworry.It’d

beenalongwhilesinceanyonefrettedforhim.Funny.Itfeltasgoodnowasitdidamillenniaago.

“I’lltellyouaboutitwhenIgetthere,”hesaid.Sherelayedtheaddressand,withinfortyminutes,hesteeredhis

Mercedesintoadesertedparkinglot,savefourcarsinfrontofastripcenter.HestrodetothefrontofthedojowiththenameKarateMastersinblazingredneonabovethedoor.

Hesteppedinside,puthishandstogether,andbowed,honoringthedojo.Whenhestraightenedandremovedhisshoes,heglancedathisreflectioninthemirrorsliningthesidewalls.Caraandhergrouppracticedattherearofthelarge,shinyflooredexercisearea.Shelvesclutteredwithavarietyoftallandshortsparklingtrophiesfilledonesectionofthebackwall.Cara’sfriendmustbesuccessfulinhisfighting.

CarathrewanimpressivepunchatanAsianman,whogaveherahighfive.SheturnedherheadandnoticedRolfthensmiled.Shepeeledawayfromtheotherstotrotacrossthefloortohim,hershapelylegsdisplayedinblackleggingstoppedbyanoversizedsweatshirt.Herstrawberryblondehairbouncedinalongponytail,exposinghergracefulneck.Asizzleofwarmthstirredinhisgut.

“Hey,youfoundit.”Behindher,fiveotherpeoplemilledabout,allinworkoutclothesexcepttheAsianmaninagiwithablackbelt.Thedojoowner,nodoubt.Thestudents’eyesfollowedhimasheadvancedintothebrightnessoftheworkoutfloor.

RolfrefocusedonCara.“Yes.I’mhappytoseeyoumadeitthroughanotherday.Notroubleatwork?”

“Justtheusualsick,desperate,poorpeople.”Sheshrugged,herlongponytailfallingoveroneshouldertoherbreast.“It’sbeenquietthere.”

“Good.”“Comeonoverandletmeintroduceyoutomyfriends.”Shegesturedto

thegroupbehindher.“Hey,guys.ThisisRolf.I’vealreadytoldyouallabouthim.”Thensherecitedthenamesoftheothers.

Hesteppedforwardtoshaketheirhands,assessingthemthroughtheeyesofawarrior.Tor,wiryandstrong;Amber,paleandgentle;Shana,fieryand

unpredictable;Marcwithalongscratchdownonecheek,unabletomeethisgaze;andAlistair,intelligentwithatightgripshowingconfidence.Ah,buttheyallhadtheauraofDealerpower.Itwasastart.

“AndyouknowDusty.”Shepointedtoherdog,lyingonablanketbytheendwall,histailwaggingatRolf.

“I’mpleasedtomeetallofyou.SinceCarahasalreadytoldyouthebasics,letmefillyouinonwhatI’velearnedtoday.”HegavethemtheinformationaboutDesmondandtheconfirmedconnectioninRichmond.

“TheHuaca,”Alistairmused,rubbinghischin.“Itmakessense.Hecouldn’tmakehisownenergy,sohetookitfromothers.Itwasbeneficialforhimtodevelopanauraasholyoradeitysohewasassuredofsacrifices.Wouldyousayit’spossiblehispowerhasgrownovertime?”

“AllIcansayis,whenwefoughtfive-hundredyearsagohewasverystrong.IthoughtI’ddestroyedhim.Therefore,thefactheremainsaliveisatestimonytohisstrengthandendurance.”

“Haveyougrownstrongerovertime?”Caraasked.“Yes.”“Thenweshouldassumehehasaswell.”“Thatwouldbereasonable,”hesaid.“ButwhatIneedrightnowismore

information,andmystaffisspreadthin.”HeturnedtoTor.“Howmanyplacesareknownasganghangouts?IprefertopicktheTakersoffoneatatimeifweknowwhatplacestheyfrequent.Fightingalargegroupatoncewouldbeadisaster.”

TorglancedatAmberandshenodded.“Okay,dude,Icangetyoualist.”“ButwhatabouttheclubNickitoldmeabout?”Caracrossedherarms.“It’sbeingtakencareof.”Rolfdidn’twanttheminvolvedinthatsortof

activitywithouttraining.“Weneedtostakeitout.Thenattackthembeforetheyattackus.”She

shiftedhergazetotheothermembersofthegroup.Shana,Tor,andAlistairnoddedwhileAmberandMarclookedaway.

“Well,IthinkCara’sright,”Shanasteppedforward,browneyesflashing.“Weneedtostompthistrashout,andfastbeforeitspreads.”

“Thatwon’tbenecessary,”Rolfsaid.“Whynot?”Caraplantedherhandsonherhips.“Ialreadyknowwheretheyliveandmymenarekeepinganeyeonthe

club.TheywilleliminateanyTakerstheyfindluringunsuspectingvictimsawayfromthescene.”

Marcshiftedbackandforthonhisfeetthencrossedhisarmsoverhischest.

RolfglancedatCara.“Ifyouwent,theTaker’swouldfeelyourenergysignatureandyouwouldbeineffective.Besides,IneedTor’shelpdivertingthepolicefromahouseforabrieftimetomorrow.IhavetogetmoreinformationfromtheTakers’headquarters.”Hedetailedhisplanstothemandeveryonenoddedagreement—exceptTor.

“I’mnotsure.IfI’mcaught,it’smyassontheline.”Torrakedahandthroughhishair.

“Weshalltakeeveryprecautionnottobecaught,”Rolfsaid.“We’llwatchthelocationuntilthey’realloutthendisarmtheirsecuritysystem.ButIneedtomakesurethere’snopoliceroamingtheareawhilewe’reworkingonthecable.”

Torthrewuphishands.“Okay,man.I’llseewhatIcando.”“Excellent,”Rolfsaid.“Now,IneedtospeaktoCaraamoment.”Cararaisedonebrow.“Outside.”Hejerkedhisheadtowardthefrontdoor.“Oh,uh,yeah.Right.”Shefollowedhimoutsidetoabenchonthe

sidewalk.Theparkinglotstillheldonlythegroup’scars.Theairwaswarmforthis

timeofyear,buthesawhershiver.“Areyousurethisisgoingtowork?”Herintensehazeleyesfocusedon

his.Themoonlighthighlightedhercreamyskin.Sosoft.Hisfingertipstingledtotouchthesatin-smoothflesh.Hejoinedheronthebenchbutkeptafootofspacebetweenthem.

Beingalonewithherrattledhisrocksolidresolve,buttherewassomethingimportantheneededtoknowaboutthenighttheTakerattackedher.It’dkepthimuplastnight.“ThenighttheTakerattackedyou.YoutoldmehetriedtotakeyourLight.”

Sheletoutabigbreathandsaggedagainstthebench.“Yes,hepinnedmeagainstthewallandputhishandonmyforehead.Thenhelookedsurprised.Thathappenedonlysecondsbeforeyouhithim.”

“Hewasn’tabletotakeany?”Sheshiftedtofacehim.“No,Ididn’tfeelanything.Whatareyougetting

at?”“I’mnotsure.ButTakersbecomeadeptatextractingLightfromtheir

victims.InthepastI’veneverfoundanyoneabletostopthem—unless—”Hegrippedhisknees.

“Unlesswhat?”Sherestedahandonhisarm.Atingleofwarmthseepedthroughhisshirtwhereshetouchedhimandajoltofelectricityshotuphisarmtopiercehischestinanexplosionthatsetbloodhammeringinhisveins.He

boltedtohisfeetandherhandpeeledoffhim.Buthiseyesneverlefthers.Warringconfusionandrealizationclashedinthedepthsofhergaze.

“Rolf?”Sheslidforwardinherseat.“Ibelieveyouhavethegift,”hewhispered,rubbinghisarm.“Gift?”Sheblinkedseveraltimes,longlashesfanninghercheeks.“It’srare,butsomeGiversareabletoblockanyattempttotaketheir

Light.It’savaluablegift.”Shelookeddownandmurmuredsomethinghedidn’tunderstand.“What?”“MissEmmie.”Sheraisedhergazetohis.“ShewasaGiver.Oneofmy

patientsatthefreeclinic.Shediedlastweekand,beforeshepassed,shetoldmeshewantedtogivemehergift.Ididn’tunderstand.Shewasgoingonaboutsomeevilcoming—”Hereyespoppedwide.“Sheknew!ShemusthavebeentalkingabouttheTakerscoming.Shewantedtogivemehergifttoprotectme.”

“Itmakessense.”Rolfsankbacktothebench,acouplefeetawayfromherthistime.“YourEmmiemighthavebeenoneofthescatteredancientones.Strangethatshedied…unlessshepassedofherownaccord.Ifshegaveyouthegift,Iwantedtoaskyoutoletmetestit—toseeifyoureallycanwithstandanattempttotakeyourLight.Itwouldbeextremelyvaluabletoknowthis.”Heturnedsidewaysinhisseattofaceher.“Butyouhavetoagreetoletmetry.Ifyoudon’ttrustme,Iunderstand.”Hestudiedherexpressionasheremotionsplayedout:fear,confusion,resignation.

“Idon’tknow.Whatifyoufindyoucantakeit?”“IswearIwillbreaktheconnectionimmediately.”Heliftedhishandto

comforther,thendrewitback,afraidtoshowhisfeelings.Shepressedherlipstogetherandtookadeepbreath.“Doit.”Heleanedforwardandcurledhisfingersaroundherneck.Hereyes

widenedashisfingerspalpatedherwarmfleshtohisportal,andshedrewinaquick,audiblebreath.Thesensualtreatofsoftskinanddownyhairsgreetedhisfingers.Howlonghaditbeensincehehadtouchedawomanhereexcepttokillher?Centuries.

Heswallowed,forcinghimselftofocus.“Okay?”Shenodded,andheinitiatedthechannelofconnection.Hisfingertips

suckedtightonherskinandheuncurledthestrandsofLightinhiscenter.Hesentoutasearchingtentacleofenergy,attemptingtoextractherLight.Hisdrainingstrandmetresistance.Heintensifiedhisfocusandincreasedhispower,unleashingeverydrainingforcehecouldmuster.Buttheenergybouncedback,givinghimanunexpectedjolt.Throughoutitall,Caraneverflinched.Hesmiled.Althoughheseveredtheconnection,helethishandrestagainstherneckfora

fewmoreseconds.Shesighed,bringinghimtohissensesandhereleasedher.Hescootedbacktohissafedistanceandreliefwashedoverhim.He

hadn’trealizedhowmuchheneededCarasafe.Theycouldstillkillher,butnotbydepletingherLight.

“Well?”sheasked,hercheeksglowingpinkinthemoonlight.“It’strue,Cara.Yourfriend,Emmie,gaveyouapowerfulgift.”Shebitherbottomlipandtearswelledinhereyes.“DearEmmie.”She

stoodandpacedawaytotheouteredgeofthesidewalk.“Areyouallright?”Hestoodbutdidnotfollow.Shenodded,restingonehandoverhereyes.“Yes,it’sjustsokindofher.

Shewasdyingthatday,andyetshestruggledallthewayacrosstowntogivethistome.”Shefacedskywardandbrushedherfingertipsbeneaththebottomsofhereyes.

“Itmaybemorevaluablethanyouknow,”Rolfsaid.TherewasachancethisgiftallowedCaratoshieldothers.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Shestrodebacktowardhim,herfacepalebutcomposed,andstoppedacouplefeetinfrontofhim.

“Idon’thavetimetoexplainnow.Mymenareworkingonhowwe’llinfiltratetheTakers’headquartersandIneedtohelpthem.AreyougoingbacktoTorandAmber’shouseforthenight?”

Shenodded.“Butthere’ssomethingIdon’tunderstand.IfyoucantakeLightandkillTakers,whyaren’tyouaffectedbytheaddiction?”

“IhavetheabilitytochangethetaintedLightonceit’sinsideme.Onlyanancientcandothis.”

Shechewedherlip.“Oh.Well,whenwillIhearfromyou?I’dreallyliketounderstandmoreaboutthisgift.”

“Tomorrow.Sleepwell,Cara.”Unabletoresistthelureofherivoryflesh,hebrushedhisknucklesdownhersoftcheek.Sheclosedhereyesandsighed.Hesteppedawayandgaveheraslightbow,thewarmthofherskinlingeringonhisfingers.Shesmiledandheorderedhisfeettomovetowardthecar.Heslidintotheseat,andshewasstillstaringafterhim.Hisheartclenched.Thiswasgoingtobeverydifficult.

Theurgetostaywithher,toprotecther,tuggedathiscore—anancientimpulselongburied.Impossible.AndyethopeflaredinhisheartasherememberedSakhetsayinghewouldhavehelpinhisfight.AreasontojustifyextendinghisinteractionwithCara?Temptationortruth?

ChapterFourteen

Caralayinbedthatnightgoingoverinhermindtheinteractionwith

Rolf.Goosebumpspoppedonherskin.Sherubbedthemandletoutabigsigh.Dustysnuggledbesideherandliftedhisheadatheractivity.

“It’sokay,gobacktosleep.”Sheranherhandoverhisheadandscratchedbehindhisears.“I’mjustfeelingweird.”

HeatroseinherbellyandspreadthroughherlimbsassherelivedRolf’sfingersstrokingthenapeofherneckandthelasttouchonhercheek.Whowasshekidding?Hesetheronfirejustlookingatherwiththosecooleyesfullofancientsecrets.

ShegroanedandDustypokedhisheadup.Sherolledoverandputanarmaroundhimtogivehimabigsqueeze.“IknowI’mcrazy.Whatwouldheseeinagirllikeme?He’sthousandsofyearsold.Heprobablythinksofmeasababy.”Dustyhuffedoutalowbark.SheclosedhereyesandpushedRolf’sdisturbingimageoutofhermind.

Ascrapeofshoesontheflooryankedherfromtheblanknessofsleep.Sheblinkedtoclearhervision.MissEmmiestoodatthefootofherbed.CaraplacedahandonDustybutheslepton,unawareoftheirvisitor.

“MissEmmie?”shewhisperedindisbelief.Thismustbeadream.“Yes,child.Whoelsedoyouthinkitis?”Theoldwomansmiled,

wrinklescreasingherface,eyessparkling.Carasatupinbedandrubbedhereyes.“Ican’tbelieveit.Ithoughtyou

weredead.Howdidyougethere?”“Oh,don’tworryaboutallthat.”Emmiewavedahand.Shemoved

aroundtothesideofthebed.Sheworethesameoutfitasthedayshedied:printdress,darkbluesweaterandsneakers,stillcarryingthatblackpatentpurse.“I’vecometoseehowyou’redoingandmakesureyouunderstandaboutthegift.”

“Thegift.Yes,thegift.Oh,Emmie,thankyou.Irealizenowwhatyougaveme.Thankyousomuch.”

“Iknewyouwouldneedit.”Emmienoddedwithasatisfiedsmile.“Thatol’evilgottobestopped.”SheshookafingeratCara.“Yougottohelpanduse

thegift.”“ButIdon’tknowwhatyouwantmetodo.”“Yougottomakesurethemevilmenaredestroyed.”Emmieturnedand

headedforthedoor.“Youfollowyourheartandeverythingwillbefine.Justfine.”

“Wait,Emmie.”Carastretchedoutahand,scramblingtoleavethebed,butherlegstangledinthesheets.“Can’tyoutellmemore?Whatdoweneedtodotodefeatthem?Ineedyourhelp.”

Theoldwomanstoppedandslowlyturnedherheadtolookoverhershoulder.“Somethingshavetobefiguredoutonyourownforthemagictowork.You’llknowwhattodowhenthetimecomes.”Shewinkedandshuffledoutthedoor.

AjoltshotthroughCara’sbody.Hereyessnappedopen.Startled,shelookedaround,butonlydarknessfilledtheroom.Shereachedforherdogandherhandtouchedhisfurryback.Dustyshiftedandlookedather,headtiltedtooneside.

Adream.ButEmmiewassoreal.Wasitadream?Oravision—amessagefromanotherdimension?

###

Rolftrudgedtotheentranceofhishouse,stillthinkingofCara,andthe

doorswungopenbeforehereachedit.Seangreetedhimwithasmile.“I’mreadytohackintotheircomputers.

I’mcertainwecandoitfromoutside,throughthecable.”“Excellentwork.I’lldrawalayoutoftheareaandwheretheoutside

connectionsare.”RolffollowedSeanintothefoyer.“Also,Ihaveawaytokeepthepoliceawaywhileyouworktomorrow.WehavetofindoutthedetailsoftheTakers’planifwehopetostopthem.”

“Good.We’reready.Anythingelse?”SeanaccompaniedRolfintothelivingroomandhandedhimthelateststackofmessages.

“Anywordfromthemenstakingouttheclub?”Rolfflippedthroughthepapersthentossedthemonthetable.

“Allquietsofar.”Seanscratchedhischin.“Thecreepsmustbetakingthenightoff.”

Rolfnodded.He’dbeenthinkingonthewayhomefrommeetingwithCaraandherfriends.Giventheunexpectedmagnitudeofthissituation,he

wantedtohaveawaytotakealltheGiversoutoftheareainthecaseofanemergency.“CallthecaptainofAvalon.TellhimtobringhertotheportinNorfolk.Wemayneedhersoon.”

Seannoddedandleftthelivingroom.FatiguesoakedintoRolf’sbonesandhewearilyclimbedthestairstohis

bedroom.Carakeptintrudinginhismind.WhywouldSakhetsendamortaltohelphim?Andonehefeltanattractionto?Theanswerhoveredtherebutherejectedit—theideashewantedhimtoloveagain.Impossible.

Heremovedhisclothesandfellacrossthebed,histhoughtstorturedwithwhathemightormightnotdotodealwiththeTakers.Maybeifheslept,Sakhetwouldcometoeasehismind.But,inthedarknessofslumber,hisdreamsremainedsilent,hisquestionsunanswered.

ChapterFifteen

Atfouro’clock,Carajammedfourquartersinthesodamachineofthe

clinicbreakroom,thenjumpedattheloudsmashasthecanhitthepickuptray.Sheleanedagainstthewallandclosedherlidsoverhertired,burningeyes.Man,I’mjumpy.

“Careful,girl,allthatpartyingwilltakeitoutofyou.”NurseReginaretrievedthedietsodaandhandedittoCara.“Youlookbeat.”

Carapoppedthetopofthecanandtookagulp.“Iwishitwaspartying.”Betweenbeingbeatupandlearningtofight,therewasn’tmuchenergyleftforwork.

“Whydon’tyouleaveearly?Wedon’thaveanymorepatientstoday.”Reginaputahandonhershoulder.

“Goodidea.”Carasmiledandheadeddownthehalltoheroffice.Whenshereachedherdoor,aloudmalevoiceeruptedfromthewaiting

area,andshejumpedagain.“Look,IneedtoseeCaraCollins,”themanbellowed,voiceclippedwith

impatience.“Sir,haveaseat.She’swithapatientrightnow,”Rosasaidfirmly.Carapeepedaroundthecornerthreefeetbeyondherofficewherethe

receptionistcubiclewasvisible.Atall,muscularmanglaredatRosathroughthesafetywindow.Caraputahandoverhermouthtostiflehergaspandgrabbedthewalltokeepfromfallingasherkneesgaveout.

Itwasthesamemanwho’dattackedNicki.Howdidhefindher?Rosahaddealtwithrudetypesbeforeandknewhowtostandherground.

Heshiftedonhisfeetbutdidn’targue.Hewhirledaroundandstalkedovertoachairtositontheedge,handsonhisknees.

Caracreptbacktoheroffice,heartpounding,mouthdry.Sheopenedthedoorwithatremblinghand.Dustystoodjustinsidetheoffice,stiff-legged,growling,hishacklesraised.Sheslammedthedoorandscurriedtoherpurseforhercellphone.ShakingfingershittheSENDbuttonforRolf’snumber.

“Cara?”heansweredafterthefirstring.

“Rolf,hurry.Takerinthewaitingroom.SameonefromNicki’s.”Heartracing,shefloppedintoherdeskchair.

“What?”“ATaker!Heaskedforme,andDustyisgrowlinglikehedidthatnight

atNicki’s.Please,hurry.Hemighthurtthepeoplehere.”“Lockyourdoorandstayput.I’monmyway.”Theconnectionwent

dead.Shetossedthephoneonherdeskandrushedtothedoortolockit.A

goodkickanditwouldfallapart,though.Spinningaround,shesurveyedtheroomforanythingtouseasaweapon.

Herdeskphonerang.Sheclutchedherchestthenpickedupthereceiver.“Yes?”“Cara,there’saguyouthere,sayshehastoseeyou.Hewon’ttake‘no’

forananswer.Seemskindofweirdtome,”Rosasaid.“Jittery.”“Yes,uh,justtellhimI’llbewithhiminabouttenminutes,tellhim

somethingtokeephimthere.”Hervoicecracked.“Areyouokay?”“Fine,justtieduprightnow.Tellhimtowait.”“Allright.I’lltry,butheseemsreallybuggy,likehe’sreadytojumpout

ofhisskin.”“Don’tconfronthim.Justcallthepoliceifyouneedto.”“Oh,Iwill,don’tworry.”Rosahungup.CarahopedRosacouldstringthemanalonguntilRolfarrived.She

didn’twantthereceptionisttoconfronthimandgethurt.Dustygrowledbytheofficedoor,shetriedtopullhimback.“Sit,Dusty.”Buthewouldn’tstop.

Openingherdeskdrawer,shefranticallyscroungedthecontentsandextractedaletteropener—heavybrasswithaunicornononeend.Shehefteditinherhand.Itwouldhavetodo.

Shoutserupted,muffledbythedoor,andshejumped.ShedialedRosa’snumber—noanswer.Damn!

Acrashechoedoutsideheroffice.Thatmusthavebeenthedoorbetweenthewaitingroomandthebackarea.OhGod,he’dkickeditdown.Herheartpounded.Dustylungedforward,snarling.

Asharpbangandthedoorvibrated.CaradraggedDustybythecollarandscrambledbehindthedesk.Asecondshatteringimpactandthedoorsplinteredinward,sendingshardsofwoodflying.Caraputupanarmtoshieldherface,andDustyalmostpulledhershoulderfromthesocket,hurlinghimselfattheTakerwhocrawledthroughthejaggedopening.

TheTakerstoodintheshambles,breathingheavilyandglaringather,

handsballedintofistsathissides.ShescreamedandstruggledtohangontoDusty,staggeringbacktostayupright.DearGod,theTakerwouldkillherdogifshelethimgo.She’dneverlivewithherselfifthathappenedwithhimprotectingher.

Outside,theofficecollapsedintoanuproarofyellingandscreams.Awoodenchaircrashedintothemaniac’sback,butheshruggedofftheimpactandstartedtowardher.

Sheretreatedonlyafewstepsuntilstoppedbythebookcasebesideherofficewindow.WiththeletteropenerinonehandandholdingDustybythecollarwiththeother,shefacedherattacker.

Shewouldn’tgodowneasy.Themanstompedtowardher,hiscold,intensegazefixedonher.

“You’recomingwithme.”“No,I’mnot.”Shegrippedtheletteropeneruntilherfingershurt,and

foughttokeepherholdonDustywhostilllungedrepeatedly,snarlingandtwisting.

TheTakersteppedwithinthreefeetofher.Dustyrearedupandhiscollarsnapped.Heleapedattheman,crunchingdownonhisarmwhenitliftedinablockinggesture.Theattackerslunghisarmbackward,sendingDustyinaspinningarctowardthedoor.ThentheTakercameforher.

Helaunchedhimself,handsstretchedtowardherneck.Carabentherkneesandthrustoutwiththeletteropener.Itcaughthimintheshoulderandstoppedhimonlyafewseconds.Hechuckled,grabbedtheweaponandtosseditaway.Herushedheragainandgrabbedherneckwithbothhands.ShebroughtherarmsupbetweenhisthenthrustthemouttothesidesasTorhadtaughtthem,whichbrokethehold.Shejerkedakneeup,slammingintohisgroin.

Hegroanedbutlashedoutwithablow,aringonhisfingergrazinghercheek.Shestumbledintothebookshelf,puttingherhandtoherthrobbingcheek.Holdinghiscrotch,hemoaned,butmanagedanotherattack.Dustyrecoveredandattackedthemanfromtherear,chompingdownonanankle.Caraleapedoverherdeskandcrashedintothewall.Asearingpainrippedthoughherskull.Metallictastingbloodseepedintohermouth,andsheputahandagainstherjaw.ThemanscrambledoverthescrapedtopofherdeskwithDustyhangingonhisrightlegbytheteeth.

TheTakerreacheddowntowraphishandsaroundherneckagain,jerkinghertoherfeet.Shepunchedhiminthestomachbuthisholddidnotloosen.Darknessshadedhervision.Shegaspedforbreathandclawedathisforearms.Suddenly,themanliftedupfrombehind,andhishandsdroppedfromherneck.Shedoubledover,spent,andgaspingforair.

Rolftossedthemanacrosstheroom.Hecrashedagainstthewallbutlandedonhisfeet.Shardsofwoodandplasterraineddownaroundhim.HestoodandfacedRolf,eyeswidethentheTakersteppedtothesideand,withoutapause,dovethroughCara’sclosedwindow.Glassandwoodshardsflewabouttheroomathisabruptexit.Rolfrantothewindow.DustycameovertoCaraandlickedherface.Shepulledherselfupononeelbow,butashootingpaininhershoulderstoppedhermovement.Herthroatached.Bastards.Whydidtheyalwayshavetochokeher?

Sirensblaredand,aminutelater,severalpolicemenrushedintotheroom.Theclinicstaffgatheredoutsideherdoor,peeringinpastthepolicemen.OneofthecopsputahandunderherelbowtohelpherstandthenRolfwasatherside,hisarmcirclingherwaist.

“Areyouhurt?”Rolf’svoicesurprisedherwithitsgentleness.“Notsureyet.”Sherubbedherleftshoulderandgingerlyliftedherarm

intheair.“We’llcallanambulance,”oneofthepolicemensaidandputahandto

theradioclippedtohisshoulder.“No!”Carapointedathim.“Noambulance.”“Areyousure?Seemslikeyougotprettyknockedaround.”“I’mfine.Idon’twanttogotothehospital.”Heeyedherskeptically.“Canyoutelluswhathappened?”“Someguybrokeinhereanddemandedtoseeme.Whenthereceptionist

toldhimtowait,hewentberserkandstartedbreakingdowndoorsthenheattackedme.”

“Didyouknowhim?”theothercopasked.Shehesitated,thensaidinafirmvoice,“No,Ididn’tknowhim.”She

turned,searchingtheroom.“OhGod,Dusty.Isheallright?”Herdogwasbythedoor,thesweetpooch.Herprotector.Sheheldoutherhandsandheedgedforward,pantingandstaringather.Sheputherarmsaroundhim,nuzzlinghisfurryneck,andkissedhishead.“Myhero.”

“Comesitdown.”Rolfguidedhertotheonlychairthatsurvivedtheattack.

“Areyousureyoudon’tneedanambulance,ma’am?”thepolicemanasked.

“I’mnotgoingtothehospital,”shesaid.Geez,she’dbeasittingduckthere.Shehadtogetawayfromhere.Anxietywelledinherchest.Shesqueezedhershakinghandstogetherinherlap.

“Weneedalittlemoreinformation.”Thepolicemanscribbledinhisnotebook.“Canyougiveusadescriptionoftheman?”

Sherecitedasmuchinformationassheremembered.“Rosasawhim,too.Youshouldgetherinputonhisappearance.”

Thepolicerambledthroughtheclinic,surveyingthedamageandinterviewingthestaff.CaraliftedahandtoRolf.

“Getmeoutofhere,”shewhispered.“Please.”Henoddedandliftedher,hisstrongarmbandinghershoulders.Dusty

followed.Blesshim,Rolfsaidalltherightthingsand,afterpromisingtocometopoliceheadquartersifanyfurtherinformationwasneeded,theywereallowedtoleave.Heescortedhertohiscarand,afewsecondslater,shelostconsciousness.

###

“Cara?”AnxietysqueezedRolf’schestashelookeddownatCarainthe

bedofhissparebedroom.Thepressurewasunlikeanyhehadexperienced,exceptwhathe’dfeltforSakhet.FearCarahadbeenseriouslyhurtbytheTakerateathisinsideswithbitterechoesofthepast.Hewouldfindthebastardsandripouttheirblackhearts.

“Cara?”Hereachedoutandtouchedhercheek,revelinginthevelvetytexturebeneathhisfingers.Gods,hewantedtotakeherinhisarms.

Sheblinkedseveraltimesuntilhereyesfocusedandfoundhim.Dustylaybesideheronthebedandcrawleduptolickherfacewhenshemoved.Sherestedherfingersinhisfur.

“Howareyou?”Rolfasked,voiceconstricted.“I’mnotsure.”Sheheldoutahand.“Helpmeup.”Heputanarmunderhershouldersandliftedasshestruggledtorisetoa

sittingposition.“Aww,”shemoaned.Rolfsatonthesideofthebedwithonearmaroundhershouldersto

supporther.Shepressedherfingerstohertempleandtouchedbandagesatdifferentplacesalloverherface.Shegroanedasherfingertracedthecontoursofhercheeksandforehead.

“Ithinkyoushouldliedown.”Rolfeasedhertothepillow.“You’reright.Ifeelhorrible.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Andalittle

nauseated.”“Ireallyshouldtakeyoutothehospital,butI’mafraidtheTakersmight

findyou.Youhavetotellmeifyouthinkit'snecessary.Icanonlydosomuch

foryou.”“No,you’reright.Idon’twanttogotothehospital.I’llbefine.Justlet

mestayhereawhile.CouldIgetanicepackformyheadand,um,someGingerAle?”

“Ofcourse,butIwanttohelpyou.Willyougivemeyourpermission?”Hewaitedforhertonod,thenputhisfingersonthebackofherneck.AgentleflowofLightfilteredthroughhisfingertipsandthecreaseonherbroweased.“Better?”Hishandlingered,luxuriatinginthesoftnessofherskin.

“IthinkI’lllivenow.”Shegavehimahalf-smileandsankdeeperintothebed.“Oh,pleasecallAmber.Torwillhaveheardabouttheclinicontheradio.They’llbefrantic.”

“Iwill.Justrelax.”HelefttheroomandwentdownstairstofindSeansohecouldgethersomeiceandthesoda,buthismanmuststillbeoutattheTaker’shouse.

Cara’sconditionalarmedRolf.She’dtakenquiteabeatingbeforehearrived.ItwasastonishingtheTakerswouldmakesuchaboldmovetoattackhersoopenly.TheymustbeconcernedshehadwitnessedtheattackonNickiandsurvived.Butwhy?

HecalledAmbertoassureherCarawasgoingtobeokayandwouldstaywithhimtonight.Hepromisedtohavehercallfirstthinginthemorning.

Herambledthroughtherefrigeratorandfoundatwo-literbottleofgingeraleandpouredsomeinaglass.Next,heopenedseveraldrawersandlocatedthezip-lockbags.Hefilledonewithiceandcarriedbothglassandbagdownthehall.

SeancameinthefrontdoorasRolfcrossedthefoyer.“Sean,I’mgladyou’reback.Howdiditgo?”“Sir,wesuccessfullyhackedintotheBroadbandcableandIdownloaded

everythingonthefourcomputersthere.”Seantookthebagfromhisshoulder.“Yourfrienddidagoodjobkeepingthecopsaway.Wehadnointerference.”

“Fourcomputers?”“Yes,whoeverisworkingwithDesmondisverytechno-savvy.

Somethingbigisgoingon.”“Willtheybeabletodetectyourinterference?”“No,sir.”Seangavehimaconfidentgrin.“I’mevenmoretechno-

savvy.”“Verywell,”Rolfsaid.“Getonitimmediately.I’llmeetyouinthe

controlroominfiveminutes.”Seanhurriedaway.Rolfclimbedthesweepingstairstothesecondfloor

andenteredCara’sroom.

“Hereyougo.”Hehandedthepacktoher.Sheplaceditonherface,thentooktheglassanddrank.

“Thanks,I’mprettysuregingeraleisthenectarofthegods.JustwhatIneeded.YourLighthelpedalot,bytheway.”

“Cara,listen,mymanSeanjustcameback.”Hesatonthesideofthebed.Shemotionedwithonehandforhimtogoahead.“WillyoubeallrightwhileIseewhat’sbeenuncovered?”

Shenoddedandputthepackonherface,hervoicemuffledbeneathit.“I’mokay.Letmeknowwhathefound.”

“Iwill.”Rolfpulledthecoversuptoherchest.Despitethebruisesandbandages,hestillwantedtogatherherinhisarms.Buthehadtoresist,thenewsSeanuncoveredcouldn’twait.

Seanwasbusyinthecontrolroom,typingandfocusedonthescreenbeforehim.Rolfglancedatthevideomonitorsviewingtheperimeterofhishouse.

“Wehitthejackpot,sir.I’vegottheentireharddrivefilesalongwithmostofthetemporaryfilesaswell.”

“That’sgood.”AswellofreliefcoursedthroughRolf.TheywouldsoonknowDesmond’splans.

Sean’sfingersflewoverthekeyboard.“Yes,anditwasn’teasyhackingthroughallthesecuritymeasures.”

“Howsoonuntilyouknowwhat’sonthem?”“Givemetwenty-fourhours.Ididn’tknowtheywereencrypteduntilI

openedupthefiles.I’llneedtimetobreakit.”“Verywell.Weneedtoknowwhattheyhopetoaccomplishassoonas

possible.”“I’monit.”Seanswiveledhischairbacktothecomputerscreen.Rolfstoodandstrodeoutoftheroom,thoughtszoominginahundred

directions.Heclimbedthestairs,tryingtoputhimselfinDesmond’sposition.Ifhe

hadthatmuchpowerandorganizationsinmultiplecities,whatwouldhebeplanning?

RolfenteredCara’sroomandstoppedbesidethebedtogazeather.“What'sgoingon?”Caraturnedonhersidefacinghim,theicepacknow

placedonthebackofherhead.Hepulledachairclosetothebed.“Wewon’tknowuntilmorning.The

filesareencrypted.”Caragroaned.“GoodGod.Whatcantheybeupto?”“There'snothingwecandotonight.Getsomesleep.Tomorrowwe'll

regroup,and,withtheevidenceSeanfound,wecancomeupwithaplan.”“Rolf?”“Yes?”“Yousavedmylife.Again.”Shegavehimalopsidedgrin.“Thanks.”Hehadtosmile,too.“You'realotoftrouble.Doyouknowthat?”“I'msorry.I’lltrytonotletithappenagain.”“Thatwouldbegood.”“Oh,andRolf?”“Yes,Cara?”“Canyoupleasefindmeabaconcheeseburgersomewhere?”

ChapterSixteen“Yousaytherewasamandressedallinblackwith

blackhair?”Desmondglaredathishenchman.Thefoolhadattackedanotherwomanthenletherescape.Afterhearingwhathadoccurred,CarltonhaddraggedthisidiotintoDesmond’sstudy.

ThemantrembledandheldouthishandstoDesmond.“Master,Iwantedtopleaseyou.IwassureIcouldfindthebitchandkillher.Itwouldhaveworkedifthatassholehadn’tshownup.”

Cutsandbruisesmarredtheman'sfaceandbody.Carltoncrossedhisarmsandletoutahuff.AsliverofangerslicedintoDesmond,buthestifledhisdesiretoobliteratetheimbecile.Hewantedinformationbeforeheletrageconsumehim.

“Thewomanmusthavecalledhim.HegotthereonlyafewminutesafterIenteredtheclinic.Hewaspowerful,”themansaid.“Whoishe?”

Desmondwheeledawaytopacetothewindow.Rolf!Themysteriousmaninblackcouldbenooneelse.Anicyfurysweptthroughhim.Howheachedtopursuehisoldenemyanddestroyhim.Buthehadtostayfocusedonhismission.Ifhewassuccessful,Rolfwouldbeunabletostophimthistime,andDesmondwouldtorturehimuntilhebeggedfordeath.ThefactRolfremainedsoclosewasexcellentactually.OncehecontrolledNorfolkandVirginiaBeach,hewouldspreadanetoflawenforcementthatRolfcouldnotescape.Adarkfatewaitedforthemanwhohadoncedamnedhimtocenturiesofisolationandtorture.Hewouldmakesureofthat.

Arushofpleasurefromthisimagecoaxedalaughfromhisthroat.TheTakerinfrontofhimrelaxed,hislipsquiveringintoasmile.Thedoltthoughthewouldgetoffeasy,butthiswasonetoomanymistakes.Desmond’shandsnakedoutinaflashandconnectedwiththeman’schest.Desmonddrewfromthepowerofthestone,whichsatinitsgoldenstatueacrosstheroom,andtheman’sLightwasgoneinasecond.Hecollapsedtothefloor,wideeyesfrozen,hismouthopeninasilentscream.

Carlton’seyesnarrowed.“Whataboutthewoman?”“Forgether.Thatwasamistake.Anunfortunatediversion.Idon’twant

anymoremishaps.Weneedtofocusonourplan.OncewecreatetheNet,theinsertionofourpeoplecanbegin.Afterthat,allthoseareaswillbeunderourcontrol.”DesmondfacedCarlton.“Weneedtomoveupourdateofimplementationtothismonth’swaningmoon.Wecan'twaitfornextmonthand

riskanyinterference.”Carltonfrowned.“That’sintwodays.Doyoureallythinktheothersare

ready?”“They’llhavetobe.”HesteppedclosetoCarltonandcuppedhisfacein

onehand.“Nomoremistakes,Carlton.”Carltonnoddedandretreated,eyesslidingtothemanonthefloorashe

rushedaway.

###

Cararosethenextmorning,musclesaching,butherheaddidn'thurtso

much.Rolf’sinfusionofLighthadworkedmiracles.Sheeasedoutofbed,withahandtoherheadasdizzinesssweptthroughher.WhydidtheTakersalwayshavetowhackherinthehead?Dustygreetedher,boundingbackandforthacrosstheroom,wantingtoplay.Tooexhaustedforhisantics,sheputahandoverherachingeyesandshookafingerathim.“No!Down!”

Hefinallysubsidedandcontentedhimselfwithpressingagainstherlegs,whichnearlyknockedherover.Shesteppedaroundhimtoopentheantiquearmoire.Clothesfromherhousehadbeenbroughthereandplacedinside.Shefoundotherclothesinthedresser.MoresignsofRolf’sefficiency.Shepulledonjeansandabluesweaterthenwalkedtothebathroomadjoiningherroom.

Peeringintothemirroroverthesink,sheletoutalong,slowbreath.“Holycrap.”Apatchworkofbandages,someofthemspottedwithblood,coveredherface,andwereinterspersedwithsplotchedareasofblueandblack.Herrighteyepuffedoutaroundtheouteredge,whileabrightpatternofmustardandvioletdecoratedherneck.Justlovely.

Carefullypeelingawaythebandages,shepattedherfacewithcoldwater.Noneofthewoundsfreelybled.ThankGod.Sheopenedthesmallcabinetonthewall.AntibioticointmentandBand-Aidsstockedthesmallshelvesalongwithavarietyoftoiletries.Afteraddressingtheworstareas,shethoughtsheappearedalittlebetterthanherfirsthorrifiedlookinthemirror.

“Allright,youmonster,let’sgofindRolf.”ShepattedherthighandDustyboundedtowardher.Anxietywelledinherchest.Butshecouldn’twaittohearwhatSeanhadfound.

Rolfemergedfromaroomoffthehallandmetheratthefootofthesteps.“Cara,youlookbetterthismorning.”DustyprancedtowardhimandRolf

ruffledhisfur.Shesmiled,thenwincedatthepaininherface.“Thanks,Ithink.What’s

goingon?”“Seanisgettingreadytoshowmewhathefoundonthefiles.Youwant

tolistenin?”“Yes,butfirstIneedtocallmyofficetoletthemknowIwon’tbein

today.”Rolfclearedhisthroat,openedhismouth,thenclosedit.“What?”sheasked.“Cara,youcan’tgobackthere.Ever,”hesaid,anapologeticlightinhis

eyes.“Whatdoyoumean?Ihavetogoback.It’smyjob.Thosepeopledepend

onmetogivethemgoodmedicalcare.Ican’tdesertthem.”Theairleftherchestinarush.Theenormityofthesituationdawnedonher.DearGod,hewasright.Everyoneatthecliniccouldhavebeeninjured.Killed.Allbecauseofher.Shecoveredhermouthwithherhand.Maybeitwastrue.Shemightnoteverbeabletosetfootintheclinicagain.

“Callthemandtellthemyouneedaleaveofabsenceafterwhathappenedyesterday.Anyonewouldbetraumatizedmentally,nottomentionthephysicalabuseyoureceived.ItwillgiveustimetotryandstoptheLightTakers.Thenmaybeyoucangoback.”Rolfcamecloseandplacedahandonhershoulder.

“Liar,”shewhispered,hermindreeling.“WhatamIgoingtodo?”“Goaheadandcallthem.We’lltakeonedayatatime.Butwehaveto

dealwiththisthreatfirst.”Onedayatatime.Okay,shecouldhandlethat.Heguidedherbythe

shoulderintothelivingroomandthedeskwherethephonesat.“I’llgogetyoucoffeeandsomethingtoeat,”hesaid,softly.“AndDusty

hereneedsawalk.”Shetookadeep,calmingbreathandclosedhereyes.Hewasright.Inthe

contextofwhattheyfaced,herjobamountedtonothing.IftheTakersweren’tstopped,herworkwouldbeirrelevant.Shepickedupthephoneandcalledthedirectorofthefreeclinics.

