Authors: Kelly Hashway
Linette’s not the liability in our group.
I
am.
Twenty-One
Cara
I convince Linette not to go to Logan’s house because, based on what Logan’s told me about him, if Mr. Schmidt sees the condition she’s in, he’d probably fire her. He doesn’t sound like the caring or forgiving type. I bring some cleaning supplies with me so I can straighten up the place until we figure out what to do to save Linette’s job.
I see Mr. Schmidt’s car in the driveway when I pull up, and my heart skips a beat. Meeting my boyfriend’s dad isn’t something I thought I’d be doing tonight, and it’s going to be even harder since I don’t really remember being in love with Logan.
Before I can knock, the door opens and Logan is standing there. “This is a nice surprise.”
“How did you know I was here?” I didn’t want to call ahead because I didn’t want his father to have advance notice I was coming. It’s easier to catch someone doing something suspicious when they don’t know you’re coming.
“I saw you through my window. What’s going on? I didn’t think your mom would let you out on your own.” He steps aside, motioning for me to come in.
“I think the meeting was so intense no one noticed.” Mom’s slipping up lately. Her fear is clouding her judgment.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. You can help me hide from my dad. I kind of thought I’d be rid of him for a few days, but no such luck.”
“I, um, was kind of hoping I could meet your dad.”
Logan cocks his head. “What are you up to?”
Do I tell him? If he’s a Phoenix and doesn’t know it, I might freak him out by telling him my theory. He might run into his dad’s office demanding answers, and that could screw up everything if we’re wrong about this. I don’t want to entertain the possibility that Mr. Schmidt is a Hunter, but I know Linette still suspects him.
“Can we go talk in your room?”
Logan eyes me suspiciously, but he places his hand on the small of my back and leads me to his room. It’s a mess. I can tell right away that Linette hasn’t been here. How Logan’s dad is missing that, I’m not sure.
Logan closes the door behind us. “Sorry about the mess. I’ve been focusing on the rooms Dad sees. He never comes in here, so it sort of turned into a dumping ground.”
“I brought some cleaning supplies if you want me to help. They’re in my car.”
He takes my hands and leads me to his bed. “I’d rather you tell me why you’re here. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see you, but I know there’s a purpose for this visit.”
I take a deep breath. “It’s about what Rob said. Jeremy and I think that maybe you’re not…fully human.”
Logan laughs so hard he doubles over. “Anton would shit himself if he heard you say that.”
“Why is it so strange? You know what I am. What makes you think you couldn’t be something else?” I look down at my lap. “Or even a Phoenix like me?”
Logan stops laughing and tilts my chin up. “You think I’m a Phoenix?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. It’s possible.”
“How? I’ve never been reborn.”
“That you remember.” I take his hand in mine. “Male Phoenixes are reborn for the first time at sixteen. Think back. Can you remember anything strange from that age?”
“Cara, as much as I’d love to be a Phoenix, mostly to get your mom off my back and over this ‘humans aren’t good enough for her daughter’ kick, I have all my memories of my childhood. From every year. I was never reborn.”
“You didn’t ever have what you thought was amnesia? I mean, I’m remembering things, so maybe you—”
He presses a finger to my lips. “You’re remembering things because of the imprint between us. All your memories are the ones you shared with me, right?”
I nod. Even the dream I had about my rebirth had Logan in it.
“I’ve never imprinted before, and besides that, I still have my crappy memories of my father and all the shit he did to ruin my mom’s life. I’d love to forget that, but I can’t.”
He’s right. He can’t be a Phoenix. There have been very rare cases of Phoenixes who don’t have red hair or smell like cinnamon, and I was grasping at any hope Logan was one of those exceptions.
“It was stupid. I guess I just wanted it to be true.”
“Because it would make it easier for us to be together?” He looks hopeful.
“And because if you’re not a Phoenix, it means your dad isn’t either. And unfortunately…” I can’t bring myself to say it with Logan looking at me.
