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“Yes.”
“Then yes.”
Rook photographed Ethan’s information about Grant Voss and forwarded everything to Silas before pocketing his phone. “Let me walk you to your car.”
“I’m parked right there.” Ethan pointed to a sedan fifteen feet away.
“Humor me.”
They crossed the parking lot. Rook’s shadows kept sneaking toward Ethan - wrapping around his bag strap, playing with his shoelaces, and twirling around his fingers when he gestured while talking. Ethan noticed but didn’t pull away.
“They’re very affectionate.”
“They think you’re mine to protect.” Rook caught a shadow before it could wind around Ethan’s wrist again. “They’re not subtle about these things.”
“Are they usually this active?”
“Only around people who matter.”
Rook immediately realized he’d probably said too much. Julian had warned him before he left Shadow House that Ethan was human and would probably not understand things like Eldritch guardians, beacons, or instant attraction. Ethan was definitely processing, as his simple question showed. “I matter?”
“Yes.” It wasn’t like Rook was going to take back what he’d already said. That, as Thorn would say, would be counterproductive. Actually, Ethan would probably say the same thing. Nevertheless, the single word hung between them, and Rook’s shadows hovered, waiting for Ethan’s response.
Ethan adjusted his glasses. “I’ve known you for four days.”
“That doesn’t change the answer.”
“That’s...” Ethan searched for the word. “Intense.”
“I’m told I can be intense.” Rook watched a shadow curl around Ethan’s ankle again. “Is that a problem?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m still collecting data.”
That startled a laugh out of Rook. “You’re categorizing me?”
“I categorize everything. It’s how I process information and keep myself safe.” Ethan paused beside his car. “You’re in the ‘potentially trustworthy pending further observation’ category. Your shadows are now in the new ‘unexplained but non-threatening’ category.”
“What would move me to fully trustworthy?”
“Consistent behavior over time. Demonstrated reliability. Evidence you won’t disappear when things get complicated.”
Rook’s phone buzzed. He checked it while his shadows kept their vigil around Ethan’s feet.
Silas: Confirmed. Grant Voss is connected to City Councilman Richard Ashford’s network. Primary recruiter for a trafficking operation hidden within legitimate business. All twelve confirmed disappearances, including the three your friend noted, can be attributed in some way to Voss. These people are dangerous.
Rook’s shadows immediately flew to Ethan again, wrapping around his arms and legs.
“Something’s wrong. What is it?” Ethan leaned closer to read the message.
Rook angled the phone so Ethan could see. “I work in private security, I suppose you could say. We investigate disappearances. You are not being paranoid, you’ve been collecting evidence.”
Ethan read the message twice, his face going pale. “There’re twelve missing people in six months?”
“Probably more. They’re the ones we have just learned about. These networks run deep.” Rook met his eyes. “You need to stop investigating alone. These people don’t leave witnesses.”
“Fiona’s been gone nineteen hours. If I stop now…”
“I’m not saying stop, I’m saying…” Stuff it. Julian would probably say it was too soon, but Rook was committed now. “Coordinate with me and my team - people who know how these operations work.” Rook’s shadows slid up Ethan’s arms and across his shoulders. “You’re smart, and you see patterns, but you’re also visible. If Grant realizes you’re connecting dots, you become a problem they need to solve.”