“Howdiditgo?”Rolfreturnedafewminuteslater,carryingatrayofcoffeeandtoastedbagelswithsausagesandbacon.Herstomachrumbledatthedeliciousaromaoffriedmeatandtoastedbread.Dustyranuptoher,panting,hiseyesstrayingtothefood.Rolfsetthetrayonthetableinfrontofthefireplaceandbeckonedhertoachairbesideit.

“BetterthanIthought.Imusthavelookedprettybadyesterdaybecause

shespentmostoftheconversationapologizingtomeforbeingsoseverelyhurtatwork.”Carasatandpouredcoffeeintoadelicatechinacupwitharosepattern.“ShesaidtotakeasmuchtimeasIneedandjustcallherwhenI’mreadytocomeback.Ialsohavetheoptiontouseacounselorattheexpenseofthecity.”Sheglancedathim.“Thinkthey’llbelievethestoryofevilLight-dealerstryingtotakeovertheworld?”

Hesankintothechairoppositeher.Onesideofhislipscurledupward.“Nodoubt.”

Seanstrodeintotheroomholdingseveralfolders,hisfacesetingrimlines.“Sir,I’mreadyforthebriefingifyouare.”

“Yes,comeinandpullupachair.Caraisgoingtolistenaswell.”Rolfnoddedinherdirection.

SeangaveheranappraisingglanceashesettledinachairbesideRolf’s,butmadenocomment.Great.Shemustlooklikeabeatupmess.ButshedaredhimtofightaBDandcomeoffanybetter.Shewasluckytobealive,andsheknewit.

“HerearereportsonafewofthemostimportantfilesIfound.”SeanextractedsomepapersfromoneofhisfoldersandhandedthemtoRolf.

“Givemetheshortversionofwhatyouthinkisgoingon,”Rolfsaidwithoutinspectingthepapers.

Seanswallowedandwipedhisbrowwithonehand.“FromwhatIcanmakeout,theyareplanninganeventthatwillbecoordinatedwithTakersinalltheothercitiesatthesametime.Theyhavepositionstargetedingovernment,police,andmilitary.Apparently,Desmondhasbeeninaprocessofbribingtheseofficialsoverthelastfiveyears.TheyaregoingtoinitiateanetofLight-takingthatwillweakenthepopulacebydrainingtheirLighttoacertainlevel.Itwon’tbenoticeable,butinthisstatethey’resupposedtobeverysusceptibletosubliminalmessages.”

Hepausedandpulledoutanotherpieceofpaper.“ThisisalistofTVstationstheyhavesuccessfullyhackedinto.They’llinsertsubliminalmessagesintothedailybroadcastofeverymajorstationintheareasofthecitiestargeted.Withtheircontrolofthegovernmentandlawenforcement,they’llbeginaprocessoftakingoverthecountryoneareaatatime.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Whatkindofsubliminalmessages?”Caraasked.Seanturnedtoher,browfurrowed.“Anythingispossible.Forinstance,

tosupporttheirinsertionoftheTakersintothehigh-levelpositionstheyhavetargeted—keeppeoplefromprotestinganythingthathappens.”

“Theycouldgetpeopletoemptytheirbankaccounts…really,theopportunitiesareendless.“Rolfshookhishead.“I’velivedalongtime.Mind

controlandpropagandaarenotsodifferentfromNaziGermany.Peoplecanbeledtothinkevenatrocitiesareokay.”

“Buthowwilltheybeabletodrainsuchalargenumberofpeopleatonetime?”Carafrowned.“Therearen’tenoughTakerstotoucheachpersonindividually.”

“Right.”Seanflippedthroughhisfolders.“It’ssomethingtheycallaNet.Seemsthey’vecomeupwithawaytoconnecttheirconsciousnessataspecifictime,andanyonewithinacertainradiuswillbeaffected.”

“Butthatmeansus,”sheexclaimed.“IfDesmond’sthemastermindthenwe’rerightsmackinthecenteroftheNet.We’regoingtoturnintosomekindofslavestotheTakers?”

“Moreimportantly,Desmondwillfindusveryquicklyifhecontrolsthegovernmentandlawenforcement.Hecouldmakeafakereportthatwe’reagroupofterroristsorsomething.”Seansmackedthefoldersagainsthisknee.

“Ifweknewwhenitwastooccur,we’dbeabletoleavebeforeithappened.”Rolfstoodandpacedtothefireplace,rubbinghischin.

“Yes,well,that’stheproblem,isn’tit?”Seansatforwardinhischair.Caraturnedtohimwithafrown.“Youdon’tknowwhen?”“No,there’snomentionofadate.”Silencehungheavyintheairforseveralminutes.Rolfloweredhishead

andrubbedhistemplesashepaced.Seansatcalmlywaiting—impressivecomposuregiventhecircumstances.CarahadtheurgetorunscreamingfromtheroomandhoponthefirstplaneleavingNorfolk.

Rolf’smenmusthaveahealthyrespectforhisabilities,butthismightbetoomuchforevenhimtodealwith.

“Actually,that’snotentirelytrue.”Rolfstoppedinfrontofthem.“What?”Sean’sbrowswentup.“Thedate.Iknowwhenitwillbe.”“Youdo?”Cara’sheartflipped.“HowcanyouknowwhatDesmondhas

planned?”“It’snotsomuchatimeasanevent,”Rolfsaid.“Anevent?”Seanfrowned.“Yes.ThereisatimeeachmonthwhenaLight-dealer’spowersareat

theirstrongest.Onlyanancientwouldknowthis.”Carahadneverfeltstrongeratanyspecifictime.“Idon’tunderstand.”“Exactly.Youwouldn’tknow.Thereisnodifferenceinhowyoufeel.

It’sadifferenceinpossibilities,notabilities.”Carafrowned.Thatmakesnosense.“Thenwhen,sir?”Seanasked.“Whenwillitbe?”

“Intwonights,”Rolfsaid.“WhenthemoonhaswanedanditslunarpullcannotdisrupttheflowofLight.”

Shecollapsedinthechair.Sean’seyesflickeredfromRolftoherandhetwistedthefoldersinhishands.Twonights!Theycouldn’thopetodoanythingtostoptheTakersinsoshortatime.

“Whatcanwedo?”Seanasked.“Wecan’tdefeatthisplanbythen.”RolfhandedSeanthebundleofpapersandsettledhisgazeonCara.

“Cara,callyourfriends.HavethemmeetusattheNorfolkCitydockintwohours.We’releaving.”

###

Afewminutesbeforenoon,SeandroppedCara,DustyandRolfonthe

curbatNorfolk’sWatersidecomplexbesidethecitydock.Rolfcarriedablackboxcontainingthegoldencrystaldevice.

“Theresheis.”Rolf’svoiceheldanoteofprideashepointedtotheboattakinguptheentirelengthoftheouterdock.“Avalon.”

Carastared,openmouthed,attheenormousship.GlowingmahoganyandgleamingbrassfitwiththeotherantiquesandpreciousitemsRolfcollected.“Wow.”

“Beautiful,isn’tshe?”Rolfpausedatherside.“AvalonisaTrumpy.Anewone.Theyjuststartedmakingthemagain.”Heglanceddownather.“DoyouremembertheoldUSpresidentialyachtthatwaseventuallysold?”

“Yes,”shesaid.“CalledSequoia.”“ItwasalsoaTrumpy.Anoldone,builtinthe1920’s.Trumpywasthe

nameinshipbuildingeleganceforanotherera.”“Howappropriateforyourcollection,”shemurmured.“Howbigisit?”“Onehundredtwenty-fivefeet.”“Doublewow.”Astheydrewcloser,sheadmiredthedetailsoftheclean,whitehulland

richmahoganyoftheuppercabinstructureandpilothouse,shinywithathickvarnishcoating.Crewmembersinnavyblueuniformsscurriedaboutthedeck.Onthetopsatasmalllaunchmadeentirelyofmahoganywithliftsateachend,whichcouldhoistitupandoverintothewater.Radarandotherelectronicstructuresspikedupfromtheroofofthebridge.

Rolftookherbytheelbowandhurriedheronasherfeetlaggedin

proportiontohergrowingaweoftheimposingship.“Comeon,Cara.”Onceonboard,Rolfshowedhertothecabinshewoulduseandinclipped

tonesindicatedthegenerallayoutoftheship.“Please,excusemenow.Ihavetoconsultwiththecaptainonwhat

coursewewillneedtotake.Makeyourselfathomeandkeepalookoutforyourfriends.”Hehurriedawayandleftherfeelinginsignificantinthespacioussalon.Sheglancedatthewindowsplacedalongbothsidesofthesalon,allpreciselyhalfcoveredwithburgundyshades.Veryshipshape.

Shewanderedovertothemahoganybarbesidethestairs.Awidevarietyofliquorandwinebottlessatinashinybrasstrayonthecounterbehindthebar.Itwouldkeepthemsecurewhiletheboatwasmoving.Thewallbehindthebarwasasixfootlong,built-inbookshelf.AflatscreenTVhungfromaceilingbrackettotheleftofthebar.

Acrossfromthere,asittingareaofplush,off-whitecouch,loveseatandwingchairscircledanovalmahoganycoffeetable.Shestrolledpastthemandpausedatthepolisheddiningtableforten.

Caraturnedincircles,blinkingatthelavishfurnishings.Theauraofanelegantpastblendedwithstateofthearttechnology.Shefloatedinacrazydream,headedintothefuturewithnoideaofthecourseoroutcome.Theopulenceofallthistookherbreathaway.

“Ma’am,Ithinksomeofyourfriendsarecoming.”Oneofthecrewstuckhisheadinthedoorfromoutside.

Shepulledherselfbacktorealityandfollowedhimoutside.AmberandTor,loadedwithbags,stoppedtwentyfeetfromtheboat,staringwithmouthshangingopen.

“Hey.”Carawavedtothemandtheyquickenedtheirpace.Torstillworehispoliceuniform,hisbrowcreasedinworry.

“Cara.”Amberclimbedupthestairstothedeck,facepale.Oneofthecrewtooktheirbags,andAmberenvelopedCarainahugwithtremblingarms.ShesteppedbackandhergazetraveledoverCara’sface.“Honey,youlookhorrible.Areyouokay?”

“Justalittlebattered.”Caramotionedtothedock.“Weneedtokeepaneyeoutfortherestofthegroup.Theyshouldbehereanyminute.”

“AreyousureRolfisrightaboutthis?”SkepticismandworryetchednewlinesonTor’sface.Helinkedarmswithhiswife.“IjustwalkedoutofmyjobandAmberclosedupherstore.”

“ButIdidbringallmycrystalsasyouasked.”Amberheldupablackbag.

“Iknow,Iknow.I’mcompletelyfreakedoutbythis,butwe’redoingthe

rightthing.Wehavetogetoutofhere.”Caraleanedagainsttherail.“We’llhavemoretimetotalklaterandyou’llgetmoreinformation.Fornow,pleasetrustme.Nothingismoreimportantthanusleaving.”

“There’sShana,MarcandAlistair.”Amberpointedtothedock.“Comeon,”Caramotioned.Theytreadthegangplanktogreettheir

friends.“You’vegottobefreakingkiddingme,”Shanasaidastheyapproached.

“IthoughtweweregoingonRolf’sboat,nottheQueenMary.”“ItappearstobeaTrumpy,”Alistairsaid,clearlypleased.“Lovely

vessel.”Crewmemberssteppedforwardtotaketheirbags.“Comeinside.”Caraledthemintothesalon,heartfilledwithsympathy

forwhattheyallmustbeexperiencingwiththisconfusingandabruptdeparturefromtheirlives.Therewasn’tenoughtimetoexplaineverythingwhenshecalledthem.She’djustaskedthemtotrusther.Itwasatestimonytotheirfriendshipthattheyhadwalkedoutofjobsandawayfromtheirlivestofollowherinstructions.Hopefully,oncealltheinformationwaslaidout,theywouldunderstand.

“What’sthat?”TorpointedtoalumpoftanandsilverfurinthecrookofAlistair’sarm.

“Oh,whenCaratoldusabouthowdogscandetecttheBD’sandhowusefulDustyhasbeen,Idecidedtoadoptadogmyself.Afriendofminewasmovingawayandgavehimtomeyesterday.”Hereacheddownandscratchedtheheadthatemerged.ItwasatinyYorkshireterrier.“ThisisRambo.”Thelittledogyelped,itsearspointedintotheair,intelligentbrowneyesshining.

“You’vegottobekiddingme.Rambo?”Torsaid.“Dude,howdidhegetanamelikethat?”

“Er,I’mnotsure.Theownersaiditfithim,though.”Alistairgazedatthedogandpursedhislips.

“That’snotadog,it’sarat.”Shanasniffed.“He’snotabloodyrat.”Alistairraisedhischin.“Yorkiesarefearlessrat

killers,I’llhaveyouknow.”“Hey,he’skindacute.”Marcwalkedoverandscratchedthelittleguy’s

head.Marc’scheeksflushedpink,andhelookedrestedforonce.TherestofRolf’smenarrivedandcameinsidetofindtheircabinsand

settlein.ThedeckvibratedbeneathCara’sfeetastheenginesrumbledtolife.Thecrewbustledaroundoutside,castingofflinesandraisingfenders.

Rolfjoinedthem,climbingdownthestepsfromthebridge.“Welcome,everyone.Iapologizefortheabruptdeparture,buttimeisrunningout.Weneed

tobeasfarfromshoreaspossiblebytomorrownight.”“Wherearewegoing?”Marcasked.“Tosea.StraightoutintotheAtlantic,”Rolfreplied.“Asfastastheship

willcarryus.”HeturnedtoCara,hisgazelockingonhers.“Orwe’llallendupdead.”

ChapterSeventeen

“Iwouldappreciateitifyou’dmindyourbloodyfeetandnotsteponmy

dog,”AlistairsaidtoShanaasshecrossedthesalonforthefifthtime.RamboscurriedawayfromthedangerofShana’spacingtopressagainstAlistair’sankle.

“Well,putabloodybellonhimorsomethingsowe’llknowwhereheis.”Shanastrodebackacrosstheroom.

EventhoughtheyalltrustedCara,Rolfknewitdidn’tstifletheirfearoftheunknown.Timetogivethemmoreinformation.

Caraenteredthesalonfromtheotherendwherestairsledtothecabinsbelow.Dustystayedbyherside.HergazefoundRolf’satonce,andherhalf-smilesentathrillthroughhim.Hehadtoadmit,despiteherdamagedface,hestillfoundherbeautiful—perhapsaproductofherinnerbeauty,whichbecamemoreapparenteveryday.

“Lookslikeeveryoneishere.”Rolfadvancedintotheroomandfoundaseatinawingchair.He’dneverhadsomanypeopledependentonhim,anditfilledhimwithunease.Butnootheralternativeexisted.Hewouldn’tleavethemforDesmondtoturnintoTakers.

Caramadeherwaytothesofa,besideAmber.DustyambledoverandsniffedatRambo,butthelittledogheldhisgroundwithalow-throatedrumble.DustymusthavedecidedhewasokayandwentbacktoCara,settlingatherfeet.MarcpulledShanafromherpacingtositbesidehimontheloveseat.

“Ihopeyou’veallmadeyourselfcomfortable.We’llbetogetherforsometime,soconsiderthisyourhome.”Rolfgesturedaroundhim.“I’llfillyouinonwhatwe’vediscoveredsoyou’llknowwhatwe’refacing.”RolfgavethemtheshortversionofwhathadbeendiscoveredandthehistoryofDesmond.Whenhefinished,noonespokeforseveralminutes,theirexpressionsamixtureoffearandshock.

Cararoseandwalkedtothebar.“Drinksanyone?”Therewerevigorousnodsallaround.Amberjoinedherandcarriedtheglassesbacktotheirfriends.

CarabroughtRolfaglassofredwine.Theirfingersbrushedinthe

exchange,andthoughtsofDesmondvanishedfromhismind.Theirgazeconnectedandhefloatedinthedepthsofherhazeleyes.Howcomfortabletolosehimselfthere,toforgetaboutTakersanddanger.Realitysnappedhimbacktohisresponsibilityandhebrokethecontact.

“DoweknowhowfaroutweneedtogotoavoidtheeffectsofthisNet?”MarcturnedtoRolf.

Rolfrefocused.“Wecaninfersomegeneralideafromtheradiusofcitiestheyhavetargeted.Ihopetoreachthree-hundredmilesfromthecoastbytomorrownight.”

“Butwedon’tknowforsure.”Torletoutatersebreath.“No,butIdohavesomeabilitytoprovideprotection—andsodoes

Cara.”Rolfglancedather.Carafrowned.Theotherssharedpuzzledlooks.“Carahasagift.Shecanwithstandtheattemptsofanyonetotakeher

Light.Ialsohavethisgift.Ibelievewecancomeupwithawaytoextendthisshieldtoincludeothers.It’ssomethingwe’llbeworkingonwiththeutmosturgency.”

“Emmie.”AmberturnedtoCara.“That’sthegift.”Caranodded.“We’llgetasfaraswecan.Hopefully,withtheaddedprotectionofthe

shield,andtheluckofthegods,we’llbesafe,”Rolfsaid.“Butthenwhat?”Torasked,squeezingeachfisttocrackhisknuckles.

“Theirplanisgoingtosucceed.They’llcontrolachunkoftheeastcoast.Howdowetakeitback?”

“Ifwereturntofightthem,they’llbeabletoidentifyussinceourenergywillstillbeatfullstrength.We’llbesittingducks.”Shana’sshouldersslumped.

“Plus,iftheyrenewtheirholdonpeoplebyrepeatingtheNetattheendofeachmooncycle,you’dbesusceptibletothataswell,”Rolfsaid.“We’llhavetofindthesourceoftheirpowerandwipeitouttodestroytheNet.”

“We’llhavetohideourenergyifwegoback.”Alistairrubbedhischin.“Iftheycan’tsenseus,we’llhavetheelementofsurprise.”

“Right.”Rolfcrossedhisarms.“Didyoubringthecrystals,Amber?”“Ijustgotashipmentsothere’sagoodvariety.Wait,whataboutthe

crystalglobeCaratoldusabout?Shesaidyoumadeittoblockyourenergysotheycan’tlocateyou.”

“Yes,it’shereontheboat.”Rolfroseandstrolledtoacabinetunderthebar.Hehadsecuredthegoldenorbtherewhentheyboarded.Hecarrieditoutandplacedtheheavyartifactonthecoffeetableinthecenteroftheirseating.Itglowed,withfragmentsofcoloredlightsshootingfromtheprotrudingcrystals.

Amber’seyeswidened.“Ifthisworksforalocation,whycouldn’twemakesmallerpiecestoshieldanindividual?”

Excellent!Alreadytheywerethinkingandrespondingtothechallenge.“Exactly.IusedasimilarmethodbeforeIlearnedhowtocontrolmyenergy.Butyouallwillneedtheshields.We’llworkonittogether.I’vecompletedagreatdealofresearchyou’llfinduseful.”

“Ithinkweneedtocontinuefighttraining,”Shanasaid.“Willthatbepossible?”

“Ofcourse.Wecanworkondeckwhentheweatherpermits.Iftheweather’sbadwecanmovethefurnitureinheresoyoucanusethisarea.”RolfwavedahandatTor.

“Iagree,”Torsaid.“Atsomepointwe’llbefightingtheseassholes.Weneedtobeready.”

“Ihopeit’ssoon.I’mreadytokicksomeass.”Shana’seyesflashed.“Ihadtoleaveawholefloorofdyingpeoplewhoneedmyhelp,andthatpissesmeoff.”

Marcgaveheraweakgrinandwalkedtoawindowtostareoutattheretreatingland.Ofthemall,heseemedtheunhappiestwiththesituation.

Rolfsippedhiswine.They’dhavetogetoverbeinggloomyandfacereality.Theircomfortable,cozyexistencewasover.HeturnedtoAlistair.“WeneedyourhelptocontinueresearchingwaystodefeatDesmond.Yourknowledgeofhistoryisvitalinlocatingobscurerecordsandweedingoutanecdotefromreality.”

“Ofcourse,”Alistairsaid.“Mysuitcaseisfilledwithrarebooks,notjustclothes.Withthoseandthecomputer,Ihaveeveryintentionoftrackingthisphenomenontothesource.”

“Verygood.Ithinkwehaveagoodplan.CaraandIwillworkoncombiningourgiftstocreateashield.Amberwillmakeindividualshieldsusingthecrystals.Alistairwillcontinuehisresearchandeveryonewillworkontheirfightingskills,ledbyTor.”Itwasastart.

Rolfonlyhopeditwouldbeenough.

###

Thenextmorning,Carastoodattherail,andthewindblewherhair

acrossherface.Sheclaspedhersweaterclosertoherchest.Thechilloffallfilledtheair,andthesunhadjusttoppedthehorizon.

Ineverydirectionspreadanexpanseofdarkblue-greenwater,toppedwithchoppyswirlscrestedbywhitefoam.Avalonplowedthroughsteadyandsure,headingfurtherintotheopenocean.Splashesandslapsofwateragainstthehullplayedagainstthesoftbackgroundhumoftheengines.Thefreedomoftheopenseafilledherwithexhilaratedenergy.

Suchheadysensationsinfusedherwiththebelieftheymightcomeoutofthisalive.Shebreatheddeeplyofthecold,saltyairandpushedatherfear.WithRolfincharge,surelyshecouldatleasthope.Someonesostrongandfullofancientknowledgehadtobeanasset.ButDesmondhadamassedaleagueofTakers,andRolfwouldnotbefacingasingleenemy.Thethoughtmadehershiver.

“Goodmorning.”Rolfwalkedontothedeck.Heworeafleecepull-over—black,ofcourse—andblackjeans.Heheldtwocupsofsteamingespressoandhandedonetoher.

“Thanks.”Hejoinedherattherail,leaninghiselbowsonitashegazedouttothe

horizon.“Didyousleepwell?”“Yeah.Apparentlyexhaustionisagreatsleepaid.Andmyheaddoesn’t

hurtanymore.”“Verygood.AfewlessBand-Aids,Isee.”Hesquintedatherface.“True.”Shegrinned,thenturnedbacktostudythehorizon.“Whereare

we?Ican’tseeanyland.”“We’reaboutonehundredandsixtymilesoffshore.”“So,bytonightwe’llbeprettyfaraway.Good.”Shesippedhercoffee,

gladforthewarmthofthecupbetweenherhandsandthestrong,bittersweetbiteoftheespresso.

“Alittleoverthreehundredmilesout,Ihope.”Hestoodstraight,turninghisgazetoher,eyessowarmanddeepshewantedtofallintothem.“YouandIneedtostartworkingonthelink.Areyouready?”

“I’mready.”“We’llgotomystateroomsowewon’tbeinterrupted.”Rolfledher

downstairs.Cara’sfeetsunkintothickPersianrugscoveringthedarkwoodfloorof

Rolf’sbedroom.Theroomwaslargeconsideringthelimitedspaceonaboat.Toherright,abigwoodendesktookupthefarcorner.Shetrailedafingeracrossitspolishedsurfaceasshestrolledpast.Againstthebackwallsataqueen-sizedbedwithadarkgreensatincomforterandamultitudeofgold,greenandburgundypillowspiledontop.Pastthebed,afreestandinggasfireplacefacedaplushsetteeandtwoover-stuffedchairs,allcoveredinsoftburgundyvelvet.

Heledhertotheseatingareaandhisarmbrushedhersashesankdownbesideher.Goosebumpseruptedonherskin.Sherubbedherarmsandscootedbackintheseat.Thepowerheexudedwasawarmrushofenergythatsoakedintoherskin,looseninghermusclesandfoggingherbrain.Shereinedinhersanitywithafirmhand.Theyhadtocompletethisattempttoprotecttheothers.

“Whatmakesyouthinkwecanformashield?”sheasked.“Haveyoudoneitbefore?”

“Notexactly,”hesaid.Sheraisedhereyebrows.“Letmeexplain.”Heleanedforward,elbowsonhiskneesandhands

claspedtogether.“IhaveformedalinkwithanotherDealerbefore,soIknowit’spossible.IdevelopedtheideaoftheshieldfromwhatDesmondisplanning.He’sgoingtolinkupwithotherTakersandusethecombinedpowertodrainLightfrompeopleinthenearvicinityofthoseinthelink.Ithinktheprincipleisthesameifwereversetheprocess.Weformalinkandextendprotectioninsteadofabsorption.”

“So,ifyou’veformedthelinkbefore,it’ssafe,right?”Caraglancedsidewaysathim.

“Ofcourse.”“HowmanyDealershaveyoudoneitwith?”Hisjawworkedbackandforthinhischeek.“One,”hewhispered.“Only

one.”Hislidslowered,hoodinghiseyes.“One?”Heremainedsilentuntilshereachedouttorestahandonhisarm.“I’m

sorry.DidIsaysomethingtoupsetyou?Ididn’tmeanto.”Helookedawayfromherforamoment.Whenheturnedback,his

angularfeatureshadsmoothedandhiseyessoftened.“Noneedtoapologize.It’snotyou.”

Caracrossedherarms,waiting.Finally,hewenttohisdeskandpickedupatwo-wayradio.HecalledSeanandaskedhimtobringthembreakfast.

“Rolf?”Shestoodandmethiminfrontofthesofa.“Tellmeaboutitandmaybeitwon’thurtsomuch.”Sheneededhisheadclearandhimfocusedforthechallengeahead.

Hiseyesgrewshaded.“Youmayberight.PerhapsIshouldtellyou.”AknockheraldedSean’sentrancewithatrayoffoodalongwithtwo

morecupsofespresso.Heplacedthetrayonthetableinfrontofthesetteethenleft.

“Comeon,we’lleatandyoucantellmethestory.”Caraassumedcontrolandplacedfoodonbothplates—scrambledeggswithcheese,crustycroissants,

andbacon.Herstomachrumbledinhungeratthericharomaofbaconandeggs.Shedugin,butRolfonlymovedthefoodonhisplatewithafork.

“ThepersonIformedthelinkwithwasmywife,”hesaidatlast.Carastoppedchewing.Wife?“Itwasthousandsofyearsago,whenIlivedinEqypt.”Hestoleaglance

atherthenlookedbackathisplate.“HernamewasSakhet.”Hisvoicecaressedthename.“ShewasbeautifulbeyondwordsandapowerfulLight-dealer,anancientlikeme.Wediscoveredourgiftduringthatlifetimeandexploredwhatitmeant,whatwewerecapableof.Sakhet,especially,wantedtounderstandthegivingandtakingofLight.Itledhertoaninvolvementwithdangerouspeople.Takers.They…theyeventuallykilledher.”Heputhisforkdown,givingupanypretenseofeating.Hurtradiatedinhiseyes.

“I’msorry,”shewhispered.NowsheunderstoodhismissiontodestroytheTakers.Theyhadmurderedhiswife.“Ihadnoidea.”

Heshookhishead.“Youcouldn’tknow.ButyoushouldunderstandIwouldneverputyouindangerbylinkingtoyou.NowthatyouknowthepersonIlinkedwithbeforewasmywife,thedearestpersonintheworldtome,doyoutrustme?”

Hisfacereflectedallthedepthsoffear,hurt,guiltandpowerthathadlefttheirmarksonhim.Somanycomplicatedlayers.Didshereallyknowhimatall?Butshehadtohavefaith.Hewastheironlyhope.“Itrustyou,Rolf.Let’sdothis.”

Awaveofreliefwashedoverhisfeatures,andheturnedinhisseattofaceher.“First,weneedtoworkonthelink.Wehavetoopenourselvestoeachother’senergy.Partsofthiswillbe…difficult.”

“Why?”“Becausetherewillbememories.Visionsfromourpastswillflowwith

theenergy.”Hepaused.“Doesthatconcernyou?”“Memories,”sherepeated.Hemightseeshe’dalmostkilledsomeone

herself.Diditmatter?Sheswallowedandraisedahand.“Okay,look.Noneofthisshouldmakeanydifference.We’retryingtosaveourfriendsandthecountry.Ifyouseeanyofmyembarrassingmemories,justtrytoforgetthem,okay?”

Hislipscurledinasmile.Seeinghimsufferwithvisionsfromhispastwouldbedisturbing,though.

Shedidn’tliketothinkofhimasvulnerable.“Putoutyourarms.”Hemotionedtoher.Sheliftedherarms,andhewrappedhisfingersaroundherwrists,firm

andsure.Shetightenedherfingersinreturn.Hisstrong,musculararmswerean

anchor.TheireyesmetandCarawantedtopullhimcloseagainstherchest.Theintensityinhiseyescooledandhislidsdropped,breakingthe

intimatecontact.“Relax,andcloseyoureyes,”hesaidinalowvoice.“Trytoclearyourmind.”

“That’shard,”shesaid.Howcouldsheclearhermindwhensomuchwasgoingontofillit?Especiallythefeelofhishandsonher.

“Thinkofablankwall,focusonit.”Shegrittedherteethandpushedawaythehotdesirecrushingherchest.“Good.NowdirectyourLighttowardyourhands,justlikeyoudowhen

youarehealingsomeone.”Shethoughtofawhitewall,likeatheaterscreen.Thoughtsintruded,but

shefoughttokeepthewallblank.ShesearchedinhercenterandfocusedonherLight.Inthepast,she’donlyexperienceditpassingoutofherfingersintoanotherperson,whichseemedautomatic.Inthoseinstances,shecontrolledtherateofflowsotherehadtobesomeconsciouseffortinvolved.

HerhandswarmedasshefocusedonconcentratingLightandlettingitgather.Rolf’sfingersonherwristslikewiseradiatedwarmth.

“Good,”hewhispered.“Nowrelease—lettheenergyflowbetweenus.AllowyourLighttojoinwithmine.”

Theheatfromtheirhandsmingledliketheywereimmersedinaballofwarmdough.Shenolongerfelthisfingersorherown.Thewhitewallinhermindflowedwithimages,flickeringlikescenesinafast-forwardedmovie.ShecaughtflashesofRolfindifferentclothes,differentplaces,andglimpsesofadark-hairedbeautywithrubylips.

Thevisionsabruptlyceasedandshedrewinasharpbreath…andfloated.Avoidsurroundedher,neitherdarknorlight.Comfortingwarmthwrappedherround,safeandsecure.

Cara?Rolf’svoiceechoedinherhead.Thesounddidn’tcomefromherears,insteaditwasjustthereinherhead.Cara,canyouhearme?

ShethoughtofthewordYesanditechoedthroughherhead.Youdidit,Cara.We’velinked.YoucanhearmythoughtsandIcanhear

yours.It’sstrange,shetoldhim.Thewarmthshe’dfeltearlierinherhandsnow

suffusedherwholebody.PowersurgedintoherandsherealizeditwasRolf.Thepowerofhisessencecurledaroundherown.ThethreadsoftheirLightcircledandtwistedtogether,formingacohesiveball.ShesensedsurprisefromRolf;hehadnotimaginedtheywouldmeshsoeasily.

Now,trytofindthepartofyourLightthatprotectsyou,Rolfdirected.Ashinyglobeoflight.

Sheswirledinthevoid,floatingtocheckdifferentareas,searchingforthegift—Emmie’sgift.Fogcameoutofnowhere,ashiftingmistofblueandgray.Shesharpenedherfocus,butthefogthickened.Rolfcalledtoherfromadistance.

Sheopenedhereyes.Shesatinhisstateroom.Howdisappointing.She’dfailed.“Whathappened?”

“Areyouokay?”Rolfreleasedherwristsandherhandsdroppedtoherlap.

“I—Idon’tknow.Isearchedforthegiftandeverythingbecamefuzzy.Ineversawit.Ilosttheconnection,andhereIam.WhatdidIdowrong?”

“It’sokay.Youdidn’tdoanythingwrong.Thisisthefirsttimeyoutriedtomakesuchalink.”

“ButIdon’thavetimetofail.Weneedtobeabletousetheshieldbytonight.”Asinkingfeelinghitherstomach.“Ican’tletmyfriendsdown.”

“We’lltryagain,butfirstIneedtoseethecaptainandtalktoAmberaboutthecrystals.Afterlunch,wecangiveitanothertry.Getsomerest.Eachtimewillmakeiteasiertoconnect.You’llsee.”

“Ihopeyou’reright.”Shestoodandhefollowed.Herkneesbuckledandhewrappedhisarmsaroundher,pullingheragainsthischest.

“Whoa.”Hermindspunthensettleddown.SheheldontoRolf’sarms,hisfirmmusclespressedagainsther.Heatflamedandspreadthroughherbody.

“Cara,”hesaidgently,gazingdownather.Shelookedup,hisfaceonlyinchesfromhers.Hedrewinaragged

breath.Hisnormallyicyeyesseemedtoglowwithahotblueflame.Warmthflushedhercheeks.Thespellofhiseyesconsumedher,andherarmsmovedoftheirownwill,alonghisshoulderstocurlaroundhisneck.Hishandstraveledtothesmallofherback,nestlingheragainsthim.

Theurgetotouchherlipstohisalmostoverwhelmedherreason.Butsherememberedthedark-hairedbeautyfromhismind.Hestilllovedhiswife.She’dfeltthepassioninhim,andtheintensityofitbroughttearstohereyes.Shecouldn’tcompetewithsuchlife-longdevotion.EspeciallynotwhenRolf’slifeissolong.

Rolf’seyeswidenedslightlyandheloweredhisheaduntilhisforeheadrestedagainsthers.Sheranherfingersthroughtheshorthairsonhisneck,pullinghisheadcloser.Passionlikeahotwavesweptthroughher.Herlipsburnedforhis.

Theirlipsabreathapart,hisshoulderssuddenlystiffenedandhishandsmovedtohershoulders.Herstomachdroppedindisappointment.

“Rolf?”Shetriedtomeethisgaze,buthehunghishead.

“I—Ican’tdothis,Cara.”“But—”Heliftedhisheadandtheicereturnedtohiseyes.Herheartchilled.“IstillloveSakhet.Ican’tbetrayher.Shewasmylife-mate.”Tearsrose

inhiseyes,buthepressedhislipstogetherandtheydissipated.“Please,trytounderstand.It’snothingagainstyou.”

Shesteppedawayandforcedasmilethroughtremblinglips.“Ihavetogo.”Beforehecouldmove,she’descapedoutthedoor.Hecalledhername,butshepushedintoherbedroomandslammedthedoorbehindher.Sheleanedagainstthedoor,herwholebodyshaking.Damn.Damn.Damn.

Thiswasn’twhatshewantedtohappen,buttherewasnodenyingitanylonger—herattractiontoRolf,likeahugemagnet,drewherinexorablytohim.Afterseeinghisperfectwife,Caracouldn’tbelievehe’dbeattractedtoaregularwoman.And,asaLight-dealer,heressencewasawispofsmokecomparedtothetoweringinfernoofwhatSakhethadbeen.Carawasinferiortohislatewifeineveryrespect.

Yet,heretheywereinthemiddleofanenormouscrisis,theirlivesontheline,andshewasstillthinkingabouthowwonderfulitfelttobeinRolf’sarms.

Withaheavysigh,shetrudgedtothebedandfellacrossit,buryingherfaceinapillow.HermindflashedwithvisionsofTorwithAmber,andMarcwithShana.Shewantedwhattheyallhadsobadly,buttherewasnowaytohavearelationshiplikethatwithRolf,theimmortal.Whowasshekidding?

ChapterEighteen

RolfstartedafterCara,butthenstoppedandclosedhiseyes.Emotionshe

thoughtlongburiedforcedtheirwayintohisheartandmind,leavinghimbreathless.Facingtendernessafteryearsoffocusingonnothingbuttrackinghisfoes,killinganddestruction,broughtanachetohisheart,crushingitinavelvetgripofpain.

Hehelduphisarmstothegods.“Ibegyou,Atum,fatherofthegods.Releaseme.Letmepassandreturntomybeloved.Please,endmywretchedlifeonthisEarthonceandforall.”Thegoldenankhlaycoldagainsthischest,andhedroppedhisarms,squeezinghiseyesshut.Thegodsgavenoanswer,noreprieve.Hemustcontinue.

Pushingfingersthroughhisshorthair,heshoulderedhisresolveandmadehiswaytothesalontomeetAmber.Therewasnotimeforsuchemotions.Theirtimewasrunningout,andheneededtoremainfocused.

Ambersatinthesalonsortingthroughhercrystals.Tor,ShanaandMarcwereoutsideworkingonfightingtechniques.HesupposedAlistairhadstayedinhisberthwithhisbooks.DustyandRambo,resignedtobeingtheonlydogsontheboat,hadputtheirsizedifferencesbehindthemandcurledupsidebysideonthecarpetatAmber’sfeet.DustyraisedhisheadwhenRolfenteredtheroom,andRambogaveashortbark.

Amberpointedtothegoldenglobe,whichsatonthecoffeetableinfrontofher.

“Thisisfascinating,”shesaid.“Howdidyoucometomakeit?”“Thetheoriescomefromancientastronomyandmystudiesofthepower

ofcrystals.”Hejoinedheronthesofa.“Eachcolorofcrystalhasadifferentfrequency.Goldistheonlymetalthatdoesnotinterferewiththetransmission.Inaddition,thisgoldenholdercontainsruneswhichmakeitamagnifier.Itmixestheoutputofthecrystalenergyinaprecisewaytocoverthesignatureofanyone’senergynearit.”

Shefacedtotheglobe.“Runes.”Onefingertracedtheraiseddesignsontheglobe’ssurfacescatteredbetweentheholesforthecrystals.Hergazemoved

overit,shininginadmiration.“I’vestudiedcrystals,soIunderstandwhatyou’resayinginabasicway.”Shetransferredhergazetohimandtiltedherheadtooneside,browscomingtogetherinafrown.“You’reupset.What’swrong?”Shepushedbackinherseat,herconcernedgazesearchinghisface.

Herstatementtookhimbysurprise.“You’reanempath?”“Idon’tknowexactlywhatIam,butIdodetectpeople’semotionsif

that’swhatyoumean.Where’sCara?”Heletoutashortlaugh.“Ah,yes,youdoperceivealot.”Shedidn’tanswer;instead,shereachedoutherhandinahesitantgesture,

andlaiditonhis.Thetouchwarmedandcomforted,invitinghimtorevealthesecretsofhissoul.

“Itmusthavebeenlonely,allthoseyearsyouspentalone.Thousandsofyears,yousaid.Didyouneverhaveanyonetoshareyourheartwith?”Herlowvoiceprobedhispsyche.

Witheffort,hebrokethecontactoftheirgazeandlookeddown,unwillingtoallowhertoseetoodeeplyintohispain.Hepattedherhandandslidoutfrombeneathhertouch.Shedrewawayandgavehimasympatheticsmile.“Wefindgreatstrengthandcomfortineachother.”Sheglancedoverhershouldertowhereherthreefriendspracticedoutside.“It’sokaytoallowyourselfthatpleasure.”

Wasit?Couldhehavesomehappinessagainthatwouldnotberippedawayfromhim,killedandtorturedbeforehisveryeyes?Suchahopeseemedthestuffofdreams,andheshiedfromexploringsuchthoughts,fearingtheagonyofhismemories.

“Iappreciateyourconcern,”hesaid.“It’sgoodtohaveyouandyourfriendshere.IdoubtI’dbeabletofightthisalone.”Hehauledinadeepbreath.“But,rightnow,weneedtofindawaytofighttheTakers,ortherewillbenoopportunitytoexplorefuturerelationships.”

“ButyouandCara—”“No.”Heputupahand.“I’msorry,butwhatyouwantisnotpossiblefor

me.”“Rolf—”“No,weneedtoworkonthecrystals.”Shenodded,butherbrowremainedfurrowed.“Fine.So,youthinkwe

canmakesomethingsmallerthanthis,whichwillworkononeperson?”Shegesturedtotheglobe.

“Ofcourse.I’llexplaintheprinciplestoyouandwecanworkonadesign.”

“I’vebeenponderingthisallnight.Ifwehadawaytodeterminethe

opposingenergypatterntoeachpersonyouwouldn’tneedsomanydifferentcrystals,youmightonlyneedoneortwo.Thenwecouldmakethemintoanecklace.”

“Exactly,”Rolfsaid.“You’reontherighttrack.Wecantestdifferentcrystalswitheachpersonandseeiftheymasktheperson’sLightsignature,andincorporatethemintopendants.”

Ambersmiled.“Perfect.”Shesnaggedablackpouchfrombesideheronthecouch,pouredthemassofstonesintoherlap,andranherfingersoverthem.“Let’sgetstarted.Tellmeeverythingyoucan.”

###

Carafloatedinavoidagain.Butthiswasdifferentfromtheonewhere

she’djoinedwithRolf.Thisoneglowedwhiteandintense,theforceofthebrightnessalmostpainful,andshestruggledtoescapeit.Shefeltasifshewereunderamicroscope,someoneexamininghersoulinthedazzlingbrillianceoflight.

Inaflash,thebrightnessfadedandherbodyrestedonherbedintheship’scabin.Sheturnedherheadanddrewinasharpbreath.“Emmie,”shewhispered.Theoldwomansatcalmlyinthechairbesidethebed.

