stashed bag.
She’d thought about staying at a shelter. They were good for a shower, a place to sleep, and a decent meal. They also required a name and asked too many questions. It was best to avoid them unless necessary. She’d seen an extra set of keys on Bev’s desk tonight and swiped them. She’d make a copy in the morning and replace them tomorrow during her shift.
Her stomach growled as she made her way to the women’s restroom. Inside she dug out her toothbrush and toothpaste. She learned a couple years back not to poach food from restaurants. They kept track of that stuff like mad.
Bev allowed the staff one free meal per shift. The double hamburger Kate put away earlier would have to hold until tomorrow. Back in the main area, she curled up on a booth seat, head resting on her pack, feet sticking out the end and closed her eyes. Maybe she’d splurge in the morning and get a five-dollar Grand Slam breakfast while she asked about a waitressing job.
Chapter 12
Lucas hit the gym for three hours. Swam laps for another two. Now, he was in his room, pacing. It was the middle of the day. He hadn’t slept. A tray of untouched food rested on the table next to his bed. Maybe eating would help him relax. Not feel like he was about to crawl out of his skin.
He stepped toward the tray. His mouth watered. Not in a dog-salivating way, but in the he was going to puke all over his shoes way.
Dammit. He grabbed a windbreaker and his keys, ripped open his door, and stormed down the hall. The HQ was silent and he saw no one on the way. It took five minutes to reach the end of the driveway despite pressing his SUV to the limits.
Emotions coursed through him. Nothing concrete to latch on to and eliminate. It was all balled into one. His whole body trembled.
When other vehicles came into view, Lucas forced himself to slow down. Why had he touched Emma?
It hadn’t even occurred to him at the time. She was a Follower. He was more susceptible to her emotions than anyone else’s. He should’ve known better. But he’d always been more lax at the HQ. Less guarded.
Couldn’t. Happen. Again.
He was in the downtown area now. Briefly considered racing through, crossing into Warrenton. Not stopping until he felt like himself again. A harsh laugh escaped. What did normal even feel like?
Would this be happening if he’d touched that Fallen?
Doubtful. Probably wouldn’t have even paused to comfort Emma. Not like he did that any way. Her emotions had lifted as soon as Cade walked through the door. Lucas had just been a living Kleenex.
He tore into the first free parking spot and slammed the car into park. Head on the steering wheel, he inhaled. Exhaled.
Deep breaths weren’t helping so he powered the stereo. The Three Tenors blared through the speakers. He closed his eyes, leaned back, and concentrated on the words of Pavarotti’s “Pourquoi Me Reveiller”.
As always, the orchestra was a balm for his soul. The opera singer, a speaker for the emotions trapped inside him.
By the end of the song he was mostly under control. He unclenched his hands. Opened the door. Paused.
It wasn’t the best idea to walk around a city filled with Followers, but he was afraid staying in the enclosed space would bring it all back as soon as he pressed on the gas. Besides, going back to the HQ was a no go, not until Emma’s emotions were completely dormant.
He stepped onto the sidewalk and zipped his windbreaker, ignoring the curious stares. Workout shorts weren’t an appropriate article of clothing for the middle of winter in Oregon. Too late now.
Head lowered, he walked away from the coffee shops and boutiques. When the population lessened, his gait slowed. The buildings that normally looked dark and suspected of housing evil appeared completely different with the Creator’s light shining. Black had turned to grays, reds, and browns. It almost made him feel—
He stopped, cocked his head. Was that a—
Yes, there it was.
A
She’d thought about staying at a shelter. They were good for a shower, a place to sleep, and a decent meal. They also required a name and asked too many questions. It was best to avoid them unless necessary. She’d seen an extra set of keys on Bev’s desk tonight and swiped them. She’d make a copy in the morning and replace them tomorrow during her shift.
Her stomach growled as she made her way to the women’s restroom. Inside she dug out her toothbrush and toothpaste. She learned a couple years back not to poach food from restaurants. They kept track of that stuff like mad.
Bev allowed the staff one free meal per shift. The double hamburger Kate put away earlier would have to hold until tomorrow. Back in the main area, she curled up on a booth seat, head resting on her pack, feet sticking out the end and closed her eyes. Maybe she’d splurge in the morning and get a five-dollar Grand Slam breakfast while she asked about a waitressing job.
Chapter 12
Lucas hit the gym for three hours. Swam laps for another two. Now, he was in his room, pacing. It was the middle of the day. He hadn’t slept. A tray of untouched food rested on the table next to his bed. Maybe eating would help him relax. Not feel like he was about to crawl out of his skin.
He stepped toward the tray. His mouth watered. Not in a dog-salivating way, but in the he was going to puke all over his shoes way.
Dammit. He grabbed a windbreaker and his keys, ripped open his door, and stormed down the hall. The HQ was silent and he saw no one on the way. It took five minutes to reach the end of the driveway despite pressing his SUV to the limits.
Emotions coursed through him. Nothing concrete to latch on to and eliminate. It was all balled into one. His whole body trembled.
When other vehicles came into view, Lucas forced himself to slow down. Why had he touched Emma?
It hadn’t even occurred to him at the time. She was a Follower. He was more susceptible to her emotions than anyone else’s. He should’ve known better. But he’d always been more lax at the HQ. Less guarded.
Couldn’t. Happen. Again.
He was in the downtown area now. Briefly considered racing through, crossing into Warrenton. Not stopping until he felt like himself again. A harsh laugh escaped. What did normal even feel like?
Would this be happening if he’d touched that Fallen?
Doubtful. Probably wouldn’t have even paused to comfort Emma. Not like he did that any way. Her emotions had lifted as soon as Cade walked through the door. Lucas had just been a living Kleenex.
He tore into the first free parking spot and slammed the car into park. Head on the steering wheel, he inhaled. Exhaled.
Deep breaths weren’t helping so he powered the stereo. The Three Tenors blared through the speakers. He closed his eyes, leaned back, and concentrated on the words of Pavarotti’s “Pourquoi Me Reveiller”.
As always, the orchestra was a balm for his soul. The opera singer, a speaker for the emotions trapped inside him.
By the end of the song he was mostly under control. He unclenched his hands. Opened the door. Paused.
It wasn’t the best idea to walk around a city filled with Followers, but he was afraid staying in the enclosed space would bring it all back as soon as he pressed on the gas. Besides, going back to the HQ was a no go, not until Emma’s emotions were completely dormant.
He stepped onto the sidewalk and zipped his windbreaker, ignoring the curious stares. Workout shorts weren’t an appropriate article of clothing for the middle of winter in Oregon. Too late now.
Head lowered, he walked away from the coffee shops and boutiques. When the population lessened, his gait slowed. The buildings that normally looked dark and suspected of housing evil appeared completely different with the Creator’s light shining. Black had turned to grays, reds, and browns. It almost made him feel—
He stopped, cocked his head. Was that a—
Yes, there it was.
A
Similar Books