His eyes narrow as he pieces together where I’m going with this. “You think my dad might be a Hunter. You think the reason why you’re safe when you’re around me is because my dad wouldn’t do anything when I’m there. Like he’s trying to protect me. Am I right?”
As much as I don’t want to believe what Garret’s thought all along, hearing Logan say it makes complete sense. I nod.
“Only there’s a problem with that logic.” Logan stands up and turns toward the door. “My dad doesn’t give two shits about me. If he was a Hunter, he’d use me to get to you, and then he’d probably hope he’d get lucky enough to take us both out together. If I die, his life would be better.”
I stand up and tug his arm so he faces me. “Logan, you can’t believe that. I’m sure your dad doesn’t hate you.”
“Because you know him so well?”
I look away, and Logan grabs my arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”
“I need to meet him. I need to get evidence that he’s just a guy grieving the loss of his wife.”
“Don’t forget a shitty father.”
“That too. Anything that will prove he isn’t a Hunter.”
“Okay. I guess we should get this over with then.” He opens the bedroom door for me. I get the feeling that he doesn’t talk to his dad if he can avoid it, so I know he’s only doing this for me and it won’t be easy on him.
He leads me back to the office and knocks on the door.
“What? I’m working.” Mr. Schmidt’s voice is terse, which breaks my heart considering he must know it’s Logan who’s knocking.
“I want to introduce you to someone,” Logan says.
“Another time.”
“Dad, please.”
The words bring a pained expression to Logan’s face, almost like he’s afraid his father will deny his plea. I gently brush my fingers against Logan’s hand, letting him know I’m here for him, even if his dad isn’t.
Footsteps sound across the hardwood floor and the door is yanked open. Mr. Schmidt’s eyes land on me, and they aren’t the least bit friendly.
“Hi,” I say. “I’m Cara.”
“My girlfriend,” Logan adds.
Mr. Schmidt looks at Logan like this is news to him. Then he turns back to me and nods before trying to close the door again.
Logan sticks his foot in the doorway. “Dad, wait.”
Mr. Schmidt stops pushing the door closed, but he doesn’t open it again. “What?”
“I thought maybe…”
Logan can barely get a sentence out, so I step in. “I was hoping to talk to you. I was thinking of becoming a lawyer one day.”
Mr. Schmidt looks me up and down. “You?”
I force a smile at his condescending tone.
Logan removes his foot from the door and clenches his fist.
“Yes, sir. I thought maybe you could point me in the direction of a few colleges I should look into.”
He smirks. “You want to be a lawyer, but you don’t know what the best law schools are? I’d reconsider if I were you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a case to get back to.” He shuts the door.
“I don’t think he likes me,” I say, elbowing Logan in the ribs and trying to break the tension that’s suffocating the room.
“He’s such a bastard.” Logan practically yells “bastard” at the door.
“Don’t. I didn’t come here to start an argument between you and your dad.” I pull him toward the living room and sit on the couch.
“Sorry that wasn’t helpful. The guy is—”
“He’s your dad.”
“Don’t remind me.” Logan runs his hands through his hair and leans back on the sofa. “What now?”
“I don’t know. Has your dad ever just disappeared for a few days?”
“He went out of town sometime last night and he got back right before you came over. He had the decency to leave me a note this time, but by the time I found it, his trip was pretty much over.”
“Where did he go?”
My mind races with ideas: a secret meeting of Hunters, a search for the Phoenix dagger, off to Bridgewater to find the Phoenix out there that keeps slipping by the Hunters. We really need to find out who that Phoenix is, because he or she might be the answer to a lot of questions. After the note on the last victim was addressed to me, I assumed I was the target the Hunters were looking for, but Nick knew I was here. He would have told the other Hunters, unless he had been working alone.
“Cara?” Logan places his hand on my shoulder. “You’re not even listening to me, are you?”
“Sorry, I just realized something.”
“What?”
“Nick must not have been working with anyone.”
