Chase wasn’t sure what to say. “I don’t know if anyone could have prevented what happened,
Sabrina.”
She was quiet for a long time. “I suppose that’s true,” she said softly. “I’m worried. We’re both
worried about you.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to worry.”
She sniffed and Chase’s heart fell. “I miss you.” Her voice cracked.
“I miss you, too.” He didn’t know what else to say. “I’ll be home tomorrow,” he offered weakly.
“I know.” She paused. “I’ll let you get back to sleep. Please be careful.”
“I will. I promise.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
49
CHASE LOUNGED ON THE COUCH IN HIS HOTEL ROOM WATCHING TELEVISION . RICHARD HAD LEFT A
while ago, heading to the Manor to meet with the other Elders about the previous night. The Elders
were upset, but Chase wasn’t sure if it was more about him being poisoned or that Sabrina had
appeared in a protected, foreign Elder’s Manor. Both subjects had been shouted about after she’d
disappeared.
Richard hadn’t looked happy before he left. Not angry. Worried. This rang too close to what had
happened a decade ago with Devin and Anna. The US Elders had thwarted Devin’s plans, but it
hadn’t been easy. Chase had heard the story from Alex and it had not been a pleasant time.
Understandably, the world Elders were wary of too much American power.
His phone buzzed on the table. Richard. “Hello?” Was the meeting over already?
“Theo’s bringing Sabrina to the Manor.”
Chase sat up straight. “What?”
“The Elders have demanded she show herself. They’re . . . concerned.”
Chase snorted. “Concerned?”
“That’s the word I’m choosing to use.”
“She can’t be there alone, Richard.” He stood and hurried to the bedroom to get dressed. “I need
to be there for her.”
“Chase if you come it will make things worse. I will watch over her. We all will. Stay there. I’ll