“Yes,child.I’mhere.Yousurearefrettingyourself.Ifeltitallthewayontheotherside.Now,tellol’Emmiewhat’seatingatyourheart.”Sheleanedcloser,eyeskindandinviting.

“Oh,Emmie,Iwishyouwerereallyhere.”Carasighedandgazedattheceiling.

“WhatmakesyouthinkI’mnot?”Shesoundedoffended.“You’redead.Howcanyoubehere?”AnemptyacheclutchedCara’s

heartassherememberedhowmuchshehadlovedherconversationswithEmmiewhenshecameintotheclinic.HerwisdomandkindnesshadoftensoothedCara’sfrantic,troubledsoulasshestruggledtohelpthepoorpeoplewhovisitedher.

“Yougottohavefaith,girl,”Emmiesaid,hergazeintent.“Didn’tItellyouIwasgoingtohelpyou?”

“Yougavemeyourgift.Anenormoushelp.”“Oh,pshaw,thatain’tallIcandoforyou!”Emmiewavedahand.“I

seeneverythingaboutyouallthoseyearsyoutookcareofme.Yougotagoodsoul,ain’tnodenyin’it.Mmmhmm.”Shesatbackinthechair.

Caraturnedonherside,savoringthesightofheroldfriend’sfamiliarfeatures.“WhatamIgoingtodoaboutthemessI’vegottenmyselfinto?”

“Youdon’tlistentool’Emmie,that’syourproblem.”Sheloweredonebrowandliftedtheother.“Didn’tItellyoutofollowyourheartandeverythingwouldworkout?”

“Youdid.AndIam.ButIcan’tletthisemotionalresponseI’mfeelinggetintheway.Iknowwhatwe’refacing.Thisisserious.”Sheflippedontoherback.“I’msoconfused.”

“Whyyouconfused?You’realwaystryin’toanalyzeeverythinglikeit’sascienceproblem.Thisain’tnobacteriayoucanlookatunderthemicroscope,andthereain’tnobookaboutthis.”Emmiejabbedafingerather.“Thisispartofyou.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Emmiepressedherlipstogetherandrockedbackinherchair.“I’m

talkin’boutdestiny.Whatismeanttobe.It’sapartofallofus.Thesecretistoletithappenandnotfightit.Jus’letitflow,likethatRiverJordan.Keeponrollingtillyoufindtheend,andwhenyoudo,everythingmakessense.”

“ButEmmie,Rolf’slivedthousandsofyears.Iprobablyseeminsignificanttohima—achild.”

“Humph.Youdon’tknowmuchaboutmen.They’relikechildrenthemselves.Itdon’tmatterhowoldtheyare.”Emmie’svoicesoftened.“Now,youlistentome.Justfollowyourheart.Youhelphimandletthingshappenthewaythey’resupposedto.Youdon’thavetoforceittohappen.Stopanalyzingeverything.Itdon’tmatterhowoldsomebodyisorhowlongthey’velived.Everyonewantsaspeckofhappiness.Trustmeonthat.”

Caratippedbackonherside.“Okay,Emmie.I’lltry.”Theoldwoman’sskincrinkledattheedgesofhereyeswhenshesmiled.

“That’swhatIwantedtohear.Now,beagoodgirlanddon’tbegettin’insuchafretagain.”Herimagefadedinahazymist.

Cararolledintoherback,staringattheceiling.Emmiemadeeverythingsoundsosimple.Maybetoheritwas.ButCarahadtomeetRolfinafewminutes,andshedidn’tknowhowtokeepherfeelingsfromgettingintheway.

ChapterNineteen

Carasplashedcoldwateronherfaceinthebathroom,hopingtojolt

somecomposureintoherself.TimetomeetRolf.Grimacingattheremainingbruisesonherneck,shepattedherfacewithatowel.

RolfandAmberwaitedinthesalon,engagedindiscussionaboutcrystalsandhowtomakeamuletsforenergyshields.ThetalkstoppedwhenCaraenteredtheroom.Amberglancedather,browwrinkled.Rolf’sfaceremainedblankandunreadable.

“Weshouldtryagain,”shesaidtoRolf,hopingtheturmoilinherheartdidnotshowonherface.Whateverittooktomaketheshieldworkshewoulddo.

AflickerofsomethingpassedthroughRolf’seyes,mayberelief.Good.Heknewtheyhadtofocusonstoppingtheenemy,too.

“Verywell.AmberandIhavebeenworkingonusingthecrystalsinpersonalshields.Ithinkwehaveagoodplan,butwe’llneedmoresupplies.Ifwemakeitthroughtonight,IthinkweshouldheadforBermuda.Wecanpickupwhateverweneedthere.”RolfstoodandnoddedtoAmber.“Pleasefeelfreetousethebooksinthecasethereforyourresearch.”Hegesturedtoabookcasesetintothewallbehindthebar.

“Cara?”Amberstartedtosaysomethingelse,butCaraputupahand.“I’mfine.Workonthecrystals.RolfandIneedtomakethislink

happen.Wedon’thavemuchmoretime.”“Shallwe?”Rolfgesturedtothestairs.Backtohisstateroom.Caraswallowed,butshesquaredhershoulders

andmanagedtogivehimasmilebeforeprecedinghimdownthesteps.Whentheywereinside,heclosedthedoorbehindthemandstoodwith

onehandontheknob.“Cara?”“Weneedtogettowork.”Shemotionedforhimtojoinheronthesettee.

Theallureofbeingclosetohimbroughtheattoherskin,andshemovedasfartothearmofthecouchaspossible.

Hestaredatherforamoment,thenreleasedthedoorknobandwalked

overtositbesideher.“Verywell.Let’sgiveitanothertry.Thistime,oncethelinkisobtained,thinkofthestrong,deeppartofyourcenter.Focusonit.Theshieldispowerful.Allowittoriseandexpand.”

Shenodded,determined.Iamgoingtodothis.Holdingoutherarms,shegavehimaconfidentsmile.Hepausedasecond,studyingher,thenraisedhisarmsandtheygrippedwrists.

Thistimethelinkhappenedquickly.Shefoundherselfinthecomfortinggrayvoid,floatingandserene.Herfocuslasttimehadbeenfranticanddisorganized,leadingtoabreak.Now,sherestedinthecontentmentoftheconnectionandthestrengthitbroughther.Insteadofsearching,shewaited.Throughthejoining,shefeltRolf’sstillness.

Outofthevoid,aglowsparked.Warm,likeaflame,itblossomedandspreadthroughherbeing.Thesurgeofenergysurprisedher,butRolf’ssteadypresencewasreassuring.SheallowedtheshieldingLighttoencompassherandradiateoutward.Rolfansweredwithagushofpower,whichmethersandexpanded.Together,theirenergyswelledandburstforthtoformabubblearoundthem.Theshieldworked.Aboltofjoysuffusedherbeing,notjustwiththesuccessoftheshield,butwiththerealizationofhercoreofpower.

Theymaintainedthebubbleforseveralminutes,lettingitsettle.Sheinstinctivelyknewthatinsidethisinvisiblefieldshewassafe.Afissionoftheenergyreflectedbacktoher,touchingherskinlikeagentleelectricalcurrent.

Rolf’senergyretractedandshefollowedhisexample.Theshielddeflatedtoawispofnothing,leavingonlytheshelterofRolf’spresence.Thehairsonherarmsstoodonendfromthepassingoftheenergy.

Youdidit,hisvoiceechoedinherhead.Wedidit,sheresponded.Timetodissolvethelink,hissilkenvoiceintoned.Thegrayretreatedfromhermindandsheopenedhereyes.Rolfstaredat

herwithonebrowraised.“Sothat’swhatweneedtodotonight?”Shepulledherhandsbackand

rubbedhertinglingpalmsdownherthighs.“Yes,we’llextendthebubbletoencompasseveryone.”Hestoodand

crossedtohisdesk.“We’llpracticeonemoretimethisafternoonifit’sokaywithyou.”

“Sure.”Sherose,exhilarated,notdizzylikelasttime.“I’mgoingtohelpAmber.”

“Good,IhavetotalktothecaptainaboutourcoursechangetoBermudainthemorning.Ialsoneedtocomeupwithsomepassportsforallofyou.”

“Howwillyoudothat?”Caraasked.Ithadn’toccurredtohertheymight

needpassportsonthisjourney,buthewasright.Bermudawouldnotallowthemtoentertheislandwithoutproperidentification.

Rolfgaveheracrookedsmile.“Sean’saresourcefulguy.”

###

Carareturnedtothesalontofindthegangpickingovertraysofcold

cuts,saladandbreadinabuffetoverthelongdiningroomtable.Thereweresubduedmurmursastheycircledthespread,makingsandwichesorsaladsforlunch.

“Cara,”ShanaexclaimedasCaraapproached.“Wherehaveyoubeen,girl?I’vebeenkickingthecrapoutofMarcandTor.It’salotoffun.”Shepiledturkeyandhamonasliceofbread.

Torrolledhiseyes,andMarcshookhishead.“YoushouldhavebeentakingTor’sclassesallalong,Shana,you’rea

natural.”Marcsatonthecouchnoteating,eyesredandfacepale.“Well,IguessI’mtoobusyhealingpeopletolearnhowtobeatthecrap

outofthem.”Shetossedasliceofcheeseonthebreadandaddedsomepickles.“Anyluck,Alistair?”Caraasked,pickingupaplateandeyeingthe

offerings.Forminglinksmadeagirlhungry.Rolfenteredthesalonfromthepilothouseandnoddedtoher.

Theprofessorclenchedabookunderhisarmasheplacedasmallsaladandturkeyslicesonhisplate.“I’mnotsureyet.I’vefoundsomeinterestingstoriesthatmighthaverelevancetocurrentevents.It’shardtosayuntilIknowmore.”Hecarriedhisplatetothecouchandsettleddown,tossingthebookbesidehim.Ramboranoverandjumpedagainsthisleg,eyeingthefoodonhismaster’splate.Alistairslippedhimapieceofturkey.

Caramadeherselfasandwichandjoinedtheothersinthesittingarea,choosingachairawayfromRolf.He’dmadeitclearhedidn’twanttobeclosetoher.Dustyfloppeddownatherfeet.“Tellusthestories.Maybeoneofuswillthinkofsomethingnewtohelpyoutheorize.”

Alistairshrugged.“Verywell.”Hechewedamouthfuloffoodandswallowed.“I’mgenninguponthe

historyoftheIncangods.TheTakersaregoingtoneedsomewaytojointheirenergyfromsuchgreatdistances.Therehastobeacatalyst.Theirnormalenergyalonewouldnotbeenoughtoaccomplishthewebtheyhopetoachieve.SinceRolftellsusthisDesmondpersonwasinvolvedinIncandeityworship,

theremaybeachancehe’llusesomemysticalelementfromthattime.Ofcourse,I’llbeajammybastardifIfigureoutwhatitis.”

“Youmeansomesortofmagic?”Shanafrowned.“Hocuspocus?”“Don’tlookatmelikeI’mbarmy.I’mtalkingabouttheuseofmystical

elementsofwhichtheknowledgehasbeenlostoverthecenturies.”AlistairpausedtohandanotherbiteofturkeytoRambo.

“Thereispowerinnaturewedon’tunderstand,”Ambersaid.“LiketheglobeRolfconstructed.It’smadeofnaturalelements,but,whencombinedintherightwaywiththerunes,theycreatesomethingpowerful.”Sheraisedherhandsandhereyesgleamedbrightly.

Shanashookherhead,butmadenofurthercomment.“Butwhatsortofelements,Alistair?”Marcasked.“Inancienthistory,mostoftenyouarelookingateitherwhatsomething

ismadeof,suchasgoldorgemstones,orshapesofitems.Takethepyramidshape,forinstance.Ithadgreatmeaningbackthen,butwe’velostmuchofthetruthofitspoweroverthecenturies.”

“Buttheremustbethousandsofpossibilities,howwillyouevernarrowitdown?”Torcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.Hesatonthefloor,hisplateinhislap.

“I’mseekingforreferencestoanythingthatcouldexpandaperson’spowerortalentsandanymentionofsuchenergybeingrelatedtoobjects.Statues,jewels,stones…anything.”

“Waitaminute.”Rolfstoodbesidethetable,frozenwithasliceofbreadinonehandandaplateintheother.“Imayhavetheanswer.”

“Youknowwhattheelementis?”Alistair’seyeslit.“IwasabletosneakintoDesmond’shousewhenIfirstarrived.”Rolf

droppedthebreadontheplateandplaceditonthetable.“IrememberseeingagoldenstatuecarvedintheimageofanIncanGod.Itwasabouttwofeettallandamilkybluestonethesizeofmyfistwasembeddedinthetopofit.”

“Brilliant!”Alistairexclaimed.“ThatfitswithanoldlegendIuncovered.”

“Tellus,”Ambersaid.“Well,thereareabevyofdifferinghistoriesoftheIncanpeople,which

manyputdowntomyths.But,basically,therewasthesungod,Inti,inthebeginning,andhesenthischildrenouttostarttheIncannation.Somestoriessayhehadmanychildren,butmostindicatethepredominantfiguresweretwosons.TheirnameswereMancoCapacandAyarCachi.Tomakealongstoryshort,MancowasthegoodbrotherandAyartheevilone.SomehistoriessayMancowaspromptedbythepeopletogetridofhisbotherbecauseofhisevildeeds

againstthepopulace.So,MancotrickedhisbrotherintoreturningtothecaveofPumaOrcowheretheyfirstcameintotheworldandsealedhiminside.MancowentontobecomethefounderoftheIncansandwasfrequentlyworshipedasagodoffireandsun.”

“WhathappenedtoAyar?”Shanaasked.“Ayarescapedhisrockytombusingapowerfulstone,byallaccountsan

AndeanOpal.SomestorieslinkAyartotheHuacawholateremergedasademi-god.Possiblytheonewhorequiredsacrifices,needingtotakeLightfromothers.”

“Waitaminute.DesmondistheHuaca?”Amber’smouthfellopen.“So,DesmondisAyar?”Noonespoke.

AshockoffearknifedthroughCara.IfDesmondisthisdemi-god,hemustbepowerful.Coulditbe?Thewholeideaseemedtoofantastical,but,atthesametime,allthepiecesfit.

Caragaspedasapictureformedinhermind.“Alistair,doyoustillhavethebookyoushowedme?Rememberthedrawingofthesacrifice?”

“Yes,yes,it’sinmycabin.”“Canyougetit?Ijustrememberedsomething.”Alistairhurriedbelow,andwhenhereturnedhehadtheleatherbound

bookinhishands.Shepointedtothebook.“Where’sthepicture?”Alistairflippedthroughafewofthestiffyellowpagesuntilhecameto

thedrawingofthesacrifice.HeplacedtheopenbookinCara’slap.Shehadn’timaginedit.“Here.”Shepointedtothefeatheredheaddressof

thepersoncommittingthesacrifice.Theheaddresscontainedalargestonesetinthecarvedcenterareafromwhichfeatherssprouted.ThesquigglylinesfromthestoneshoweditsinteractionwiththeLight.

Alistairleanedoverhershoulder.“Ohdear,Imissedthatlikeableedingamateur.”

“Thisisextremelyvaluableinformation.”Rolfcrossedtheroomandliftedthebookfromherlap.

“Dowestandachanceagainstadudelikethatifhehassuchapowerfulweapon?”Torasked.

“Notwithoutaplan,”Rolfreplied.Alistairraisedhiseyebrowsbutdidnotcomment.“Youcan’tbeserious.”Shanathrewherhandsintheair.“Nowit’snot

onlysomeancientdude,it’sanancientgodcomebacktosuckthelifeoutofpeople?”Sheshookherhead.“Thisjustgetsworseandworse.”

“Butwe’renottalkingaboutthingsthatmakesenseanymore,”Carasaid.

“Thenormalorderflewoutthewindowwhenwerealizedthetruthaboutthosemurders.”

“Ancientornot,wehavetostopthem,”Toradded.Shanaglaredathimbutsaidnothing.Shegrabbedhersweatshirtandstalkedoutontothedeck.Marcgavethemanapologeticshrugandfollowedher.

“Wecan’thaveaweaklinkinthisteam,”Rolfsaid,staringatCara.“She’snotaweaklink.”Caraglaredathim.Shanawouldfightharder

thananyofthem.“Thenyou’dbettertalktoher.”Hereturnedtothetableandpickedup

hisplate.“Damnit,”Carasaidunderherbreathandrosetogoafterthem.

ChapterTwentyDesmondpacedacrosshisstudy,strokingtheAndean

opalinhishands.Hewipedsweatfromhisforeheadandglancedataclockonthemantle.InonlyafewminutestheywouldformtheNet,theintegralpieceinhisabilitytocontrolthemasses.Allofhisplanspivotedonthesuccessofthislinking.

Herestedonehandatoptheicybluestoneradiatingtheheartofhispower.Itremainedcolddespitethefacthe’dhelditinhishandsforthepasthalfhour.Hehopedhiscalculationsofthestone’spowerwereaccurate.Helifteditandstaredintothemilkysurfaceswirlingwithturquoise,sofullofmysteryandenergy.

Carltonenteredtheroom,followedbytheothers,allintheirblackhoodedcloaks.Theycarriedthegoldenstatueonawoodenplatformbetweenthem,eyeswideandglowing.

“Placeitthere.”Desmondpointedtothesmalltableinthecenteroftheroom.Heliftedhishood.Thetimehadcometorevealthepowerofthestone.Aquiverofexcitementranuphisspine.Soonhewouldrealizehisdream.

Carltonhelpedpositionthetwo-foothighstatueinthecenteroftheheavyoaktableandsteppedback.Theothersgatheredaroundthetableinacircle.Desmondsteppedforward,holdingouttheglowingstonethenplaceditintoaholeintheforehead.Perfectfit.

DesmondmurmuredtheancientIncanwordstoconnecttothestone,andahummingvibrationfilledtheroom.Hislipspeeledawayfromhisteethashemovedbackwardtocompletethecircle.Glancingattheclock,henoddedtotheothers.Heliftedhisrighthandtowardthestatueandplacedhislefthandontheshoulderofthemannexttohim.Theothersfollowedhisexample,completingthecircle.Inthetargetcities,theotherallyusofTakersformedlinksaswell.Butthisstoneheldthepowersource,andonlyDesmondcouldfocustheenergyofthejoinedlinks.

Thestonebegantoglowaneerie,fluorescentblue.DesmondcalledforthhisLighttoconnectwiththepulsingenergy,andaclear,bluebubbleformedaboutthestone.HedrewontheLightoftheothersinthecircleandthebubbleexpanded,slow,slow,thenanexplosionofpower.Itburstpastthewallsofthestudyintothenight.

ThethrobbingforcecoursedthroughDesmond,ahotintensitysopowerfulhisbodyvibrated.Hisspiritrodeonthewaveofthebubbleasitspread

outpastNorfolk,racingfortheothercitiesunderhiscontrol.Thepaceslowedafterseveralseconds,reachingthelimitsofthelink’sstrength.Heclenchedhisteethandsweatdrenchedhisface.Yes,there!Tendrilsofpowersnakingoutfromtheallyus.Hetookabreathandpulledthemtohim.

Slowly,theslitheringtrailsofLightslippedtowardhim,snakingoutfromtheirsourcesofjoinedTakers.Thensnap,theyflewfree,connectingwithhimlikeirontoamagnet.Hethrewhisheadback.Gloriouspowerlikehe’dneverexperiencedpulsedthroughhim.Sweatpoppedoutofhisporesandfloweddownhisbackandchest.Hespreadhisfeet,steadyinghimselfagainstthevibratingthrobofenergythatfoughttoconsumehim.

Withafinal,mightypushofhisinnercore,hesubduedtheforceofjoinedLight,bringingitunderhiscontrol.Sendinghisthoughtsthroughthelink,hecommandedtheotherTakers.Theybeganthedeliciousdrainofenergyfromanyoneunluckyenoughtobewithintheperimeterofthelink.

TheNetwascomplete.

###

Rolfsqueezedherhand.“Youcandothis.”Helookeddownathiswatch.“Now,everyonestartmakingcirclesaroundus.Getasclosetogetheras

youcan.We’vegotfiveminutesuntilnineo’clock.”MarcandTorpositionedShana,AmberandAlistairclosesttothechairs

whereRolfandCarasatfacingeachother,thentheyjoinedtheothermeninpressingclosebehindthem.DustyandRambocrawledunderthechairs,nottobeleftout.

HeatradiatedfromthebodiescirclingthemandCarafeltAmbertrembling,pressedagainstherback.SweatpoppedoutonMarc’sfaceandhiseyeshaddarkcirclesunderthem.OnlyShanaglared,angryinsteadoffrightened.

CaraheldoutherarmsandRolflookedathiswatchagain,thennoddedandgrippedherwrists.Caraforcedherbreathingtoslowandthegrayvoidrosetosurroundher.ShehadonlyamomenttoenjoyitsstrengtheningcomfortbeforethesurgingsensationofRolfcreatinghisshieldreachedher.Relaxing,theglowofpowerfromhercorecameforth,wellinguplikeasizzlingwaveofenergy.

Good,Rolftoldher.Herewego.

Theymergedtheirshieldsandpushedoutwardasone.TheirshieldsurgedtooquicklyandCaragaspedasthestrandsofLightslipped,beginningtounravel.ButRolfsteadiedherandhelpedherregaincommandofthesurge.Thepowerwithinherfoughttoescape.Shebitherbottomlipandpresseditback.

Alittlemore.Rolfsenthersoothingthoughtsofprideinheraccomplishment.

Onceagain,shestruggledtoslowherbreathing.Theefforttocontrolherpowermadeherhyperventilate.Herbreathsbecamedeeper,andherlightheadednessdiminished.Bodiesshiftedagainsther,butshekeptherfocusontheLight.Itwaseasiernowtokeeptheenergycontained.ShejoinedRolfandcoaxedtheedgesofthebubbleoutward.

Good,nowholdhere.Areyouokay?Yes,thepowerissostrong,butIthinkIhaveitundercontrolnow.Excellent.Justkeepyourattentiononmaintainingtheshield.Wehave

thirtyminutestokeepitup.Iwill.Tostayfocused,Caraimaginedthebubblesurroundingthemasa

physicalpresence—ashinybrightredballoon.Therumbleoftheshipenginediminishedagainstthebackdropofamplifiedbreathingfromthosegatheredaroundher.Sheexistedinastrangeworld,surroundedbythechorusofbreathsandthepricklyfissionofherpower.God,please,letthiswork.FromtheradiusofcitiesDesmondtargeted,theyanticipatedhispowerrangedaboutthreehundredmilesfromNorfolk.Therewererightatthatdistancenow.Nowaytoknowexactlywherethelineofsafetylay.

Okay,that’sit.Rolfbrokeintoherthoughts,startlingherfromhersurrealreverie.Thirtyminutesup.Let’sbringitback.

Theyshrunktheshieldtoaglowingballbetweenthemthendissolvedthelink.CarablinkedandglancedupatShanastandingbehindRolf.

“Isitover?”Shanaasked.“Ithinkso.”Rolfpushedbackhischairandscannedthegroup.

“Everyoneokay?”“Idon’tfeelanydifferent,”Torsaid.“Iguessthat’sgood.”“I’mfine,”Alistairsaid.MarcputhisarmsaroundShanaandtheygazedintoeachother’seyes.

TorkissedthetopofAmber’sheadandpulledheragainsthim.Rolf’smenallassertedtheyfeltnodifferent,andRolfputahandoneach

ofthemtodetermineforcertainthattheirLightremainedundiminished.“Itworked.”HegrinnedandgrabbedCara,envelopingherinanexuberanthugthatknockedthebreathoutofher,whiletheotherswhoopeditupbehindthem.She

wrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistandlaidherheadonhischest.Wedidit!Hepattedherback,thenleanedaway,grabbinghershoulders.Hiseyes

lockedonhers,sharingaprivatemomentofcelebration.Then,hisgazeslidtoherlipsandhisgrinfaded,butittookseveralsecondsbeforehebrokecontacttoturnaway.Shestumbledandcaughtherselfwithahandonthebackofthechairshe’dbeensittingin,confusedanewwiththisbriefglimpseofaffection.Hestrodeacrosstheroom,upthestepstothepilothouse,leavingheraloneandachingforhistouch.

ChapterTwenty-One“Useyourhipforleverage,”TorinstructedCara

assheworkedtoflipShanaoverherback.Itwasraining,sothey’dpushedallthesalon’sfurnituretothewallsso

theycouldpracticetheirfightingskills.CNNblaredontheTV,butnonewsindicatedevidenceoftheNet.

“Ha!”CarashoutedwhenShanawentoverandlandedwithathudonthethickcarpet.Fistspumpingintheair,Caradancedaroundintriumph.“Woo-hoo.Ididit.”

“Verygood,”Torsaid.“Butyoucan’tstopthere.Theenemywouldbestunned,butnotincapacitated.”HerepositionedCaraandShanaastheyhadbeenattheendoftheflip.“Nowyoustillhaveherarminyourhand.Usetheotherhandandgiveheraforcefulpunchinthethroat.”

“Likethis?”Caraperformedthemove,pullingthepunchattheend.“Yes,butmakethepunchsnap.”Shediditagainwithmorevigorandhenodded.“Youjustkilledyour

opponent.”“Myturn.”Shanahoppedtoherfeet.Shegrinned,bouncingonhertoes

towardCara.“Comeon,attackme.”“You’reenjoyingthisalittletoomuch.”Caraputherhandsonherhips.“Iloveit.”Shanashiftedbackandforthonherfeet.“Comeon.Bringit,

girlfriend.”“Okay,trynottoreallykillme.”Caracroucheddownandcircledher

friend.Shelunged.Shanagrabbedherarm,and,inoneswiftmotion,twistedheraroundtoflipheroverhershoulder,endingwithapunchtothethroat.

ShanalaughedandextendedahandtopullCaratoherfeet.“Thatwasgreat.”

“Yeah,justgreat.”Cararubbedherlowerback.“Goodjob,”Torsaid.AmberandAlistairclapped.Rolfraisedone

eyebrowandcrossedhisarms.MarcstaredatShanawithablankexpression.Shestartedhopping

aroundwithherfistsintheairhummingtheRockytheme,andheretreatedtothebar.

“Who’snext?”Shanaplantedherhandsonherhips.“We’vebeenatitsincenine.I’mreadyforlunch.”Caragrabbedatowel

andpattedherface,thenhungitaroundherneck.

Shanapouted.“Aww,comeon,Iwanttoflipsomebodyelse.”Tor’seyeswentfromCaratoMarcandback.“Yeah,well,IthinkCara’s

right.Let’stakeabreak.Wecanworkmorethisafternoonifyouwant.”Shanashrugged,butafteralittleshadowboxing,shefloppedintoachair,

ahugegrinsplittingherface.Carathrewatowelather.“Ineedtoreturntomyresearch,”Alistairstood.“Imaybeonto

somethingpromisingandIwanttodigalittledeeper.Seeyoualllater.”AlistairscoopedupRamboandheadedtohiscabin.

CaracrossedtoRolf,wholeanedagainsttheoutsidedoorwithDustyathisfeet.Rainpeltedagainsttheglassbehindhim.“Yourfriendisanaturalfighter,”RolfsaidinalowvoiceCaraglancedbackatShana.“Ithinkyou’reright.She’sreallytakentoit.”

“Butitdisturbsyou?”“Notme.”ShemotionedwithherheadtowardMarcwhohadhisbackto

theroom,elbowsonthebar.Hesippedaclubsodawithlemon.“Whywoulditbotherhim?Doesn’thewanthertobeabletodefend

herself?”Rolf’seyesnarrowed.Carasighed.“It’snotaboutdefendingherself.”Shepaused,studying

Marc’sstiffback.“Ithinkit’sbecausehe’susedtoShanaasthecaringnursewholivestohelpeaseherpatients’pain.Now,heresheisthrivingonfighting.It’sabitunnervingtomeaswell,Ihavetosay.”

RolfstaredatShana.“Ihopehecanlearntodealwithit,becausesheisrealizingwhoshereallyisandit’simportanttoher.Thesituationseemstobeverydisturbingtohim.He’sbecomeincreasinglypaleandnervoussinceweleftNorfolk.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”“He’slettingherchangeaffecthishealth.Youshouldn’tstopsomeone

fromrealizingtheirtruepotential.”“Shanaisagoodfighter.”“You’regood,too,ifyou’llstopdroppingyourguard.”Shecrossedherarmsandglaredathim.“Idon’tdropmyguard.”“Yes,youdo.I’llshowyou.”Heremovedhisjacketandmotionedher

overtotheclearedarea.“Comeon.Putupyourhands.”Shehadafeelingthiswouldn’tendwellforherevenifshedidkeepher

guardup.Hewasmuchtoostrong.Butshefollowedandtheycircledeachother.Watchinghimclosely,shefocusedonherarms,keepingthempositionedinfront,fistsnearherface.

Rolffeintedright,andshesteppedleft,buthetwirledbackleftandlandedapulledblowatthesideofherhead.

Yep,she’ddroppedherguard.“Damnit.”Sheretreatedafewsteps.Hechuckledandloweredhisarms,shrugging.“See,Itold—”Inanangry,purelyimpulsivemove,shetackledhimaroundthemiddle,

sendingthembothsprawlingbackwardstothefloor.“Whatthehellwasthat?”Rolfshouted.“Thatwasmyguardbeingpissedoff,”shesaidfromontopofhim,face

inchesfromhis,glaringuntilhergazewenttohislips.Sheranhertongueoverhers,almostabletofeelthehotpressureofakiss,needingtofeelit.Herchestsquashedagainsthis,exquisitetortureastheybothgaspedforair.Herbreaststightenedatthecontact,sendingashiverdownherbelly.

Hergazeflewbacktohis.Hispupilscontractedandhewrappedonelegoverhers,flippinghertoherback.Sheletoutasmall“Oof”ashelandedontopofher.Thatdidn’tdoanythingbutstokethefireraginginherstomach.

“Andagainyoudropitandputyourselfindanger.”Heheldherarmsdowntothethickcarpet,hisbreathhotonherface.“Youremotionswillbeyourdownfall,Cara.”

“Getoff.”Shesuddenlyburnedwithembarrassment,knowingtheothersobservedthisinterchange.SquirmingtoescapegavehertherevengeofseeingRolf’sexpressionchangeandhisbodystiffen,revealinghowmuchherwigglingbodydiscomfitedhim.Hepressedhislipstogetheranddrewinaquickbreaththenrolledaway.“Just…workonyour—yourguard.Okay?”Hegrabbedhisjacket,claspingitathiswaist,andescapeddownthestairstohisroom.

Carapressedahandoverhersmile.Nowwho’dletdowntheirguard?

###

“Ahha!”Alistairenteredthesalonthateveningwavingahandfulof

papers,abookstuckundertheotherarm.Hisglasseswereperchedinthedisheveledmassofgrayhairatophishead.

Caraturnedfromthebarwhereshe’dpouredherselfaglassofwine.AwhisperofdisquietsweptoverheratAlistair’sinterruption.Everyoneelsestoppedwhattheyweredoingandstaredathim.

Alistairdraggedachairclosertothecoffeetableandspreadthepagesonitssurface.Hebroughthisglassesbacktohiseyesandshuffledthroughthepapers,bonyfingersshaking.“Ah,herewego.Foundthisonthecomputer.

SincethestoneRolfdescribedissolargeandthereforerare,Idecidedtoseeifonefittingthatdescriptionhadeverbeenupforauction.”HeextractedonesheetandhandedittoRolf,who’dcrossedtheroomtostandbeforehim.“ThisisarecordofanAndeanopalbeingsoldatSotheby’sin1993.Thebuyer:oneDesmondStone.”

Rolfstudiedthereport,eyesroamingacrossthepaperlikeapendulum.“It’shim.HelostitafterIfoughthiminJapan.Hemusthavebeendesperatetorecoverpossessionifit’saspowerfulasyousay.”

“Iagree.”Alistairgathereduphispapersandplacedtheminhisjacketpocket.“Butatleastweknowwhattheelementis.Nowwemightfindawaytoneutralizeit.”

“But,Rolf,ifit’ssopowerful,howdoweknowBermudaissafe?”AmbershrankagainstToronthecouch.

“It’soversix-hundredmilesfromNorfolk.Thecitiesinhisplanwereallmuchclosertothecentrallocation.Wemustassumethere’salimittohisreach.Otherwise,hewould’vejustspreadtheNetoverthewholecountry,”Torsaid.

“We’llknowoncewearrive.Ifanythingappearssuspicious,we’llleave,”Rolfsaid.

Marcrubbedthebackofhishandacrosshisforeheadandlookedaway,runninghistongueoverhislips.

“IalwayswantedtoseeBermuda,”Ambersaidwistfully.“Me,too,”Carareplied.“Butnotlikethis.”

###

DesmondpeeredoverCarlton’sshoulderashetyped.Finally,theywere

puttingtheirplanintoaction.Tomorrowthemoneywouldflow,andhewouldbeabillionairewithindays.

“Finished.Theadisscheduledtoruneveryhourforthenexttwelvehoursoneverymajorstationinthecitieswecontrol.”Carltonhitafewlastkeysandswiveledaroundinhischairtofacehismaster.“Apictureofanorphanageandthewords‘DesmondStoneSavesthePoorChildren’overit.Whentheyseetherealadaskingthemtosendmoney,they’llbesubliminallyreadytobelieveit.”

“Excellent.Arrangeforthementopickuploadsfromthepostofficeboxatintervals.Therewillbemillionsofletterscomingin,”Desmondsaid.“And

thediversionoftaxestomyaccount?”“It’salreadytakencareof,”Carltonsaid.“Good.”“Whataboutexpansiontothenexttierofcities?Willwebereadyto

makethemoveonthenextmooncycle?”“Ithinknot.”Desmondpacedaway,rubbinghischin.“Iwanttomake

suretheareaweholdissecurethroughanotherphase.Wecanthenexpandwithmoreconfidence.Idon’twanttooverextendgiventhenewnessofsomeofourmembers.”

Carltonnoddedandreturnedtohiskeyboard.“I’llsendtheallyusnotices.”

“WeneedtoidentifymoreDealerstoturn,also.Tellthemtobeonthehunt.”

Desmondstrodetothewindowofthecomputerroomandgazeddownonthestreetoutside.Peoplewalkedby,unawaretheywerenomorethanaflockofsheeptohim.Theymovedmoreslowlythanusual,andtherewaslittletonointeractionbetweenthem,butthatwastobeexpectedintheirLight-reducedcomplacency.Theydidn’thaveaclueaboutwhathadhappened,theyjustwentabouttheirpitifulexistences.Achuckleescapedhislips.Soincrediblyeasy!

Today,theywouldstartreceivingthefirstofhissubliminalads.Thentherealadswouldtelleveryonetotakeone-hundreddollars,putitinanenvelopeandmailittoaP.O.BoxasadonationtothecharitableDesmondStonewhowassavingtheworld’sorphans.Andwiththeauthoritiesinhispockettherewouldbenoonetoquestionhislegitimacy.Millionsofpeople,sendinghimahundreddollars—itwasjusttooeasy.

ChapterTwenty-Two

AvalonpulledintoSt.George’sHarbor,Bermudaateighto’clockthe

followingmorning.Thesunshonebrightlyinacloudless,azureskytoglitterovertheripplingcrystalclearwater.

Rolfpausedwithhispalmonthehandleoftheoutsidedoorinthesalon.“EveryonestayinsidewhilethecrewandIcheckinwithimmigration.It’lltakeawhile,sorelax.I’llbeabletodetectanyenergydeviationsinthemarinaworkers,whichmightindicatesomeinterferencebyTakers.”

CarapeekedoutawindowwithShanabesideher.Theotherssatscatteredaroundthesalon.Torraisedahand.“We’llwait,butifIseeanytrouble,I’mcomingout.”

Rolfslippedoutthedoorand,afteratensehalfhour,theywereabletoleavethecustomsdockforamarina.

“Thatwentwell.”CarajoinedRolfatthesiderailwhileAvalonmaneuveredintoitsslip.

“NosignofanyoneatlessthanfullLight.”Rolfscannedthebusymarinaarea.“IthinkwecanbecomfortableDesmond’swebdidnotreachthisfar.”

“Nowwhat?”“IneedtogointoHamilton.There’sagoldsmiththere.Ihopetofind

somegoldwecanuseinmakingtheamulets.Wouldyouliketogowithme?”Heblurteditoutbeforeherealizedwhathe’dsaid.

Shebitherlip,thenherfacebrightened.“Yeah,whynot?I’dlovetoseemoreoftheisland.”

“Ihavetoarrangeforataxi,sogogetready.Wecandosomeshoppingwhilewe’reoutandpickupanythingyoumissedinourmadrushtoleaveNorfolk.”

“Whatabouttheothers?”Shejerkedherheadtothesalonwheretherestofthegroupwaited.

“Theycandosomesightseeingandshopping.Mightaswellhaveapleasantbreakafterallthey’vebeenthrough.Whilethey’reroaming,tellthemtokeepanearoutforanynewsfromthemainland.”

“Allright,I’llbebackinasecond.”Sherushedinside.Herfacehadlitwithhappinessatthementionof

goingtolookattheisland.Somuchforkeepingheratarm’slength.Itseemedevenhisunconsciousfoughttothrowthemtogether.Hesighed.Atleasttheprospectofthetripinfusedherwithahintofpleasureinsteadofconstantworry.She’dbeenthevictimofagreatdealoftraumaandfearforthepastweek.Hehadtoadmitsheneededabreak.

Aftergivinghiscrewtheirorders,hecalledforataxi.CaracameupthestepstothesalondressedinwhitelinenpantsandapinkT-shirt.

“ThisistheclosesttoresortwearIhave.”Shelaughed,heldoutherarms,andtwirled.

“Looksgreattome.”Hewasunabletorestrainagrinatherexuberance.“Let’sgo,thetaxiishere.”

“Howfar?”Caraaskedastheyheadeddownthedocktotheparkinglotwherethetaxiwaitedwithenginerunning.Thedriverhadthecar’swindowdownandwavedtothemastheyapproached.

“Nottoofar.We’reinSt.George,whichisonthenortheasttipoftheisland.Hamilton,thecapital,isaboutinthemiddle.Soyoucanenjoysomesceneryontheway.”HegavethedriverdirectionsandsatbacktoenjoyCara’schangingexpressionsasshestaredoutthewindowatthepassinglandscape.

“It’sbeautiful,”sheexclaimed,pointinghereandtherewithahugesmileonherface.“Thebuildingsarelikepastelpastriestoppedwithwhiteicing.”

Henodded,herpleasureaninfectiousbalmtohisbatteredsoul.Somewheredeepinsideherememberedatimewhenhehadnotbeenonconstantguard,whenlaughterhadbeenneartohislipsandjoytohisheart.ButallthosetimesexistedbeforeSakhetdied.Theemotionswereold,rustyfromdisuse,butCarapolishedthembrightandbroughtthemforthsoeasily.

He’dbeentotheislandmanytimes,butseeingitwithCaramadethisfeellikethefirsttime.Athrillofpleasureshotthroughhimeverytimeshelaughedatsomenewsight.CouldhelearntoappreciatelifeagainwithsomeonelikeCara?Hegazedouthiswindowatthevibrantgreenvegetationandthebrightsplashesofcoloroffbuildings,churches,andawnings,allagainstthebackdropofaclearrobin’s-eggbluesky.AstheyreachedtheoutskirtsofHamilton,hemarveledatthesensationofasmilestretchinghislips.

Thetaxidroppedtheminfrontofagoldsmithandjewelrystore.RolfclimbedoutandextendedahandtohelpCarafromthebackseat.Thetaxisputteredawayandachilling,toxicauraslammedintohim.Hismusclesstiffened.Itwipedawaythesmallhintofawakeningpleasurehe’dbeguntofeel.Reality.Hewasstupidtothinkhecouldhavehappinessagain.

“What’swrong?”Carastaredathim.“Takers,”hesaid.Thesensationfadedandhisshouldersrelaxed.He’d

experiencedthissamesensationmanytimesinmanyplaces—thedistortedenergyofevil.

“Close?”Sheputahandonhisforearm.“Don’tworry.They’veleftthevicinity.Thequestioniswhetherornot

they’reanisolatedgrouporfollowersofDesmond.”“Weshouldwarntheothers.”“Unfortunately,ourcellphoneswon’tworkontheisland.Let’sgetwhat

weneedandgobacktotheboat.”“Okay.”Sheglancedoverhershoulder.“I’llbeinsideforashortwhile.There’saniceshopwithwomen’s

clothingnextdoor.I’llmeetyouatPointPleasantParkacrossthestreetwhenyou’refinished.”Hepointedtotheareaoppositethemwherepeoplewanderedaround.He’dbeabletokeepaneyeonherthere.“Juststaywithagroupofpeopleandyou’llbesafe.”

Shenodded.“Seeyouinalittlewhile.”Shewavedahandandheadedoffalongthesidewalk.

Rolfwatchedherforamoment.HowdisappointingtohavedetectedTakers.Itwouldhavebeennicetorelaxontheislandforadayorso.Whatwoulditfeelliketobecarefreeagain?Toenjoylifeandnotworryabouttrackingdownevilones?Thisquesthadbeenapartofhimforsolong,he’dallbutforgottenthefeelingofpeace.Helookeddownandshookhishead.BeingwithCaramadehimcravepleasureagain,butthatwouldbedangerousforbothofthem.

