Page 119 of The Last Session

She lay back down.

“And we’ll come back,” I went on. “We’ll rent a car and come back and get you. Okay?”

No answer.

“Okay, Catherine?” I wanted to grab her, shake her silent form. But instead I turned and left.

47

“Thea!” Sol caught me in the courtyard.

“Hi.” I watched him approach, shirtless and shoeless, clad in just navy swim trunks.

“Hi, beautiful.” He leaned in. For a moment I winced, sure he was going to kiss me on the mouth. He gave me a peck on the cheek, instead. “How are you feeling?”

“Super,” I said.

“Good. I’m a little…” He waggled his fingers. “… myself. But sometimes we need a Dionysian night, right?”

Dionysus—why did that word keep coming up? It had been the name of the dog too. Talia’s. Steven’s absent girlfriend.

“You hungry? You want Grace to make you something?” Sol pointed towards the castle. “She’s starting to prep dinner.” He chuckled. “To be honest with you, I can’t even look at food right now.”

Where Moon had appeared fresh and cheerful, Sol’s face hung in folds, his eyes puffy and red. He looked five or even ten years older. I felt a sudden repulsion towards him.

“But I heard that you and Jonah are ready to fly the coop,” he continued. “Steven should be back by dinnertime. So he can drive you guys to the airport then. I think there’s a late-night direct flight to New York, right? Hopefully, you can hop right on that.”

“Sure.” I tried to sound calm. If he knew I’d just broken into Catherine’s room, or that Jonah and I had tried to start the other car, he wasn’t showing it. “And whereisSteven?”

“He’s picking up a satellite phone. We’re sick of this shitty Wi-Fi situation.” Sol shook his head. “It’s unsafe to not have a line out, you know?”

“Right,” I said slowly.

“You know, I’m really bummed that you’re leaving.” Sol’s face went solemn. “But you know what’s best for you. And you’re the one drivingthe bus with this whole situation. So we have to accept that. Anyway.” He waved a hand. “I’ll save my goodbyes for later. I’m going to have a soak; it’s the best cure for a hangover. See you there?”

“Maybe. Enjoy.”

He loped off, and I froze when I saw the angry red claw marks on his back.

I went to Jonah’s yurt, opening the door to find him lying in bed.

“Hey.” He blinked blearily at me. After a second, he held out an arm. Despite my frustration and fear, a small, giddy feeling rose in my stomach. I went to him and climbed in. He spooned me, molding his body to mine and slipping his arm over me. I pulled his hand under my chin. Our bodies fit together perfectly.

“This is the worst hangover I’ve had in years,” he murmured into my ear.

“Me too.” I sighed. “Catherine won’t walk out with us. She’s saying really weird things. I’m worried about her.”

“Did Sol tell you about Steven?”

“That he was coming back at dinnertime? Yeah.” I paused. “You think we should stay?”

“I think we should consider it.”

“But it still just feels… sketchy.”

“I know. But there’s a chance we’re seeing things that aren’t there. We have to consider the facts.”

“Like what?”

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