Page 109 of Twilight Destiny

“What if we can’t figure out a way to destroy Luca without killing Rhinehart?”

“He’s still a hunter.”

“What kind of answer is that?”

“I don’t know about you, but if it’s him or me, I don’t have a problem getting rid of him.”

Kincaid nodded. He just hoped if they had to kill Rhinehart, that Rosa would understand. “So, where are we gonna keep him?”

“I know a place.”

“Yeah?”

“There’s an old jail out past the cemetery in Morgan Creek.”

“A jail?”

“Well, not really a jail. More like an escape-proof cage.”

Kincaid lifted one brow.

“Don’t ask. Are you ready to go?”

“Lead the way.”

The cage, surrounded by tall trees and brush, was maybe eight feet by twelve. The bars were iron, thick and set close together, the top and three sides covered by heavy plywood. It held a narrow iron cot topped by a ragged quilt and a small bookcase crammed with yellowed paperbacks. A portable toilet stood in one corner.

“When did you use this last?” Kincaid asked.

Saintcrow shrugged. “Forty, fifty years ago.”

“For what?”

“Nothing I’m proud of.”

“Not gonna tell me, huh?”

“No.” Saintcrow opened the door and gestured for Rhinehart to step inside. Still under the master vampire’s spell, the hunter did as he was told.

“Rhinehart, did you see anyone between the time you left your house and arrived at the cabin?”

“I don’t remember.”

Once the door was locked, Saintcrow stepped away from the cell and motioned for Kincaid to follow him so Luca couldn’t overhear what they were saying, should he still be inside the hunter.

“Do you think Luca’s still possessing him?” Kincaid asked. “Seems like if he was, he’d object to being locked up.”

“Maybe he wants us to think he’s gone so we’ll relax our guard.”

Kincaid grunted softly. “Or maybe he’s really gone. Or he could be resting. Gathering his strength.”

“It’s possible,” Saintcrow agreed. “We need to find out if Luca still has his power, which could be dangerous as hell.”

“Tell me about it.” Kincaid studied Rhinehart. The hunter stood there, unmoving, unblinking. Was Luca still inside, resting? Or had he deserted the hunter’s body for another? If that was the case, they might never find him.

“Are we just gonna leave him in there?” Kincaid asked.

“It’s the safest place for him. He can’t hurt himself. He can’t get out. No one will hear him if he screams for help. I’ll bring him something to eat and some clean blankets later,” Saintcrow said. “He’ll be all right until then.”

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