###

Carasatbaskinginthesunonaparkbench,makinguseofhernewstraw

hatandsunglasses.Aconstantbreezerenderedtheheatcomfortableandbroughtsmellsofexoticspicestohernostrils.

“Didyoufindeverythingyouneeded?”Rolfsettledbesideher.Forafewbriefmomentsdrivingoverinthecab,she’dseenanuninhibitedsmileonhisface.Now,thesombermaskwasbackinplace.

“Idid.”Shehelduptwoshoppingbagsfilledwithanewsundress,shortsandabathingsuit.

“Good.Igotthegold.”Hepattedhiscoatpocket.“Let’sgrabataxiand

headtothemarina.”Theyfoundtherestofthegangatatouriststoreinthebusyareaof

King’sSquare,ashortwalkfromtheboat.Carasmiled,happytoseeherfriendshavingsomefunforachange.

Shanastruckapose,wearingawidebrimstrawhatonherheadandlargeroundsunglasses.

“Youlooklikeamoviestar,”Carasaid.“Agirlcanpretend.”Shanapursedherlips,handsonhips.“Where’sMarc?”Caraglancedaround.AmberandTorpurchased

bathingsuitsandbeachtowelsfromacartwhileAlistairponderedsomeBermudashortsinahorrificshadeofgreen.

“Marcismakingmesomad.”Shanawhippedoffthehatandglasses,eyesflashing.“Idon’tknowwhy,allthesudden,hedoesn’tlikeitthatI’mgoodatfighting.Wehadahugefightaboutit,andhestormedofftheship.Idon’tknowwhereheis.Buthelookslikehell.Ijustdon’tknowwhat’sgoingonwithhimanymore.Ithoughtwewereateam.”Tearswelledinhereyesandshebrushedthemawaywithonehand.

Carapursedherlips.Thatwasn’tlikeMarc.RolfapproachedCaraandShana.“Weallneedtotalk.There’sapub

nearherewherewecangetsomethingtoeat.”“Good,I’mhungry.”Shanaglancedatherwatch.“Wow,it’sthree

o’clock.”“I’dloveapint.”Alistairplacedthegreenshortsbackontherack,much

toCara’srelief.“Soundsgood.I’mgoingtogetthishatandthesunglasses.”Shanapaid

forheritems,andtheyalltroopedovertothepub.Marcsatonabenchoutsidetherestaurant,andhisfacelitupwhenhe

sawthem.Hischeekshadmorecolorandtherewerefewerlinesaroundhiseyes.Carasmiledinrelief.Maybehe’srealizedwehavetopulltogetheronthisandnotmakehastyjudgments.

HejumpedupandwenttoShana.Sheallowedhimtotakeherhand,butherfacesaidhehadalotofapologizingtodo.

Inside,atraditionaldarkwoodbarstretchedalongonesideofthepub.ATVhangingoverthebarblaredwithasoccergame.ThesmelloffriedfishmadeCara’smouthwater.TheymunchedonfishandchipswithpintsofbeerwhileRolfrelatedhisexperienceofsensingaTakerinHamilton.

Peopleatothertableslaughed,drinkingandenjoyingtheirvacations.Onetableeruptedintoloudcheersastheirteamscoredagoal.

Caratookaswallowofbeer.“Doesn’tseemlikeanythingbadcouldgo

onhere.Notwiththisatmosphere.”“Huh,there’squiteabitthat’sbadgoingon,”theirwaitresssaid,placing

newbeersonthetable.“Strangesthappeningsonthisisland.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Carahandedheranemptyglass.“Murders.”Thewomanleanedover,whispering.“Thisislandhasn’tseen

murderslikethisinhundredsofyears.”CaraandRolfsharedaglance.“Morethanone?”Marcasked,asheenofmoistureformingonhisupper

lip.Shana’seyeswentwide,andAmberletoutasmallmewoffear.“Oh,yes.Threeinthepasttwoweeks—apparently,thebodieswerein

badshapebecauseittookthemacoupledaystoidentifythem.”Sheglancedoverhershoulderthenleanedtowardthem.“Justwantedtowarnyoutobecareful.Stayinthepopularspots,anddon’tgooutlateatnight.”

“Thanks,”Shanasaid.“Weappreciatethewarning.”“Yeah,thanks.”Cara’sgazefollowedthewaitress,whowalkedovertoa

coupleatanothertable,outofhearingrange.“SoundslikeitmightbeTakers.”“Crap,theregoesmytriptothebeach.”Shanapushedherplateaway.“Let’sgototheboat.Weneedtodiscussthis,”Rolfsaid.“Butnotwhere

anyonecanhear.”Theotherscollectedtheirpackageswithnoargument.Astheywalkedup

thedockthesunsetsplashedpurples,orangesandfieryredsacrossthewesternsky.Reggaemusicwaftedintheair,invitingeitherhead-noddingorhipmoving.Peopleonneighboringboatsgatheredontheirdecks,sippingcocktails.Littledidtheyknowaderangedevilstalkedinnocentvictimsontheisland,andtheywereallindanger.

Cara’sgrouptrudgedintothesalonandthedogsdancedacrossthefloor,happytoseetheirhumans.

“Thegoodthingis,IdoubttheTakersareawareofus.”Rolfdroppedintooneofthewingchairs.“Inmyexperience,Takersgravitatetotheseedynightlifeofareas.It’seasierforthemtosnatchtheirvictimsinthosesurroundings.Peoplearedrunk,it’sdark,easyenoughtoluresomeoneoutsidetoasecludedarea.”

“Horrible.”Ambershivered,sinkingontothesofabesideTorwithCaraontheotherside.ShanaandMarcfiledovertotheloveseat.

“WhatisityoufeelfromaTaker,exactly?”AlistairscoopedupRamboandsatintheotherwingchair.

“It’slikeavibration,andmyskinfeelschilled.Theclosertheyare,thestrongerthesensations.”

“Canwefeelit?”Torasked.

“Intime,youwill.Oncethey’vebeenturnedtoeviltheytakeonacompletelydifferentaurathat’sveryrecognizable.Whenyou’reclosetothem,afteratimeyoubecomemoresensitivetoit.”

Shanawinced.“Oh,goodie,somethingtolookforwardto.”“How,uh,longdoesittakeforthemtoturntoeviloncetheyget

addicted?”Marcasked.“Dependsonhowlongtheyfightit.”Rolfshrugged.“Somewithno

consciencegiveinrightaway.Otherswithmoredepthofsoulfightitandholdoutlonger.It’sdifferentforeachperson.Buttheendresultisthesame,evilconsumesthemandtheylivefortheTaking.”

“Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthem?”Torasked.Rolfreachedintohisjacketpocketandpulledoutaleatherpouch,which

hehandedtoAmber.“Weproceedwithourplans.Herearethegoldsheetsfortheamulets.”

“Shouldn’twefindoutifthey’repartofDesmond’sgroup?Iftheyare,weshouldstopthemnowsotheycan’tsupporthimfromhere.”Caraslidtotheedgeofherseat.

Rolfshookhishead.“Untilyouhavetheamulets,youcan’tgetcloseenoughtosurprisethemwithouttheTakersfeelingyourwarmthasDealers.You’dbesittingducks.”

“Whataboutyou?Howdoyousneakuponthem?”Torasked.“Ihavelearnedtomaskmyenergyovertime.Butittakesyearstomaster

andit’saconsciouseffort.That’swhyIhavetheglobeformyhomesoIcanrelaxandsleepinpeace.”

“I’llgetstartedontheamulets,”Ambersaid.“Weknowwhatcrystalstouseforeachofusnow.”

“Good.”Rolfrosefromhischair.“I’llshowyouhowtousetheequipmentyou’llneedtocutandcarvethegold.”

AchillranupCara’sarms.Rolfdidn’tseemveryconcernedaboutthelocalTakersbeingathreattothem,butshewasn’tbuyingit.Feargrippedherheart.Itwouldbejustlikehimtogoafterthemonhisown.Ifhegothimselfkilled,itwouldbedifficulttocontinuethisquest.

But,selfishly,shehadtowonderwhatshe’ddowithouthim?

ChapterTwenty-Three

CaraclimbedthestepstothemaindeckwithDustybehindher.She’d

tossedandturnedforanhour.Maybeaglassofwinewouldhelphersleep.Whenshereachedthesalon,asmalllampradiatedasoftglow,butmost

oftheroomremainedbathedinshadows.Themurmuroftwomalevoicesstoodoutagainstthehushedatmosphere.

Rolfstoodatthedoorleadingtothedeck,dressedinblack.Seanhandedhimaknife,whichhetuckedinasheatheonhisankleunderhispants.Seanhandedhimahandgunnext.

Aspasmofterrorshotthroughher,andsheranacrosstheroom,eatingupthedistancebetweenherandRolfinasecond.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Rolf’sheadjerkedup,browfurrowed.HemotionedforSeantoleave.“Cara—”

“You’regoingafterthem,aren’tyou?”Shegrabbedhisarms.Hishardbicepsflexedbeneathherfingers,remindingherofhisincrediblestrength.

Hetuckedthegununderhisbeltandcrossedhisarms,gentlycoveringherfingerswithhis.Afterafewseconds,hepeeledherhandsaway.“Whatareyoudoingup?Youshouldn’tbehere.”Heturnedandpickedupablackwindbreaker.

“Stop.”Sheyankedthejacketfromhishand.Ifsomethinghappenedtohimshewouldbedevastated.Herfearhitherlikeatraingoingfullspeed,crashingintoherwithfull-blownpanic.“Youcan’tdothis.”

Hiseyesdarkened.“ThisiswhatIdo.IkillTakers.”“Iknow,but—”Howcouldshemakehimunderstand?“Don’tyouget

it?Therearemoreofus.Wecanhelpyou.Youdon’thavetodothisaloneanymore.”

Heclosedhiseyesandsighed,thendirectedthatdevastatingbluegazeintohers.Hisfacesmoothed,takingonanexpressionofincredibletendernessashereachedouttorunthebackofhisfingersdownhercheek.“MydearCara.”

Histouchsentashiverthroughher.Shesuckedinherbreath,givingintotherealizationofwhathemeanttoher.Hehastostaysafe.She’dnever

experiencedsuchdeepemotionstyinghertosomeone.SharingLighthadentangledtheiressences,andshecouldn’tbearlosinghim.

“Rolf,please.Youdon’tunderstand.”Shegrabbedhisshoulders.“Ican’tloseyou.I—”

“Shhh.”Heplacedafingeronherlips,whichtrembledathistouch.“Ican’tbearthisanymore—”

Slowly,hisgazeintent,heloweredhishead.Hislipspressedtohersandshethrewherarmsabouthisneck,drawinghimclose.God,thosewarm,softlips,sofullofpassion.Herheartachedwiththeneedfortendernessandlove.

Theirkissexplodedwithhunger,andharsh,nakeddesire,evenbetterthanshe’dthoughtitwouldbe.Hegrowled,andhisarmsencircledherwaist,pullingherbodytightagainsthis.Theguninhisbeltpressedintoherabdomen,butshedidn’tcare.Histongueenteredhermouth,warmandinvitingagainstherown.

Sheranherfingersacrossthesoftskinonhisneck.Hishandsskimmedloweronherback,downtheswellofherbuttocksandlingeredthereashiskissintensified.Roughfingerstracedatrailoffireupherhipstoherwaist.Theriseofpassioninherbellyflamed,ahotcoalgrowing,spreadingthroughherstomach.Ashudderrocketeddownherspine.Hislipscaressedherskinfromhermouthdownherneck.Shetippedherheadback,andtheecstasyofhislipstraveledtothetenderareaofhercollarbone.

Cara’sskintingledfromherthroattoherfingertips,andshetrembled,pressingherbreastsagainsthishardchest.Hugginghimtoher,shestoodontiptoeandarchedherback,moaning.

ButthenhiskissesstoppedHesteppedbackfromher,breathingheavy.Sheresistedhisretreat,holdingtighttohisneck,butheslowlyremovedherarms.Hislidsdroopedoverhiseyes,andhislipspressedintoathinline.

“Rolf.”Thelossofhimholdingherleftherhollow.No,hecouldn’trejectheragain.

“Please,Cara,”hesaid.“Ihavetogo.Ihavetofindoutifthey’repartofDesmond’sgroup.”

“I’mgoingwithyou.”“No.”Histonewassharpandcommanding.Shestaredathimfullofdefianceandslammedherfistedhandsonher

hips.“Whynot?”“Youmightgethurt.Iwouldneverbeabletolivewithmyselfif

somethinghappenedtoyou.”“It’sokayforyoutoworryaboutme,butnotformetoworryabout

you?”Sheshovedagainsthischest.“Don’tdenywhat’sgoingonhere.”

Hisjawmovedbackandforth.Finally,hisshoulderssagged.“Thiswasamistake.I’msorry,Ishouldn’thavekissedyou.”

Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.Someforcehadbroughtthemtogether,andhewantedtodenyit.Hislipstoldanotherstory.“Rolf,atleastadmityouneedhelp.Ifwe’regoingtofightDesmond,youhavetoletushelpyou.”

“Youandyourfriendsarenotready.”Headjustedtheguninhisbelt.“We’reworkingonit.Look,promisemethis.Ifyoumustgotonight,just

findoutwhatyoucan,thencomebackandwecandiscusswhattodoasagroup.We’reinthistogetherandwecan’taffordtoloseyou.”Shesmoothedherhandsoverhischestandgazedintohiseyes.

Heletoutadeepbreathandcoveredherhandswithhis.“I’mnotgoingintodanger.IwillfindthemanddiscoverwhatconnectionstheyhavetoDesmond,ifany.ThenI’lltellyouallwhatI’vefound.Now,gobacktobed.I’llbeallright,don’tworry.”Herhandsfelltohersides.Hegrabbedthejacketfromthefloorwhereshe’ddroppeditandcrossedtothedoor.Handonthedoorhandle,heturned.Then,afteralastlookather,heslippedthroughthedoorintothedarkness.

Coolairrushedthroughtheopeningwithhisdeparture,andsheshivered,rubbingherarms.Sheturnedfromthedoor,herheartpoundingattherushofemotionspassingthroughher.Rushingtothebar,shepouredaglassofredwinewithtremblinghandsthencarriedtheglasstothesofa.Nowaywouldshebeabletogotosleepuntilhewasbackontheboat,safe.

“Cara?What’swrong?”Amberboundedupthestairs,rubbinghereyesandyawning.“Iheardvoices.”

“I’mintrouble,”Caramurmured.Ambertightenedthesashofhershortbluerobeandpursedherlips.She

paddedtothecouchandsatbesideCara.“You’reinlovewithRolf,aren’tyou,honey?”

“OhmyGod!”Carafloppedbackandslappedahandoverhereyes.“AmIthattransparent?”

“Well,sweetie,ofcoursewecanallseeit.Andhelovesyou,too.Youcan’thidethosesortsofthings,especiallyfromme.”Shegiggled.

“Butyou’rewrongabouthim.Hedoesn’tloveme.”Carasatupandsnatchedherwineglassfromthecoffeetable.

“Ha!Oh,yeshedoes.”“Ijustkissedhimandheturnedmedown.Okay?”“Itdoesn’tmatterwhathejustdid.I’monehundredpercentpositivehe

hasfeelingsforyou.Ithinkthepastkeepshimfromallowinghimselftofallin

love.Thinkaboutit.Allthoseyearsalone,doingnothingbutfightingandmourningamurderedwife.Hecan’tjustturnaroundandsay,‘hey,it’sgreattobealiveandinlove’.There’sbaggage.”

Carashookherhead.“It’smorethanbaggage.Ithinkit’sbecausehe’sanancient.RememberHighlander?He’dfallinlove,thenthewomanwouldgetoldanddie,and,finally,hejuststoppedbecauseithurttoomuch.”

“Thisisreallife,Cara,notthemovies.Wedon’tknowwhat’sgoingtohappentomorrow.Isaytakewhatloveandcomfortyoucan,whileyoucan.Weallhavedifferences.Buthowyoudealwiththemiswhatmakesarelationshipwork.”

“Maybeyoushouldhavethistalkwithhim.”“MaybeIwill.”“I’mkidding.”ShegrabbedAmber’sarm.“I’dbehumiliated.Justleave

himalone,please?”Amberwasmorethancapableofdoingwhatshesaid.Caracouldn’tbearthethoughtofRolfknowinghowmuchshecaredforhimthenpityingher.Tonighthadbeenbadenough.“Please?”

Amberdidn’tanswer.Shesmiled,pattedCara’sarm,andtrottedbackdownthesteps.

###

RolfreturnedtoAvalonsometimearoundfoura.m.Hepausedatthedoor

tothesalon,listening.Dustyranupthesidedeckandjumpedathisthigh.“Hey,bigguy.”Rolfruffledthefuronhishead.“Where’syourmom?”HemadehiswaytothesternoftheboatandtherewasCara,asleepon

oneofthepaddedchaises.Standingintheshadowsatthesideofthedeck,heabsorbedthevisionofCarasleeping.Shelaycurledonherside,thicklashesfannedagainstherpalecheeks,herfulllipsslightlyparted.

Atightnessinvadedhisgut.ThekisswithCaralefthimburningwithneed,butconfusedaboutwhatpathtotake.Shewasmortalandwoulddiesoon,leavinghimaloneagain.AbaremomentofpleasureandabetrayalofSakhet.Hissoulrevoltedattheidea.

Hereyelidsflutteredandopened.Thesmilethatbrokeoverherface,thoughgroggy,filledhimwithatinglingglowofpleasure.

“You’reokay.”Shepushedherselftoasittingposition.“Ipromised,remember?”Hesatonthefootofthechaise,thewarmth

fromherbodyinfusinghimwithcontentment.“Whathappened?”Sherestedahandonhisarm,eyessearchinghisface.

“IfollowedtheevilstenchandlocatedoneoftheTakersatabarinHamilton.Athin,whitemaninhislate-twenties.Hedidhisbesttoenticesomeofthegirlsoutside,butnoneofthewomeninthebarsuccumbedtohisinvitations,thankthegods.Itwasaftertwowhenhefinallygaveupandleft.

“HewenttoahouseinaruralareaandIdetectedtwoothermen,allTakers.TheyhadthewindowsopensoIheardthemtalking.AsfarasIcouldtell,they’rejustanisolatedgroupofdeviantLight-dealerswhodevelopedtheirsickneedindependentofoutsideinfluence.SeemstheytraveledhererecentlyfromEngland.”

“Theydidn’tseeyou?”Herhandsqueezedhisarmashereyesgrewwide.

“Ofcoursenot.I’vebeenatthisalongtime,remember?”Hesmiled,longingtopullherintohisarmsandkissawaytheworrylinesonherface.

“Rolf,Iwassoafraidwhenyouleft.Ithoughtyoumeanttotakethemonbyyourself.”Sheplacedherotherhandonhischeek,andenergychargedthroughhim,touchinghiscore.

Heclosedhiseyesandgraspedthehandathischeek,carryingittohislips.Herindrawnbreathsentashiverofdesirethroughhim.Hefroze.Bythegods,didhehavenowillpoweratall?Sakhet’sfaceroseinhismind,lushredlipssmiling,andapangofguiltslicedathisheart.

“DearCara.”Hereleasedherhandandstood.“Youmustletmedomyjob.Don’tworry,Icantakecareofmyself.It’syouI’mconcernedfor.”

Shestoodandlaidahandonhischest,eyesshininganinvitation.“Rolf—”

Hesethisforefingeragainstherlips.“Myfeelingsforyoucastaveilofconfusionovermysenses.That’sdangerous.WehavetofighttheseTakers.There’snothingmoreimportant.Don’tyouunderstand?”

Tearswelledinhereyes.“Okay.Ifit’swhatyouwant.”“It’swhathastobe.”Hekissedthetopofherheadthensteppedback,

knowinghehadtoleaveorallthegoodintentionsintheworldwouldnotkeephimfromgatheringhercloseandcoveringherbodywithkisses.

Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest,andbitherbottomlip,eyesdown.“Goodnight,Cara.”Hehurriedinsidewithoutlookingback,and

returnedtohisroom,achingwithneed.Onceinbed,heclosedhiseyesandherimagestayedbeforehimuntilhefellasleep.

Warm,dryairblewacrosshisface.Heblinkedandwhenheopenedhiseyes,thesapphirewatersoftheNileranbeforehim.Overhishead,thewhite-hotsunfloatedintheclearceruleansky.Hesquintedtogazeacrosstheriverwheregreengrassesgrewinwildabandon,thickandrich.Abrushofaironhis

handdrewhisattentiontohisright.Sakhetstoodnexttohim,herfulllipscurvedintoasmile.Hisheartlurched.She’scomeback!

“Beloved.”Hervoiceembracedthewordintender,richtonesoflove.Herfingerswrappedaroundhis,warmandcomforting.

“Sakhet.Ithoughtyouwouldnevercometomeagain.”Hispulseraced.Heswunghislegsoverthesideofthebedtostandbesideher.Raisinghishands,hecuppedhercheeks,savoringeverypreciouspartofherface—touchingherlipsandeyelidswithhisfingertips.Dear,sweetfeatures.Heloweredhisheadtokissher,butshedrewaway.

“Bes,mylove,tellmeaboutyourheart.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Herwithdrawalpunchedaholeinhissoul.How

couldshenotknowhisheart—shewhoknewhimbest?Shetiltedherheadandgavehimagentlesmile.“PoorBes,Ihavekept

youwithmetoolong.Iseethatnow.”“No,”hesaid,tremblingwithneedforher.“That’snottrue.”“Youmustletmerestinpeace,mydearest.Toolonghaveyoudenied

yourselfthepleasureofjoiningwithanother.”Shereacheduptocaresshischeekwithherfingertips.“Ireleaseyou.Goandfindthepeaceyouseek.”

“No,youaremylove,nowandforever.”Tearsruinedhisvision.Mustsheriptheheartfromhischestwiththesewords?Hisinsidesfrozeintheicycoldnessofdespair.

“Yes,apartofyou,always,butyoumustmakeroomforothers.Itistime.Yourdestinyliesalongadifferentpathfrommine.Somanyyearsyouhavefoughttoavengeme.Now,itistimetofollowyourheart.Unlessyoudo,theworldislost.Imustnotvisityouanymoresoyoucanfindyourwaytopeace.”

“Iwon’tletyougo.”Hefelltohiskneesandhuggedheraroundherwaist,buryinghisfaceinhersilky,flowingclothing.Sobsnearlydoubledhimover.“Toneverseeyou,eveninmydreams—”

“Dothisforme,Bes.Bestrong.”Shefloatedfromhisembraceanddriftedawaywithherarmsoutstretched.

Hislimbswentnumb,buthemanagedtoreachforher.Everymuscleinhimstrainedtoriseandfollow,butdespiteallhisgreatpower,sheslippedbetweenhisarmslikewispsofsmoke.Shesmiledherbeautifulsmile,gentleandloving.Herbodydriftedfromhim.Then,withalastglance,shefloatedawayuntilherformfadedintotheglareofthesun.

“Sakhet,”hecriedandfellover,wrackedwithsobs,hisheartacold,emptypit.Butshewasgoneandheknewhewouldneverseeheragain.

ChapterTwenty-Four

ThesalonlayemptywhenCaraandDustyclimbedthestepstothemain

deckthenextmorning.Voicesoutsideledhertothebackdeck.Theotherswereallthere,loungingonthecushionedseatsandchairsthatsurroundedateaktable,drinkingcoffeeastheymunchedonsweetrollsandfruit.

Rolfsatinachair,drinkingacupofespresso.Foronce,heworeawhiteshirt,unbuttonedattheneckandblackcargoshorts.Sheswallowedandputahandtocoverherpoundingheart.

Rolfturnedhisheadandpinnedherwithablue-eyedgaze,unsmiling.Sheswallowedandturnedaway,sadnesscalmingherpulse.

“Hey,Cara,”Ambersaid.“Trythison.”Sheheldoutanecklace:Ablackleathercordwithalargependantcontainingthreecrystalsandrunescarvedinthegoldwhichheldthem.

Thankfulforthedistraction,shecrossedthedecktoAmberandtookthenecklace,admiringtheworkherfriendhaddone.Runescarvedinthemetalhadnomeaningforher,but,hopefully,thespellswouldworktohideherenergy.Sheheldherpendantupbythecordthenplaceditaroundherneck.Sheforcedherselftostayfocusedonthejewel,withonlyabriefsidewaysglanceatRolf.“Well,feelanything,Rolf?”

Hehesitated,thenroseandwalkedaroundher.Herskintingled.“Idon’tfeelanyenergyatall.Goodjob,Amber,”hesaid.“Youonly

needtowearitwhenweleavetheboat,Cara.Here,we’reprotectedbytheglobe.”

“Yeah!”Amberjumpedupanddown,clappingherhands.“Itworks.”“So,what’sup?”Cararemovedtheamuletandstuffeditinherpocket.

Shehopedtheotherscouldn’tseehowmuchherheartached.“Iwasabouttofillthegroupinonmydiscoverieslastnight.”“Whathappened?”Marcasked.“IdecidedtofindtheTakers,”Rolfreplied.“Byyourself?”Amberceasedhercelebrationandfrowned.“Yes,IknowwhatI’mdoing.”

Shanawalkedbyandpunchedhimintheshoulder.“Yeah,butnowyougotateam,sodon’tbegoingoffbyyourselfagain.”

“SoIwastoldlastnight.”RolfglancedatCara.Shanaraisedaneyebrow,butCaraloweredhergazetothefloor.“Whatdidyoufind?”Alistairasked.HerecountedhistrackingoftheTakerandthediscoveryofthehouse

withthetwoothers.“You’resurethey’renotwithDesmond?”Torstretchedhisarmsoverhis

head.“Itwouldseemso.”Caracrossedtothetableandpouredherselfacupofcoffeefromthe

thermalcarafe.“Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthem?”Amberasked.Shanaraisedherfistsintheair.“Eliminatethem.”“What?”Marcjumpedtohisfeet.“She’sright,”Torsaid.“Wehavetogetridofthesedudes.They’re

murderingpeople.Arewegoingtoletthemkeepkilling?”“You’retalkingaboutmurderingsomeone,doyourealizethat?”Marc

staredatShana.“Can’tweturnthemintothepoliceorsomething?Maybetheycangetsomehelpandchange.”

“Itoldyou,onceaTakeristurned,thereisnohelp.”Rolfdrapedonearmoverthebackofhischair.“Thereisnochoicebutdeath.”

“Look,Idon’twanttokillanybody,butTor’sright.”Shanaputherhandsonherhips.“Wehavetotakecareofthis.Theauthoritieswon’tdiscoverthemuntilthey’vekilledwhoknowshowmanyotherpeople,andifwetrytoturnthemin,thecopswilllaughatus.Weknowwhattheyareandwheretheyare.Isaywetakethemout.”

Marcsatonthecouch,facepaleassweattrickleddownonesideofhisface.Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.Caracouldn’tblamehim.Nowthattheywerefacedwithit,shedidn’tknowhowshewouldbeabletokillsomeone.She’ddevotedherlifetosavingpeople,healing.Howcouldshereconcilekillingwithherconscious?

“I’mafraidShana’sright,”Rolfsaid.“Wehavetomakesuretheydon’tkillanyoneelse.”

“Thekillingisregrettable,butnecessaryinthiscase,sadtosay.”Alistaircleanedhisspectacles,appearingfarmoreabsorbedinthesimpletaskthannecessary.

Torstood.“Iagree.What’stheplan?”Heflexedthemusclesinhisshoulders,darkeyesintense.

“Fornow,Amberneedstocompletetheamulets,”Rolfsaid.“Theydon’tknowaboutus,sotimeisnotafactor.ContinueyourtrainingwithTor.Whentheamuletsarecompleteandyoufeelready,wewillmakeaplantoensuretheyneverkillanyoneagain.”

“Yousoundsomatter-of-fact,butthesepeoplecankillus,”Ambersaid.“They’reevilandmurderwithoutathought.Isanyonebesidesmefrightened?”

ShanaputahandonAmber’sshoulder.“I’mscared.Iadmitit.ButI’mmoreafraidwhereitwillleadifweletthemkeepkilling.”

“Dowereallystandachanceagainstthem?”MarcgazedatRolf.“Justkeeppracticing.Whenthetimecomes,surprisewillbeonour

side,”wasRolf’snon-committalanswer.DustyleftCaraandtrottedovertoRolfseekingattention.Traitor.“Canwepleasegotothebeachjustonce?”Shanaputherhandsupina

prayergesture.“Please,please?”Tor’seyeslitandAmberbouncedonhertoes.Theyallneededsome

stressrelease.Rolfthrewuphishandsandstood.“Okay,wecangoforafewhourstoa

secludedcoveIknow.Wewon’tencountertheTakersinsuchaplace.It’sbestifweallgotogether.”

Ambersquealedandrushedoff,ShanaandTorinherwake,whileMarctrudgedalongintherear.

Alistairrosefromhischairandbrushedbackthethinwispsofhishair.“Idaresayitwouldbeajollygoodtime,butIdon’twanttosunburn.Besides,researchrelaxesme.”HeheadedalongthedecktotheSalon.

“I’mgladyou’resafe.”CararoseandputahandonRolf’sarmaftertheothersleftthesalon.Theairbetweenthemcrackledwithsuppressedemotion.“I—”

Hepattedherhandbutmovedaway.“Let’snottalkaboutlastnight.I’msorry,butwhatyouwantisimpossibleforme.Idon’twanttohurtyou.Doyouunderstand?”

Sherestedherhandsonherhips.Shewasn’tgoingtolie.“No,Idon’t.”Hehesitated,thenshookhisheadandwalkedaway.“Damnit,”Carasaidunderherbreath.Tearsstartedinhereyes,butshe

brushedthemaway.

###

Thetaxidroppedthemonthesideofabackroad.CarafollowedtheothersdowntothesecludedareaofJobson’sCove,adelightofpinksandandlappingturquoisewaters.Shehadtostopandstareatitforaminutetosoakinthebeauty.Rolfdroppedthebagoffhisshoulderandspreadablanketonthesand.

Unabletoresistthetemptationofatropicalparadise,Carastrippedoffherouterclothesandtossedthemontheblanket.“Woohoo,”sheyelledandranintothewater,yelpingasawavesplashedinherfaceandsaltywatershotuphernostrils.Rolfactuallylaughed.Hestrippedoffhisclothes,revealinghisbathingtrunksandjoinedher.Theothersweren’tfarbehind,whoopingandyelling.

Sheswamoutawaysanddoveunderthesurface,revelinginthewarmcaressingwaterandasenseoffreedom.Floatingonherback,shelookedattheclearbluesky.Itwassobeautifulhere.Whycouldn’tlifestaylikethis?

Rolfswamtoherandsurfaced,slingingdropsofwaterout.“Youlookhappy.”

“Rightnow,IguessIam.”Shespreadherarms,sendingripplesout.Thenshetuckedherfeetunderherandtreadedwater.“Areyouhappy?”

“Atthismoment,yes.”Hisiceblueeyesmadehershiver,despitethewarmwater.

Shestoppedafewfeetfromhim,wateruptoherchest,andherfeetfoundthegrittysurfaceofthesand.Hefacedher,squintingfromthebrightsunlight.Agoldenankhonachainglitteredagainstthetanskinofhischest.Howshewantedhimtokissheragain,butheremainedreserved,aloof.“I’mgladyou’rehappy,”shesaid.“Youdeservesomehappinessafterallyou’vebeenthrough.”

“Doyoureallybelievethat?”Hesquintedather.“Yes.”Hereyesmethis,unwavering.“You’reagoodperson.You’ve

sufferedoverthecenturies.Ofcourseyoudeservetobehappy.”“I’mafraidI’mnotaverygoodperson,Cara.”Hedoveunderthewater

andswambacktoshore,thenwenttohistowel,floppingdownonit.“How’sitgoing?”AmberswamupanddartedhereyestoRolf.“It’snot.Butyouknowwhat?I’mgoingtoenjoytodayandnotthink

abouttomorrow.And,rightnow,Ineedsomesunonmyuber-whitebody.”Amberlaughedand,aftersplashinginthecovewiththeothersforan

hour,theystraggled,drippingandtired,fromthewater.Caracollapsedontohertowel.SheglancedatRolflyingonhisback,eyesclosed,afewfeetaway.Wasitevenpossibletoforgetaboutherfeelingsforhim?Moreexistedbetweenthemthanjustphysicalattraction,shewassureofit.ShecouldfeelitintheLightwhentheyjoined.

Sheclosedhereyes,baskinginthewarmsunasitsoakedintoherskin.Aboveherhead,palmfrondsscratchedastheyswayedinthebreeze,andtheoccasionalraucouscallofexoticbirdscontrastedwiththecalmlappingofwater.Theperfumeofexoticflowerscameandwent,andtheheatofthesunwarmedherwithabalmofpurepleasure.Itwasparadise,butatitsedgesshardsofuneasinessstillintruded.

ChapterTwenty-Five

“Sir,sofarwehavealittleoversixhundredmilliondollarsinthebank

account.”Carltonscannedtheprintoutinhishand.“Arrangetotransferahundredthousanddollarstoeachmember’s

accountandtheresttoouraccountintheCaymans,”Desmondresponded.Buttherewasstillachanceofdiscoveryuntiltheycontrolledtheentirecountry.“Idon’twantanyquestionsraisedbythosenotunderourcontrol.”

“Verygood.”Carltonstartedtogo.“Wait,”Desmondcalled,andCarltonturnedbacktohim.“Anywordof

ourenemies?”“No,Isentmessagestothepeoplewe’vebribedineverycityinourweb

withpicturesanddescriptionsofRolfandthewoman,Cara.Theyseemtohavetraveledbeyondourboundaries.”

“I’mnothappythey’veslippedfrommygrasp.”Desmondpacedtheroom.RolfhadintimateknowledgeofTakersandwastheonlypersonintheworldDesmondfeared.He’dcountedonRolfbeingcaughtwithintheNet.But,somehow,he’descaped.Howhadheknown?WasitpossibleheknewmoreaboutthegrandplanthantheisolatedeventshereinNorfolk?Impossible.OnlyDesmond’sfollowersknew,andofthem,onlyCarltonwasprivytotheextentofthescheme.DesmondscrutinizedtheyoungermanbutrejectedtheideaCarltonmightbeabletofakehisdevotion,orriskbeingcutofffromDesmond’storturedLight.

“IftheysurfaceanywherefromCharleston,SouthCarolinatoBaltimore,we’llbeonthelookoutforthem,”Carltonsaid.

Desmondcrossedhisarms.“Sendoutareminder.Theyposetheonlythreattoourexpansion.IfthereisanysenseoftheirpresenceIwantallresourcessenttointerceptandeliminatethem.”

“Verywell.”“Ithinkit’stimetolaunchphasetwo.Establishthelinktoallradio

stationsinthearea.”Carlton’slipscurled.“Atonce.”Hehurriedaway.

SomeurgentneedtuggedatDesmond’smemory,buthecouldn’tdefineit.Somevitalpieceofinformationeludedhim,somereasonforRolf’seasyescape.Hemomentarilyponderedthepossibilities,butnothingcameforthtoexplainhisuneasiness.Heshrugged.SoontheywouldexpandtheirNetand,perhaps,catchRolfatthatpoint.

Inanyevent,DesmondwouldmakesurehisfollowersremainedonalertforanysignofthetwoDealers.

Rightnow,theneedtoinflictpaingnawedathissoullikehungerwithsharpteeth.HeleftCarlton’sofficeandstrolledoutside.Duskcastlengtheningshadowsacrossthestreet,andhedrankinthewarmscentofpeoplecloseby,possiblyonthenextstreet.Heclutchedhisdarkjacketcloseabouthimtoblockthechillofeveningandsetoffwithadeterminedstride,thehunterafterhisprey.

###

“Cara!”Shanaslammedintoherandtheybothtumbledtothefloor.Damnit,

Rolfkeptdistractingher.Shestruggledtoherfeet,rubbingthepaininhershoulderwhereshe’dlanded.Theycircledagain.Thistime,whenShanarushedher,shesteppedtotheside,snatchedShana’swristandtwistedherarmupbehindherback.

“Uncle,”Shanapanted,soCarareleasedher.“Let’stakeabreak.Goodwork.”TortossedthembothatowelandCara

wipedsweatfromherforehead.Ambersatonabarstool,usingthesurfaceasherworkarea,andCarawanderedclosetocheckonherfriend.

“Howmanyhaveyoufinished?”ShegrabbedabottleofwaterandpeeredoverAmber’sshoulderasshehammeredarunedesignontoagoldsheet.

“Threemorewillbefinishedtoday.I’mgettingbetteratitnowthatIknowtherunedesignsandhaveallthecrystalssortedout.”

“Youreallyhaveaknackforthis.”Ambersmiledupather.“Thanks.Maybewhenallthisisover,I’lltake

upjewelrymaking.”Whenallthisisover…Caracouldn’timaginewhatwouldhappen.Would

theybeabletoreturntotheiroldlivesandpickupwheretheyleftoff?Itdidn’tseempossible.Buttheycouldn’tsailthesevenseasonRolf’sboatforever.Besttonotthinkaboutitorshe’dbecomedepressed.

Afewhourslater,Carahadshoweredandslippedintothelongflowing

sundressshe’dboughtinHamilton.Sheranherfingersdownthesilkymaterialoftheskirt.Let’shopeRolfnoticeshowthisgreenbringsoutmyeyesliketheclerkdidatthestore.SheadjustedthelowV-cutbodicesoherbradidn’tshow.

Didshereallystandachanceagainstthelovely,guilt-enshrinedSakhet?Herheartflutteredadenial.Pushingthosethoughtsaway,sheflickedalongstrawberryblondtressoveroneshoulder,appliedlipstickandpressedherlipstogether,thenwalkedoutoftheroomtothefootofthestairs.

Thesoundsoflaughterandclinkingofglassesfiltereddowntoher.Handontherail,Carahurriedtojointhem.Hiddenatfirstbytheshadowsoftheafternoonsun,shepausedatthetopofthesteps.Onebyone,thetalkingceasedandallheadsswirledinherdirection.Caraputherhandstoherface,asembarrassedheatpooledthere.“What’swrong?”ShesearchedtheroomforRolfandbreathedasighofreliefthathewasn’tpresent.

“Nothing’swrong,girl.”Shanajumpedfromthecouchandrushedovertohugher.“Youlookseriouslyhot,”shewhisperedinherear.

Carastartedtodenyitwhentheskinonthebackofherneckpricked.Shepivotedandthere,justoffthedeck,onehandonthedoor,Rolfsurveyedtheroom.Hisblueeyescapturedherglanceandtheroomstilled.Hisgazetookinherappearancefromtoptobottombeforehefinallymoved.

“Seangrilledsomeshrimp.Anyonehungry?We’reeatingonthebackdeck.”Heheldopenthedoorandwavedthemoutside.DustyandRamboboundedthrough,barking.

Amberglancedatherexpectantly,andhandedheraglassofchilledchardonnay.Caraforcedherownbreathingtoslow,hatingthatRolfhadthiseffectonher.

Thegrouptrailedtothebackoftheboat,andthecrewbroughttraysoffood,whileSeanremovedskewersofshrimpfromthedeckgrilltoplacethemonaplatter.Thegarlicandjerkspiceswaftedthroughtheair,andCara’sstomachgrumbled.

Everyonepickedupaplate,pilingthemhighastheycircledtheteaktable.Carahidasmile.Seemseveryone’sashungryasme.

Thegroupscatteredtochairsandchaises,enjoyingtheeveningbreezeasredsandpurplespaintedthesky.Unfortunately,talkeventuallyreturnedtodiscussionoftheTakersandhowtodealwiththem.

“Whatisdonemustbediscrete,”Rolfsaid.“Therulethroughoutmycareeroftrackingandkillingthemistoleavenocluetoleadanyonetodiscoverhowtheydiedortotracethekillingtome.”HesatbesideCaraonabench,afootapart,whichwastorturetoher.Thebondformedintheirshieldtrainingremained.Atrickleofenergyflowedbetweenthem,makingthehairriseonher

skin.Doesn’thefeelit,too?Sheachedtotouchhim,evenjustabrushofskinastheirarmspressedtogether.Buthemaintainedadiscretedistanceatalltimes.Damnit.

“So,wehavetogetthedudesinanisolatedspot,”Torsaid.“Wealsoneedtoconsideranyevidenceit’spossibletoleavebehindandeliminateit.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Marcasked.“Hair,clothing,fingerprints,thatsortofthing.Forensicevidence.”“There’snoneedforweapons,whichisthebiggestthreattodiscovery.If

weoverpowerthem,I’lldraintheirenergyandleavenotraceofthecauseofdeath.”

Carashivered.Sheknewhewasakiller,butitstillgaveherchillstohearhimtalkabouttakingalifesocalmly.

“Itwouldbegoodtotakethemonseparatelyifpossible,”Shanasaid.“There’slesschanceoftheTakersescapingifweoutnumberthem.”

