Page 50 of What Remains

Sis: A bump at my temple that’s not noticeable, that’s it. Constantine’s not great, though. He might be extra grumpy, so forgive him. But I do have to admit, I’m relieved he can’t go on a murder spree for vengeance. He’s trying to be a changed man, and that doesn’t really go well with that, if you get what I mean?

Sis: Just so we’re clear, YOU did what you had to do. Self-defense. If you’re feeling bad about the lives you had to take, DON’T.

How do I tell her that not only did I not feel bad when it happened, but at the present time, I’m just fine with it? Might even take a few more. I also wasn’t kidding about throwing Julian and Gideon from the plane.

Shit.

I mentally strike that last thought from my head, because it shouldn’t be there.

Sis: Are you moving back to The Sapphire? Keeping an eye on Gwen again?

I guess I am. Told Gwen and Carter that. At least the first part of that. I never said I’d be the one to watch over her.

I’m going back, yeah, but not to be the one to protect her. Even if Wyatt asks me to. Probably better we just operate together, and that’s it.

Sis: And be her friend, too, you mean?

Acid rolls around in my stomach and pushes into my chest, and I rub at the pain developing behind my left rib cage. Is this what a heart attack feels like? No pain in my left arm, so I suppose I’m not dying. Be a hell of a way to go after all I’ve survived.

Her friend, yeah, of course. Sure.

Sis: I know you’re avoiding talking on the phone so I don’t freak out, but I can hear your tone through texting, so you might as well call me.

More like time to end this conversation.

I should go. A case to solve and all.

Hopefully.

Glad you’re okay. Will I be seeing you at The Sapphire or?

Sis: Yeah, we’re leaving soon. Most of Falcon Falls flew to Dubai to be with us. They arrived an hour ago. We’re going to the hotel together. Hunkering down until we get the “all clear” it’s safe since these jerks know who we all are.

Right. Our identities are in Jezebel’s hands, along with Gwen’s laptop. Which means that crazy woman can even use our own facial recognition software against us.

Sis: So you get to deal with me in person soon. Love you. Be safe. Praying for you.

Praying? Sure God is really happy with me. Noted with all the sarcasm in the world.

Love ya.

I shove the phone into my pocket and open the door, only to freeze at the sight of Gwen standing there, her hand raised in preparation to knock.

Here we go again.

CHAPTER 16

Easton

“I was just coming to rescue you.”

“Rescue me?” How fast this woman can make me smile should be studied by scientists all over the world.

“I overheard Constantine tell Dad you were on the phone with your sister, and I knew that call would be tough. Figured you’d need someone to bail you out at some point.” She shrugs. “My gut told me now was the time.”

“Thank you, but I managed a clean exfil on my own.”

“I can see that.” She turns to the side, glancing in the direction of the cabin, but we’re too far away to see anyone. “Did Carter fill you in on how I was taken?” She pins her back to the wall, slipping her hands behind her.