Page 52 of Caretaker

Chapter Seventeen

Before I got into my car I hesitated, frowning when I realized my thoughts had drifted to Amias.

If the island killed me, he would suffer forever. Once upon a time that would have made me a happy woman. Now, it just made me worry.

I shook my head and climbed into my car. I had no idea why I was feeling some sort of misguided concern for him. I should have hated him. I did hate him. But it was obvious that I cared about him, as well.

That was fucked up.

Not that I would ever admit that to him. I could barely admit it to myself.

My phone rang and I pulled it from my pocket, sighing. At last, reluctantly, I answered. “Captain.”

“Trinity, I apologize. I…” He blew out a hard breath and I could almost see him running his hand over his head like he always did when he was frustrated. “I was out of line. I’m sorry.”

I tapped the steering wheel. “Are you just calling to apologize, or is something going on?”

“Lewis is impatient. He’d like an update.”

“I have none to give him.” I hesitated. “I followed her to her blood and lost her in Galangal. I don’t think she’s still in the city, Captain.”

“Frank,” he snapped. “Can’t you use a simple name?”

“Why does it make a difference?”

He was silent for a few seconds. “I don’t know.”

I cleared my throat. “I’ll call you if I pick up her trail.”

“Keep searching. You’ll get it.”

He hung up and as I started the car, my phone buzzed again. That time, it was Shane.

I drove away from the business park, my heart beating a little faster. “Hi,” I said.

“I just talked to Rhys.”

His voice was enough to make my skin pebble with goosebumps. “About the way station?”

“Yeah.” He hesitated. “You okay?”

I wondered exactly how much Rhys had told him. “I’m fine.”

“Where are you?” he asked.

“Leaving the business park. I’m going to drive around the city and try to pick up Madalyn’s scent. Finding her would make things a hell of a lot easier.”

“You can’t trust the judge.”

I frowned. “You don’t think he’ll keep his word?”

“No. I don’t. I looked into some things today, Trinity. Bennett doesn’t see supernaturals as people. He’s not going to mind breaking a promise to one.”

“I’m not exactly a supernatural.”

“You are.” His voice was grim and sure. “To him, you’re a supernatural. He doesn’t just hate you because you hang with them. He hates you because you’re one of them.”

I drove on autopilot, my mind on his words. The truth of his words. “But Crawford knows the judge well. He told the judge about my ability. He wouldn’t have done that if he hadn’t trusted Bennett.”