"So, what? He kills her, and then spends the last twenty-something years looking for her? It doesn't make sense, Sev."
"He fooled us once, Atticus. He could do it again."
53
ORANGE BLOSSOMS WITH A SIDE OF PARANOIA
AURORA
My body feels so heavy when I wake up that if it weren't for the dryness in my throat, there's no way I could've dragged myself out of the luxurious orange blossom-scented covers.
I rub the sleep from my eyes, hissing as my feet connect with cold mosaic tile, and I pad over to the glass carafe of water with the cup next to it and pour myself a drink. I'm about to chug it when I realize I'm not sure if that's wise. My throat bobs as I look into the pitcher and then the cup, sniffing the water for traces of anything that doesn't belong.
My throat scratches, begging for moisture, and even thoughIdon't think there's anything wrong with this water, I know the guys would want me to be more cautious. There's no such thing as being too careful, right?
I pour the water from the cup back into the pitcher and take it to the bathroom where I fill it with cold water from the tap and hope it's potable enough to drink as I drain the contents and sigh at the sweet relief.
I'm dying for a shower, but there's something I need to do first. Back in the bedroom, I go to where I've plugged my laptopin beside the little wooden desk near the windows. I draw back the curtains and find it's still mostly dark outside, save for a little glow of dawn light coming from below the horizon.
They wanted me to order Ellie a new chicken toy, but since I know it's not actually lost, I have to assume they wanted me to use the computer.
I'm no tech expert, but I bet it's to track my IP address through the cloning software since my tracker is missing. I would've done it last night, but the laptop was dead, even though I swear it had a charge on it the last time I put it away.
I hold the power button, sighing with relief when the screen flares to life, but just as quickly, it cuts to black again.
"No,shit."
I try again, checking the connection with the power cord and then the plug itself. Is the adaptor faulty? Or is it this outlet?
Carrying the laptop around the room, I try three more outlets, waiting a few minutes at each to see if the laptop will charge, but the little light beneath the power button never turns on.
"Fuck."
It's got to be the adaptor.
I'll get someone on Ambrose's staff to get me another one. They probably have a bunch around, right?
I rack my brain for other options. I'm still hopeful Atticus can somehow track my cellphone, but if he could, he wouldn't have needed me to use the laptop.
I chew my lip, rushing to the Louis Vuitton bag in the corner when I remember.
My boots.My boot had a tracker sewn in near the buckle. As long as I have them, we should be good, right?
Laying the case flat on the floor, I unzip it and rifle through the heaps of new clothing and toiletries, searching for any traceof my original clothes or boots, but even after pulling every single item from the case, there's no trace of them.
"What the hell?"
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I grab my phone and dial the number Linette gave me. She said I should call her if I needed anything. I have no idea what time it is back in the States, but I don't really care if this call wakes her up.
She answers on the third ring, as chipper as always, if a little strained. "This is Linette."
"Linette, hi, it's Aurora."
"Oh. What can I do for you, Aurora?"
I chew my lip, eyeing the heap of designer clothes on the floor in case I missed them.
"I was looking for my old clothes," I say. "They don't seem to be in my bag."
