Page 65 of Death and Donuts

I stared at the black cat in the middle of the sidewalk. It arched its neck, showing its sparkly collar, and Cross inhaled deeply. A second later, Cross and the cat were gone, and I was left alone.

Understanding Cross had taken off to chase Adriel, I grabbed my phone out of my purse to call Shepard.

“I wouldn’t do that,” a voice said from behind me.

I turned to look at a business-dressed man who didn’t look well. His briefcase was open, and rumpled papers hung out of the dividers. But what really worried me was his slightly askew tie and the small spot of blood staining his collar.

“What do you want?” I asked, even as my thumb swiped the screen to unlock it.

“I have a message for you. Reconsider the meeting, or she will meet with someone else.” He lifted his hand, and I retreated a quick step before seeing an actual printed photo in his hand.

My mom’s smiling face as she looked at my grandma filled me with fear so intense I could barely breathe.

“Take it,” he said.

With trembling fingers, I plucked my family free from his grasp.

“Call her back before it’s too late.”

He turned on his heel and walked away.

I lifted my phone and took three pictures of him. Then I took two long, calming breaths before sending his picture to Cross and Shepard.

Me: This guy might lead you to Adriel. He just threatened me with a photo of my family.

Cross was in front of me less than a minute later and hugged me.

“Forgive me, Everly,” he said. “I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

“It’s okay. I’m guessing you didn’t catch him?”

“No. Adriel disappeared into the sewer just as I received your message.”

Cross released me and pulled out his phone. Mine buzzed.

Cross: I have Everly. Stay focused on gaining the help we need. I’ll coordinate with Doc to send your people out to guard Everly’s family.

He sent another text I didn’t receive then pocketed his phone and took my shaking hand in his.

“Doc will make sure they’re safe.”

“How? They already took a picture of my family, Cross. What if they’re not there?” As I spoke, I found my mom’s contact number. Cross stopped me.

“If you call them now and they are unaware, your current state will worry them.”

He was right. I needed to be calmer, no matter what. I took several cleansing breaths before calling them on speaker.

My mom answered on the second ring.

“This is a surprise,” she said. “Is Vena causing trouble again?”

Her easy-going voice relieved me, and I forced myself to smile.

“Always,” I said. “She has a boyfriend now, though, so I don’t think she’ll be pulling me into her shenanigans for much longer.”

“Nonsense. You two have been inseparable for over a decade. That’s not going to change because of a man. What’s he like? Do you like him?”

“I do. He’s good with her. Hey, Mom, I was wondering if you’ve been watching the news lately.”

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