Page 6 of White Raven
Athan shrugged. “I blame those eyes.”
Rhaena humphed, opening her mouth to say something else when she turned her attention back to Sarah, but stopped dead when her eyes snagged a ring on a very important finger. Her eyes grew two times bigger. “Umm…excuse me?”
He leaned back against the counter and smiled at Sarah, who lowered her mug from her mouth. Rhaena snatched her coffee away and brought her hand closer, pressing a palm to her mouth. “We were hoping to tell you when everybody was together.”
Rhaena’s eyes watered and she looked at him first, and then back to Sarah before pulling her into a tight hug. “I can’t believe it. I don’t even know what to say!” she sniffled, releasing her and diving over to throw her arms around him. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks,” Sarah laughed, coming to stand next to him. He slid an arm around her back.
“When did this happen?” Rhaena asked, wiping her nose on her sleeve.
“I asked her last night,” Athan said, pulling Sarah closer.
Rhaena cocked her head. “And you didn’t tell him to go step in front of a train?” He shot up a middle finger and she giggled. “It’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”
“Happy about what?” Jenkins asked, toweling his hair as he stepped into the kitchen.
“Detective Brood just put a ring on it!” Rhaena laughed, backing up against Brandon, who whipped an arm around her.
“That right? Awesome!” He offered his hand and Athan took it first, shaking it. “Congrats! I never thought I’d see the day.” He shook Sarah’s next.
“Wait a second,” Rhaena paused, scratching her head and picking the box back up off the table. “Are you sure this was meant for you, Sarah?”
“I assumed so. Why do you ask?”
Rhaena peered down at the note, flipping it over and then looking closer at the bird inside. “This says:‘Welcome to the family.’”
“Yeah, we were thinking maybe he found out she was turned?” Athan tightened his hold on Sarah.
“But what if it isn’t that?” Rhaena looked up, raising the note in front of her. “What if he knew about your engagement instead? Think about it. This is a Starling. The same type of bird that we found in that vic’s mouth that was meant to resemble Sarah. That was also the same crime scene where Dahlia left that calling card for you, Kane. That whole setup was meant to spookyou.”
For the first time in a long while, the faint sound of whispering in the back of his mind started to make themselves known. A nervous fluttering twisted his insides, and he felt Sarah stiffen under his arm.
“Okay, but how would he have known that? It just happened last night. The only other people that know about it are you and Brandon. I haven’t even had a chance to tell Wren yet.” Sarah thrust out a hand.
“Because whoever left that box saw it…or heard it.” Athan said in a voice like gravel. Sarah looked up at him, those eyes screaming for answers.
“There’s no way they would have had time to get that kind of information and kill a bird, write a note and wrap a damn gift that quick. I’m not buying that. This was premeditated.” Sarah’s voice was raspy. It sounded like a combination of fear, anger and hurt. It made him want to murder people.
“But we can’t rule it out, either.” Rhaena cut in, closing the box. She turned her attention to Jenkins. “Do you think we could get a forensics team to pull prints or DNA off this?”
“Yeah, I could drop it off after the holiday. But we’ll have to get it cleared through Foley. He won’t be back in until Monday.”
Rhaena made a face when she turned back towards them, handing over the gift box. “I really…really…hate to say this. But we need to keep this fresh.” She gagged. “Put the whole box in a plastic bag and stick it in my fridge.”
“You don’t have to do that, Rhaena.” Sarah held up a hand.
“And lose a good lead? Yeah, I do.”
“You’re too good to me,” Athan smirked, taking the box.
“Yeah, no shit. I’ve been saying that for a decade.” Rhaena gave him a wink and turned to follow Jenkins to the living room.
“I’m gonna go see if Wren’s up. Wait for me?” Sarah asked, tugging the front of Athan’s jacket towards her. He took the back of her neck and angled her face up.
“Forget this shit right now, Sarah. I’m gonna put this bird in the fridge, and we’re gonna enjoy the rest of this day. You just agreed to spend eternity with me. I’m not ready to give up the joy I’m taking in that. I refuse to let you do it, either.”
“You’re right,” she nodded. “Fuck him right now.”
