Page 90 of Seas the Reckoning

Starla is glaring at the phone.

Jackal’s eyes are glowing.

Ji-hwan whistles.

“Your father does not like it when he doesn’t get his way,” the Were observes.

Starla scoffs.

“That’s putting it mildly.”

“He said ‘this evening.’ Is that the latest voicemail? When did he leave it?” I ask.

She checks the phone.

“Just over an hour ago. It’s coming up on late afternoon here. Impossible to tell whether he means evening in this timezone or Carolina Beach. It’s clear that he thinks we found a way to sneak past him and go home. He could be there already.”

My heart leaps into my throat.

Back to Carolina Beach. Where he’s vowing to go after Grammy Pearl and anyone else standing between him and his wayward daughter.

Exos stands next to the witch.

“Whatever he has planned, we can handle him. You’re not under any obligation to him anymore.”

Starla lets out a deep sigh.

“Grammy did promise closure. We’ll need to figure out where he is and what exactly he has planned. One easy way to do that.”

She walks to a small grassy area off the parking lot nearest the docks, then calls her father. She leaves the phone on speaker so we can all hear the incensed warlock when he answers.

“Where are you? Return immediately. This is the single most despicable thing you have ever done, you deceitful little⁠—”

“If you can’t put on some of that politeness you’re always preaching I should use, then I do not have to take this call,” Starla snaps.

“How dare you! I am a councilman. Respected by not just witches and warlocks but many factions of supernaturals, and I⁠—”

With a press of her thumb, Starla ends the call.

“Was that really wise?” Jackal asks, although he’s smirking.

“Time will tell,” she responds.

It doesn’t take long. Seconds later, the phone is ringing again. The witch picks up.

“Yes?”

“Ignore me if you like, but you will see this through. You gave your word.”

“I was under duress,” Starla argues.

“Duress? You are the one who chose Piers! Why you have to treat me like this after all I’ve done for you and offered you, I cannot imagine. Piers is beside himself.”

“I’ll bet Piers couldn’t pick me out of a lineup if I had my tattoos showing and my hair in its usual style. He wants to marry into your influence, not marry me. Sign a contract and have done with it, but leave me out of it.”

I can picture Councilman Taylor seething on the other end of the phone.

“That is not how things are done.”