Logan squints at me. “You mean he was a rogue Hunter?”
“Yeah, because the Hunters in Bridgewater thought I lived there. They’ve been searching for me there.”
“Okay. Does that help?”
“I’m not sure. If anything, it just means there are a lot more Hunters than we thought.”
“I thought you said they were drawn to the dagger, that they can sense it.” Logan starts pacing. “If that’s true, then they
all
should be coming here, shouldn’t they?”
“I’m sure I’ll be on lockdown the second we get wind of them.”
“So my dad leaving town should clear his name, don’t you think?”
“Maybe. Unless he went to talk to them.”
“About what? If he was a Hunter, he’d grill me with questions about you.”
“True. And he probably would’ve figured out Linette’s a Phoenix.”
“He hasn’t questioned the house being a mess or where Linette is. Maybe that’s because he already knows. Maybe he was one of the Hunters who attacked her.”
I narrow my eyes at his sudden change of heart. “Wait, a second ago, you were arguing that he couldn’t be a Hunter, and now you’re saying he’s a likely suspect for the one who attacked Linette?” God, Logan’s every bit as confused as the rest of us, and he lives with his dad. He should have inside information that can help us, but he’s only making me more uncertain of everything.
“Dad goes to Bridgewater sometimes. His firm has another office there.”
Well, crap. That’s going to make him look really guilty in Garret’s eyes. But something is still bothering me. “Linette told me that she saw one of her attackers right before she was knocked out. She didn’t remember at first, but she said that he looked surprised. That maybe he had been expecting someone other than Linette.”
“You think the Hunter was looking for you, that he knows what you look like?”
“It adds up, but there’s still something that doesn’t make any sense to me. If Rob’s a Hunter, what is it about
you
that worries him?”
Logan shakes his head. “The more I think about it, the more I don’t believe that idiot is a Hunter. I think he’s just obsessed with you because you’ve always turned him down.” By the look on his face, I can’t help thinking Logan would prefer Rob was a Hunter instead of being a creep with his eye on me.
“Okay, let’s assume that’s true. There’s still the possibility that the reason I survived that day in the chem lab had everything to do with you being there. And if that’s the case, what does it mean?” I stare into his eyes. “What are you?”
Twenty-Two
Logan
I wake up feeling like I’m hungover. My half-bird, half-human girlfriend thinks I’m some sort of superhuman being that saved her from a Hunter when she was reborn and that’s protecting her now just by being near her. I wish I could be her superhero, but I know I’m not. I’m just me. Logan Schmidt. Nothing special.
My cell rings on my nightstand, and I snatch it up, hoping it’s Cara calling to say she’s come to her senses and knows I’m only human. It’s Anton’s picture on the display.
“What’s up, Anton?”
“You still in bed? You sound like shit.”
“Thanks. Long night.”
“Oh, I see. So I take it Cara took you back with open arms.”
Of course he thinks I was up late because Cara and I were messing around. No such luck. It was all talk. Talk about what a dick my dad is, what a douche Rob is, and what might or might not be special enough about me to scare Hunters away.
“Did I lose you?” Anton asks.
“No. I’m here. Cara and I are back together, but she still has amnesia from her accident so we’re taking things slow.”
“Well, that blows.”
“Yeah, you have no idea.” I know he assumes I’m talking about sex, and I let him think that because it’s easier than telling him what’s really going on. “So, why’d you call?”
“Because I haven’t heard from you. It’s like you went back there and forgot about your best friend.”
“Sorry. Things have been intense.” Understatement of the year.
“Why’s that? Cara still pulling weird shit?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Cara thinks I’m like superhuman or something.”
Anton laughs. “You can’t be
that
good in bed.”
“I’m not talking about that. She thinks I’m like a protector or something. Crazy, right?”
“I’d say. More like a guy who’s totally whipped. Let me know if anything good happens.” He hangs up.
I shower, get dressed, and head for the living room. Someone’s in the kitchen, and I know it can’t be Dad because he leaves way before I get up.
