“Declan likely came to the island the first time under a pseudonym because he was getting the lay of the land,” I suggested. “When he came back the second time, that’s when he introduced himself as a nephew to Jareth. He would have used his real name then.”
Galen blew out a breath. “Our biggest concerns at present are figuring out how he ended up on that plane and what his plans are. It would help if we knew what happened to you.”
Frustration crinkled the corners of Wesley’s eyes. “Sorry, I don’t remember.”
“Don’t apologize,” I said.
“But I need to remember, because the more I think about it, the more I realize it makes no sense that I was in that building for two days. That doesn’t feel right.”
“We’re certain you didn’t show up there until after the grounds crew finished for the day yesterday,” Galen replied. “They were in and out of that building for equipment.”
“So how did I get in there?”
“We don’t know. We don’t know where you were. We don’t know how you ended up in the cemetery.”
“I have an idea,” I chirped.
Galen’s eyes flashed to mine in the rearview mirror. I could practically hear him whispering,Be very careful.
I pushed any trepidation I had about sharing my idea to the side. “I think you went through the plane door accidentally because it was aimed at me. I’m sorry for that. You shouldn’t be in danger because I have enemies.”
“I won’t dignify that statement with a response,” Wesley growled. “If I was over there, how did I end up back here? Why did Declan let me go?”
“We believe Declan didn’t know you were there,” Galen volunteered. “He set the trap for Hadley. You wandered through and evaded capture because he wasn’t looking for you. When Hadley crossed, Emma had no idea you were there. Hadley told her to look for you.”
“Ah.” Realization dawned on Wesley. “You think she found meand somehow got me back here, the same way she got Hadley home.”
“That’s our hunch,” Galen confirmed.
“Why don’t I remember?”
“We don’t know. Maybe it’s different for humans moving between planes.”
“Why don’t I remember my Emma?”
Galen’s voice turned soft. “I’m sorry. I know that must be hard for you.”
“It feels a little torturous,” Wesley confirmed. “How do we prove your idea?”
“We’re working on it,” Galen replied. “We’re going to visit the Voodoo Lounge after this. All of us.”
Wesley’s eyes went wide. “I forgot Declan owned that hole.”
“I didn’t know it at all,” Galen admitted. “After we visit the bar … .” He trailed off.
“We’re trying to figure it out,” I offered. “Things are starting to come into focus, but we’re still missing some important pieces.”
“You’re doing good.” Wesley contorted to look at me in the backseat. “You’re a good girl.”
His words, however simple, moved me. Then I became suspicious. “Is this you trying to placate me because you don’t want to stay with us?”
“I want to be home.” Wesley insisted. “You’re always welcome at my home.”
“But you don’t want to come to my home,” I surmised.
He shook his head. “I just don’t want to sleep in your bed. That’s your space.”
“I told you the sex sheets would be a problem,” Galen said to me.
