Page 7 of Caretaker

Chapter Three

My hands were shaking as I clutched the steering wheel and stared down at the passes in my lap. Judge Lewis Bennett had been difficult to deal with, but I’d gotten what I needed.

For all I knew, Mrs. Bennett had taken the opportunity to escape her husband—and I couldn’t blame her. But that didn’t matter to me. If I had to chase her across a dozen states to bring her back, she was coming back.

I couldn’t consider that she might have been taken and murdered.

Captain Crawford tapped his horn in farewell as he passed me. He’d driven me back to my car, and the only thing he’d said was that I should be careful when I went to visit Angus.

On the way home, I called Rhys Graver.

He answered immediately. “Hello, Trinity. How did it go with the judge?”

“He was harsh but I have permission to visit Angus. I also have two extra passes to the Byrdcage. Will you be one of my backups?”

He hesitated. “I would if I could.”

I frowned, a little irritated. “Why can’t you?”

“I don’t want to end up in a cell beside Angus.”

“Shit.” I slapped the steering wheel. “I forgot you’re not human. But you’ll have a pass from the judge. It’s not like they’re going to test you. And I’m willing to bet you have a dozen fake IDs in case they check the registry.”

“It’s not possible, Trinity. I’m sorry.”

I understood, I did. I was so eager to see Angus that I was being careless with Rhys’s life. “I’m sorry, Rhys. I shouldn’t have pushed.”

“You’ll be taking Shane?” he asked.

“Yes. If he’ll agree to go.”

“He will. And I will call a buddy to go in my place. He’s cool, even though he’s human.”

“Hey,” I said. “I’m human.”

“So you are.” There was a smile in his voice, but then abruptly, he became serious. “You know it’s just a matter of time before they force you to register, don’t you?”

I snorted. “I’m human, and I kill vampires. They’re not forcing me to do anything.” I shrugged off the vague uneasiness I felt at his words.

He let it go. “Go home, Trinity. I’ll call my friend to meet you there. Also…” He hesitated.

“What is it, Rhys?”

“I’ve left a small gift on your nightstand. I’d like you to wear it when you go to Byrd Island. Will you do that for me?”

I frowned. “Thank you. That’s so kind. What is it?”

“It’s a piece of jewelry that’s very special to me. It belonged to my great-grandmother, who swore by its protective qualities. Promise me you’ll wear it.”

His voice became low and quiet, and something about it made my mouth dry. And it also made me want to agree with anything he asked. I cleared my throat. “I promise.”

“Thank you, Trinity.” He hung up.

My next call was to Shane, but I had to leave a message when he didn’t answer. I couldn’t wait around—there was no time. I needed to search for Madalyn, but first, I had to see Angus.

If law enforcement found her before I did, Angus would stay inside the Byrdcage. I couldn’t let that happen.

Angus’s life depended on me being the one to bring her home.