“Hello?” I cringe, knowing that with Hunters on the loose calling “hello” instead of keeping the element of surprise is a stupid move.
“Good morning, Logan.”
“Mrs. Tillman?” I walk into the kitchen and find her doing the dishes.
“Monique and I are going to take turns cleaning so your dad doesn’t find out about Linette.”
“Cara mentioned that. Thanks.” I awkwardly scoot around her at the sink and grab a Gatorade from the fridge.
“Do you want me to make you something for breakfast?” she asks, drying the last of the dishes.
“No, that’s okay. Shouldn’t you be at work by now?”
“I took the later shift today.” She eyes me, knowingly. “Why? Were you planning to sneak off somewhere with Cara?”
“I’m not going to lie to you, so you should know we were going to head to the falls for a bit.” My honesty should earn me at least a point or two in the plus column.
“Cara told me about yesterday, how she remembered your jacket and the car accident.” She leans back against the counter. “As much as I hate what this could mean for her, recovering her memories is what she wants, so I’m not going to stop her from trying.”
“She thinks I can protect her, that I’m something special. But I’m not.”
“You won my daughter’s heart in her first life, and I have a feeling you’re on your way to doing it again in this one. You better believe that’s special.”
I give her a smile. “Thanks. I won’t ever hurt her, you know.”
“I wouldn’t let you be around her if I thought you would.” She tosses the dishtowel on the counter. “Oh, and Cara told us about your father and his trips to Bridgewater. You know we’re going to have to keep an eye on him.”
“I figured as much. I will too. If he is a Hunter, I don’t plan to follow in his footsteps.”
“We wouldn’t let you,” she says, her tone serious. She walks out of the kitchen and heads upstairs.
I grab a Pop Tart and head for Cara’s, calling her on the way.
“Hello?” The sound of her voice makes me smile.
“Hey. Just saw your mom.”
“Sorry. I wanted to warn you she was coming, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be up.”
“I told her we’re going to the falls. She was okay with it.” I wave to Monique as I pass the café.
“She thinks I’m right about you. That you’re keeping me safe somehow.”
I should be thankful for that because it means I get to be with Cara, but that’s a hell of a big responsibility. “I’m on my way to your house.”
“Great. I’ll pack a lunch for us.”
“Peanut butter and jelly?”
“How’d you know?”
“You made that for us the first time we picnicked at the falls.”
“I’ll see you in a few.” She hangs up, and I walk the rest of the way in silence.
Just before I turn onto Cara’s road, a rustling comes from the bushes lining the street. I hope I’m not going to run into another stray dog that thinks people are chew toys. I don’t see anything, so I keep going. A few seconds later, I hear the sound again.
“Is someone there?” Maybe one of the neighborhood kids is playing a spy game. Anton and I used to play them when we were growing up, not that there were bushes to hide behind in New York City.
I don’t hear giggling, so I rule out kids. I walk toward the bushes lining the sidewalk and peer over them. Nothing. Maybe my imagination is playing tricks on me. I start walking again and the sound picks up. This time I dive right into the bushes. Just as I hit the ground a figure jumps out of the bushes and takes off down the road. He or she is wearing a hoodie so I can’t tell who it is. All I know is someone was watching me. Or they’d been trying to watch Cara and I got in the way.
I stay alert the rest of the way. If it
was
a Hunter back there, he might not have been alone. Cara said Nick had gone rogue, but it appears Hunters work in packs to even the playing field. It can’t be easy to take down a Phoenix when they can burn you to the ground.
Cara is putting the picnic basket into the trunk of her car when I turn up her driveway. I smile, enjoying the view. Her shorts are seriously short today. She reaches up to close the trunk, and her tank top exposes some of her back. Before she lost her memory I would’ve rushed over and wrapped my arms around her.
I walk over and say, “Hey.”
“Hi.” She smiles at me. “Ready?”
I look around at the bushes near her house. “Yeah, let’s go.” I wait until Cara’s in the car before I get in.