Rolfnodded.“Iagree.Oneatatimewouldbethebestway.”“Ihaveanidea.”Shanamovedtotheedgeofherchair,excitement

shininginhereyes.“Whydon’tIgointothebarwhereRolfsawoneandpretendtolethimluremeoutoftheclub?TheTakerswillwanttogotoasecludedspotfortheirownpurposes.We’lljustturnthetablesandattacktheminstead.”

“Areyoucrazy?”Marcjumpedtohisfeet,glaringdownather,handsonhiships.“You’renotdoinganysuchthing.Youdon’tknowwhatthesepeoplearecapableof.”

Shanastoodandglaredathim,theirfacesinchesapart.“Youcan’ttellmewhatIcanorcannotdo.”

“Youknowwhat?You’reright.Noonecanevertellyouanything.It’salwaysbeenthatway,anditalwayswillbe.Idon’tknowwhyIeverthoughtwecouldmakearelationshipwork.”Hespunaroundandstompedupthesidedeck.Thedoortothesalonslammedafewsecondslater.

Shanastoodthere,silentforamoment.“Didhejustbreakupwithme?”“Youshouldgoafterhim,honey,”Ambersaid.“Talktohim.”“No.WhatIsaidisagoodplanandI’mnotbackingdown.Hethinkshe

cancontroleverything,butlifeisn’tsocutanddry.”Shefloppedbackinherchairandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.

“Itactuallyisagoodplan,”Rolfsaid.Everyonewhippedtheirheadsaroundtostareathim.“We’dbetheretomakesurenothinghappenstoShana.It’sagreatwaytogetthemoutsidewithouttheirsuspectinganything.”

Tornodded,butAmbershookherhead,eyesbrightwithfear.“I’mafraidRolf’sspoton,”Alistairsaid.“PerhapsifTortalkedtoMarc

hewouldbereassuredaboutShana’ssafety.”TorgaveShanaagrimsmileandpointedafingerather.“I’lltry.But

youtworeallyneedtogetthisthingworkedout.We’vebeentip-toeingaroundhismoodinesseversinceweleftNorfolk.Ifhe’sgoingtohelp,hehastofocus.”

“Yeah,welltellhimthat,”sheretorted.TorthrewuphishandsandwentinsidetofindMarc.“I’mgoingtomycabin.Ican’ttakethisdrama.”Shanacametoherfeet.“Ofcourse,sweetie,butdon’tyouthinkyoushouldtalktoMarc?”

Ambertwistedherhandstogether.“Youshouldn’tgotobedangry.”“Notnow.Lethimcooloff.”Shanastompedaway.Caracaughtaglimpseoftearsinherfriend’seyesbeforeShanaturned.It

mightbebettertoletbothofthemcooloff,thentrytoworkouttheirdifferences.Theyallhadtheirdifferences;sheandRolfwerenoexception.Ifonlyhewouldrealizeit.

“Well,I’mgoingtoworkontheremainingamulets,”Ambersaid,risingfromherchair.“IhopeTorcancalmMarcdown.”

“Me,too.HeandShanaaremiserableapart.”Caragazedoverthesternrailtothesparklingwaterbeyond.Itwasmoresapphirenowinthegatheringdarkness.Itseemedthegroup’scohesivenesswassplittingattheseams.Sheprayeditwouldn’tunravelcompletely.“Theyhavetobeabletofindawaytoacceptthissituationforwhatitis.Faceit.Thestressisgettingtoallofus.”

Amberpattedherarmonthewayinside.“Howaboutagameofchess,Alistair?”Rolfjerkedhisheadtowardthe

salon.Alistair’seyeslitandhesnappedhisfingersatRambothenfollowedRolf.ThenightairgrewheavyasCara’stempergrewhot.Rolfavoidedherby

playingchesswithAlistair?Really?Shestalkedupthesidedeckandthrustopenthesalondoor.Thetwomen

hadsettledatasmalltableholdingachessboardbeneaththewindowsoftheoppositewall.

Alistairlacedhisfingersandcrackedhisknuckles,thenmovedapawnforward.

“Howaboutaglassofwine,Rolf?”Shewalkedtowardthetwomen,hipsswaying.

“Notrightnow,”hesaid,keepinghiseyesontheboardbutraisingonehand.“Idon’twanttogivetheprofessoranadvantage,andIhavesomecallstomakelater.Thanks,though.”Hemovedapawnaswell.

AlistairchuckledandmovedabishoptotakeRolf’spawn.“Indeed,youshouldkeepyourwitsaboutyou,myfriend,orthiswillbeaquickgame.”

Itfeltlikesomeonehaddumpedcoldwateroverherandherinsides

fluttered.“Sure,fine,noproblem.”Sheclenchedherfistsandhernailsbitintoherpalms.Whataniceman!

Hedidn’tseemtobetemptedatall.Shejammedherfingersintoherhairatthescalpandgaveatug.Withasigh,shesurrenderedthefieldandretreateddownthestepstoherroom.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Thenextmorning,Caraleanedagainstthesiderailoftheboat.Alight

breezeliftedthehemofhershortgreensundressandsheranahanddownherthightoholditinplace.

“Hey,Cara.”Shanasaunteredtowardherfromthesternoftheboat,eyeingtheelevatedhemofCara’sdress.“Youlooksuperyummy.HasRolfseenyouinthat?”

“Hey,Shan.”HeatrusheduptoCara’scheeks.“Where’stherestofthegroup?Iwasthinkingtowalkovertotheshops.”

“Ohno,girl,youdonotgetoffthateasy.”ShanastrolledtowardCara,pointingafinger.“Youandmehavetohavealittletalk.”

Caragroaned,butShanatookherarmanddraggedhertothebackdeck.Outside,thewarmsuncoaxedCaratoreturntothesecludedcoveand

swimtherestofthedayalonewithRolf.Reggaemusic,mingledwithtalkingandlaughterfromthesurroundingboats,waftedacrosstheair.

Guiltcreptabouthermind,remindinghertheystillfacedgravetrouble,andyetallshewantedtodowasreturntothetranquilbeachwithRolf.

“Sooo?”Shanasaidwhentheyreachedthebackdeck“Sowhat?”Caradecidedtotortureher.

“Oh,comeonCara.Whathappenedlastnight?Giveitup.”ShanajerkedplayfullyonCara’sarm.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”Carasighedandsatinoneoftheloungechairsgroupedatthesternoftheboat.

“Don’tmakemebeatthecrapoutofyou.”ShanastoodbeforeCarawithherhandsonherhips.“There’snodenyingtheheatbetweenyouandRolf.So,what’sup?”

Carawavedahand.“Okay,okay.But,thetruthis,nothinghappened.”Shanasankintoachairbesideher,eyeswide.“Areyoukidding?You

weresmokinghotlastnight.What’shisproblem?It’sobvioushecaresaboutyou.Whenhelooksatyou,Ifeellikemeltingmyself.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean.He’sseriouslyhot,inadreamy,mysterious,

ancientkillersortofway.”Caraslappedherhandstoherflamingcheeks.“Man.”Shanaturnedherfacetothesunandclosedhereyes.“Idon’tget

him.What’shewaitingfor?Ibethe’sgood,too.Allsubduedstrengthwithaninnercoreofgentlelover.Mmm,de-lish.”

“Younut,”Carasaid,laughing.Butshehadtoadmit,Shana’sdescriptioncamerightoutofherownimagination,spurredonbymemoriesofthatintensekiss.

“Well,admitit.”Shanaturnedtoher.“He’snotlikeyournormal,everydayguy.”

“No.”Carashookherhead.“He’snotthat.”“Don’tgiveup,girl.He’sboundtocomearound.Youlooktotally

scrumptiousinthatsundress.”“HowaboutyouandMarc?Haveyoutalked?”Caradidn’twantto

discussRolf,itonlymadeherfeelworse.Shanafrowned.“Idon’tknow,Cara.Italkedtohimlastnightwhenhe

cametobed.Idon’tthinkheunderstandswhathappenstopeoplewhoareinanextremesituation.Itmeansweallmayhavetoactoutofcharactertosurvive.Iunderstandhedoesn’twanttoseemegethurt,andIappreciateit,butmehidinginacornerisn’tgoingtostopthesemonstersfromtakingover.”

“Areyoubacktogether?”“Notthewaywewere.He’stryingtobenice,butit’snotthesame.”

Shanafrowned.“He’sdistant.Andhehasnightmaresnow.Hewakesupyellingandsweating,shakingallover.Thisisreallyupsettinghim.”

“I’msorry,Shan.Ithinkyouguysbelongtogether.Maybehe’llbeateasewithwhatwehavetodowhenheseesforhimselfwhat’shappeningbackhome.”

“Maybe.”“Justdon’tgiveuponhimyet,okay?”SherestedahandonShana’sarm.“Idolovehim.”Shanaflashedherasmallhalfsmile.

###

“ThemeninCaliforniareportseveralitemsofinterest,”Seansaidtothe

groupofmercenariesgatheredaboutRolfinthepilothouseoftheboat.“They’vebeenwatchingDesmond’sbankaccount.He’sslick,butthey’vetrackedhimdepositingandtransferringhugesumsofmoney.Seemsallthebribedofficialsgotahundredthousanddollars.Hesentoverfivehundredmilliontoanaccount

intheCaymans.Moreseemstobecomingineachday.”Rolfrubbedhischinandleanedagainsttheboat’scontrolpanel.The

bitingsmellofhisespressofilledtheroom.Hetookanothersipandsetthecuponashelfofchartstohisright.“So,moneyispartoftheequation,butisitallhe’sinterestedin?”

Seanscannedthepaperinhishandwherehe’dscribblednotes.“Theysaytherearenoreportsofanythingoutofplace.So,thereductionofLightmustnotkeeppeoplefromcarryingonwiththeirlives.”

“IwonderifDesmondplanstoexpandhiscontrol?”oneofthemenasked,leaningonthesteeringwheel.

“ItwasimpliedinthefilesSeandownloaded,butwedon’tknowthenextcities,”Rolfsaid.“Let’shavethemeninCaliforniafocusontheexpansion.”

“Theyalreadystarted,”Seansaid.“Hopefully,they’llhavemoreinformationtomorrow.”

Rolfranahandthroughhishair.“Bottomline,weneedtoeliminatethisgroupofTakers,thenreturntothemainlandandstophimbeforeheexpandsthistravestyanyfurther.”

“What’syourplan?”Seanasked.“Sincewehaveanuntriedgroup,Isuggestwestartinanareaawayfrom

Desmond.Ifwe’resuccessfulthere,thenwecanstrikeatthehead.”“Wewon’tbepartofthestrike?”Seanasked,voicetingedwithsurprise.

Theywereallmercenaries,hiredbyRolffortheirfightingandtechnicalskills.“No,you’llhavetostayontheboatwiththeglobe.Yourfulllevelof

energywouldbenotedatonce.TheamuletsonlyworkforDealersbecausethecrystalsconnectwiththeirinnerLightcore,whichyoudon’thave.ButIwantyoutohelpwithtrainingtheothers.”Nowaywouldhehelptrain.TheimpactofCara’sbodybeneathhishadonlyservedtoincreasehistemptation.

“Okay,wheredoyouwanttostrike?”Seanspreadoutthemapoftheeastcoast.

Rolfmovedthemapacrosstothenavigationstationontheleftsideoftheroom.Therestofthemenlookedoverhisshoulders.Lightfromthewindowssurroundingthebridgeglaredoffthepaperandhesquinted.“Here.”HepointedtoCharleston,SouthCarolina.“It’sthesouthernmostpointaffected.WecanmakeporteasilyandhuntdowntheTakersbytrackingtheirenergy.”

“Weshouldanticipatehehaspeoplesearchingforus,”Seansaid.“Yes,buthedoesn’tknowwe’reonaboatoreventhatIownone.This

boatisregisteredtoanalias.Wemustbeverycareful,though.”“Won’tDesmondknowhe’slostoneofhisgroups?”“Verylikely,”Rolfsaid.

“He’llknowwe’recomingforhim.”Seanlookedathisboss.“Yes.”AferalglintofpredatoryanticipationsurgedwithinRolf.“He’ll

know.Buthewon’tknowwhenorhow.”RolfdescendedthestepsfromthepilothouseatthesametimeCaraand

Shanaopenedthedoortothesalon.Carafrozeonthethresholdwhenhereyesmethis.Hetookthelaststepandcouldmovenofurtherashisgazetraveleddownhertothelongexpanseoflegshowing.Hisheartthuddedinhischest.Lastnight’sdaringnecklinehadnearlydonehiminandnowthis.

ShanasnickeredandpushedCaraforwardthroughthedoor,passingbehindherintotheroom.Sheremainedwhereshewas,gazelockedonhis.Itwasthemostexquisitetorture,hisheartswellingatthesightofCaraandhisbrainlashinghimwithbarbedwhipsforhisbetrayalofSakhet.

Reasontuggedhimintwodirections.AllowthebondwithCaratogrow,andreapsomehappinessinthislifebeforeshegrewoldanddied,ormaintainhisloyaltytoSakhetandhopetojoinhersomedaysoonintheparadisebeyond.Hecursedthegodsforplacingthisdecisionbeforehim.Nomanshouldhavetosufferinthismanner.

Caraslidherhandsdownherthighsandbroketheirconnection.Shewalkedtotheclosestchair,theshortskirtofherdressflaringouttorevealevenmoreofhercreamythighs.Hebithischeekuntilhetastedblood,andjerkedhisheadaway,fightingforcomposure.TheyhadtofocusontheTakers,theyhadto.

Withadeepbreath,heturnedback.“Ineedtodiscusssomeplanningwiththegroup.”

“I’llgetAmberandAlistair.”Shanahurrieddownthestepstothecabins.“Coffee?”RolfaskedCara.“Yes,thankyou,”shesaidinalowvoice.Shecrossedherlegsandher

skirtrodeupevenhigher.Henoddedandshiftedhisgazewhenhewalkedtothebar.Sakhet’sface

floatedbeforehim,smiling,loveshininginhereyes.Hesqueezedhiseyesshutandleanedagainstthecounter.

“What’sup?”AmberfollowedAlistairandShanaintothesalon.TorandMarcwereafewsecondsbehind.

RolfrelayedtheCharlestonplan.“WhynotjusttakeoutDesmondfirst?”TorsettledbesideAmberonthe

couch.“Becauseyouallwillberesponsiblefortheaction.Mymenwillbe

unabletoparticipate.TheyhavefullenergyandtheTakerswillsensethem.Itwouldputusallindanger.Itwouldbebesttotakeonalesspowerfulgroup

first.Aspractice.”Hemettheirgazes,unwavering.“ButIwouldliketohavemymenstartparticipatinginyourtraining.”

“Well,theycanprobablyhelpus,Iguess,”Shanasaid.Marcshiftedinhischair,crossinghisarms.Sheshrugged.“Weneedpractice,right?”

“You’reright,”Torsaid.“We’renotreadyforDesmondyet.”“Howdowestandontheamulets?”RolfaskedAmber.“I’vefinishedmineandAlistair’sthismorning.So,sinceyoudon’tneed

one,I’mdone.”ShehandedanecklacetoAlistair.Thescholarstudieditforamomentbeforeslippingitintohispocket.

“Brilliant,mydear.”“Excellent,”Rolfsaid.“Tomorrownight,wegoafterthegrouphere.We

needtostrikebeforetheykillanyoneelse.Untilthen,Isuggestyoucontinueyourtraining.You’llneedeverybitofexperienceyoucanpackintothenexttwenty-fourhours.

“Let’sgetwithit.”Shanaclappedherhands.Marcshookhishead,buthedidn’tleave.

###

DesmondstrolledalongastreetindowntownNorfolkashortdistance

fromhistownhouse.Cloudsobscuredthesun,bestowingadim,shadowyglazetotheday.Exhilarationshotthroughhimanytimehemovedthroughthecity,observinghissuccessfirst-hand.Peoplepassedbyhim,theirfacesrevealinglittle,buttheirmindsbelongedtohim.Thesightfilledhimwithaheadyflushofsatisfaction.Slaves,everyoneofthem,andtheydidn’tevenknowit.Nowthathecontrolledthemedia,hecouldputwhateverthoughthewantedintheirheadsand,intime,theywouldbelieveit.

Hisplansprogressedexactlyasanticipated.HehadtotalcontrolofTV,radioandnewspapers.Ifhewantedsomething,hejustmanipulatedthemessagessenttothepeopleandtheyfollowedtheinstructionslikeprogrammedrobots.Toolateforhisbribedofficials.Theyneverdreamedhewantedanythingmorethanmoney.NowtheybelongedtotheNet,too,andwouldnotquestionmissingpeopleoranyotheratrocityhewantedtopursue.Perfect.

Thetimehadcometotestanotherlittleexperiment.CarltonhadputsubliminalpicturesofDesmondonTVportrayinghimindifferentflashesofroles:kindfather,trustedfriend,desirablelover,etc.

Hespottedacurvyblondeinaform-fittingbusinesssuit,carryinga

briefcase.Asshepassedhim,hereachedoutandtookherarm.“Comewithme,mydear,”hesaid,smiling.“I,uh,havetogotowork,”shemurmured,blinking.“Don’tIknowyou?

Youlookveryfamiliar.”“Yes,youknowmewell.I’mDesmond,”hesaidandcaressedherarm.

“Remember?”“Oh,yes.That’sright.Desmond.Ofcourse.”Sheblinkedagain.“Comealong,mydear.Ihavesomethingimportanttoshowyou.”Herstepsweresmallatfirst,andsheglancedbackinthedirectionshe

hadbeenwalking.Hestrokedherarm,andshelookedupinhiseyes.Asmiletrembledonherlips,thenbroadened.Sheincreasedherpace,leaningagainsthim.Heledhertothetownhouse,thethrobbingneedtocausepainpoundinginhisgut.

He’dhaveadelightfultimeplayingwiththislittlebeautyduringtheafternoon.Hismenwoulddiscardherbodyinthemorning.And,withhiscontrolofthepolice,herdeathwouldbecoveredupnicely.Hechuckledandranahanddownherspineasheguidedherupthestairstohisbedroom.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

“Okay,putthisinthesheathonyourankle.”RolfhandedCaraaknife.

Shetooktheweaponandhefteditinherhand,testingthebalance.Theleatherhandlefitintoherpalmasthoughmadeforit.Thesilverbladeflashedinthedimlightingoftheroom.Shetookadeepbreath,strappeditinhersheath,andpulledherjeansoverit.HeglancedatShana,hisforeheadwrinkled,andplacedahandontheknobofthesalon’sdoortothedeck.

Cara’sheartsank.Despitetheirtrainingwithhishiredsoldiers,shecouldtellbythelookinhiseyesthathedidn’tthinktheywereready.Still,readyornot,thetimetoeliminatetheTakershadcome.Theycouldn’tputitoffanylonger.

Theothersstrappedonknivesandspreadacrossthesalon,stretchingoutintheirdarkshirtsandpants.Theintentionfortonightwasstealth,togettheTakerswithoutmakingalotofnoise.Gunswoulddrawtoomuchattention,especiallyastheywereillegalinBermuda.Shana,thebait,waseverybitthepartinasexyblacktanktopandblackknitpantsthathuggedhercurves.Marc’seyescontinuallytraveledtoher,andhefidgetedwithhisamulet,flippingitoverandover.

“Everybodygottheiramulets?”Amberasked.EveryonebutRolfheldthemup,thentuckedtheminsidethenecksof

theirshirts.Seanhandedpalm-sizedradiostoAmberandAlistair.Theywouldbein

chargeoflookoutandcommunicationssincetheyweretheweakerfighters.Rolfhadthemtestthevolumeandmadesurethesoundworkedproperly.

“Iseveryoneclearontheplan?”Rolfaskedwhentheyfinishedtheirpreparations.

Caranodded.Shewantedtoleavetheboatbeforeshestartedgettingnervous.Teno’clockhadjustpassed,andtheislandclubswouldstartcrankingintohigh-gearrightaboutnow.

Shewaitedbythedoor,surprisedatthecalmdeterminationthathadsettledinsideher.Maybepanicwouldcomelater,especiallyiftheyendedup

killingtheTakers.Herfriendsmurmuredtoeachother,checkinggloves,radiosandknives.Asmallsmileofadmirationcurledonherface.Theyweretakingonadangerousenemybecausetheyknewnooneelsewoulddoit,andtheyhadmadetremendousprogressinaverylittletime.

“Let’sgetgoing,”Rolfsaid.“We’llleaveingroupsattenminuteintervalsandmeetattheclub.AmberandTorfirst.”

AmberglancedatCarabeforesheleft,eyesround.Caragaveherasmileofencouragement.HerfriendtookTor’shandandwalkedoutthedoor.

“Now,CaraandMarc,comewithme.”Rolfwavedtothem.“Idon’twantMarctogoinwithShana.TheTakermightbecomesuspicious.SheandAlistaircanleavelast.”

“I’mready.”Caraturned,gaveShanaathumbs-up,andwalkedtothedoor,lookingbackatMarcwholingered,twistinghisglovesinhishands.

“It’sokay,Marc,”Shanatoldhim.“I’llbefine.Watchmyback,okay?”Hehesitatedthenstuffedtheglovesinhisbackpocketandmovedpast

Cara.Sheclosedthedoortofollowtheothertwodownthedocktograbataxi.Theirstepsechoedonthedockandspreadoverthesoftlylappingwater.

Afterafifteenminuterideinthetaxi,theyarrivedattheclubandmadetheirwaydownthenarrowconcretestepsleadingtotheentrance.Theclubwastuckedintothebasementofapopularrestaurant,closedatthishour.Pounding,thumpingbassfloweduptomeetthembeforetheyeveropenedthedoor.Onceinside,RolfandCarapaused.CaralethereyesadjusttothedarknessandspottedAmberandToratatable,fifty-feettotheirright.

Stringsofsmallwhitelightsloopedabouttheceilingweretheonlyilluminationinthedimspace.Cigarettesmokehungheavyintheair,andshehadtocoughwhenitinitiallyenvelopedher.Theywovepastbodiesswayingtomusic,andbar-heightroundtableswherepeoplegatheredwiththeirdrinks.Aloudreggaebandplayedatthefarend,itsdreadlockedmembersbeltingoutBobMarleysongsingruffvoices.

Adarkwoodbarwithathatchedroofawningranalongtheleftwall,andsweatydancersmovedagainsteachotheronthedanceflooracrossfromit,swayingtotheseductiveislandrhythm.SheandRolfmaneuveredthroughthecrowdandfoundabarheighttabletostandbesideontherightsideoftheroom.Marcwalkedacrosstheroomtothebarandboughtabeerbeforewanderingtoavantagepointoppositethem.

“Senseanything?”CaraaskedRolf,leaningonthetable.“Notyet,”hesaid.“Butit’searly.Theywanttobeherewhenthegirls

havehadtimetogetdrunkandaremorelikelytogooutsidewiththem.”GoosefleshpuckeredCara’sflesh.“Youreallydoknowhowtheywork.”

“I’veseenitthousandsoftimes.”Hegazeddownather.“Areyouokay?”

Sheglancedawayandbrushedthehairfromherface.“Ijustforgetaboutyourpastsometimes.Allthekilling.”

Herestedhishandonthesmallofherback,andshefacedhim.“Becarefultonight,”heleanedcloseandwhispered.“Iwantyousafe.”Hisbreathtickledthehairsonherneck,andsheshivered.“Iwillifyou

will.”“Deal.”Hestraightenedtoscanthecrowd.Herstomachflipped.“Shanajustcamein.Doyoureallythinkshe’llbe

okay?”HeglancedtothesideasShanastrolledby,swingingherhipstothebeat

ofthemusic.Sheheadedtothebarandflippedherlongbraidsoverashoulderwithonehand.Carasawmorethanonesetofmaleeyesfollowhermovements.

“Oh,yes.Ithinkshecanhandleherself.She’llbefine.”RolfrestedhishandonCara’sarm,warmandcomforting.

Alistairpurchasedabrandyandwalkedthroughtothebackoftheclubneartheband.AmberremainedstationedatthefrontentrancenearTor.

“Everything’sinplace,”Rolfsaid.Carainchedcloser,placingahandonhisside.Hismusclesstiffened

beneathherfingers.Sheglancedathim,thinkingherespondedtohertouch.Buthestaredforward,jawclenched.

“He’shere,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Ifeelhim.”Carashiftedherfocustothedoor,andherhandpressedagainsthisback,

hisstrengthacomfort.“Yes,”shesaid.“Iseehim.”Amansaunteredby,hiseyesshiftingabout,searchingthecrowd.A

whiteT-shirtstretchedoverhisskinnychest,andhisfadedjeanshadseenbetterdays.Hehadlongbrownhairtiedinaponytailandadiamondstudglitteredinoneearlobe.

“It’snotthesameTakerIsawherebefore,”Rolfsaid.Shanaboughtabeerandleanedbackwithherelbowsonthebar,chest

thrustforward.ShelookedinCara’sdirectionandnodded.Marcmovedtoatableclosertothebar,hisfingerstappingonthetopof

it.Rolfwipedahandoverhisbrow,theagreeduponsignaltheTakerhadentered.

Shanafixedhereyesonthemanandliftedherchin,givinghimthe“comehither”look.Itdidn’ttakeasecondinvitation.Themanmovedrightuptoherandofferedtobuyheradrink.Marcgrippedthesidesofhistable,face

pale.“IsMarcgoingtobeokay?”Rolffrowned.“Givehimachance,”shesaid.Marc’seyesneverleftShanaandhe

leanedforward,likehewasreadytospring.Shetriedtocatchhiseye,buthewastoointent.

Shanacontinuedbattinghereyelashesandflippingherbraids.TheTakerleanedovertowhisperinherearandshegiggled.Thiswasit.He’dprobablysuggestedtheyleave.CaranudgedRolf,andheliftedonefingertoAlistairwhoraisedhisradiototellAmbertobeonthealertatthefrontdoor.

Shanapushedplayfullyattheman’schestandshookherhead.Butshelaughedthewholetimeandlookedathimfromunderlonglashes.Finally,sheputahandonhisshoulderandnodded.Themansmiledandtookherarm.Shestartedforthefront,buthetuggedherandmotionedtothebackofthebar.Shehesitated,thenshruggedandallowedhimtoleadherthroughthecrowds.HereyesmadecontactwithCara’sandexcitementshonethere,notfear.

“Let’sgo,”RolfsaidtoCaraandpointedwithtwofingerstoMarc,TorandAmbertofollow.

TheTakerledShanaoutarearexit.WhenRolfreachedthedoor,heopeneditacrackandpeeredout,thenmotionedfortheothers.TheyfiledintothealleyandfollowedRolf,whocouldtracktheenergyoftheTaker.

Theywoundfurtherfromtheclub,throughalleysbehindbuildings.Ararelightfrombackdoorentranceswastheonlyillumination.Ratshereandtherescurriedawayattheirpassing.Thefoulsmellofrubbishwaftedfromnumerousgarbagecansstoredbehindtheshopsandrestaurants.

Ahead,Shana’slaughterechoed.TheyreachedthecornerofabuildingandRolfheldupahand.ItseemedtheTakerhadstopped.MurmuredvoicesaheadroseinvolumethenShanasaid,“No.Stop.”

“Let’sgo.”CarapunchedRolf.Hewavedahandandtheyallrushedforward,roundingthecorner.Shanathrewanarmout,breakingtheman’sholdonherthroatand

plantedaforcefulkicktohisgroin.Themandoubledoverandshecamedownwithbothfistsonthebackofhisneck.Hecollapsedtotheground,groaning.

“I.Hate.Mean.People.”Shanakickedhimaftereachclippedword.MarcreachedShanafirstandpushedherawayfromtheTaker.His

roundedeyesstaredinshockatthemanontheground.“Bouttimeyougothere,youalmostmissedallthefun,”Shanasaid.

“Let’sfinishthisandgogettherestofthem.”Rolfletoutashortlaugh.“Goodjob.”HekneltbesidetheTaker,staringathimwithafrown.Heglancedat

Cara,thentookadeepbreathandplacedhishandonthebackoftheman’sneck.Hisjawtwitchedandascowlwashedoverhisfeatures.Veinsstoodoutonhistemples,andagrowlrumbledfromhisthroat.Itonlytookaminutethenhislipscurledbackasheliftedhisfingers.

Hestoodandapowerfulshiverwrackedhisbody.Hestaggeredandputahandagainstthebrickwallofabuildingtoremainupright.Hethrewbackhishead,grimacing,andclutchedhisarmsaroundhischest.Sweatpoppedoutonhisforehead,andhesqueezedhiseyesshut.

Carastartedforward,skincrawling.Horrified.Whatwaswrongwithhim?“Rolf!”

Heheldupahand.Shestoppedandheleanedover,suckinginair.Notcaringwhathesaid,sherushedtohisside,brushedhishandaway,andputanarmacrosshisshoulders.Tremorsrippledinthetautmusclesbeneathherhand.Ahintofsomething,likefleshburning,stunghernostrils.Shecouldn’tholdbackagag.Dearlord,thisiswhathehadtogothroughtotaketheirenergy?Andhe’dbeendoingitforthousandsofyears.

Anewrespectforhisturmoilanddeterminationsweptthroughher,leavingherhumbledandfilledwithcompassion.Hegaveuphappinesstofightthisevil,withnoendinsight.She’dneverconsideredthedepthofsacrificehemade.

Hestraightened,rubbinghistemples,hisfaceetchedwithlinesofpain.Hepattedhershoulder.“I’mokay.Thecorruptedlighthastobepurgedonceit’sinmybody.ThisiswhyImustbetheonetodrainthem.”

Alistair’sfaceglistenedinthemoonlight,morepalethannormalandAmberheldontoTor’sarm,waveringonherfeet.MarcstaredatShanawithanunreadableexpression.Carabackedaway,unabletospeak.

Rolfrubbedhishandandmotionedthemtowardthemainstreet.“Weneedtohurry.We’lltaketaxisnearwheretheyliveandwalktherestoftheway.”

Caratookadeepbreathandhurriedafterhim.Thesightofhimsufferinglefthershaken.Buttheyhadtocarryon.

“Areyouokay?”Caraaskedoncetheywereinataxi.SheandRolfrodewithAlistairandtheotherfourfollowedinanothercab.

Hisfacewaspale,buthisblueeyesglistenedinthedarkness.“I’mfine.It’spainfulbutpassesquickly.”

Shetookhishandandsqueezedit,pleasedwhenhereturnedthepressureanddidn’tpullaway.Perhaps,heneededcomfortafterall.“Ihadnoidea.I’msorryyouhavetosuffer.”

Alistairleanedforward.“Whatexactlyhappens?”

Rolfshrugged.“I’mnotsure.ItakeintheirtaintedLightanditfeelsdifferent,separatefrommyownLight.Myenergycoresurroundsit;aburningsensationgrowsandspreadsthroughmybody.Afterafewseconds,theinternalincinerationfadesawayandtheevilisgone.”

“Bloodyfascinating.”Alistairleanedbackinhisseat.“I’dliketoknowmoreaboutthis.”

“Let’sgetthroughthenight,andI’llansweranythingyouwanttoknow.”Rolfgavehimafaintsmile.

TheytraveledtoarusticareawheretheramshackleTakers’housesatsurroundedbytallgrassattheendofasandyroad.Rolfledthemcloserthroughtheshadows.Lightblazedfromthewindows.AsurgeofanticipationhitCarainthegut,surprisingher.

“Lookslikethey’reawake,”Tormurmured.“Everybodyputonyourhatsandgloves.Don’tleaveanyevidence.”

“We’llsurroundthehouse,”Rolfsaid.“Alistair,yougototheback,andAmberwillstayinthefrontincaseoneofthemgetsout.Marc,you,ShanaandTorgointhebackdoor.CaraandIwilltakethefront.”

Marc,Tor,ShanaandAlistairmovedofftocirclethehouse.CaraheldontoRolf’sarmuntilhenodded,andtheyapproachedthefront.Rolfsteppeduptothedoorandknocked.Beyondthedoor,someoneshuffled,muttering.

Thedooropenedandamanpeeredout,anirritatedexpressionwrinkledhisface.Hewasyoungandthin,wearinganavyT-shirtandbaggyjeansthathungonhiships.“Yeah,whatdoyouwant?”

“Hey,sorrytobotheryou,butourcarbrokedownandwedon’thavecells.Couldweuseyourphone?”Rolfsaid,smiling.

Theman’seyestraveledupanddownCara,andhislipscurledinanunpleasantsmirk.Rolfpeeledoffhisgloves.

Theman’sgrinfaded,andhiseyesnarrowed.“Oh,yeah?Well,comeonin.Thephone’sinthere.”Hepointedbehindhim,hiseyesgreedyashestoodasideforthemtoenter.

“Thanks.”Rolfsnakedoutahandandgrabbedtheman’sneckbeforehecouldmove.TheTaker’smouthopened,butnosoundemerged.HejerkedandclawedatRolf’sarms,thensanktohisknees,limp.WhenhisLightwasgone,hiseyesrolledbackandhecollapsedtothefloor.Rolfleanedagainstthedoorframeuntilhisspasmofinternalturmoilpassed.Caradrewinabreath,wishingshecouldeasehispain,butsheknewthatwasimpossible.

“Hey,what’sgoingon?”Ahulkingmanenteredfromanotherroom,hiseyeswideashesawhisfriendonthefloor.

Rolfstraightenedtofacehim.Marc,Shana,andTorchargedinfromthe

backandthegiantturned.HemadeagrabforTor,whoducked.Marcthrewapunchtotheman’sjaw,butitwasaglancingblow.TheTakergrabbedMarc’sthroatwithonemeatyhand.HepunchedMarcinthestomachandsenthimcrashingagainstawallwherehecollapsed.

ShanascreamedandlungedasTorsentaside-kicktotheman’schestandknockedhimback.ShanaandCarajumpedontop,pinningthemantothefloorandTorgrabbedhislegs.AflyingelbowhitCarainthejawandaspasmofpaincoursedthroughherhead.Butsheheldon.

“Whoareyou?”themanyelledashestruggledtoescape.“WhatareDesmond’sordersforyou?”Rolfasked,onekneeonthefloor,

theotherontheman’sarm.Hisvoicewascold,deadly.Themanturnedwhite-rimmedeyestoRolf,andhisbrowscame

together.“Who?Whatareyoutalkingabout?Idon’tknownoDesmond.”“Excellent.”Rolfputhishandbehindtheman’sneck,andtheTaker’s

eyespoppedwide,hislidsfluttered.Hestoppedstruggling,andhisstarefixedupward.

Rolfroseandthrewhisheadback,completingtheritualofthekillingandcleansinginhissoul.ShanagaspedandrantoMarc’sside.Cararushedafterher.MarcmoanedandflailedhisarmswhileCaraexaminedhimforinjuries.ShanaputherfingertipsbehindhiseartogivehimsomeofherLight,butheslappedheraway.

“I’mfine.”MarcblinkedandShanawithdrewherhand,browfurrowed.“Areyouokay?”Shanawhispered.“Nothingbroken,”Carasaid.Sheworkedherjawtomakesureitwasn’t

brokeneither.Marcgroanedandpushedhimselftohisfeet.Shanakeptahandonhis

arm.“Yeah,I’mokay.Don’tworry,Shan.”TorandRolfreleasedtheTakerandstood.Everyonestaredatthetwo

stillbodiessplayedonthefloor.Carafeltnoelationnow,onlysorrowtheyhadkilledthreepeopletonight.Sorrowithadbeennecessary.

AmberandAlistaircameinthroughthetwodoors,frontandback,thenpausedacrosstheroomfromthesceneofaction.TearspooledinAmber’seyes,andAlistairrubbedhisforehead,frowning.

“It’sdone.Let’sgetoutofhere.”Torwasthefirsttorecover.HemetAmberandputhisarmaroundher,leadingheroutside.

“NoevidencetheywerepartofDesmond’sgroup?”Alistairaskedwhentheywereoutintheyard.

“No.ThatguywassincerelypuzzledwhenRolfmentionedDesmond’sname,”Carasaid.“Whichisgood.Wehavemoretimenow.”

MarcandShanacameoutofthehouselast,holdinghands.Carasmiled.Maybesomegoodcameoftonight.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Caralethotwaterfromtheshowerpouroverher—massagingjetsof

healingwarmth.Sheleanedagainsttheshowerwallandlettheheatseepintoeveryinchofherbody,hopingtopurgethegruesomescenesofthenight.Ashiverwrackedher,inspiteofthewarmwater,andshehuggedherarmsaroundherwaist.

Thechillpassedandshescrubbedherskinwithaloofauntilitwasred,leavingonlyacloyinginneressence,allthatremainedofhercontactwithevil.Wasitpossibletoactuallywashawaysomethingsobad?She’dhelpedkillsomeone.Therealityofitleftherfrozenwithremorse.

Shesighed.Wehadnochoice.TheTakershadtobedestroyed.Reliefpulsedthroughherthatnooneintheirgrouphadbeenhurt.She’dbeenamazedandproudofhowtheyhadworkedtogether.

Aftertowel—dryingherhair,shepulledonleggingsandawhitecottonshirt,wincingfromsoremuscles.Sheheadedtothesalontoseehowtherestofthegroupfaredatdealingwiththeirowndemonsafterthisfirstmission.

ShanaandMarcleanedagainsttherailonthedeck,headstogether.DustyandRambosatatthefootofAlistair’schair.Theoldermanheldaglassofbrandywithafarawayexpressiononhisface.

“Hey,”CarasaidtoAlistairasshewenttothebarandpouredherselfaglassofredwine.“Where’severyoneelse?”

Heblinked,distractedfromhisreverie.“What?Oh,Cara,yes,sorry.TorandAmberareintheircabin.IbelieveAmberisdisturbedwiththenight’sevents,andToriscomfortingher.Rolfiswiththecaptain.Hewantstoleaveinthemorning.”

IfonlythisinterludeinBermudawouldlastforever,andtheycouldforgetthethreatofDesmond.Butitwasn’tpossible.Shestrolledtowardhim,sippingherwine.“Oh,well.Ishouldhaveknownhe’dwantusbackintheU.S.todealwithDesmondnow.Weprovedourselves.”

“Cara,mydear,”Alistairsaid,hiseyeskind,buttingedwithworry.“A

lothaschangedinyourliferecently.Areyouallright?”“Alot’schangedforallofus.”Shesatinachairbesidehimwhereshe

couldreachdowntopetDusty.“True.”Alistairnoddedandsippedhisbrandy.“Diditbotheryou?”Caraaskedafterseveralmoments.“What?”“Youknow…killingthosemen.”Heleanedforward,restinghiselbowsonhisknees.“Rationally

speaking,Iknewithadtobedone,anditwouldpreventotherinnocentpeoplefrombeingkilled…”

“But?”“Yes.But.”Heshookhishead.“Itwasabloodyshocktoactuallyseeit

happen,totakepartinit.”“Thereareothersoutthere,Alistair.Wehavetokillthem,too.”Shesat

upandgulpedherwine.“Doyouthinkitwillget…easier?”Hesuckedinadeepbreaththenletitoutthroughpursedlips.“Idon’t

know.Ijustdon’tknow.”ThedoorclickedopenasRolfentered.“Howareyou?”Hiseyeswere

hooded.“Okay.”Sheshrugged.He’dsufferedsomuchmorethanher.“I’lldeal

withit.”Hepouredhimselfaglassofwine.“We’releavinginthemorning.”“Alistairtoldme.”“WeneedtoreturnandstopDesmondbeforehiscontrolcanincreaseany

further.”Hecrossedtosettleintoachairbesidethem.“Iunderstand.”Sheglanceddown,swirlingherwine.Alistairleanedback.“Youknow,I’vebeendiggingintothehistoryof

thisAndeanopalmore,anditseemstohaveamazingpowers.WeneedtobeverycarefulwhenthetimecomestoconfrontDesmond.Infact,itmightbeagoodideatofindawaytotakethestoneasourprimaryobjective.”

Cara’sheadpoppedup.Ofcourse,wehavetotakethestone.“Interesting,”Rolfmurmured.“Goodpoint,Alistair.”“Thenhe’dbejustanotherTaker,right?”Caraasked.“He’sstillverypowerful,butwithoutthestonehe’llbevulnerable,

unabletolinkwiththeothercities,”Rolfsaid.“Ithinkyou’reright,Alistair.WetakeCharlestonthenwegoafterthestone.”

ColdnessenvelopedCara,andshehuggedherarmsagainstherchest.Theiridyllicislandinterludewasover.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Threedayslater,AvalonpassedfromtheAtlanticintoCharleston

Harbor.Carapeeredoutthewindowofthesalonbutthegraycurtainofheavyrainoutsidehidanysignoftheshore.

Duringtheirtrip,thegroupremainedsubdued,butcontinuedtopracticefightingeverydayunlesstheseasweretoorough.Theywatchedthenews,butnoonehadcaughtontoDesmond’swebofcontrol.Thesatellitereceptionhadbeendisruptedbythestormforthelastfewhours,sotheTVanditsstringofinnocentnewsstoriesremainedsilent.

JitteryanticipationkeptCarapacingacrossthecarpetofthesalontheclosertheycametotheirdestination.ShestoppedatawindowthenglancedatRolfsittingbythediningtablestudyingachart,avoidingeyecontact—ashehadthroughoutmostofthepassage.She’donlyhaddirectencountersduringthedailypracticesessionsforshielding.Now,theywereabletomerelyholdhandsandprojecttheshield.Everytimetheypracticeditbecameeasierandfaster.Buteveryotherminuteofeachdayhemanagedtoavoidher.

