“John did something to my phone before I left. I’m assuming whatever he did was to help track me or reach me.” The light from the phone lit her face, and her lips flattened.
“What is it?” I asked.
“It’s John. Miss Lee escaped the new facility.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Selene
Ourtrekacrosstheocean started the next morning. Over thirty hours of traveling later and a six-hour time change, we made it to Croatia in early afternoon of the following day. The flight was expensive and we had an overnight layover in Madrid. Spending an abundance of one-on-one with Ender was very … different. Surprisingly, I didn’t get the urge to throw him out of the plane’s emergency exit. The more time we spent together, the more I was comfortable with him.
A bus took us to a local town near the sea, and we walked until we arrived at the address found on Mom’s mystery phone. The sun brightened the dated pale blue stone the home was made from. Though the house appeared to be older, it looked like it had been updated, especially compared to the rest of the block. The overgrown flower beds that lined the home had seen better days. I worked up the courage to knock on the door, unsureof who I would find living there, and took a step back on the cracked patio.
The door slowly creaked open until a middle-aged woman took up the doorway, peering down at me. She stared at me expectantly, and I struggled to find the words I needed to say—in Croatian. It was one of the languages Mom had never taught Viv and me.
I gave it my best to pronounce, “Hello. Do you speak English?”
Her thick brows narrowed and she closed the door.
“Either your Croatian was perfect and she doesn’t like us, or you just asked her to lick your toe.” Ender had a toothy grin. “Probably the latter because that was the look she gave us.”
Despite the sinking feeling in my gut, Ender managed to help my spirits. He had a way of—
“Did you see that?” I asked. The curtain at the home next door moved, and I swore I saw someone. I started back down the sidewalk, hiking my pack up by its straps. “Maybe they’ll know something.”
I walked down the street to the neighboring house which was much brighter in contrast. A small wrought iron table with four matching chairs sat in front of a window of the home. Before we made it to the house, the front door opened.
“Hello!” An elderly woman dressed in casual wear and white fluffy slippers that seemed too hot for this weather greeted us.
“Umm, hi,” I said as I reached her, my eyebrows knitted.
“I could tell you were American from a mile away—not that my eyes can see more than ten feet without these glasses.” She nudged her glasses up on her nose. “My name is Noretta.”
I was at a loss for words. She was the complete opposite of her neighbor.
“Thank you for such a warm welcoming.” Ender nodded in greeting, saving me from my inept social skills. “We were curious about the history of the neighborhood.”
“Ah.” The lady leaned against her house. “You’re interested in that house.” She pointed back at her neighbor’s house and tension crawled up my spine. “You’ve come because it’s haunted.”
I glanced at Ender. The only sign that he thought the situation was oddwas that he glanced at me too. My nose twitched. No signs of elemental magic filled the air or came through the threshold from her home.
“There are stories, then?” I asked.
“Oh, my.” A short, delightful laugh came from the lady but ended with a touch of … sadness? “You are much like her. You better smooth those wrinkles of yours so they don’t become permanent.”
She nodded to my forehead, and I went to un-furrow my eyebrows, but they raised instead, still causing wrinkles. I wasn’t helping my situation—wait.Back on track.You are much like her?
“What do you mean?” I tensed, even though the lady casually stood in the doorway, smoothing her ruffled white blouse.
“How about you two come in for tea?” She stepped aside. “It appears we have much to talk about, if you are who my old brain is remembering.”
Remembering?She had to know something. Common sense told me not to go in, but my gut told me it was safe, and I wanted information.
“We’re rather comfortable out here,” Ender said before I could take a step, putting on his charming smile. “It’s a beautiful day. No need to waste it inside.”
“Very well, then.” The lady waved to the wrought iron chairs. “Let’s have a seat. My old legs aren’t very trustworthy these days, and you’d think these new knees would make them sturdier.”
Ender and I headed over to the table. The lady hobbled after us and nodded at Ender as he pulled out her chair.
