Beyond him, through the car window, I catch Darlene at the wheel. Her eyes sweep the house, the treeline, everywhere at once. Her hands look casual, but I don't buy it. There's a weapon close.
I cross my arms, plant my feet, keep the barrier between us like a wall. "What do you want?"
Johnny lowers his hands slowly. His blue eyes find mine, soft but intent. His hair's a shaggy heap, falling onto his face, all soft lines, almost boyish. Hard to reconcile with someone who's been walking this earth for centuries. A sad smile curves his lips. "Nice to see you too."
"We just had a shootout," I snap. "I think we're past small talk."
"I know." His gaze drops to the dirt. "I didn't want that to happen." He looks back up. "Darius didn't want it either."
"If he didn't want that, then he should've left me alone." My voice stays curt, even if something twists inside.
Johnny nods, accepts the blow. Then: "How are you, Sage?"
I blink. "Really? That's what you're asking?"
"Yes." His tone firms. "Because in case you forgot, we were teammates. We were friends." He limps a half-step closer.
Guilt punches my stomach. I glance down, voice quieter. "I'm… good. As much as I can be, considering the circumstances." Then I look at his leg. "You're the one injured."
He smiles faintly. "Yeah. Not a big deal. It'll heal." His eyes soften again. "But I'm glad you're all right. And… I guess congratulations."
I tilt my head, disbelief edging my words. "Seriously? You expect me to buy that's sincere?"
Johnny shrugs, honest in his weariness. "I don't understand it. Don't approve, not that you need my approval. Or Darius's, for that matter. But if you're happy, if this isn't just a desperate counterstrike, then yeah, I mean it."
I let out a breath. Against my will, I believe him. Johnny's always been the heart of our team.
"It was… a bit of both," I admit. "But I am happy. Thanks." A wry smile tugs at me. "I'm guessing no congratulatory card from Darlene?"
His expression tightens. After a pause he says, "When you disappeared, Darlene was the first to organize a search party. First to move, while Darius was away."
My throat works. "You thought I was in trouble."
"You didn't exactly leave a note," he says pointedly. "But she was also the first to suspect you ran. She'd been wary ever since the Kayden Darrow case. We never found his nightstone band."
I nod, no point dodging it. "I tossed it back to him in the container."
He nods, like he already knew.
"Look, Sage." His voice gentles. "I don't understand. I do feel betrayed, same as the rest. But that doesn't mean I approve of what Darius is doing now." A faint smile ghosts across his lips. "Not that the boss needs my approval."
"All right." I cross my arms, chin lifting. "So here we are. Opposite sides of the barrier. I'm guessing you came for more than small talk, or do we just stand here until someone blinks?"
Johnny kneels carefully, and sets an envelope down at the ward line. "I came to deliver this. I volunteered because I wanted to talk to you."
A humorless smile tugs at my mouth. "And you knew I wouldn't shoot you on sight."
"I didn't know," he admits. "But I hoped." He hesitates. "You should hear him out, though. Darius. I know you're angry we kept things from you, but you have to understand—you don't know the full context."
"Yeah, well, maybe you don't know everything either," My voice tightens. "Or maybe you choose not to see it. I've been learning a lot lately—"
The slam of a car door cuts me off.
Darlene stalks toward us, a scowl carved across her face. "How long does it take to drop off an envelope, Johnny?"
"Just being civil. Catching up with Sage," Johnny replies, voice even and patient.
"She lost the right to civility the second she stabbed us in the back," Darlene spits, her glare drilling into me.