“Canyouseeanything?”Ambercameupbehindher,hervoicebarelyaudibleovertheroarofrainbeatingthewindows.

Carashookherhead.“No,it’sadelugeoutthere.”“We’reclose,though,weshouldbeatthedockinaboutthirtyminutes,”

Rolfpickeduphisfoul-weathercoatandjoggedupstairstothepilothouse.Carapacedacrosstheroom,armscrossedoverherchest.Soonthey

wouldbebackinenemyterritory,andtheyhadnoideawhattoexpect.Rolfreturnedwithinformationthatthecitymarinahadansweredtheircallandreservedaslipforthem.Thatwasalltheyknewatthispoint.

“I’veneverbeenherebefore.”Shanastaredoutawindowontheothersideofthesalon.

“It’sabeautifuloldcity,”Alistairsaid.“Ihavelovelymemoriesofstayinghereinthepast.”

“Notlongnow.”CalmassurancemarkedRolf’sfeaturesasherolleduphischart,whichrelievedCara’stensionabit.“Therainiseasingalittle,too.”

“What’stheplan?”Torasked.“WeknowtheTakers’addressfromtherecordsSeandownloaded,

unlessthey’vemoved.ButIwanttoseeitformyselftodeterminehowmanyTakersareinvolved.Ineedtofeeltheirenergy.Oncewedock,we’llwaitfornightfall.I’llgotothehousewherethey’restayingandconfirmthelocation.OnceIdo,I’llcomeback,andwe’llworkouthowwe’regoingtoattackthem.”Rolf’seyesslidtoCaraandwarmedwithtenderness.Thenhequicklylookedaway.

“Iwonderhowmanyofthemthereare.”ShanasankdownbesideMarconthecouch.Heputahandonherkneeandshesmiled,coveringhishandwithherown.

“FromtheinformationSeanhacked,thegroupsarefairlysmall,probablynomorethanfiveorsix,”Rolfsaid.

Carabitherlip.“Iwishyouwouldtakesomeonewithyou.”Hesmiledandshookhishead,turningtotheothers.“Keepthewindow

shadesdownwhileinport.Wedon’twantanyoneseeingusworkingoutorbeingunusuallyactive.Stayontheboatandkeepyouroutsideactivitytoaminimum.ThatgoesespeciallyformeandCara.WeknowDesmondisawareofus.”

Thedooratthetopofthestepsleadingtothepilothouseopened,andSeanstuckhisheadin.“Sir,we’reapproachingtheCityMarinanow.”

“I’llberightthere,”RolfsaidtoSean,thenturnedtothegroup.“Stayinsideandletthecrewtietheboatup.Goaheadandlowertheblinds.”

Asheleft,fearsurgedintoCara’schestlikeahammeringfist.Shepushedtheemotionawaywithfirmdeterminationandstartedtheprocessofcoveringthewindows.Thevibrationoftheengineschanged,lesseninginintensity.Theboatslowedinitsapproach,andthepoundingrainfallbecamelightsplatters.Theothersrantothewindowstohelplowertheblindsthenremainedtherepeekingoutbetweencracks.

Thedockfinallyslidintoview.Onlyoneortwopeopleinraingearstraggledalongthedocksinthegraygloom.AcompletelydifferentscenefromsparklingblueBermuda.

Twomeninyellowfoul-weathersuitsstoodontheT-headreadytocatchropesfromAvalon’screw.Rolfstayedoutofsightandlethiscrewsecuretheshipuntilthedockhandsleftandtherewasnooneinsight.

“Notmuchgoingoninthisrain.”Marcsteppedawayfromthewindow,runninghisfingersthroughhishairrepeatedly.Beadsofsweathungabovehisupperlip.

Amberpeekedthroughtheblinds.“Itdoesn’tlooklikeit’sbeenaffected

bytheNet.”“Whatwereyouexpecting,sweetheart?”Torcameupbehindherand

nuzzledherneck.“Idon’tknow,zombiesorsomething.”Shegiggled.“Zombiesarethedeadraisedtolifebysomespell.Whatarepeoplewith

reducedLightcalled,Iwonder?”Alistairputhishandsinhispants’pocketsandrockedbackonhisheels.

“Goodquestion,”Torsaid.“HowaboutTheSucked?”“Half-lights,”saidShana.“Dimmers,”saidAmber.“That’sit.”CarapointedtoAmber.“Dimmers.”Theylaughed,butwithquietchucklesfollowedbyguiltysilence.They

werealluneasyaboutthenextfewdaysandtheirplantokilltheTakers—Desmond’sTakers,thistime.

“Desmond’sDimmers,”Alistairsaid.“Ithasacertainringtoit.Notpleasant,ofcourse.”

“Desmond’sthenewHitler,”Torsaid.“He’spracticinggenocide.”“Creep,”Shanasaid,shakingherhead.“Evilcreep,”Amberadded,chewinganail.CaraglancedupwhenRolfenteredfromthesidedoortothedeck.He

shruggedoutofhisfoul-weatherjacketandwaterdropsscatteredonthecarpet.“Whew,finallytiedup.”

“Atleastit’sstoppedraining.”Shanadroppedtheblindbackinplace.“Good.Ididn’trelishthethoughtofroamingthroughthecityinthat

downpour.”Rolfrubbedhishandoverhiswethair.“Desmondhaspeopleonthealertforyou,”Carasaid,hereyesonhis

blackspikyhair.“Maybeweshouldchangeyourappearance.”“Whatdoyouhaveinmind?”Heeyedherskeptically.“Changesomepartofyourappearance,likeyourhair.”“AreyousuggestingIdyemyhair?”“Well,he’dbestupidnottohavehispeoplefocusedoncapturingyou,”

Carasaid.“Andamandressedallinblackwithblackhairishardlysubtle.”“Heknowsaboutyou,too.”Torpointedather.“True,”Carasaid.“So,whatdoyousay?Ialwayswantedtobea

brunette.”SheflippedastrandofhairatRolf.“IguessIcan’tdisagree,”hesaid.“ButI’llgoforblondmyself.”“Weneedadrugstore,”Ambersaid.“There’sonenearhereacoupleblocksaway,”Rolfsaid.“Icangoon

foot.”

“No,I’llgo.”Marcjumpedtohisfeet,eyesalight.“Cara’sright.Ifyou’respotteditcanruinallourplans.”

Rolfeyedhimforaminute,thennodded.“Okay.Justremembertowalkslowlyanddon’ttalktoanyone.It’sdangerousoutthere.”

###

“HowdoIlook?”Caracameupstairstothesalonandtwirledtoshowoff

hernewdarkauburnhair.“Makesyoumoreserious.”Ambertiltedherheadtooneside.ShewalkedovertoRolf,eyeinghisnowblond,spikedhair.“Ithinkthe

blondisnice.Ontheotherhand,you’relikearockstar.”“She’sgotapoint,BillyIdol,”Shanasaid,clampingahandoverher

mouthandturningaway.Marcloungedbesideheronthecouch,grinning.“Veryfunny.”Rolfshruggedintoakhakitrenchcoatandplacedabrown

fedoraonhishead.HiseyesmetCara’s,andhemusthaveseentheconcernsheknewshadedherface.

“Youmustn’tworrytonight,Cara.IreallydoknowwhatI’mdoing,”hewhisperedashepassedheronthewaytothedoor.

Shetwirledastrandofhairaroundherindexfinger.“Iknow.ButIstillgettoworry.”

“Don’twaitup.”Hesalutedtothegroup.“Yeah,right,”shemuttered.Nomatterwhathetoldher,shewouldbe

terrifieduntilhereturned.

###

Rolfmovedalongthesidewalk,keepinghispaceslow,hislongtrench

coatwrappedtightaroundhim.Thefedorahepositionedoverhiseyes.Caraintrudedintohismind,herlovelyeyescloudedwithworry.Shewantedarelationshipwithhimdespitetheirdifferences,buthehadtobestrongandtrytomaketherightdecision.Amomentofpleasurewasn’tworthherdeathortheguilttorturinghimwhenheoutlivedher.Hehadtomakeherseethetruth.Avoidingherhadbecomedifficult,though.

Painful.

OnprevioustripstoCharleston,thisstreetbustledwithactivityevenintotheweehoursofthemorning.Now,onlyoneortwopeoplestraggledby,keepingtheirheadsdown.Hepeeredintoclosedshopwindows—darkwithmerchandisefromsummerstilldisplayed—subtlehintsoftheLightdepletion.Theopenrestaurantsweresparselyfilled.Paperblewacrossthestreetandgatheredindamp,grayclumpsatthecurbs.

Asqueaktohisrightbroughthimtoastop.Astreetpersonwheeledanoldgrocerycartdowntheoppositesidewalk,thescreech,screechofitswheelsananomalyintheabnormallyquietstreets.Theoldmangazedathisshufflingfeet,neveracknowledgingRolf.

Rolfraisedhishead.Theskyhadclearedandstarssparkledintheinkyblackness.Theairsmelledcrispandcleanaftertherecentdownpour.Hecontinuedhispath,hissensesonalertforsignsoftheTakers.

HereachedKingStreetbeforehepickedupanyhintofthetaintedenergy—afaint,eeriechill,thetrailleadingtothewest.ExactlythedirectiontheythoughttheTakerswouldbefromSean’shackedinformation.Good,theyhadn’tmoved.

Afterseveralblocks,thetwingeofevilgrewstronger,crawlingacrosshisskin.Hepausedtostudytheresidentialareaofoldrestoredtownhomes.Hedidn’tneedamap,hissensesledhimtotheright,andhecontinueddownasidestreetwithtreebrancheswavingoverhishead.Thelimbscastghostlywavingshadowsonthepavement.Inthedistance,acatyowled.

Rolfslowlyturnedinacircle.Thestreetwasdarkandempty,thepavementglisteninginthelightofstreetlamps.HekeptoninthedirectionoftheTakers.Histrailendedatanoldthree-storyhouseattheendwherethestreetcurvedinan“L”shape.Movingfurtherintotheshadows,hecontinuedtothepatchoftreesbehindthehouse.Lightsglaredinmostofthewindows.Heleanedagainstalargeoaktree,contenttowatchforawhile.

Afteranhour,hecountedfivedifferentpeoplemovingaboutinthehouse.Itdidn’tmeanthereweren’tmore,butgaveagoodindicationofwhatnumbershispeoplewouldhavetodealwith.

Lightsintwoupperwindowsblinkedout,andheslippedcloser,avoidinganypoolsofilluminationcomingfromthegroundfloorwindows.Hecreptforwardtothebackofthehousetotheareahedeterminedmightbethelivingroom,adoublewindowbesidetheslidingglassdoors.Hepeekedinandglimpsedabrownleathercouchandchairs,butquicklyduckedastwovoicesfloatedfromtheopenwindow.

“Whydowehavetowait?”adeepmalevoiceasked.“Desmondwantstomakesureeverythingisstablebeforeexpandingto

thenextgroupofcities,”anothermanreplied.“Themorepeoplewecontrol,themoremoneyiscomingin.”“Betterkeepyourideastoyourself.Youdon’twanttocrossDesmond.

Trustme.”Thevoicesdeterioratedtomumblingasthetwomenmovedoutofhis

hearingrange.Heleanedagainstthehouse.Interesting.Itseemedtheyhadmoretimethanheanticipatedbeforefurtherexpansion.Verygoodnews.Withthisgroupoutoftheweb,Desmond’sareaofcontrolwouldshrink.

Hemovedintotheshadowsatthesideoftheyardandmadehiswayupthestreet,concealedbytreesandhedgesuntilhewaswellawayfromthehouse.

ThelocationoftheTakershadbeenfoundandthetimehadcometotestthegroup.IftheywereabletoeliminatetheseTakers,theywouldmoveontoDesmondhimself.

Timewouldtell.ThebiggestdangerwasthatDesmondwouldknowatonceRolfhad

instigatedtheattackshouldtheSouthCarolinagroupgomissing,andhe’dprepareforanassault.Itwasagamble,butAlistairmightberight,andtheyshouldgoafterthestoneinsteadoftryingtofightDesmonddirectly.

Onthepositiveside,DesmondhadnoideaRolfhadanyonewithhimotherthanCara.Asurpriseintheirfavor.TheothersurprisewouldbetheshieldheandCaracouldform.Likethegeneralhehadbeeninoneofhismanylifetimes,hetallieduptheirassetsandweaknessesand,inhismind,playedthemagainstthoseofhisenemy.

Nomatterhowheanalyzedthesituation,therewasnodoubtahead-to-headfightwithDesmond’smuchlargergroupinNorfolkwouldresultindefeatforRolf’steam.ThatmeantCarawouldbeharmed.Possiblykilled.

Thatjustwouldn’tdo.

ChapterThirtyCaradidsit-upsinthesalon,whiletheothersparticipatedintheirown

activitiesscatteredaroundtheroom.Onfifty,herburningmusclesscreamedforhertostop,andshefloppedontoherback.

Abluroffurflashedby.“Hey,Alistair,”shecalled,laughing.“RamboandDustyareplayingtug-

of-warwithoneofyoursilkargylesocks.Thegroupbrokeintolaughter.“Hey,listentothis.”Amberpointedafingertotheopentextbookinher

lap.“‘Combiningthecorrectcrystalfrequencywithacorrespondingreactivestonecanblocktheenergyofthestoneinitsoutwardreflection.’”

Carasatupandrepeatedthesentenceinherhead.Marc,ShanaandTorjuststaredatAmber.“Okay,whatdoesthatmean,exactly?”

“Ithinkitmeansifyoupairtherightcrystalwiththeproperreflectingstone,youcanusethecrystaltoblockthestone’senergy.”AmberturnedtoAlistair.“IwonderwhattherightcrystalwouldbetointeractwithDesmond’sAndeanopal.”

Alistairhelduphisbedraggledsockandshookhishead,thenstuffeditinhispocket.“MydearAmber,youraiseaveryinterestingquestion.”

“Whatareyousuggesting?”MarcsnatchedthebookfromAmbertostudythepage.

“Alistairisright.Thesecrettothiswholemessistheopal.Ithastobe,”Ambersaid.“ItspowerisattheheartofDesmond’sabilitytomaintaincontrol.Weeitherhavetodisruptthepowerorstealthestone.”

Alistairnodded.“Precisely.”“Waitup.Fromwhatyousaid,ifweknewwhatcrystalstouse,wecould

actuallyblocktheopal’spower,”Shanasaid.“Thatsoundsimportant.”MadesensetoCara,butshewasn’tanexpert.“Howdowefindout?”“IfwehadsomeAndeanOpals,wecouldtestthetheoryonthem,”

Alistairsaid.“Maybetheyallreactthesame,regardlessofsize.”“Butwewouldn’tknowtherightcrystalsforDesmond’sopaluntilwe

actuallyseeit,though,”Torsaid.“True,”Alistairsaid.“Butthisisvitalknowledge.Wedon’tknowhow

wemightuseit,buttheknowledgecanonlybenefitus.”

“HowcanwefindAndeanopals?”Shanaasked.“Orderthemonline,”Carasaid.“Ifthepostofficehereisworking.”Thedoortothedeckburstopen,andtheyalljumped.Rolfstrodein,eyes

immediatelygoingtoCara.Sheclutchedherchestinrelief.“Iseverythingokay?”Shewrappedherarmsaroundherbentknees.“IfoundtheTakers,andtheyhaveaboutfivemembers.”Heremovedhis

trenchcoatandhattohangthemonananchor-shapedhookbesidethedoor.“Andthere’sgoodnews.ItseemsDesmondisnotgoingtoexpandhisterritoryuntilafterthenextnewmoon.WhichmeanswehavemoretimethanIthought.”

Carapushedtoherfeetandwenttothesofa,thecushionssighingalongwithherasshesat.“Excellentnews,Iguess,butwestillhavetobeatthenextNet.”

“Tellhimwhatyoufoundaboutthecrystals,babe,”TorsaidtoAmber,andsettledonthearmofthesofabesideCara.

AmberrepeatedherdiscoveryandwhattheyproposedtodowithtestingcrystalsagainstAndeanOpals.

Rolfscratchedhischin,hisnormallysmoothskincreasedalongthetemple.“Itwouldbeextremelyvaluableinformation,”Rolfsaidafterafewseconds.Heletoutadeepbreaththencrossedtothebarforaglassofwine.“You’rerighttotestthetheory.WeneedalltheinformationwecangetifwehopetodefeatDesmond.I’llhaveSeanordersomeopalsforyou.”

“Willwebeabletohavethemdeliveredinthisbizarro-world?”ShanaglaredatRambo,whohadtrippedherupagainasshepacedbetweenthestairsandthecouch.

“We’llhavethemshippedtothemarinaoffice.Thingsarefunctioninginabasicway.”

“WhatarewegoingtodoabouttheTakers?”Torasked.“It’slate.Wecanplantomorrow.I’llhaveSeanpullupasatellitepicture

ofthehouse’slocationsowecanhaveafullviewofthelogistics.”Hestood.“Isuggestyouallgetsomerest.”

Caraletoutasighandbidherfriendsgoodnight.Backinhercabin,shepacedaboutthebed,heartachechurninginherchestlikeacid.

Shetookashower,hopingitwouldcoolheroff.Then,stilltwitchy,putonacottoncamisolepairedwithdrawstringpantsandhoppedintobed,butsleepeludedher.Rolfstayedinthefrontofhermind.Theycouldn’tkeepsharingbriefmomentsofintimacyandbackingaway.

Theconnectionwasthere,shewascertain.ButRolfneededsomethingtoshockhimoutofthepastandintothepresent.Sheachedtoputherhandson

him,runherfingersoverthetautmusclesuntilhewantedherasmuchasshewantedhim.

FacedwiththedangersoftheTakers,theymightalldietomorrow.Ifshehadtodie,shewantedtotakewhatpleasurefromlifeshecould.Herheartthrobbedwiththeneedforaffectionandthewarmthofhistouch.

Shepunchedherpillow.Enough.ShewouldtellhimwhatEmmiehadsaidthenseeifhethought

theyshouldn’tbetogether.CarpeDiem!ShepulledaT-shirtonoverherhead,tocoverhersheercamisole,thenpressedherlipstogetherandstrodeouttoRolf’scabin.Shegavethedoorthreehardknocksandwaitedwitharmscrosseduntilhecalledforhertocomein.

Shestormedinside.Hesatbehindhisdeskwithpapersscatteredbeforehim,staringather.Hiswarylookturnedtobluefirewhensheclosedthedoorandcrossedtostandbeforethedesk,handsonherhips.

“Thisisridiculousforyoutokeepavoidingme.IknowyoucareformeandIcareforyou.Whycan’tweatleasttalkaboutit?”Thesparkinhiseyesflaredtoaraginginferno.Sheswallowed,andwarmthspreadfromherlowerabdomenupthroughherchest.

Herosefromhischair,neverbreakingeyecontact.Twostepsaroundthedeskhadhimstandinginchesfromher.

“Cara,Idocareforyou.Morethanyouknow,but—”“No.”Sheputherfingeroverhislipsandtracedherfingertipsoverhis

smoothcheek.Withtremblinghands,sheliftedtheT-shirtoverherheadtorevealtheskimpycamisolebeneath,keepinghereyeslockedonhis.

Hehissedinasharpbreathandtriedtoretreat,butshegrabbedhisshoulders.Afterafewseconds,amuscleinhisjawtwitched.Hecuppedthesideofherfaceinhishand,caressingherbottomlipwithhisthumb.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“I’mtryingtoreachyourheart.”Sherestedahandonhischest.“Iknowit’sintheresomewhere.AndIknowyoufeelwhatIfeel.”

“Myheart…”Heglancedattheceilingandputahandoverhers.“…iscold,rusty,andfullofsorrow.Whywouldyouwanttotouchsuchathing?”

“Ifitis,you’veallowedittobecomethatway.”Herfingerscurled,grabbingahandfulofhisshirt.Shegavehimalittleshakethatbroughthisgazebackdown.

Hotblueeyesboreintohers.Atthatmomentallhisanguish,loneliness,andthepassionofcenturiespastfloodedintoher.

“Ifyouchoosetoliveinthepresentandhavesomejoyinyourlifeitdoesn’tmeanyou’vebetrayedthoseyoucaredaboutinthepast.Don’tyouthink

Sakhetwouldwantyoutobehappy?”Heclosedhiseyesandrestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“Idon’tknow.”“Whatwouldyouwantforherifyourpositionswerereversed?”“I’dwanthertobe…happy,”hewhispered,hisbreathcaressingherface.

Thedeepmuskyscentofhimdrewintohernostrils.“Then—”Heraisedhishead,eyesnolongerafire.“Butit’smorethanthat.I’m

torturedwiththethoughtIshouldhavebeenabletosaveher.Mynamebackthenwas‘Bes’.Itmeans‘Joy-Bringer’.Andyetthejoywentoutofmylifewhenshewaskilled.Itmusthavebeenmypunishmentfornotprotectingher.Mywholeworlddissolvedintothehunt,killingandmorekilling,inthehopesIcouldatoneforthelossofmySakhet.Pursuingarevengethatcanneverbeconsummated.”

“It’saburdenyouputonyourself.”Caraplacedahandonhischeek.Shewipedawaythesingletearthatescapedthecornerofhiseye.“Youcanbringjoyagainifyouonlyallowyourselfto.Please,Rolf?Can’twehavealittlehappinessinourlivesinthemidstofallthishorror?”

Hedrewinadeepbreathandstaredintohereyes.Shenodded,andhereachedouttotouchherlipswithgentlefingertipsthattrembled.Hiseyeswarmed,andhishandmovedfromherface,trailingfirewithhisfingersashestrokeddownherthroat.Heinchedthethinstrapofhercamisoleoverhershoulderuntilitslippeddownherarm.Fromthere,heslidhishandoverherbackinslowsensuouscircles,hisgazestillholdingherenthralled.

“Mmm,”escapedherlips.Heansweredwithagrowland,suddenly,theywerecrushedtogether,

lipssliding,searching,handsmovingovereachother’sbodies.AnexplosionoftinglingheatranthroughCara,andherkneesgavewayinthesurgeofpassion,severingtheirkiss.

Rolfwrappedanarmaroundhershouldersandtheotherbehindherknees.Heliftedherintohisarms,cradlingheragainsthischest.Thepoundingofherheartpumpedbloodlikehotflamesthroughherveins,andshehadtotakeseveraldeepbreathstocalmthepulsethrobbinginherneck.

Hesqueezedherbodyagainsthis,andsherestedherheadonhisheavingchest.Thecleansmellofscentedsoapmixedwiththemuskyscentofhisskininvadedhersenses.Sheskimmedahandaroundhisneckandherfingerscaressedthetenderskin.Hegaspedandtookthreestridestothebed,placingheronthecomforter.

Hisjawtwitchedashestaredather,thenhetuggedoffhisshirtwithanimpatientjerk.Thebronzedmusclesofhischestglowedinthelamplight.He

slowlypulledtheankhoverhishead,staredatitamoment,thenopenedadrawerofthenightstandanddroppedthenecklaceinside.

HeloweredhimselftothesideofthebedandCarasatup.Shetookadeepbreath,removedhercamisoleandtosseditonthefloor,releasingherbreasts.Shefellbacktothemattress,heartracing.

Rolf’seyeswidenedindesire.“Cara,you’vebewitchedme.”Heavyandwarm,heloweredhimselftocoverherbodywithhis.

“I’mnowitch,”shewhispered,dustinghisfacewithtenderkisses.“I’marealwomanwhocanloveyou.Letme…loveyou.”

Hislipstrailedheadywarmthoverhershoulder,upherneck,andlockedtoherlips.Hungry,theirtonguesthrusttogether,movinginsensuousswirls.Shetastedahintofredwine.Snakingherhandsabouthisneck,shemassagedhisshoulders,tracingthehardtextureofhismuscles.Herhandstracedthechiseledcurvesofhismusclesandherfingersmetapatchofscoredflesh.Ascarnodoubt.Shedeepenedherkiss.Ifonlyshecouldkissthecenturiesofsufferingandfightingaway.Shewantedtotakecareofhim,lovehim,andmakeupforalltheyearsoflovehehadlost.Ifonlyhewouldlether.

Herolledhertohisside,sotheylayfacetoface,andenfoldedherinhisarms,atender,cherishinggesture.Hiseyessearchedhersandshemethisgaze,steadyandsureofherlove.Theylaylikethatforaminute,hisheartpoundinginchesfromherown.Waterslappedagainstthehulloftheboatinarhythmic,soothingsound.Liquidthrobbingpulsedbetweenherthighs.Shethrewalegoverhiships,andpressedherhandagainsthisback,wantingmore.

Needingmore.“Cara,”hemurmured,hislipsmethers,respondingtoherfervor,warm

andinsistent.Heshudderedandslidhishandsdown,grabbingherhips,pushinghispelvisagainsthers.“Maythegodsforgivemeifthisiswrong,butIwantyou.Ineedyou.Ineedlove.”

Shefelthisurgency,athousandyearsofpentupfrustrationandguiltslippingawayonatideofpassion.Asobroseinherthroat,butsheswallowedagainsttheconstriction.Instead,herheartsoaredwiththeancientcallofawomantocomfortherman.Thestrongwarriorwhocouldonlylowerhisguardandallowtendernessinthearmsofthewomanwholovedhim.

“Ineedit,too,Rolf.Wehaveabond.Youknowit.Itformedwhenwejoinedfortheshield,andthere’snowaytodenythisattachment.”Sherolledontopofhim,handspressingagainsthisshoulders,andleanedovertokisshimtenderly.“Admitit.”

Hereachedup,cuppingthesidesofherbreastswithhishands.Sherearedback,andhewasabletoputhishandsaroundthem,squeezingthe

softness.Shedidn’teventrytorestrainhermoan.“Iadmitit.Iwantedtodenyourbond,thinkingitwouldprotectyou.But

it’strue,godshelpme.”Hegraspedherwaistandpulledherbacktohim.Sherestedonhischest,breathingheavily.Hesoftlystrokedherskin,upanddownherspine,thennibbledherneckandshoulder,hislipswarm,insistent.

“Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant?”hewhisperedagainstherear,hisbreathwarm,ticklingthehairsonherneck.

Shesnuggledintothecrookofhisarmononeside,luxuriatinginthehotskinandclosenessofhim,thestrengththatresonatedbeneathherfingers.Sheknewthereweredifficulties,butshedidn’tcare.EmmietoldhertofollowherheartandherheartledhertoRolf.Eveniftheyonlyhadthisonenightofjoy,shewaswillingtoriskit.“Yes,foraslongaswehave,Iwantthis.Iwantyou.”Shehuggedhischestanddrapedonelegoverhis.

“Sobeit,”hesaid.Shiverscrawledthroughherashisfingersexploredherabdomendown

tothedrawstringofherpantsanduntiedit.Hetuggedthewaistbandlooseandslippedhishandinside,hisfingertipsteasingthetenderskin.Shegaspedandraisedherhipssohecouldpullthepantsoff,leavinghernakedbodygleaminginthelowlight.

Hetwistedtositonthesideofthebed,unzippedhispants,andtossedthemtotheflooralongwithhisboxers.Herolledbacktofaceher,alreadyhard,andshetookhiminherhand.Hegroanedandgraspedherwaistwithstronghandsashismouthfoundhers,suckinghertongueintomeethis.

“Rolf.”Shedrewback,handsonhischest.“Yes?”Hetouchedfeatherlightkissestohereyelids,oneatatime.“I…Idowantyou.”Shecuppedhisfacebetweenherhandsandlooked

intohiswantingeyes.“Thisisright,Iknowit.”“Sorightit’salmostunbearable,”hewhispered,faceflushed.Hekissedheragain.Adeep,penetratingkissfullofpromise.Hegrabbed

herbuttocks,pressingheragainsthisbodyasshewrappedherlegsaroundhim.Hisentrancewasasmooththrustofpurepleasure.Ajoiningshe’dwantedforsolong.

Hesuckedhisbreathin,andshemoanedastheymovedtogether.Slowluxuriousthrustsincreasedinintensity,andtheygazedintoeachother’seyes,thethrobbingbetweenherlegsnowasharpache.Hisbreathcameoutinarushasshemovedherhipsintimewithhisthrusting.

“Ohh,yes,”slippedfromherlips.Hisgazeneverstrayedfromher,despitetheiractions.“Gods,you’reso

beautiful,Cara.”Theblueofhiseyesmorphedintoliquidsapphires,andshefell

intotheirdepths.Insideher,aglowofLightburstforthfromhercenterandthetendrilsofenergyuncurled.Rolf’sLightsurgedaswell,andshecouldfeelthecoilsofLightentwinedwitheachotherlikehotgoldencords,bindingtheloversinbondsofradiantpower.Everysensationwasheightened.

Shegaspedattheintensity,herskintingling.“What’shappening?”“It’stheLight,”Rolfsaid.“Thisiswhatit’slikeforDealers.Didn’tyou

know?”Sheshookherhead,unabletospeakand,despitetheurge,unabletoburst

intotearsofjoy.She’dnevermadelovetoaDealer,neverimaginedsuchaconnectioncouldexist.

ShesawthestrandsofLightinhermind,andfloatedintheglowofpassionateenergy.Theystrokedeachotherlikefingers,swirlingenergywhippedintoafrenzyofdesireandneed.Arousalburnedlikehotcoalsneedingtobequenched.Herhipsmovedfaster,andhefollowed,bothofthemconsumednowwiththeracetorelease.

Hesqueezedhiseyesshutandstiffened.Heransweringpassionwasaburstoffieryrapture,carryingherinwavesofswellingpleasureuntilitborderedtheedgeofpainfulinitsintensity.Herbodybucked,buthecrushedheragainsthim.Theirbodiestrembledinunisonforseveralseconds,thenthetensioneased.TheLightrecoiledinsideher,retreatingbacktoherinnercore.

Carareleasedadeepbreathandliftedherhead.Sweattrickleddownherfaceandbackasthetinglesinherskinsubsided.Shesuckedinairandmethisgaze.Somanycomplicationsandemotionsswirledinthedepthsofhiseyes.Wastherestillatwingeofguilt?Shewasn’tsure.SomuchabouthisrelationshipwithSakhetbecameclearafterthatamazinginteractionofLightduringtheirlove-making.Itwasabinding,socomplete,sopowerfultherewasnoescapingit.

Shestrokedhisface,hopingtoeasehisinnerturmoil.“It’sokay,”shewhispered.“It’sgoingtobeokay.”Godonlyknewwhatsortofmemorieswererunningthroughhishead.

Herolledtoherside,closedhiseyes,andpulledhertohischest.“Gods,Cara.IhopeIhavenotputyouinanymoredanger.Ican’tbearthethoughtoflosingyou.”Hewhisperedinherear,voicecatching.“I’m…afraid.”

“What?”Icegrippedherheart.HewasRolf,anancient,powerfulLight-dealer.Howcouldhebeafraidofanything?

Hedidn’tanswerforseveralseconds,andsheheldhimclose,strokinghisback.

“Whatifyourclosenesstomeputsyouindanger?”Hisvoicewassolowshecouldbarelyhearit.“WhatifIcan’tprotectyou?”

“Shhh,”shesaidasshewouldtocalmachild.“Whathappensfromnowonisfate.Youcan’tcontrolit.Behappyforwhatwehave.”

Heclungtoher,pressinghisfaceintoherhair,andshecontinuedtorubhisbackuntilhisbreathingcalmed.Cara’smindracedfromoneworrytothenextuntilEmmie’sfaceappearedinhermind.Theolddearwouldtellherto“Stopherfrettin,”nodoubt.Withasigh,sheclosedhereyes.

Theyfellasleepwrappedineachother’sarms.Safe,forthemoment.

ChapterThirty-One

“Canyouhackit?”RolfleanedoverSean’sshoulder.Sean’sfingersspedoverthecomputerkeyboard.“Icanhackanything.

Butthemilitarywilltakealittlelongerthanaciviliansite.”Rolfdrankfromhiscupofespressoandwalkedtothecontrolpanelof

theboat.HepicturedCaraashehadleftherinhisbedthismorning,allwarmandtousledfromtheirlove-making.Hisgrointightened.Howwonderfulithadbeentoloveher,tohavehisLightminglewithanotherDealerforthefirsttimeinthousandsofyears.Butstill,guiltsurgedthroughhimeverytimeCara’simageroseinhismind.Thedistractionoflovewaspowerful,tuggingonhisheart,makinghimweakwithcravingher.

Fromthepilothousewindow,hehadaclearviewofthemarinaintheearlymorningmist.Occasionally,acarcreptbyontheneareststreetandafewpedestrianswalkedalongthesidewalk,likerustyrobots.Thingswereonlygoingtogetworseiftheydidn’tstopDesmond.Theprioritywasclear.

“Letmeknowwhenyouacquirethesatellite.”Withalastglanceoutthewindow,hewalkeddownthestepstothesalon.HehadtofaceCarasoonerorlater.Somehow,hehadtofindawaytocontinuethismission.DivingintoarelationshipwithCaramadebothofthemvulnerable.IfonlyCarahadputoffherconfrontationuntilthiswasallover,thenhemightfeeldifferently.

Thegrouphadcoffeeandmunchedonbagels,croissants,andfruitsaladforbreakfast.HefounditstrangehiseyesskippedoverCarawithhernewbrownhair.Buthealwayslocatedhereventually.ShesatonthecouchbesideAmberwithherbacktohim.Hewantedtokissherandtouchherwarm,softskinagain.

“Goodmorning,”hesaidtothegroup.Caraturned.Theglowinhereyessethimonfire,andhelosthistrainofthought.

Damn.Thiswasjustthesortofconfusionthatcouldgetthemallkilled.“Hey,somethingnewhappened.”Torpointedtheremotetowardtheflat

screenTVonthewallandturnedupthevolume.“Sourcessaytheplanescollidedduetoerrorsmadebyairtraffic

controllersatRaleigh’sInternationalAirport.Recordsshowthecontrollersondutywereslowtorespondtotheemergencylandingsituationwhichledtothisdisaster.Now,overtwo-hundredpeoplearedeadwithmanymoreinjured.TheFTChasalreadylaunchedaninvestigationintotheallegedoversight,”theannouncersaid.“This,twodaysafteramajortrainmishapjustoutsideRichmond,Virginiakillingninety-eightalsoblamedonconductorsunabletodealwitharapidlychangingsituation.”

TorturnedthevolumebackdownandpivotedtowardRolf.“EffectsoftheNet?”

“Possibly,”Rolfsaid.“Butitmightbeacoincidence.”“Ifitisn’t,Idon’tunderstandhowDesmondhopestogetawaywith

this.”Marcshookhishead.“Alotmoreincidentsofthisnatureandpeopleoutsidetheareasmay

startaskingquestions.”Alistairpolishedhisglasses.“Yes,butwhatcantheydoaboutit?”Rolfpacedovertothebarand

refilledhiscup.“There’snowayforanyonetodiscoverwhat’sgoingon.Theycan’tevenimaginewhat’shappening.”

“Evenifwehadrecordsoftheofficialsbeingbribed?”Torasked.“Sucharoutewouldbedifficulttoprove,andwedon’thaveenough

time,”Rolfsaid.“Wehavetostopthembeforetheyexpandanyfurther.That’stheonlywaythisdisasterwillgoaway.”

“Um,canwetalk?”Caracametoherfeetandmotionedtotheoutsidedoor.Theotherscontinueddiscussingthelong-termconsequencesofDesmond’splan.OnlyAmber’sgazetrackedthemoutthedoor.

RolffollowedCaratothesternoftheboat,hismindjumbledwiththoughts.Hedidn’twanttohurtherbut,atthesametime,heknewgettingridoftheTakershadtobetheirmainconcern.

“Howareyouthismorning?”Carawenttotherailandhejoinedher.Thebrushofherarmagainsthismadehisskintingle.

Hereachedoutandtuckedawind-blownstrandofhairbehindherear.“Stillinadreamfromlastnight.”

Shesmiledandduckedherheadasablushcreptuphercheeks.“Iknowwhatyoumean.Itwasunbelievable.”

Hecoiledanarmaroundhershouldersandclaspedhertohisside,savoringthewarmpressofhersoftness.Sheleanedagainsthim,restingherheadonhischest.TherushofhisLightreacted,stirredinhisstomach.Itmadehimmomentarilylight-headed.

“Whoa,didyoujustfeelthat?”Carasteppedaway,gazingathimwithbigeyes.

“OurLightreactingtoeachother.Agreeting,asitwere,afterthebondinglastnight.I’dforgottentheeffect.”Hesmiledbriefly.

Sherestedherhandonhisshoulder,headtiltedtooneside.“Andyou’rethinkingallthisisabigdistraction,right?”

Hefrownedthenlaughed.“Nowyou’rereadingmymind?”“Iknowhowyouthink.”Heavertedhisgaze,tryingtochoosehiswordscarefullysoshewould

understand.“Yes,whenIsawyouthismorningIlostalltrainofthought.Suchdistractioncouldspelldisaster.”

Surprisingly,shesmiledandtuckedahandintothecrookofhisarm.Theyleanedagainsttherail,andthesoftbreezeruffledherhair.Hebrusheditoutofherfaceandshecaughthishand,bringingittoherlips.

“Ihavetoadmit,Iactuallyunderstandwhatyoumeannow.”Sheshothimasidewaysglancethenturnedtothewater.“IcouldbarelybreathewhenIsawyouinthere.MyheartstartedpoundingandIthoughtIwasgoingtopassout.”Shepulledbackherhairwithonehand.“ThisadditionoftheLightseemstomakeeverythingsomuchmoreintense.It’soverwhelming.”

Theyweresilentforafewminutes.Seagullsswooped,lookingforahandout,andtheirraucouscallscutthroughthemorningair.Rolfsquintedinthebrightsunshine.WhatwoulditbeliketobestandingherewithCaraonhisboatunderdifferentcircumstances?Avacation?AromantictriptoCharleston?Cara’ssighbroughthimoutofhisthoughts.

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Hereyesdroopedinsadness.“Idon’tknowtherightanswer.ButwehavetodestroytheseTakers.”Sheleanedherelbowsontherail.“Iknow.”Hestrokedherhair,wishinghecouldsaysomethingdifferenttoher—

lovingwordsfulloftendernesstoexpresswhatwasinhisheart,somehopeforthefuture.ButhopeseemedbleakwithDesmondholdingsomuchpower.

“Let’sgetthroughallthisthenhaveadiscussion.Ifwe’restillalive,maybethewaywillbeclear.Untilthen,weneedtofocusonthemission.It’shardtosaythistoyou,butanythingelseisn’trealistic.”

Herheadfellforwardandhernewlydarkhairdrapedoverherface.Shedidn’tmoveforseveralseconds,andhisheartseemedtostopbeating.

Thenshestoodstraightandpulledhershouldersback.“You’reright.Wecan’tletouremotionsputeveryoneindanger.”Shegrabbedhisupperarmsandlookedintohiseyes.“But,whenit’sover,I’llholdyoutothatrepeatdiscussion.”

Heflickedherchinwithonefingerandsmiledasmuchashiscrushedheartwouldlethim.“Deal.”

Whentheywalkedbackintothesalon,Seancameoutofthepilothouseandcranedoverthestairrail.

“I’vegotit,”hesaidfromthetopofthesteps.Rolfmotionedtohim.“Bringthelaptopsoeveryonecansee.”Cara

movedofftopouracupofcoffeeatthebar.Afewsecondslater,Seancarriedthecomputerdownandsetitontopof

thebarcounter.Thegroupgatheredbehindhim.Thescreenshowedablackandwhiteoverheadshotofacityneighborhood.

“ThisisthehousewheretheTakerslive.”Rolfwalkedtothesideandpointedtothescreen.CarastoodbesideAmber,andheforcedhimselfbackinhuntermode,focusedontheprey.“Asyoucansee,therearehousescloselyplacedonthestreetssurroundingit.”

“Man,thisiscool.Isitreal-time?”Torasked.“Yes,”Seansaid.“You’llbeabletoseepeoplemoving.”“So,wecantracktheirmovements?”Marc’seyeswidenedin

amazement.“Onlyduringcertaintimeswhenthesatelliteispassingover,”Seansaid.“Iwantedyoutoseethelayoutoftheareasowecandiscussthebestway

toattackthem.”RolfnoddedtoSean.“Thesehousesarealloccupied?”Alistairpointedtothehousesliningthe

streetsleadinguptoandawayfromtheirtarget.“Yes.Ididn’tnoticeanyemptyhouses,”Rolfsaid.“Ifwecan’ttracktheirmovementsallthetime,weshouldtryandcatch

themawayfromthehouseorlurethemoutsowecanpicktheTakersoffoneatatime,”Shanasaid.“Wedon’twanttojustrushthehousenotknowinghowmanythereare.”

“Howcanwelurethemout?”Amberasked.“Well,they’remen,aren’tthey?”Shanaflippedherbraidsoverher

shoulderandarchedoneeyebrow.“I’dsayaprettygirljoggingbyinshortshortswoulddoit.”

Marcfrowned.“Youcan’tbeserious.”“Hey,theyliketotakepeopleandtorturethem.Theycan’tbehavingtoo

muchfunwiththedimmerstheycreated.Iftheysawagirljoggingby,perkyandfulloflife,Idon’tthinktheycouldresistgrabbingher.”