“Sleep well?” Cara asks as we head to the falls.
“Yeah, I guess. I’m still kind of tired though.”
“We all feel like that lately. Stress really drains you.”
My eyes scan the roads, looking for anyone who might be lurking. “Have you seen anyone wearing a hoodie near your house?”
She glances over and narrows her eyes at me. “Someone wearing a hoodie in July? No. Why?”
“Someone was hiding in the bushes on my way here. I tried to tackle them, and they ran off.”
“Do you think they were spying on you or me?” Her hands tighten on the steering wheel.
“I don’t know. Just keep an eye out, okay? And tell the others.”
“I will.” She pulls into the parking lot and cuts the engine.
I get out and walk around to get her door for her. “Are you hungry or do you want to swim for a while before we eat?”
“Swim. I need to cool off. My temperature’s a little high today.” Cara strips down to her bikini, the black one with teal trim.
“Did you know that’s what you wore when we met?”
She looks down at her suit. “No. I guess my subconscious did.”
I slip out of my shorts, revealing my swim trunks. I reach for her hand and lead her to the water. We step in slowly because the water feels cool today. It hasn’t been as hot lately, and the nights have been on the chilly side. It’s been a crazy summer in so many ways.
“I wish the water was a little warmer,” I say, edging my way in.
Cara looks around and then smiles at me. She lowers her hands into the water and bubbles form around them. She holds them there for a few moments and then says, “How’s that?”
The water around us is warmer. “Wow. Is it like that all over or just here?”
“Just here, but I can make it reach across to the lagoon if you want me to.” She says it like she wants me to challenge her.
I nudge her with my arm. “Impress me.”
She steps farther into the water so more of her body is submerged. Then she fans her arms out around her, making the water ripple. Once the ripples reach the lagoon, she turns back to me and smiles. “Done.”
“I’m definitely impressed.” Without thinking, I reach for her waist and pull her to me.
She inhales sharply, and I immediately let go.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t even know I was doing it. It was like a reflex.”
She swallows so hard I hear it. “God, I feel like such a baby. I mean, I know we’ve kissed and done…other stuff, but it’s like everything is happening for the first time all over again and it’s making me a nervous wreck. I know it’s not fair to you.”
“No. You’re not being fair to yourself. I told you I’m fine with this. I’m just thankful you’re giving us a chance.”
She stares deep into my eyes. “Am I? I only let you get so close, and what if that’s why I can only remember bits and pieces of things?”
“I’m not letting you jump back into this, Cara. It’s not you.”
“We rushed into things before.”
I can’t help noticing how our positions on this topic have totally reversed. “You’ve changed, and I’m all right with that.”
“I want to…” She looks up at the waterfalls above us. Her eyes scan them like she’s searching for something. “What was that?”
“What was what?”
“I saw something. Like a rock or something fall from the ledge up there.”
I glance up but don’t see anything. “I’m sure the water loosens pebbles all the time.”
She’s still looking around.
“There’s no one here but us,” I say.
“Are you sure?”
I shouldn’t be dismissing this so easily just because I want to finish our conversation and see what it is that Cara wants. Though I swear she was going to say she wanted to kiss me again. “I’ll go check. You stay here, okay?”
She reaches for my arm, holding me back. “I’m not sure splitting up is a good idea. If it’s a Hunter up there, that’s exactly what he’d want us to do.”
She’s right. Now I feel like an ass for asking her to use her Phoenix abilities to heat up the water. I exposed her, put her at risk. If there’s a Hunter nearby, it’s probably because he sensed Cara’s powers—thanks to me. “All right, but stay behind me.”
We swim toward the stone steps leading up the side of the falls. We walk slowly, trying not to make a sound. If someone is hiding on the other side of the waterfall, they won’t see us until we’re practically on top of them.
I step onto the ledge and spot Rob hiding behind the waterfall. Without another thought, I launch myself at him, sending us both through the fall and into the water below.