Page 59 of Embers of Torment

"Yep, that's him."

"What did the woman look like?"

"Don't know. From what the man told me, she was in disguise."

"Weird. Do you think the two incidents are linked?"

"I do. They're too coincidental not to be. Plus, I bet the woman was watching Sofie since she'd just arrived and would have been downstairs waiting for the elevator at about that time. Sofie thinks it might be her mother, but Reid disagrees."

Jace paused for a moment as if in thought. "Didn't her mother disappear?"

"Yep, and I agree with Sofie. I think the woman came back."

"Why would she return?"

"I'm not sure. She was livid with Sofie the last time they saw each other."

"Why?"

"Sofie refused to play along with her scheme, and Reid threw her out of their house. Either way, after everything I've learned about her, I doubt she'd be here unless she wanted something."

"Hey, how about I meet you in the plaza at noon."

"But I thought you couldn't get away today?" I spun the pen on my desk in a circle, unsure what had changed.

"I'm busy, but after hearing about your morning, I'd feel better coming over there at lunch. I want to make sure you're all right."

"I'll be fine. You don't need to do that."

"I insist. I won't feel better until I see you."

"Okay, you win. And Jace?"

"Huh?"

"Thank you for caring about me."

"Always. You mean a lot to me. I'll see you later."

"Yep, I'll see you at lunch." I hung up and set my phone on my desk. I felt better after speaking to Jace. Having someone I could talk to about both the good and bad stuff without being inhibited or uncomfortable was refreshing. More than that, I relished our camaraderie and the knowledge I wasn't alone. Adam cameclose to that, but it was different—our connection was centered around friendship and was less personal. Adam didn't care about me the same way Jace did.

With Jace, it was special.

Chapter 18

Della

Itrailed behind Adam and Sofie as we walked toward the plaza a few minutes before noon. Jace had gotten there early, and I was texting him to let him know we were on our way. Reaching the table-filled area fronting the restaurants, I looked for Jace, spotting him waving his arm to get my attention.

"There's Jace. He's in the corner by the wall." I pointed at him when Sofie and Adam turned to look. "He picked up lunch for me, so I'll meet you guys over there."

"Wait a second. Jace couldn't order ours?" Adam teased.

"Excuse me? You could have called him when I told you he was meeting me here."

"Okay, you two. You can stop now." Sofie shot us each an amused glance and shook her head. "I swear you're related. You argue like siblings."

"Adam's my evil twin," I said with a smirk.

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