“There’snoassurancetheywouldseeherorcomeforher.”Rolfsquelchedthatidea.“We’regoingtohavetostakeoutthehouseandpickthemoffastheycomeout.”

“Whatifmorethanonepersoncomesout?”AlistaircradledRamboandsatinoneofthechairs.Theothersfollowedtotakeseats,DustybesideCara.

“Wecantaketwoatatimeforsure,”Torsaid.RolfmotionedforSeantoremovethecomputer.“Sean,printoutcopies

ofthelayoutsowecanuseitforplanning.”Seannoddedandreturnedinaminutewithseveralcopies.“Okay,sowepositionpeoplealongtheroad.”Torpointedtopatchesof

treesorbushesashidingplaces.“That’stheidea,”Rolfsaid.“We’llhaveradiostotalktoeachother.

Whentheycomeout,wefollow.Whoeverisclosestcancreateadiversiontokeepthemthereuntiltheothersconverge.”

“Whatkindofdiversion?”Caraasked.“Askfordirections,talkabouttheweather,punchtheminthestomach,

anything,”Rolfsaid.“Okay,”Shanasaid.“Whendowedoit?”“Keeppracticing,you’renotreadyyet.”Rolflookedaroundatthegroup.

MaybetheywerereadyandhewasstallingtoprotectCara.Hiseyesmethers,andshegavehimabriefsmile.ThenshebrokethecontactandbenttopetDusty.Hegrittedhisteethandpickeduponeoftheprintouts.Timetogetdowntobusiness.

“Okay,dudes,let’sgooverthelayoutagain.”Torpulledthemaptowardshim.

###

Afterdinner,Carawalkedoutonthedeck.Shetrailedherfingersalong

therail,strollingtothesternoftheboat.Thecoolnightairfannedherface,andsheraisedherchin,lettingthebreezeblowherhairback.Thecrispnessofthewindrefreshedherafterbeingconfinedontheboatforsomanydays.Theywereallgettingabitstir-crazy.Therewasasaltyfeeltotheairwithanoccasionalwhiffoffoodaromasfromlocalrestaurants.Scatteredstarstwinkledinthenightsky,butthemoonhadnotyetreachedhalf-full.

Shemeanderedtothebackoftheboatandpaused,findingsomeoneelsethereintheshadowssittinginoneoftheloungechairs.Herheartlurched,butitwasonlyAlistair.

“Ah,Cara.”Hesmiled.“Come,sitwithme.”Hegesturedtothechairbesidehim.Thecigarinhisfingersgaveoffasweetscentlikemolasses.

Sheloweredherselfintothechair,gladitwasn’tAmberorShana.They’dpesteredheraboutRolfalldayafternoticingherquietness.

“It’sabeautifulnight.”Alistairturnedhisgazetothewater.“Sohardtobelievewhat’sgoingonhere,hiddenbeneaththesurfaceofnormalactivity.”

Carawrappedhersweatercloserabouthershoulders.Withfallinfullswingthetemperaturefellquicklyatnight.Waterslappedagainstthehullbelowthem,andmuffledvoicesfloatedoverfromtheotherboats.

“Icamehereoncewithmywife,Amanda,”hesaid,hislipsliftedononeside.“Backthen,CharlestonwasoneofthemostromanticplacesI’veeverbeen.Carriageridesatnight,intimatedinnersinsmallcafes,andahugefour-posterbedatasmallinn.Irememberitlikeyesterday.”

“Soundsnice,”Caramurmured.HowwonderfulitwouldbetocomeherewithRolfoncethiswasoverandexperiencealittlesouthernromance.

“Oh,yes,quitelovely.”Heshiftedinhisseat.“ShewasaDealer,too.”“Yourwife?”Caraasked.He’dnevermentionedthisbefore.Hiswife

diedbeforethegroupformed,sotheyneverknewher.Allshe’dseenofAmandawerethepicturesAlistairkeptonhisofficedeskandonthemantleofhishome,buthenevertalkedabouther.Carahadalwayswonderedwhyheneverremarried.Nowthatshe’dexperiencedthedeepconnectionpossiblewithanotherDealer,sheknew.

“Yes,”hesaid.“Ididn’tknowthetruthabouteitherofusformanyyears.Ionlyknewwefittogetherlikepiecesinapuzzle.Icouldn’timaginemyselfwithanyoneelse.”Heglancedathersideways.“And,ofcourse,thebondbetweenDealersissomuchmorepowerfulthanregularcouples.Don’tyouthink?”

Shelookedaway.Seemedtheprofessorsawmorethanheleton.Butitwastrue.Anyrelationshipsshe’dhadwithnon-dealersbeforemeetingRolfwerelikeplainwhitetoastcomparedtothediversebuffetofexquisitesensationsshehadexperiencedlastnight.SheshiveredrememberingRolf’shandsandlipsonherbody,andtheburstofLightthathadconsumedthem.

“Yes,thebondismoreintense,”shesaidinalowvoicethatechoedherdeepemotions.“Youdon’twanttheconnectiontoendoryoumightloseyourself.”

“Exactly.”Sheleanedforward,claspingherhandstogether.“Alistair,whatwould

happentomeandRolfifwegottogether?Imean,he’sanancient.He’sgoingtokeeplivingand,asfarasIknow,I’lldieafteranormallifespan.”Hervoicecaughtandsheswallowed.“Isitwrongforustohavethisrelationship,knowingtheoutcome?”

Hesmiledandpattedherhandrestingonthearmofthechair.“Oh,Idon’tthinkit’severwrongtolovesomeone.Iwouldn’ttradeanythingformy

yearswithAmanda,eventhoughshediedlongbeforeme.”Hesqueezedherhand.“Cara,youneverknowwhatthefutureholds.Takewhathappinessyoucan,whileyoucan.That’sthebestadviceIcangiveyou.”

Shesmiledathimandtheybothturnedtheirgazestotheimpenetrabledarknessoftheopenbay.

ChapterThirty-Two“Watchthis.”Amberplacedanopalonthedining

roomtablebesideathreeinchcrystalofamethyst.Caratookachairbesideherandhereyespoppedwidewhentheopal

rockedandslidtwoinchesfromthedarkpurplestone.“Now,ifweuseitwiththerunesitmightgivethecrystalmorepowerto

repelthepoweroftheopal.”Amberplacedarosequartzbesidetheopalandnothinghappened.

“That’samazing,Amber.”Carapickeduptheopalandstudiedthesmoothsurfaceofmilkyturquoise.Anoddstone,andfragile.Thenshepickeduptheamethyst,apentagon-cutfingerofpurplestone,andsoothingcalmsettledoverherlikeawarmbath.

Caraplacedtherockbackonthetable.“Keepworkingonit.WeneedawaytoneutralizeDesmond’sevilopalifweeverfindit.”Sheyawned,andpushedtoherfeet.“I’mexhausted.Timeforbed.Seeyouinthemorning.”

“Cara?”Amberlookedup,frowning.“Wait.Iwanttotalktoyou.”“No.”Caraputupahand.“Notyet.Everything’sfine.Let’sgetthese

Takersandthenwecantalk.”“But—”“Amber,Iloveyou,butno.”Caratouchedherfriend’sshouldertotake

thestingfromherwords.Amberpattedherhand.“Okay,honey.ButI’mhereifyouneedme.”Carasmiledandpaddedacrossthesalontothebookcasebehindthebar.

ShescannedthetitlesuntilshefoundabookonancientEgyptiansymbols.Surelythatwouldputhertosleep.Shewenttohercabinandproppedherselfupinbed.Dustypressedagainsthersideand,withasigh,sheopenedthebook.

Shemusthavedozedoffaftermidnightbecauseshewokesometimelater,stillinherclothes,thebookdrapedoverherstomach.Suddenly,Dustyjumpedupandbeganbarking.Inthedistance,Rambobarkedaswell.Hereyespoppedwide,herheartpounded,andsheswungoutofbed.

“Takers,”sheyelled.Theremustbesomeoutside.Dammit,wewaitedtoolong.

ShehurtledoutherdoorandalmostcollidedwithRolf.Herushedby,wearingonlyapairofdrawstringpants.Sheranbehindhimupthestairstothesalon,theotherspilingoutoftheirroomstofollow.

RamboandDustylunged,barkingatthesidedoortothedeck.Rolfsquintedoutthewindowand,withoutsayingaword,threwopenthedoortorace

outdownthedock.Carafollowedinherbarefeet.Shereachedtheparkinglotandtherocksinthepavedsurfacecutintoherfeet,butshekeptgoing.Sheheardmorecommotionbehindherandknewtheothersfollowed.DustyandRambodashedpastallofthem.

AlonefigureracedaboutahundredfeetinfrontofRolf.Buthedidn’tbeatthedogs.TheyovertookhimandDustylatchedontohispantsleg.Thebigdog’sactionssenttheTakersprawling.Rambowasonhiminseconds,goingfortheman’sthroat.Histeethcutagashandbloodflowedfreely.

Themanflailedaboutwithhisarmsandlegs.Rambowhimperedandwentflyingacrossthepavement,butthegamelittledogjumpedupandrushedinformore.Thankfully,RolfarrivedbythistimeandRambowassatisfiedwithchompingdownonanankle.ThemanbuttedRolfinthestomachwithhisheadandtriedtograbhisneck.Rolftwistedawayandthrewapunch,catchingtheintruderinthecheek.TheTakerstaggeredback,tryingtogethisfeetunderhimtorunagain.ButDustyandRamboclungtohispants,trippinghimup.

Rolfmanagedtograbaflailingarm,hislipspulledbackinagrimace.TorracedpastCaraandpinnedtheotherarmbehindtheman’sback.TheTakerspitandthrashed,awildglaringcreature.AshiverofdisgusthitCaralikethesuddensmellofsewage.Hedidn’tevenseemhuman.

MarcgrabbedthearmRolfhadbeenholdingandgrowled,“Doit!”Hispalefaceglowedinthestreetlights.

Rolffoughttogethishandbehindtheman’sneck,buttheTaker’sbuckingandstrugglingthrewRolf’shandoff.CaraandShanarushedforwardtogetherandtackledhim,landinginaheapontopofthemanwithMarcandTorpinningdownhissides.Carastillgotakneeinthegut,butsheheldonandkneedhimbackrightinthegroin.RolfpushedahandunderhisneckandtheTaker’smovementssloweduntilhisheadarchedbackandhelaystill,eyesopenandbulging.

“Hurry.Gethiminside.”Rolfrosetocompletehistortuousritualwhiletheothersdraggedthemanbacktotheboat.Rolf’smenwaitedontheboatdeckandliftedthebodyuponcetheyhadhimonthedeck.

Rolfrosefromhisdoubledoverpositionandsprintedbacktothem,lookingoverhisshoulderafewtimes.Sweatglistenedonhisface.“Didanyoneseeanotherperson?”

“No,justthisone.Dudemusthavebeenlurkingaroundcheckingouttheboatswhenthedogsstartedbarking,”Torsaid,Amberclutchedhisarm,herfacewhite.

“Quick,inside.”Rolfgesturedwithhishandsforthemtomove.“Turnoffthedecklights.”Fortunately,theotherboatsinthemarinastayeddarkand

oblivioustowhathadoccurred,orsimplydidn’twanttogetinvolved.Insidethesalon,CaraandAlistaircalledtotheirdogstoquietthem

down,buttheycontinuedtopaceandsniff.“Man,Ineverthoughtthatlittledogwouldbeanyuse,butdamnifhe

didn’thelptaketheguydown,”ShanasaidasshewatchedRambobouncingaround,sniffingatthedoorandtheedgesoftheroom.

“Didyouseehimtakeabiteoutoftheman’sneck?”Alistair’schestpuffedout.

“Yeah,Rambo,firstblood.”Shanaleanedoverandruffledhisfur.“Go,littleman.”

Rolfhadfollowedhismenastheyhauledthebodytothebackoftheboat.Carawentoutsideandfoundthematthestern.

“Youshouldgoinside,”Rolfsaid.Theywerewrappingthemaninlines.“Whatareyougoingtodowithhim?”Hegavehismenafewinstructionsinalowvoiceshecouldn’tmakeout

thentookherarmtosteerherbacktothesalon.“Wehavetodisposeofhim.They’regoingtoputthebodyinthedingyandsomeofusDealerswillhavetotakeitfartherintotheharborwherethewaterisdeepthensinkit.”

“Oh.”Sheshivered.“Areyouokay?Youhavebloodonyou.”Hepointedtoastreakofred

onhershirt.“I’mfine.Thisishis.”Shejerkedherheadtowardthebody.Hedroppedhisheadandletoutadeepbreath.Sheswallowedthelump

inherthroatandhurriedbacktothesalon.Theotherspaced,wide-eyedandanxious,adrenalinrunninghigh.Rolf

slippedinthedoorafewminuteslaterandexplainedaboutthebody.“Oh,thankGoditwon’tbeontheboatwithus.”Amber’svoice

quivered.“Well,guys,Ithinkit’sclearweneedtomoveagainsttheTakersat

once.”Tortookhiswife’shand.RolfglancedatCara.Withoneoftheirnumbersmissing,theother

Takerswouldbecomesuspiciousandstartsearchingforhim.TheymightevenalertDesmond.Theyhadtostrikenow.CaraslowlyinclinedherheadtoRolfandhiseyesnarrowed.

“Wecan’twaitanylonger,”Carasaid.“Verywell,tomorroweveningweattack,”Rolfsaid.

ChapterThirty-Three

“We’realmostthere.”CaradrovethebigLincolntheyhadstolenafter

dark,therestofthegroupcrammedin,threeinthefront,fourintheback.ShedroppedAmberandToronthestreetthatcurvedtowardtheTaker’shouse.Theycreptthroughtheshadowstoahedgeanddisappeared.Alittleclosertothehouse,sheletShanaandMarcout.

Shepassedthehouseandlightsshoneinadownstairsroom.Someone’shome.Turningupthestreet,shedroppedRolffirstthenAlistairalittlefurtheron.

Darknesscasteerieshapesacrossthelawnsofthesilenthouses.Agentlebreezemovedtreelimbs,castingaflickeringlightonthepavementfromthepartialmoonabove.Sheturnedoffherheadlightsandsteeredthecartothesideoftheroad.

Sheslidoutandgentlyclosedthedoor,startingupthestreettowardtheTakers’house.Asuddenblastofheadlightssplashedoverherandacarskiddedtoastopbesideher.Thedoorburstopen.Armsreachedoutandsnatchedherintothebackseat.Shescreamedandthrashedbutthecardoorslammedthentheytookoff.

“Woohoo,gotusalittlefighterhere,”yelledtheonewho’dgrabbedher.Hishotbreathonherfacereekedofbourbon.

“Letgo.”Shehitandkicked,butthetightconfinesoftheseathamperedhermovements.Hercaptorpunchedherinthestomachandtheairwentoutofherlungs.Heslappedheracrossthefaceandwhitelightstwinkledinhervision.Feargaveherenergy,butshecouldn’toverpowerbothofthem.Think,Cara.

Thecarroareddownthestreettowardthehousetheywerestakingout.Rolfburstfromhishidingplace.Hereachedforthedoorhandlebutthecarslidsidewaystoheadbackthewayithadcome.

“Whatthehell?”thedriveryelled,eyesshiftingtotherearviewmirror.“What’sgoingon?”

“Justdriveandlosehim.He’sonfoot,”backseatmansaid.HeturnedtoCara,hissoullesseyesstudyingherfaceasshecrouchedinthecorner,handsin

frontofher.“Hey,Irecognizeyoufromthepictures.You’retheoneDesmond’slookin’for.We’regoingtogetanicelittlebonus,Ben.”

“Ourluckyday,”Bensaid.“Shit,Steve,thatguygotacarandhe’sbehindus.”

Steveswiveledintheseatandglancedoutthebackwindow.Caraturned,too,whenhisgriploosened.Rolffollowedintheirstolenvehicleonlyahundredfeetbehindthem.Herheartsurgedwithhope.

Benaccelerated,andsheslippedashetookaturntoofast,gravelspewingfromthetires.Caratumbledovertheseattothefarside,strikinghershoulderonthedoorhandle.Sharppainshotthroughherarm.

Thecarroareddownaresidentialstreet,andStevesteeredsotheyplowedintotrashcans.ThecansflewintoRolf’scarbehindthem.Heswerved,toreupfrontyardsandhoppedcurbs,butnothingstoppedRolf.Cararolledacrossthebackseat,aimingkicksattheTakerasshefoughttokeepherbalanceatthesametime.Hisfingersdugpainfulweltsintoherarms.

TheTakersswervedaroundarighthandturnandthecarfishtailed.Rolfdidbetterinhismaneuverandclosedthedistancebetweenthem.Hepickedupspeedandforcedhisvehiclebesidetheirs.Bencursedandtwistedhissteeringwheel,butRolfjerkedhiswheel,pushingback.

Throughthewindshield,Carasawthestreettheywereonendedinawoodedarea.ShegrittedherteethandpunchedSteveintheeyethenwrappedherhandsaroundBen’shead,coveringhiseyes.

“Dammit,bitch.”BentwistedhisheadbutCarahungonwithallherstrength.“Getheroffme!”

ButStevehadahandpressedtohisbleedingeye,groaning.Caragaveagaspofreliefwhenthecar’stiresscreeched.Itskiddedandspunaround.Therearwentoverthecurb,andtheytilted,slidingdownanembankmentintothewoods.Thebumperhitatreeandthevehiclethuddedtoastop.Carapushedopenthedoor.Stevegrabbedherankle.Shefellfacefirstoutthedoorandsmackedhercheekagainstthedampleaves.

Footstepscrackedthroughtheunderbrush.Rolf’shandsgrippedhershoulders,yankingheroutofthecar.ShetwistedandkickedSteveinthefacewithherfreefootandheyelled,fallingbackintothecarholdinghishead.RolfsetCaradown,eyesintentonthedriver.

HewrenchedthefrontdooropenandhauledtheTakeroutbytheneck.Withatwistofhishands,acrackrenttheairandBendroppedlifelesstotheleavesbesideher.Shescootedaway,bilebitingthebackofherthroat,andRolfdoveintothebackseat.

Hebackedout,doubledoverandgrimacingaftertakingSteve’sLight.

Whenhestraightenedup,herushedtoseeifthedriverwasstillalive.TherewasnomovementoftheTaker,butRolftookhisLightjustthesame.Hebentover,breathinghard,handsonhisthighsasthecleansingwashedoverhim.Hegaggedandfellagainstthedoor,eyessqueezedshut.

“Rolf.”Shepulledherselftoherfeet,holdingontoatree.Herstomachthrobbedwithpain.

Hestraightenedandrushedtoherside,crushingheragainsthischest.Tearseruptedfromher,andsheclutchedhisjacket.Hepushedhertangledhairbackfromherforehead.“Areyoutrulyall

right?”Shenodded,wipingthetearsfromherfacewithonehand.Thenhereyes

poppedwide.“Theothers.”

###

CarasteppedthroughthegapingholeofjaggedwoodintheTaker’sfront

door.Tor’shandiwork,nodoubt.SheandRolffollowedthesoundsoffurniturecrashing,yells,andthumpsofbodiesfallingtothebackofthehousewherethelivingroomwaslocated.

Rolfthrewbackhisheadandroaredaninhumansoundasheenteredtheskirmish.Amber’stinyfigurestoodatthesideoftheroom,clutchingherradiotoherchest,eyeslikehugesparklingemeralds.ShanaandMarcfoughtonemanwhileTorgrappledwiththeotherone.Alistairstayedinafarcorner,butheldastickoffirewoodheusedtohitanyTakerwithinrange.

CarastaggeredagainstthewalltoduckTor’sflyingkickintoaman’sthroat,whichdroppedhimtothefloor.RolfrushedtotakehisLight.Shanathrewarighthook,catchingtheotherTakerinthesideofthehead.Hecrumbled,andMarcrushedtoholdhisarm.RolftookthisTaker’sLightaswell,rubbinghishandafterthecleansing.HisfacewaspaleanddrawnaftersomuchtaintedLight,andheheavedinraggedbreaths.Cararushedtohissideandrestedherfingersonhischest.Shesenthersoothingenergyintohimuntilhenodded,coveringherhandswithhis.“I’mokaynow.ToomuchdistortedLightatonetime.”Hisbreathingslowedandthelinesatthecornersofhiseyeseased.

Cara’shandsettledonthedullacheofherstomachwhereshe’dbeenhitbythemaninthecar.Shanabentover,handsonherknees,breathinginshortbursts.

“Iseveryoneallright?”Caragasped,hereyestravelingaroundthegroup.

“Ibelieveso.”Alistairpattedhisarmsandheadinatentativemanner.Marcgavethemathumbs-up,chestheaving.

“Yeah,”Torsaid.HeclutchedAmber,whostillclutchedherradio,eyesbig.

“ThankGodyougotloose,girl,”Shanapanted,glancingatCarathenRolf.“Didyougettheothertwo?”

“Yes.”RolfcuppedCara’sshoulders.“Yousureyou’renothurt?”Shenodded,stillwinded.“Justabitbruised.Let’sgetoutofthisrathole.

Itgivesmethecreeps.”“Yeah,let’sgo.”Marcmotionedtothem,wipingableedingcutonhis

foreheadwiththebackofhishand.TheypiledintothecarandRolfradioedaheadtohavetheboatprepared.

Theirmissionaccomplished,nowtheyneededtogetoutoftown.Fast.Tordrove,Amberpressedagainsthim.Caraheardasireninthedistanceandshivered.

“We’realmostthere.”Rolflookedoverhisshoulder.“Tor,dropusattheboat,thenditchthecar.Andhurry.”

Torcametosharpstopatthedock.“Go.”HepushedAmberwhenshehesitatedtoleavehim.

Theyranupthedock.Avalon’senginesrumbled.Lightsglowedfromtheports,andthecrewwaitedondecktocastoff.

“Inside,hurry.”Rolfwavedthemaboard.“Tor,”Ambercried,eyesfrantic.“He’scoming.”Carapointed.Torsprintedacrosstheparkinglotandupthedock.Ambergrabbedhim

andjerkedhiminside.“Let’sgo,”Rolforderedhismen.Carafellintoachairinthesalon,andDustyranuptolickthescrapeon

herrightarm.Nauseaswirledinherstomach,theaftermathoftheblowshe’dtakenthereandtoomuchadrenalin.Marcrubbedoneshoulder,grimacing,andShanagrabbedafirstaidkitfromoneofthecrewtobandageherrawknuckles.AlistairandAmberwereunhurt.ThankGod.Torfellontothesofa,facegrim.Theywereallsilent.They’djustkilledfourpeople.

Avalonslippedawayfromthedockintothedarknessbeyondthelightsofthecity.CarapushedherselfoutofherchairandfollowedRolfoutside.Sheneededtofeelthecoolnightaironherfaceandthankhim.Theywalkedtogethertothestern.ThebuildingsofdowntownCharlestonfadedfromviewinthehazeofeveningshadows.Sirensblaredinthedistance.

“ThankGod,wegotaway.”Carasuckedinashakybreath.Sheglanced

atRolf,buthecontinuedtostareoutoverthewater.Thecoolbreezeofeveningandthemovementoftheboatblewherdarkhairacrossherface.

“Youwerealmostkilled,”hewhispered,amuscletwitchinginhischeek.“It’sokay.I’mfine.Yousavedme.Again.”“But—”“Shhh.Thetrainingpaidoffandwedidwhatwehadto.Ievenkeptmy

guardup.”Hechuckled,andthelinesonhisfacesmoothed.“Yes,youdid.”Sheleanedovertherail,watchingtheship’swakegurgleupastheir

speedincreased.FightingtheTakersjoltedherintoreality,thehorrorofwhatthese

twistedDealerswerecapableof.Thejoyofhavingarelationshipwasnothingcomparedtotheresponsibilityofstoppingthesemurderingmonsters.TheyhadtocompletetheirmissionofdestroyingthewholeDesmondgang.

“It’soverandweneedtofocusondefeatingDesmond.Iunderstand.Let’sjustworktogetherandgetthroughthis.Whenit’sdonewecangetonwithourlives.”

Hisgazesweptoverherthenheturnedbacktothewater.“Okay.Good.I’mgladyouwanttofinishtakingcareofthismenace.”

“Ofcourse.We’lldoit.”Shenudgedhissidewithherelbow.“But,knowthis:ifsomethinghappenstoyou,Iwillbebroken,”he

whispered.Caralookedaway.Metoo.

ChapterThirty-FourTheyreachedNorfolkintwodays,wrappedinthe

concealingcloakoflatenightdarkness.Thegrouphadspenttheirtraveltimepracticingtheshieldandplanningthenextattack.Atthispoint,RolffoundlinkingtoCarawasalmostsecondnature.Theysettledintoaneasyfriendship,avoidinganymentionoftheiremotions.Hewasabletoregainhisusualintentfocusonhisenemies,butwithadoublepurpose—endingthethreatandbeingabletosweepCaraintohisarmsagain.

CaraleanedagainstthefrontrailbesideRolf.“Doyouthinkourplanwillwork?”

ThelightsoftheChesapeakeBayBridgeTunnelflickeredahead,approachingtheentrancetoLittleCreek.Heglanceddownather.Shadowsplayedacrossherfaceasshegazedoverthedarkswirlingwater.

“Wehaveafewthingsinourfavor,”hemurmured.“Desmonddoesn’tknowabouttherestofourgroup,andhedoesn’tknowwehavetheabilitytoshieldourselves.Healsodoesn’tknowwehaveallhisfiles.Weknowwhohe’sbribingand,therefore,whowillreportourpresencetohim.That’swhywe’recomingtoLittleCreekinsteadofgoingbacktoWatersideMarinaindowntown.Therearehundredsofboatshere.We’llusewhathedoesn’tknowtoouradvantage…”

“But?”“Butthenumberofpeoplehehasisstilloverwhelming.I’dfeelalot

betteraboutthisplanifwehadsomewayofdrawingsomeofthemoffsowecouldgettothestone.”

“Whatifwehadsomeregularpeopletohelpus?”Sheturnedtohim,excitementshininginhereyes.“Createadiversion.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Whowouldpossiblyhelpus?Noonewouldbelieveourstory.”

“Wrong.Iknowsomepeoplewhomight.”“Helpwouldmakemealotmoreconfidentofsuccess,Ican’tdenyit.”

Herubbedhistempleswithhisfingertips.Shelookedacrossthewaterandpointedtoatalltowerwitharedlight.

“Isthattheentrance?”Hestraightenedandsquintedinthedarkness.“Yes,notmuchlonger

now.Wanttoexplainyouridea?”“Notyet.Ihavetocontactsomepeopleoncewe’reinNorfolk.”“Youknowthey’llbeDimmers,right?”

“NotifIgivethemsomeLight.”Shesmiled.“Becareful,Cara.”Whowasshethinkingof?“Iwill.Don’tworry.”Shereachedoutandsqueezedhishand.“Wehave

tomakethiswork.”Hestudiedtheapproachingshore.“I’dbettertalktothecaptain.”Darkwaterswelledbeforethemandthesilverflashofahalf-moon

reflectedonthechoppywaves.Whenthemoonwaned,Desmondwouldformhiswebagain,andtheywouldberightinthemiddleofit.Theyhadtostophimbeforethathappened.

###

CarawalkedbackintothesalonandDustyrantogreether.“Hey,

Duster-man.”Shekissedhisnoseandhelickedherchin.“Idon’tthinkwehaveanychoicebuttodestroyit,”TorsaidtoAlistair.

Thetwomenstoodbythebar,amapofNorfolkspreadonitssurface.CarasankintoachairacrossfromAmberandShanaonthecouch.

“Idon’tknow.”Alistairrubbedhischin.“Ithasgreatpower.Itmightbeusefulinthefuture.”

“Wecan’ttakethechanceofitfallingintothehandsofTakersagainifwesucceedinstealingit,”Torinsisted,eyesnarrow.

“IfweareabletogetridofDesmond’sgroup,westillhavetheTakersintheothercities,”Shanasaid.“Wecan’tjustletthemgo.Maybethestonewouldhelpusdefeatthem.”

Marcfrowned.“ItsoundslikeyouwanttomakeacareerofchasingTakers.”

“What’swrongwithriddingtheworldofmurderers?”Shanastoodandputherhandsonherhips.“Atleastitwillsavelives.Isn’tthatimportanttoyou?”

“Hey,guys,”Carainterrupted.Sadly,ShanaandMarc’srelationshiphaddeterioratedagain.Theirarguinghadincreasedoverthedaysthey’dbeenatseasinceleavingCharleston.CarawasconcernedtheirbickeringwoulddisrupttheirabilitytodefeatDesmond.Theyneededeveryoneinthegrouppullingtogether.

“Cara,areweclose?”AmbershiftedhereyestoShanainameaningfulgesture.

“Isawtheentrancemarker.Rolf’stalkingtothecaptain.”

“Whatdoyouthinkweshoulddowiththestoneifwestealit?”Torasked,goingbacktothediscussionheandAlistairhadbeenhaving.

“Ireallydon’tknow.Alistair?”CaraleanedoverandrubbedDusty’sheadashesnuggledagainstherlegs.

“It’spowerful,nodoubtatall.”AlistairpickedupRamboandcradledthelittleballoffurclosetohischest.“ButTor’sright.It’salwaysbeenassociatedwithevildeeds.I’mjustnotsureifit’sonlybecauseofwhohelditatthetime.”

“Ithinkitshouldbedestroyed.”Torcrackedhisknuckles.“Whytakethechanceofitfallingintoevilhandsagaininthefuture?”

“He’sgotapoint.”Marcrubbedhistemples.“Whenwehaveit,we’llknow,”Ambersaid.“Whatdoyoumean?”Caraasked.Amberglancedatherfriends.“IhavethisconnectionwhenIholdstones.

Theyhaveauras,justlikepeople.Somearecalming,someareenergizing.Ifthestoneitselfisevil,therewillbesomesenseofdarknessradiatingfromit.”

“Magicalert.”Shanaraisedherarmsinagoaliegesture.“Shan!”Marcsethispalmsoverhiseyes.“Allright,allright.Amber,youdoyourthing.Ifit’sevilwedestroyit.If

itisn’twekeepit.Okay?”Shanacrossedherarmsoverherchest.Everyonenodded.“Great.It’ssettled.”

Carapickedupthehunkofamethystfromthesidetableandwonderedifsomethingsosimplemightbeabletohelpthem.Sheranherfingersoverthesmoothanglesofthecrystal.

Marcstoodtopaceacrossthefloor,sweatpoppingoutinhisforehead.“Ihatethiswaiting,”heexclaimedandwalkedtothebar.Heleanedonthetopwithhiselbows,staringatthebookcasebehindit.

ShanastoodandcrossedtoMarc,wrappinganarmaroundhiswaistandkissedhispalecheek.

Theenginevibrationchangedtoaslowerpitch,astheboatslowed.“Wemustbethere.”Carahoppeduptopeeroutthewindow.TheypulleduptotheT-headofadockandthecrewhandledthelines,

tyinguptheshipwithoutincident.Thistimeofnight,noonewasondutyatthemarina.Lightstwinkledinafewofthelargehousesacrossthestreetfromthemarina,butnopeoplemovedabout.

“Safelydocked.”Rolfwalkedinfromthesidedoor.“Isuggestwegetsomesleep.Thenextfewdayswillbechallenging.”

Caraglancedatherwatch.Damn,twointhemorning.Shestretchedherarmstothesides,yawning.“Iagree,I’mpooped.”ShestrodepastMarcandrestedahandonhisshoulder.Hegaveherahalf-heartedsmile.

Hopefully,tomorroweveryonewouldputtheirdifferencesasideandcometogetherwithasinglefocus:eliminateDesmondandhisTakers.

###

Rolfstoodonaroadwiththesunsettinginthedistance,anddustyheat

searedhisnostrils.Glowingred,purpleandorangepaintedtheskyinstreaks.Againstthisbackdrop,atall,shadowystructurerosetothesky,piercingthehorizonlikeadarkpurplefinger.Hewalkeddowntheroad,andasenseoffamiliaritysoakedintohissoul.Theedificebeforehimbecamerecognizable.OneoftheobelisksofIunu,orHeliopolis,ashecalleditinlateryears—theoldestonethere.

Hisfeettraveledatafantasticpace,carryinghimtothebaseofthetowerinasecond.Hegazedupatitsredgranitesurface,soaringsixty-eightfeetintheair.Thiscouldn’tbereal.Wheelingaround,hesearchedthelandscapeandhispulsequickened.HadSakhetcomeback,afterall?

Ahotwindrose,stirringthesandandrustlingthefrondsofthepalmtreeswhichcircledtheareawherehestood.Hecoveredhiseyeswithonehandtoblocktheblowingsand.Whenthewindabated,heloweredhisarmandfoundhimselffacinganimposingfigurewhotoweredoverhim.Theman’storsowasbare,butpowerfullybuiltmusclesstoodout,glisteningwithoil.Awidecollarencircledhisthroatandacrownofredandwhitesatuponhishead.Hisknee-lengthlinenskirtwasbeltedwithasashofgoldandfinejewels.

“Atum,”Rolfwhisperedandfelltohisknees.“Rise,Bes,”Atumcommanded,hisvoicebooming,deepandpowerful,

reverberatingoverthearea.Rolfpushedtohisfeetandraisedhiseyestomeetthedark,piercingstare

ofthegod.Heopenedhismouth,butnowordscameforth.“Youknowme.”Thegiant’svoicerumbled.“Yes,”Rolfmanaged.“YouareAtum,theEgyptiangodofcreation.”“Iamthefirst,theonewhocreatedalltheothergods,therulerofUpper

andLowerEgypt.Iamcompleteness.”Rolf’sfeetseemedcementedinplace.Hestaredatthetallshapebefore

himinwonder.Suddenly,Atum’sfigureshranktothesizeofanormalman,hisheadnowlevelwithRolf’s.

“WhyamIhere?”Rolfmanagedbetweenawe-frozenlips.

“Walkwithme.”Atum’svoicelowered.Hesetoutpasttheobelisk,throughthedesertedstreetsofthecity.

RolffollowedandAtumwaitedsohecouldwalkbyhisside.“Youareanancient.OneofthefirsttowhomIgavethepowerof

touch,”Atumsaid.“Oneofmyspecialchildren.”AflashofamazementandenlightenmentshotthroughRolf.IfAtum

claimedtohavecreatedhim,athousandquestionsroseinhismind,butheremainedsilent,waitingforAtumtoresume.

Thegodcontinuedtoaridgeoverlookingavalleybelow—fertilegreenlandthatcontinuedtotheNileinthefardistance.Atum’sexpressionheldatintofsadnessashiseyestraveledoverthedistance.SorrowroseinRolf,too.HehadsharedthisscenewithSakhetnumeroustimes.

“Manyofmychildrenhavepassedovertheyears.Veryfewremain.Thissaddensme.”

“WasSakhetalsoyourchild?”Rolfcouldn’thelpasking.“Yes.”Atumnodded.“Herdeathpainedmegreatly.Evenmorepainful

wasthatofmybelovedIusaaset,althoughitwasnecessaryinourplan.”Rolfponderedthisnews.Iusaasetwasconsideredthemothergoddess.

Howdidshedie,andtowhatplandidAtumrefer?WereAtum’schildrenonlygoodordidtheyincludetheevilones?“AndDesmond?”

Atumfrowned.“Thatoneisnotmine.HecannotmaketheLightinhisownbody—anabomination.Hebelongstoanother.Onewhoshouldbedestroyed.”

SomanyquestionschurnedinRolf’smind.Heopenedhismouthtospeak,butAtumwavedahand,cuttinghimoff.

“Yourtimehereisshort.IhavefollowedyouractionsandIknowthegoodinyourheart.Youhaveremainedtrueovertheyearsandshallberewardedintime.Yourpathhasbeenhonorable,butyouhavelostsightofamostimportantgoal.”

“Whatgoal?”AtumturnedtofacehimandhisdarkeyesboreintoRolf’slikealaser.

“Youmustnotletourracedieout.Thebalanceoftheuniversemustbemaintained.MyIusaasetlefttheearthforthisreason.Ourplanmustnotfailortheworldwillperishinevil.”

Rolf’smindraced.“Idon’tunderstand.”“Youmustnotletourracedieout,”Atumrepeated.Hisimagegrew

foggyandhisvoicefaint.“Remember…”Thesoundtrailedawayintotheroarofrisingwind.

AcloudofsandobscuredRolf’svisionagain,andheputanarmupto

coverhisface.Stingingparticleswhippedintohisflesh,andhestruggledtowalkagainstthebuffetingpowerofthemovingair.“Atum!”Hewavedahandinfrontofhim,buthisfingersfoundonlythebitingparticlesofwindblownsand.“Atum!”

Abruptly,thebuffetingofthewindstopped,andheopenedhiseyes.Gonewerethesandyroads,thetallobeliskandthedustinhisnostrils.AllthatremainedwasdarknessandthelegacyofAtum.Hisfather.

ChapterThirty-Five

“So,thefirststepisforRolftogototheGuns’nAmmostore,here,and

trytopurchasesomeautomaticrifles.”SeanpointedtoamaplaidoutonthediningtablewithCaraandherfriendsgatheredaround.Sunlightfromthewindowscastayellowglowoffthewalls.“WeknowtheownerisinDesmond’spayandhassoldhimquiteafewweaponsinthepastmonth.WealsoknowDesmondsentoutadescriptionofRolfandCaratoallthepeoplehe’sbribinginthedifferentareas.ThisguywillhopefullyrecognizeyouandcallDesmond.”

“Whatifhejustsendspolice?”Caraasked.“Notlikely,”Rolfsaid,grittinghisteeth.HeknewwhatDesmond

wanted.“Hewantstohavemehimself,totorturemehimself.Itwillbebetterforhimtohavehismentakemesonoonewilleverknow.Besides,Torwillmonitorthepolicechannelsandknowiftheydo.”

Tornodded.“Rolfwillhavetofilloutanapplicationfortherifles.We’llexpectsometypeofdelayingtacticwiththis,liketellingRolfhe’llhavetocomebacklater.ThiswillgiveDesmondtimetosendhismentheretocapturehim.Rolf’lluseCara’shouseforhishomeaddresssothey’llthinkthetwoofyouhavecomebackthere.ThisshouldmakethemsplitandsendagrouptocaptureCarawhiletheothersgoforRolf.”

“Andiftheydoinvolvelawenforcement?”Caraasked.“We’llhavetoabortthemissionandcomeupwithanotherplan.”Rolf

feltconfidentthiswouldwork,knowinghowDesmondoperatedfromthepast.“Won’tDesmondbewithoneofthegroups?”Torasked.“Iknowhim.He’llputhismenindangerandsitbacktowait.”Rolf

crossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Likethetypicalmurderousdictator.”“CaraandherteamwillgotoherhouseafterRolfleavesthegunstore.

Thenwe’llbereadytospringthetrap.”Seansatback.“Questions?”“You’restillwillingtoletmedimyoudown?”Rolfpattedhislongtime

friendontheback.Seannodded.“It’stheonlywayyou’llgetintohishouse.Icandisable

thealarmsystembutonlyifI’mthere,andthey’lldetectmyenergyifI’mnota

dimmer.”“Iwantyoutoreturntotheboatwhenit’sdone.It’stoodangerousfor

you,evenifyourLightisonlyslightlydepleted.”Rolfdidn’twantSeanindangerbecauseofhisagreementtobedimmed.

“Ifyouwant,buttheonlylingeringissueisgettingtheremainingTakersoutofthehousesoyoucangoinandretrievethestone.”

“Ihaveaplan,”Carasaid.“Trustme.”Rolfopenedhismouthbutcloseditwhensheheldupahand.“What?”Shanaraisedonebrow.“Ihavetocheckitoutfirst,whileRolfgoestothegunstore.”“Isitsafe?”Amberfrowned.“Don’tworry.IpromiseIwon’tputmyselfindanger.”Carasmiled.“I’ll

meetyouguysatmyhouseafterwards.”“Okay,areweready?”Rolf’sgazetraveledtoeachmemberthegroup.“Yes.Iwanttogetthisoverwithintheworstpossibleway.”Cara

winkedatRolf.“Ithinkluringthemoutisagoodidea.There’snowaywecandefeatthemifthey’realltogether,andwehavetogettheopalsecuredbeforeDesmondcanuseit.”

“Good,let’sgetstarted,”Rolfsaid.“Youknowyourparts.Goodluck.”

ChapterThirty-Six

“CanIhelpyou?”thetallmanbehindthecounteraskedasRolfwalked

closer.“Ihavesomespecialneeds,andI’veheardyoumightbethepersonto

helpme.”Rolfglancedaroundthestore.Itwasalargestorewithnumerousglassdisplaycasesaroundtheside.Shelvesbehindthecasesheldstacksofammunitionbeneathracksofrifles.Crossbows,camouflagedgear,andtargetstookupthecentersection.Thesulfursmellofgunpowderripenedtheair.

ThemansquintedatRolf,eyesonlyslightlyhazy.Desmond’sdimmingwasrunningoutitseemed.Hesportedacrewcut,hisbodybigwithmusclegonetofat.“Depends.Whatdoyouwant?”

“I’minterestedinsomeassaultriflesandasniperrifle.”Rolfmettheman’sgazewithasteadystare.

