Page 43 of Medusa

“It makes me feel better.” Once in the kitchen, Maddie called Chloe and put her phone on speaker before filling a glass with water and helping Jaden to drink it slowly.

“Chloe!” Maddie cried when the detective answered. “I found Jaden! He’s been beaten within an inch of his life, drugged up, and who knows what else. Please hurry. The perpetrators are here, but I’m not sure how long Typhon will remain in stasis.”

“All right, we’re almost there. How many men?”

“Three. One is a dragon shifter. Very powerful.”

“I’m familiar with Typhon, don’t worry.”

“We need your help unchaining Jaden. He’s…” Maddie looked at the man sagging in one of the folding chairs. “He’s in really bad shape,” she whispered.

“Hang on. The cavalry’s coming. Front or back door?”

“Back. I used the key I found above the lintel.” She opened the door.

“Like some kind of James Bond,” Chloe teased. “Good girl. It’s not considered breaking in if you use a key.”

“To be fair, I would have broken in if I hadn’t found the key,” Maddie said.

“As a detective, I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. As your friend, I’m very proud.” There was a pause and the sound of boots hitting the ground. “We’re here.”

“I’ve got you.” Maddie looked at Jaden in the dining room. “Chloe’s coming in with some of her coworkers.”

Jaden grunted and swayed a little in his chair, which Maddie hoped meant he understood.

Chloe entered the house and gave Maddie a quick nod.

“Down in the basement,” Maddie told her. “In the barred room. They’re stone right now, but they’ll be up soon. I don’t know how soon for Typhon. I had to really push my limits.”

“You are one badass bitch,” Chloe said admiringly, pulling her into a tight hug. She ordered her people down the stairs quickly and headed for Jaden herself. It took her a matter of seconds to unlock the chains holding his wrists behind his back and he sagged forward.

“Jaden!” Maddie cried, running to support him.

Chloe checked him over. “He doesn’t look good, Maddie.”

“Itoldyou that!” Maddie felt the tears thick at the back of her throat and fought them down. She’d be of no use to Jaden if she broke now.

“You did. It’s another thing to see it for myself. I didn’t think—” Chloe cut herself off. “He was such a smug asshole when I was interrogating him. So certain of himself and his abilities, sure that he’d never get hurt to a point that he couldn’t heal.”

“He mentioned being drugged,” Maddie reminded her.

Chloe raised her eyebrows. “That might do it. Did you find any evidence of a drug?”

“Not down there. I haven’t explored this floor yet. I called you as soon as we left the basement.”

“Stay with him. There’s no way he’d make it home on his own power. Call Hera. She can get a hold of his brothers.” Chloe stretched her back with her hands on her hips before raising her wrist to her mouth. “Checking out the top floor. How are you doing down there?”

“Got them all bundled up and shifter-locked. Gonna sit tight until they wake up. They’re too heavy to carry up the stairs,” came the response.

Maddie shrugged and smiled apologetically. “Well, they are like rock.”

Chloe laughed. “So they seem to be.” She headed for the hallway to the rest of the house, leaving Maddie alone with the semi-conscious Jaden.

“Hey,” Jaden whispered. “I didn’t imagine you?”

“Nope”, she popped the ‘p’. “I’m really here,” Maddie replied.

“Thank fuck,” he said. He blinked furiously, but a couple tears escaped. “Sorry you have to see me like this.”

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