“Always,” I say, scrambling my hands across the desk to find my mobile. The lock screen shows a missed call from both Red and Rickon.
The line clicks as Hale transfers and hangs up, and a second later Red’s voice sounds down the line. “Callisto?”
“Hey b—” Shit, I almost called her beautiful right off the bat. “Hey, Red,” I say, completely fumbling.
“Hi.” She sounds breathless.
My heart throbs and I check the time on my monitor. Maybe I should drive out again tonight. “Um, s-sorry I missed your call,” I stammer. “I was researching and didn’t see my phone.” Damn, am I making excuses for prioritizing work again? Clearing mythroat, I swivel away from my screen. “But I’m all ears now. Is everything okay?”
“Well, we’re fine over here, I think. But I felt a surge through the bond and got worried about Zack. It doesn’t seem like he’s passed out or anything because we can both still feel him, but could you ring the prison and check? The only thing they’d tell me was to book a visitation appointment.”
My heart sinks a little. Of course she’s calling about Zack. “Sure thing. I’ll phone right away.”
“Thanks. And, um, I also wanted to ask you something, but I think it needs to be in person. Any chance tomorrow we could—”
Hale sticks his head through my doorway and waves, calling my attention away from what she’s saying. He whispers, “I have Alpha Lodgings on the line.”
A shiver works down my spine. This probably isn’t good news. “Hang on, Red. Apparently the prison’s calling me now. Let me put you on hold.”
“Shit!” Red gasps. “That means something’s wrong, doesn’t it?” Her voices rises, anxiety shredding her tone.
“We don’t know yet. Stay on the line.”
Hale runs back to his desk and does the transfer.
“Callisto Wren speaking,” I say as the line clicks over.
Zack’s voice comes down the line, sullen and rough. “Cal-ee.”
“Hi, Zack.” I close my eyes in relief. If he’s allowed to use the phone, that’s a good sign. “I was just talking to Red, and she said something happened. What’s wrong?”
“Zack listened to heavy music,” he declares.
I lean my elbow on my desk and rub my forehead. “Okayyyyyy. And what else?”
“Only listen to music.”
“I hear you.” He sounds like Rickon’s blasted parrot. Like he’s repeating what he’s been told. My eyes widen. “Did something bad happen while you were listening to music?”
“Yes. Alphas fall down in bookshelves with lots of blood.”
Holy shit. I press my fist to my mouth, digging my teeth into my knuckle. Al said the attacks would keep coming, but Zack’s only been back in prison for a couple of days. I jump to my feet, packing my laptop and finding my keys while hugging the receiver against my shoulder. “Did you get hurt?”
“No. Tell ohm-ga, Zack good.”
My heart thumps heavily, the inner relief unexpectedly sweet. “Okay, I will. I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Of course. Zack only listened to music. Don’t like heavy music. Hurts my thoughts.”
I chuckle. “Me too, Zack. Did the guards say whether you could see your lawyer?”
“They say ask if you not busy.”
I scowl at my wall planner. Sounds like they tried to confuse Zack instead of getting him legal access as required. And if I’m allowed to see him right away, that means they don’t have proof he was involved in the attack, unlike last time. “I’m not too busy for you, Zack. I’ll be there as fast as I can,” I promise.
Zack rumbles. “They want me in quiet box because I only say listen to music. Zack don’t like quiet box.”
“You mean solitary? That’s normal, Zack. No one likes the quiet box.”