Themansteppedbackandcrossedhisarms,studyingRolf’sface.IthinkI’vejustbeenrecognized.

“Assaultrifles,huh?”themansaid.“Doyouknowspecificallywhatyou’relookin’for?”

“M4’sifyouhaveany,butM16’swilldoalso.”Rolfturnedhisheadtokeepthefrontdoorinhisperipheralvision.

“Hmm,andforthesniper?”“HecklerandKochPSG1oranM40.”“Youknowyourweapons,I’llsaythat.HowmanyoftheM4’s?”“Four,ifpossible.”“Youhavetohaveabackgroundcheckinthisstate.”“Ofcourse,here’smydriver’slicense.”RolfhandedhimthefakeID

SeanhadmadeforhimwithanaliasandCara’saddress.“It’sgonnatakeadayortwo.”Themanheldthecardupandglanced

betweenitandRolf.“I’dliketoexpeditetheprocessifpossible.”Rolfpulledoutarollof

billsandpeeledofffiveone-hundreddollarbills.Heplacedthemonthecounterandslidthemforward.

Theman’seyesfollowedthemoney.HeglancedatRolfthenscannedthestore,tookthemoney,andputitinthepocketofhisjeans.“Allright.IgottheM4’shere,butIhavetocallafriendinthebusinessfortheHandK.Yougotapricelimit?

“No.Ijustneedthegunsquickly,withnoquestions.”“I’llhavethemallreadytopickupintwohours.”Rolfmadeashowofhesitatingbeforenodding.“Verywell.I’llbeback

intwohours.I’llbeinablackvanandparkinthebacksoyoucanloadtheguns.”

“Yougotit,”themansaid,beadsofsweatbloomingonhisforehead.Rolfwalkedtothedoor,pausedtolookupanddownthestreet,and

strodeaway.Hegotinhiscar,parkeddowntheblockandcalledSean.“It’sdone.I’mheadedbacktotheboat.We’vegottwohours.”

###

CaraclimbedoutofthetaxiattheaddresswhereshehaddroppedNicki

beforeleavingNorfolk.Ifshewaslucky,Nickiwouldstillbehere.Takingadeepbreath,sheknockedonthedoor.Shetouchedtheamuletbeneathherblouse,hopingithidherfromDesmondandhisgoons.

Therewasnoanswer,andherheartsank.NowaycouldshefindNickiandhergangifshewasn’tstillhere.Cararestedaneartothedoorandthoughttherewerefootstepsinside.

“Nicki?It’sme.Cara.Letmein.”Sheknockedagainandwaited.Afterseveralseconds,shesighedandturnedtoleave.Thedoorcreaked

openacrack.Shewhippedback.Nicki’spalefacepeeredthroughtheopening,eyesdull.“MissCara?”Sheblinkedseveraltimes.

“Yes,yes,Nicki.It’sme.”Shesteppedcloser.Nickifrownedbutshepushedthedooropen.Caraslidinside.Shesurveyedtheapartment.Oldplatessatonthecoffeetableandtrash

litteredthefloor.Nickistaredatherwithsunkeneyes,herarmslimpathersides.

Carasteppedcloseandputoutherarms,thegirlfellintoherembraceandlayherheadonCara’sshoulder.Herbodywaseventhinnerthanbefore.Carasoothedandpatted,murmuringwordsofcomfort.SheslippedahandtoherportalandletLightflowintothegirl.Shedetectedthediminishedlevelofherenergy,butitwasn’tasbadasshethought.Desmondwouldneedtorenewhis

holdsoon,orpeoplewouldstarttoregaintheirfullsenses—iftheyhadn’talready.Thismightactuallywork.

Nickisteppedbackandfrowned,shakingherhead.Asparkreturnedtohereyes.“Cara?Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Weneedtotalk.It’salongstory.Canyoucallyourgangfriendsandhavethemcomeoverhere?”

“What?”Nickiglancedabouttheroomandputahandtoherhead,rubbinghertemples.

CaratookNicki’sarmandledhertothesofa.“Ineedyourhelp,andwedon’thavemuchtime.”

###

Desmondclimbedthestepstothesecondfloorandenteredtheroom

whereCarltonworkedonthecomputer.“AnywordfromthoseidiotsinCharleston?”

Carltonpressedafewmorekeys,thenswiveledaroundinhischair,facegonepale.“Ijustgotane-mailfromthepolicechiefthere.Theirhousewasattackedandtheywereallkilled.Thepolicethinkithappenedacoupledaysago.”

“Howcantheynotbesure?”Desmond’sangerroselikeahotpoker,stabbinghischest.

“Becausetheyfoundoutasaresultofsomecallsaboutadisturbanceintheneighborhood,ofsomeonedrivingrecklesslydownthestreets.Theyfoundtwoofourmendeadinacarthathadgoneoveranembankment.Theyknewitwasthegenerallocationofourgroup’shouseandcheckeditoutwhiletheywerethere.Thedoorhadbeenbashedinandtheinsidestrashed,likeafighthadtakenplace.Twomoremenweredeadinthelivingroom.”

“Andthefifthman?”“Missing.”Angerturnedtofury.“Rolf!”“Whoelsewouldtargetourpeople?”“Howdidhemanagetokillthemallwithonlythewomantohelp?”Carlton’scellphonerangandheansweredafterlookingatthenumberof

thecaller.Helistenedforafewsecondsthensaid,“Goodjob.We’llbeinplacewhenhereturns.Didyougetanyinformationonhislocation?”

Helistenedandgrabbedapentoscribbleonascrapofpaper.“Excellent.

You’llreceiveabonusforthisinformation.”“Well?”Desmondarchedaneyebrow.“It’stheownerofthegunstorewebribed.He’sidentifiedRolfinhis

storethismorningwantingtobuyassaultweaponsandasniperrifle.”AheadysurgeofanticipationtriggeredDesmond’slipstoliftinasneer.

“Howfortunate.Hemustbeplanninganattackonus.”“Soitseems.HekilledthegroupinCharleston,andnowhe’scomingfor

us.”“Iwanthim.”“Ofcourse,Master.We’llgethimforyouandthewoman,too.”Carlton

rosefromhischair,thecolorreturningtohisface.“Thewoman?”“Yes.WehavetheaddressRolfusedonhisgunapplication,andI

rememberitfromwhenwetriedtolocateherbefore.It’sherhouse.Theymusthavereturnedthere.”

Desmondwantedthem.Hecravedrevengelikeafeastafterstarving.Butsomethingaboutthisseemedtooeasytohim.Hepacedtheroom.Andyet,therewasnowayRolfcouldknowthegunshopownerwouldreporthispresence.Ithadtobeafortunatecoincidence.Ithadtobe.

“Assemblethemen.Twoshouldbeplentytopickupthewoman,andthreecangowithyoutotakeRolf.Therestwillstayhereincasetheyescapeandcometoattack,”Desmondsaid,turningbacktoCarlton.

Carltonlickedhislipsandstartedtoleave.“AndCarlton,Iwanthimalive.Iwanttoenjoyhisslow,painfuldeath.”Asmilespreadovertheyoungerman’sface.“I’llmakesureyouhave

him.”

ChapterThirty-Seven

“Areyouready?”RolfaskedSean.Thetwomenstoodonthesideof

Avalon,theirformsonlydarkershadowsinthewaninglightofevening.Seannoddedtersely.“Let’sdoit.”Rolfplacedhisfingersontheyoungerman’snapeandfoundhisportal.

Thetipsofhisfingerssealedtheconnection,andhedetectedSean’sLightflowingbeneaththesurfaceofhisskin.Sean’seyeswidenedasRolfbegantakingtheLight.

Headmiredhisman’scourageinallowingthis.DeterminedtoonlytakethenecessaryamounttomakeSean’senergyundetectablefromtheotherDimmersinthearea,hekepttheflowslow.

“Okay.”Rolfremovedhishand.“Howdoyoufeel?”Seanrotatedhisshouldersandraisedhiseyebrows.“Okay,Ithink—a

littledizzymaybe.”“Canyouthink?”Seanblinked.“Yeah,I’llbeokay.”“Good.Grabyourcomputerandlet’sgo.”Thetwomenhurriedtothe

carthenrushedtoDesmond’s.Rolf’scellrangandhebreathedasighofrelief.“Cara?Whathappened?”

“It’sallset.I’mgoingtomeettheothersatmyhouse.TherewillbeadiversioninfrontofDesmond’shouseintwohours.Beready.”

“Cara?”“Don’tworry,itwillbeokay.”Sheendedthecallbeforehecouldask

aboutherplan.Hegrippedthewheelhard.Ifherdiversiondidn’twork,theyhadlittle

chanceofgettingintothehousewithsomanyTakersstillthere.Hehadtotrustsheknewwhatshewasdoing.

TheyparkedablockfromDesmond’splaceandcreptthroughtheshadowsoffencesandhedgestothesideofthehouse.Rolfscannedtheareawithnight-visionbinocularsthenglancedathiswatch.Seankneltontheground,graspinghislaptoptohischest.

ThesoundofvoicesatthefrontofthehousesentRolfintotheprotectionofthetallred-tipsbehindhim.CarenginesroaredtolifeandRolfpeeked.Twovehiclespasseddowntheroad,fourmeninsideoneandtwointheother.

“Itlooksliketheplanworkedsofar,”RolfwhisperedtoSean.“ThetwoareprobablygoingforCara,andfourforme.Thatleavessevenoreighthere.IhopeCaraknowswhatshe’sdoing.Weneedtherestofthemoutofthehouseifwehopetogetthestone.”

“Ineedtofindthewiringforthephoneandalarmsystem.”Seanrosefromhiscrouchedposition.

“Gettoit,”Rolfsaid.“Theotherswillbeheresoon.”HehopedCaraandherfriendswereready.Closinghiseyes,hepushed

awayhisfear.FlashesofSakhet’sbatteredandheadlessbodypoppedintohismind.

Itcan’thappentoCara,itcan’t.

###

Caraclickedontheoverheadlightinherlivingroomtobattlethereign

ofthickdarkness.Thesubtlescentofstaleairanddusttickledhernose.Sheglancedthroughtheblinds,butthestreetremainedempty.Thechill

ofeveningcreptintotheroom,andsherubbedherarmstocombatit.Thecrunchoftiresonthegraveloutsidefrozeherinplace.Takers!Her

handstrembledasDustybarkedfromthebedroom.Takingadeepbreath,shegrippedtheedgeofthebar,waiting.

Inonlyafewseconds,herfrontdoorexplodedinwardandtwomenrushedin.Sheforcedacalmnesstoherfeaturesthatinnowaymatchedthetremblingfearinhergut.Nowaywasshegoingtoshowthemhowscaredshewas.“Whatareyoudoing?”Sheplantedherfistsonherhips.

Teethbaredlikewilddogs,theireyeswerehungry,theTakerscrouchedinfightingpositions,inchingtowardher.Oneofthemsurveyedtheroombeforehisgazecamebacktorestonher.Hismusculararmsbulgedagainsthisblackshirtsleevesandhungathissideslikeagorilla.“You’recomingwithus.”Heheldanarmouttostoptheothermanfromadvancing.

“Really?”Shemethisgazeandforcedherselfnottolooktowardthebedroomdoor.

“Don’tbecoy,youknowwhatthisisabout.”Heglared.“Youcangowithusorwecanaskagainafterwetortureyou.”

Shemovedawayfromthecounter,flexingherarmsandbendingherknees.“Okay.”

Aflashofconfusionlittheman’seyes,andheglancedtotheside.Dustybarkedfromthebedroom.“Who’sinthere?”

“Mydog.Wanttomeethim?He’dliketomeetyou.”Shegavehimadefiantstare,invitinghimtoattack.

“Bitch,”hegrowled,eyessparkingwithanger.Helungedtowardher.Carabalancedontheballsofherfeet,ready.Sheevadedhisgrasp,took

hisarmandusedhismomentumtoswinghimintothemanbehindhim.“Now,”sheyelled.Therestofhergroupburstfromthetwodoorsoneithersideoftheliving

roomandenteredthefray.TheTakersinitiallystumbledbackinsurprise,butoneyelledandtheyattacked,snarlinglikewolves.ShanagotinablowtooneandMarcfelledhimwithakicktothechin.TorgrabbedthemanCara’dattackedandpushedhimintothewall.Dustyrushedinandlatchedontohiscalf,snarling.TheTakerstaggereduntilheshookDustyoff,thenrushedatCara.Sheswungherclaspedhandsandhithiminthestomach.Hedoubledover,andshefollowedupwithadownwardblowtohisneck.

CaratookahitchedbreathasTorcrunchedthespineofthemanshedownedandthenstrucktheonefelledbyShanaandMarcwithpreciseblowsofhisfoot.NoneedtotaketheirLight.Marckneltbesidethemandconfirmedtheyweredeadwithagrimnod.

Thegroupstareddownattheirwork,breathinghard.AmberandAlistairhadstayedonthesidelinesbutstareddownatthebodiesinhorror.DustybarkedattheTakersuntilAmbergrabbedhiscollaranddraggedhimoutside.

“Let’sfinishthis.”Marcfrowned.Hewipedthesweatfromhisbrowwithshakinghands.

“Sorry,Cara.”TorgaveheranapologeticgrimaceashepushedAmberoutthedoor.

Caranodded,wentintoherbedroomandpickeduptwobagsofitemsshe’dsalvaged.Shegavethehousealastsurveyandfollowedtheothersoutthebackdoor.TorremainedinsidewithMarc.

AmberandShanaputtheirarmsaroundCara’sshouldersasflamesbegantoflickerinthewindows.Dustywhimperedandpressedagainstherlegs.SheturnedandburiedherfaceintoAmber’shair,squeezinghereyestoblockthetears.Herlittlehouse.Theremainingpieceofheroldlife,gone.Whatwasshegoingtodooncethiswasover?

“Let’sgo.”TorrushedfromthebackdoorwithMarcandAlistairbehindhim.

Theyhurriedthroughthegatheringdarknessalongtheshrubsattheedgeofherbackyard.Slippingbetweenthetallbushes,theycroucheddownandranoneatatimetoslipintotheir“borrowed”SUVthenspedawayintothenight.

###

CarapulleduptothecurbablockoverfromDesmond’shouse.Cara’s

friendsheadedtothelineofshrubswhereRolfwaitedforthem.Nickiandaboutadozenofherfriendsarrivedinabeatupvanatabout

thesametimeandspilledintothestreet.Mambosnarledandslappedhisballbatintohispalmrepeatedly.Theotherscarriedavarietyofknives,chains,andcrowbars,readytohaverevengeonthepeoplewhohadtargetedtheirgangandkilledafewofitsmembers.

CarahadbroughtthemalluptofullLightwhileatNicki’searlier.“Nicki,overhere.”CaramotionedfromthesideoftheSUV.

Mambowalkeduptoher.“Youhelpedus.Idon’tforget.”Hegaveheraquicknodandwenttojoinhisfriends.

“Cara!OhmyGod!”Nickiranuptoherandgrabbedherarm.“What?”Carafrowned.“He’soneofthem,Cara.”Shepointedtowardthegroupbytheshrubs,to

amanwhostoodofftotherightapartfromtheothers.Marc?Cara’sheartfroze,andherkneeswentweak.Shebackeduptothe

SUVforsupport.“You…youhavetobemistaken.Whatdoyoumean,oneofthem?”

“ATaker.”Caraturnedcoldallover.“Noway.”“I’mtellin’you,hehitonmeatabarafewweeksago.Don’tyou

remember,Itoldyouaboutbeingattackedbyonebeforetheguythatcametomyapartment?Hehadthesamecrazylookinhiseyes.He’saTaker!”

“How—howdidyougetaway?”CarathoughtthegroundhaddroppedfrombelowherfeetandputahandonthesideoftheSUVtosteadyherself.Nickihadtobemistaken.Shewasjustscared.Hypedup.

“Ikneedhiminthenuts.”Nickigaveanevilgrin.“AndIranaway.”“You’resure?”“Positive.”Carastoodthere,mindwhirlingforafewseconds.ButMarchadfought

attheirsides,killingTakerssincetheyleftNorfolk.

HandproppedonthehoodoftheSUVtoremainupright,CarastaredatMarc.No,hewasaDealer.Couldn’tbeaTaker.Nickiwaswrong.Sheturnedherfocustothetroubledgirlbesideher.Thegirlnodded,holdingCara’sgaze.Shoulderswide,Nickistoodtall.

Oh,God.“Okay,I’llhandleit.Don’tworry.Youguysjustdoyourpartandhelp

usgetinside.Ifitgetstoorough,takeoff.Gotit?”SheputahandonNicki’sshoulderandsearchedhereyes,buttherewasnodoubtthere.DearGod,please,therehastobesomeotherexplanation.

“Gotit.”Nickiflippedoutawickedlooking,pearl-handledswitchblade,sixinchesofpolishedsteelshininginthemoonlight.

“And,Nicki?”Caragavehershoulderasqueeze.“Thanksforthehelp.”“Hey,Ioweyou,andwewanttodustthesecreepsforwhattheydoneto

ourpeeps.”Shetrottedbacktohergang,whowaitedbytheirrustyvan.MambogaveheratwofingersaluteandtheViperForcejoggeddown

thestreettothefrontofthetownhouse.Caratookadeepbreathandfollowedherfriends,herheartbreaking.

ChapterThirty-Eight

Desmondslammeddownthephone.“Damnit,Carlton,whereareyou?”

TheyhadbetternotletRolfescapeorhewouldslaughterthemall.Hestompedtothefrontdoorandreachedouttopunchinthenumberof

thesecuritycodeonthealarmsystemtoopenthedoor.Thelightblinkedyellow.Anicyfearshotthroughhim.Somethingwaswrong.Hekeyedinthecodebuttheyellowlightremained.

“Hey,assholes,”adeepvoiceboomedthroughthecloseddoor.“Comeoutandplay.”

Desmondputhiseyetothepeephole.Scruffy-lookingpeopleholdingweaponsfilledthestreetinfrontofthehouse.Hejerkedback,stunned.Furyexplodedwhitehotfireworksinhishead.Thepeopleshouldn’tbedefiantyet.

Rolf!“Chuck,”Desmondroared.“Getthemen.Now.”TheremainingeightTakersrushedintotheroom.“Whatisit,Master?”Chucksaid,browspulledtogether.“Takecareofthemessoutsideandquickly.”TheTakersflewoutthedoorandDesmondslammeditshutbehindthem.

Hepunchedinthecodeforthealarmagain,butitstayedyellow.Hebeatthepadwithhisfist.

Heswirledtofacethestairs,ashockoffearrunningthroughhim.Thestone!Herushedupthestepstwoatatimeandrandownthehalltothelibrarywherethestonerestedinitsregalgoldstatue.Frozeninhorror,hestoodinthedoorwayandwatchedanoldermanandawomanclawingatthestone.

“Youwilldieforthis,”hesaidinalowsnarl.Hisangerburnedlikeaninfernothaturgedhimforward.Hewoulddestroythem.

###

“Idon’tthinkso,”CarasaidandhereyesshiftedtotherightofDesmond

whereRolfwaited.Desmondglared,andheswungaroundtofaceRolf.“You,”Desmondscreamed,hishandscomingup,fingerscurledinto

claws.RolflaunchedhimselfforwardandlandedonDesmond.Theyfelltothe

floor,Rolf’shandsclenchedonDesmond’sneck.“Run,Cara.Takethestone,”RolfsaidbetweengrittedteethasDesmond

clawedathisarms.Carapriedthestoneloosefromitsholderwithshakyfingers.Itfinally

cameout,andsheshudderedattheabsolutecoldnessradiatingfromitssmoothsurface.

ShegrabbedAlistair’sarmandyankedhimfromtheroomasRolfandDesmondwrestledonthefloor,gruntingandcursing.Atleastwehavethestonenow.Marc,Tor,ShanaandAmberrushedintothehallfromthesideroomhousingthecomputers.

Acar’stiressquealedoutfront.Cararantothewindowoverlookingthestreet.TheganghadtakendownabouthalfoftheTakers.TheTakerslaybatteredandbleedingonthestreet,butacarhadpulledatanangletothecurbandfourmenjumpedouttojointhefray.

“Badnews,”shesaid.Thefrontdoorslammedopenandyellsechoedupthestairs.“TheymusthaverealizedtheRolfsightingwasadecoyandcomeback.”

CarathrustthestoneintoAlistair’shandsandpushedhimfurtherdownthehall.“Getreadytofight,”sheyelledtotheothers.

Tordidn’twait.Hejumpedonthemanintheleadcomingupthestairs.Theimpactsenthimandthemanbehindhimcrashingdowntothelanding.Cara,ShanaandMarcranafterthem,downtothefoyerandlivingroom.Thebodiestangledandflailed,finallyseparating,andthefightingstartedinearnest.

ThefrontdoorhungopenandthefightflowedinandoutasTakersstruggledbetweenthestreetgangoutsideandtheDealerganginside.Carakickedandhit,herbodyinstinctivelyfallingintotherhythmofthetechniquesthey’dlearned.AmbercreepeddownthestairsholdingablackstonestatueinherhandswithAlistairbehindher.Carapressedtheattack,forcingthemanshefoughtbacktowardthestaircase.Amberbroughtthestonefiguredownonhishead,andhedroppedtothefloor.

Caragaveherathumbs-upandwhirledtohelpherfriendswhenafewoftheoutsideTakersrushedinside.Tor’sround-housekickliftedhismanfromhisfeetandslammedhimagainstthewall.Whenshesawthemancrumpletoaheapitgaveherasurgeofhope.

Shanapunchedheropponentinthestomach,andhedoubledover.Shebroughtherkneeupunderhischin,snappinghisheadback.Caragrabbedthepokerfromthefireplaceandswungitwithallhermightattheman’shead.Sheflinchedasacurtainofblooderuptedfromtheimpactandsplatteredthewalls.Themanwentdowndrenchedinred.Herstomachheaved,andshestaggeredbackward.Shanacaughtherarmandkeptherfromfalling,butitdidn’tstopherscreamofhorroratwhatshehaddone.

MarcstruggledwithaTakerinthedoorwayandfinallyflippedthemanoverhishiptosendablowtotheman’shead.TheTakergruntedandtwitched.TorandShanarantotheotherTakersandcheckedtoseeiftheywerealldead.Outside,thebattleragedon.

Marckneltbesidehisvictimwhostillmovedandputhisfingersonthebendofhiselbow.Marc’sportal.

“Marc,whatareyoudoing?”Carascreeched,herheartturningtoice.ShanaandTor’sfootstepsechoedbehindher.AmberandAlistairgaped,

frozenonthestairs.Marclookedupandthemaskofecstasymeltedfromhisface,replacedwithguilt.Hejumpedtohisfeet,backingtowardtheopendoor,paleandtrembling.

“Marc?”Shanawalkedforward,eyeswide.SheglancedatCara.“What’sgoingon?”

“Tellher,Marc.”Caracrossedherarms,hopingtostophershiveringandkeepthecontentsofherstomachinplace.

“Dude,wereyoutakinghisLight?”TormovedupbesideShana,frowning.

ShanaturnedbacktoMarc,mouthhangingopen.“Oh,God,Shan!”Marcreachedoutshakinghandstoher.“I’msosorry.

Butyoudon’tunderstand.ItwasthegirlintheER.TheoneIsaved.Duringtheprocessofsavingher,someofhertorturedLightpassedintome.IsawallthoseimagesofwhatwasdonetoherandIfeltwhattheTakersfelt.”Heputhishandstothesidesofhishead.“Godhelpme,butitwasaddictive.Torture.Ihadtohaveitagainandagain.”

“You’vebeenkillingpeople?”Shanapressedherhandstoherface,andtearsroseinhereyes.

Henoddedandtearscourseddownhisownwhitecheeksashegrimaced.Hetuggedathishair,eyesgonewild.“Yes,I’vekilledpeople.It’shorrible.Me,adoctor.Idon’twanttodoit,butIcan’tescapetheneed.Youdon’tknowwhatit’slike.I’mtorturedfrommorningtillnight.IfIdon’thaveit,I’lldie.Shana,pleaseunderstand?”

“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”Shana’svoicequiveredandasobescapedher

lips.“Wecouldhavehelpedyou.”“No.”Marcshookhisheadbackandforthlikeacrazedanimal.He

huggedhisarmsaroundhischest.“There’snohelp.YouheardwhatRolfsaid.I’lljustkeepkillinguntilIturncompletelyevil.I’llbeoneofthem.ATaker.”

Hesankdownonhisknees,sobbing,andShanasteppedforward,armsoutstretched,bodywrackedwithsobs,butTorgrabbedherelbow.“No,Shan.It’stoolate.Stayaway.”

Shanajerkedawayfromhim,firecomingbacktohereyes.“It’smyMarc.Ihavetohelphim.Therehastobeaway.”

“Shana,no!”Alistaircalledfromthestairs.Everythinghappenedinaflash.Marccametohisfeet.Aflickerofhope

shoneinhiseyes.Thensuddenlyhisexpressionwentdark,hesnarled,andreachedforherthroat.Shanaputupherhandstograbhisandscreamed.Marcgasped,hiseyeswentwideandhisarmsflewouttothesides.HefelltowardShana,takinghertothefloor,fallinglimpoverherbody.Apearl-handledknifeprotrudedfromhisback,andbloodseepedfromthewound.

Shanascrambledfromunderneathhimandstaredattheknife.Awaileruptedfromherandshefelloverhim.“No,no,no.Marc.Marc!”

Cara’skneesgaveoutandTorputanarmaroundherwaist.TearsstreameddownherfaceandsheheldontoTor.Fogconsumedherbrainattheunrealityofthissituation.Marc,herfriend.Oneofthebestpeoplesheknew.

AmberrusheddownthestepstoShana,andNickisteppedthroughthedoorway.Hereyeswereround,staringatMarc.Sheyankedtheknifeoutandbackedaway.Caramotionedforhertoleaveandmoutheda‘thankyou.’Nickigaveastiffnod,thenturnedandrandownthestreet.

ShoutsfromupstairsyankedCarabackintothemoment.“WehavetohelpRolf!”

Torreleasedher.Herushedupthesteps,andsheranclosebehind.Alistairbackeddownthehall,clutchingthelightbluestoneinbothhands.Astheyreachedtheopeningtothelibrary,RolfandDesmondtumbledontothelanding.

Thegroupretreateddownthehall,awayfromthesteps,forcedbackbythetwomenlockedintheirdeadlystruggle.Caracrouched,readytohelp.Theothersstoodwitharmsout,poisedaswell,butthementhrewwildpunches,kicks,andmovedsofastnoonecouldmakeamovetoassist.

DesmondlaunchedRolfbackward,andhecrashedintoTor.Desmond’seyesdartedtoAlistairandthestone.Hislipscurledinasinistergrin,andhereachedoutwithonehand.Beforeanyonecouldmove,thestoneemittedawhiteglow.Alistair’sbodytrembledandhiseyesbulgedout.Thestonetumbledfrom

hishandsandrolledacrossthefloortowardDesmond.“No!”Carayelled.Alistair’smouthfellopen,andhestoodfrozen,staringatthestone.Caralaunchedherselfandfellontopoftheopal.Anincomprehensible

coldnessateintoherbones.“Rolf.”Shereachedoutahandtowherehe’dlandedonthefloorbeside

Tor.Ifshecouldjustreachhimandformtheshield,they’dbeabletostopDesmond’spoweroverthestone.Rolfcrawled,throwinghisbodyforward,handoutstretched.

Toolate.Awhiteflashenvelopedherandtheworldwentblack.

ChapterThirty-Nine

Threedayslater,Rolfstoodonthesidedeck,gazingatthemarinain

theirnewlocation:St.Michael’s,Maryland.Underthebrightsunshine,acouplestrolleddownthedockholdinghands,andaknifeofpainslicedthroughhisheart.DustywhimperedandpressedhisheadagainstRolf’sknee.

Toolate,RolfhadrealizedthedepthofhisloveforCara,andwhathehadwastedwithhisfoolishfears.Theycouldhavehadmoredaysofhappinessifhe’donlytrustedhisheartasSakhethadurged.“Cara,”hewhisperedandthebreezecarriedhernameaway,lostinthecryofgullsandthesplashofwateragainstthehull.

Hehunghisheadand,afterafewseconds,enteredthesalon.Everyonestoppedtalkingashepausedonthethreshold.Amber’seyelidsappearedpuffyandred.SheleanedagainstTor,andShanasatonthecouchbesideAlistair,adroopyfigureofgrief.Atleasttheyhelpedeachotherthroughthistragedy.Theyallstaredathimwithsympatheticeyes,butnonecouldeasehispain.EspeciallyShana,whostillstruggledwithherowndisturbingloss.Hisonlycompanion,Dusty,sharedhisgriefandfollowedathisheelsnightandday,alostglazeoverhisbigbrowneyes.

“Hey,man,”Torsaid.“Youokay?”“Doyouwantsomethingtoeat?”Amberleanedforward.“Tea?”“I’mfine.”Heclosedthedoorbehindhimashefacedtheroom.Shanashiftedinherseat.“Rolf,whatarewegoingtodonow?”“Wecan’tjustsithereatthedockforever.”Torrosefromhischairand

crossedtoRolf.“We’vebeentalking.WecanhelpyoucleanuptherestofDesmond’sfollowersifyoulike.Itneedstobedone.”

Itwassomethingtodo.Theyonlywantedtobreakhimoutofthefoghe’dlivedinsinceCara’sdestruction,buthehadnoheartforanythingyet.

“You’rewelcometostayhereaslongasyoulike.”Heforcedahalf-smile.“ButIcan’tmakeadecisionaboutanythingrightnow.”

TorpressedhislipstogetherandputahandonRolf’sshould.“I’msorry,man.Wealllovedher.”

Rolfnoddedandheadeddownthestairs,Dustyclosebehind.Itwasonlyfouro’clock,butexhaustionoverwhelmedhim,andhefell

acrosshisbedengulfedatonceinadeepsleep.Dustycurledupbyhisside,awarmandcomfortingpresence.

###

Carastoodnakedinafieldofreeds.Theplantsrustledinthesoftbreeze

tobrushherthighs.Abrightsuninthedistancecastsoothingwarmthonherskin.Itseemedperfectlynaturalforhertobestandingherewithoutclothes.AmIdead?Shegazedabouther,butonlyreedsstretchedoutforever.Notexactlyhowshe’dpicturedHeaven.

Walkingwaslikewadingupstream.Herlegmovementsfeltrusty.Butwitheachstep,herstridesmoothedandlengthened.Shestrolledforward,herarmsstretchedouttothesidessoherfingerstrailedthetopsofthereeds.HowlonghaveIbeenhere?

Shecontinuedonbutdistinguishednopassingoftime.Raisingherhand,sheshadedhereyesfromtheblindingsun.Suddenly,beforeheranoasisappearedandshehalted.Palmtreesencircledapatchofplush,greengrass.Asmallstreambubbledoutofthegroundinabasinofrock.Besidethestream,anoldwomansatinawoodenchair,knitting.

Emmie?ConfusionwarredwithhappinessinCara’sbreast.AbeautifulEgyptianwomaninawhitelinenshiftstoodbesideEmmie

withonehandontheoldwoman’sshoulder.LustrousblackhairgrazedtheEgyptian’sshouldersandbangsbrushedherdarkeyebrows“MissEmmie?”Cara’svoicewasraspyinherthroat.Wasitreallyheroldfriend?Imustbedead.

Oh,God,Rolf!Emmieraisedherheadandawarmsmilespreadoverherface.“There

youare,child,allreborn.Ibeenwaitin’foryou.Comeonoverhereandletmegetalookatyou.”ShewavedCaratoher.Theotherwomangaveherawarmsmile,butherkohl-linedeyesstudiedCara’sfaceintently.

Reborn?CaraslidherhandsdownherarmsthenbroughthergazebacktoEmmie.Theoldwomanstoodandherstoopedfigurebecameerectandtall.Theoldprinteddressfellawayandapleatedwhitelinensheathtookitsplace.Ajeweledcollarcircledherneckandaroundgoldendisctoppedthecrownonherhead.Herskinsmoothedtoagoldenbrownanddarkkohllinedhereyes.Emmiedroppedherbatteredblackpatentleatherbagtothegroundandastaffsprangto

herhand,toppedwithajeweledhead-piece.ThewomanbesideEmmiebowedherheadinreverence.

Cara’smindswirledwithconfusion.AmIdreamingordead?“I—Idon’tunderstand.”

“Iknow,child.”AlthoughEmmie’sappearancehadchanged,hervoicestayedthesame,filledwithgentlewisdom.“Igaveyoumypower—theabilitytoblockattacksfromthosewhowantedtostealyourLight.IdiditsoyouandRolfcoulddestroythestoneandstoptheevil.”

Carashookherhead,andsheshiftedhergazebetweenthetwowomen.“Whoareyou?”

“I’myourEmmie,that’sforsure.Butalongtimeago,Iwasthemotherofthegods.Mychildrenweremygreatjoy,buttheybeendisappearingfromtheEarth,anditmademesad.Icreatedmychildrentobeabalanceintheworld—thegoodtokeepthatol’evilatbay.”

Emmie’seyesfilledwithsorrow.“Toomanyofmychildrenhavepassedandthebalancehasbeenupset.Icannolongercreate.Itwasmytimetoleavetheworldandhandmypowertoanotherpersontofighttheevilandcreatemoreofmychildren.”

“IsRolf…”“Yes,yes.AtumandIcreatedRolf.Myfirst,andI’mawfulproudof

him.Isenthimtoyou.Iloveyou,Cara.You’vealwaysbeenlikemyownchild.Yougotthetouch,andnowyougottogobackanduseittofighttheevil.”

“I’mnotdead?”Caraliftedherarmsandflexedherfingers.“Dead?Notanymore,girl.Iputthegiftofthegodsinyou.Now,you’re

justbeginning.”Sheliftedonehandandmotionedtothebeautifulwomanatherside,beckoningherforward.

“IamSakhet.”ThewomanwalkedclosertoCara,headtiltedtooneside.“Sakhet,”Carawhispered.Thewoman’shipsswayed,andherfullred

lipshalfpartedasherbrowneyesstudiedCara.Rolf’swifewassobeautiful.“Beshaschosenyou,andIamglad.Itistimeforhimtohaveloveinhis

lifeagain.”Carafrowned.“ButI’mnotimmortal,anditcanonlycauseRolfpainto

bewithme.”Sakhetstoodsoclose,thejasminefromherskinrosetoCara’snostrils.

Sakhet’sbreathblewasweetessenceonhercheekassheloweredherheadandpressedherlipstoCara’s.AwarmairblewintoCara’ssoul,andsheimaginedshecouldfeeleverycellinherbodyexpandandglow.

Sakhetremovedherlipsandhereyesshonewithtears.“GotoBesandlovehim.DonotfollowfoolishdesiresandleavehimasIdid.”Sheplaceda

handonCara’scheekandbackedaway,eyessadbutfullofhope.“You’llliveforevernow.”Emmiestrodeforwardandplacedherhands

onCara’sshoulders.AfilmygownofwhiteappearedonCara,flowingoutbehindherlikeacloud.“Yougobacknow.GobackandhelpRolffighttheevil.But,moreimportantly,makemesomegrandchildrensoourracewon’tdieout.Evilmustnotbeabletocontroltheworldortheearthwillbedestroyed,foralleternity.”

Emmiebackedaway,herbenevolentsmileglowing.Sheraisedonehandinfarewell,andherfigurefadedintothedistance,Sakhetwalkingbesideher.TheoasisfilledwithmistandCara’seyesgrewheavy.Thenallbecamedarkness.

###

“Rolf?”Cara’sheartsoaredatsightofhimandshefoughttokeepfrom

rushingtohisside.Hesatupinthebedandrubbedhiseyes,squinting.Dustybarkedandjumpedoffthebed,runninguptosniffher.“Rolf?”“Cara,”hemurmured,runningahandthroughhishair.Tearsstartedto

hiseyes,andhepressedhiseyelidstogether.“Mylove.”Shemovedcloser,knowinghethoughtherdeadandthe

shockhersuddenappearancewas.Shestoodbesidethebed,hergownofflowingwhitelayersfloatingoutbesideher.

“Ahh,thisistorture.”Heshookhishead.Sighing,hethrewbackthecoversandaflashofgoldandredinthebedbesidehimmadehiseyesgowide.“Wha—”

Itwasabeautifulgoldchainwiththegoldenankhandrubypendant.Rolfranahandoveritthenraiseditintotheair.Helookedfromhertothenecklace,mouthopen.

Shereachedoutand,withthelighteststroke,herfingertipstracedtheoutlineofhisface.“I’mhere.I’mreal.”

Heslidfromthebed,andfacedher,searchinghereyes.Withonehand,hetouchedhershoulder,thenherface.

“Cara,”heexclaimedonasobandthrewhisarmsaroundher,crushingherhardagainsthischest.“Idon’tunderstand.Ican’tbelieveit.You’realive!”

“I’mnotsurewhatexactlyhappened,butitwasamazing.Ileftthis

world,andIthinkIdied.Iwasinthissunnyplace,walkingamongthereeds.”Shetouchedakisstohislips.

Hisgazedartedeverywhere,devouringthesightofher.“Isthispossible?You’rereallyalive?”

“Rolf,IsawEmmie,butshewasdifferent—youngeranddressedlikeanEgyptian,aqueen.Idon’treallyunderstand.ButshesaidIhadtoreturntoyou.Sheimpartednotonlyhergiftofprotection,butalsothegiftofthegods.”Shestrokedhischeek.“And,Rolf,Sakhetwasthere.Shegavemeimmortality.”

Rolf’seyessoftened,andheranhishandsoverherarms.“Iwasafoolnottotrustmyloveinthebeginning.”

Shesmiled,andherheartswelledwithblindingjoy,alightnessofhopeshe’dnotfeltinalongtime.“Ah,Rolf.AllIwantedwastocomeback.Myverybeingachedforyou.”

Hepressedhislipstohers.Thesweetloveofhiminfusedher,expandinghersoul.Heburiedhisfaceinthecurveofherneck.Theystayedlikethatforawhile,Caraabsorbingwhathadoccurredandtheirgoodfortunetobejoinedbyfate.

“Thisbelongstoyou,alongwithmyheart.”RolfslippedSakhet’snecklaceoverherhead,andthependantfellbetweenherbreasts.Sheputahandtoitandknewitwashers.

“Yourfriendsaremourning,too,”Rolfsaidafteramoment,holdingherbytheshoulders.“DoyourememberwhathappenedtoMarc?”

Sadnessstabbedheratmentionofherfriend.PoorShana.“I’msosorrytheyhadtosuffer.Weshouldgotothem.IwanttomournforMarcwithmyfriends.”Sheheldoutahand.Hesmiledandgrabbedit,entwininghisfingerswithhers.Theypaddedupthestairswheretheotherswaited—stillhuddledandmurmuringtoeachother.

ShanasawCarafirstandturnedgray,hereyespoppingwideandhermouthfallingopen.TorsawShana’sfaceandfollowedhergaze.

“Cara.”Herocketedoffthecouchtohisfeet.“Whatthe—”Theothersjoinedinwithexclamationsandgatheredclose,laughing,

cryingandpressinghertothemwithwarmarms.TherewasstillgriefoverMarc,butCara’sreturnhelpedeasetheirpain.Theyhadtogetthroughthisastheydideverything—together.

SheglancedoveratRolf.Hebeamed,thebiggestsmileshe’deverseenonhisface.

Amberstillhadhercrushedinahug.“Iloveyou,”shewhisperedoverAmber’shead.

Henoddedandtouchedhislipsinreturn.

Epilogue

DesmondsatinadarkenedroomofhishouseinSerbia,wallowinginthe

gloomofallhe’dlost.Thewindowshadbeenshuttered,mutingtheoutsidesounds,aidedbythethickcarpetanddraperies.Hisheadsanktohischestandblueflashedbetweenhisgraspedfingersinhislap.Revengerottedinhisgut,sourandbitter.Soonhewoulddrawitforthandscourawaytheputridstenchofdefeat.

Butnottoday…maybetomorrow.Maybetomorrow.

THEEND

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

LaraNance

LaraNancegrewupandlivedinmanycitiesthroughouttheSouth.Shelovestowriteinavarietyofgenreswithinthescopeofwomen’sfiction.Butthebasisofallherstoriesisatalethatwillentertainandintrigue.

Ifyouwanttoescapeandloseyourselfinanovel,you’vecometotherightplace.Chooseyourgenreandsettleintobeentertained.Fromthrillingmysteriesandsteampunktales,toparanormalromanceandadventure,Lara’swillingtoexploreavarietyofcompellingstoriesfullofdangerandsuspense,withatouchofromance.

Havingbeenonthefencingteamincollegeandnowlivingonasailboatconvincesherthatshewasapirateinanotherlife,orpossiblykintoErrolFlynn…However,duetotheunfortunatedemiseoftheromanticpiratesofthepast,shelivesoutherfantasies,thrillsandadventuresinherstories.

CurrentlydockedinNorfolk,Virginia(untilthewindchanges)Laraenjoyslivingonhersailboatandspendstimereading,ofcoursewriting,indulgingavarietyofartisticendeavors,cookingandsailingwithherhusband,JoeandtheirYorkie,Rio.

Youcanvisitheronherwebsite,andlearnaboutnewbooksandexcitingcontests:www.laranance.com