Page 67 of The Second Sight
“We need to hurry,” I said, imagining my father pacing in our living room, growing more worried with each passing minute.
“We will,” Seven assured me, starting the engine. “And then we’ll find Brooklyn.”
As we pulled away, I watched in the side mirror as Lily slid into Brooklyn’s damaged Honda, with Romeca taking the passenger seat and Kyren in the back. Nothing about my life would ever be normal again.
I glanced at Seven, his perfect profile illuminated by passing streetlights. His hands gripped the steering wheel like he might bend the metal if he allowed himself to feel the full extent of his anger. In the backseat, Kei’Mani sat silent and still, a sister I never knew existed until tonight.
We pulled into the driveway close enough that my dad couldn’t see Seven’s car from the upstairs or downstairs windows of our modest ranch-style home. The porch light was on, casting warm yellow light across the neatly trimmed front lawn. Seven parked behind the garage. My car sat in the closed garage, untouched since this morning when Seven had first appeared in my life. It felt like years ago rather than hours.
“I’m coming in with you,” Seven said, breaking the silence. It wasn’t a question.
“My dad’s already suspicious,” I replied. “Seeing you might make things worse.”
Seven’s jaw tightened. “The Bambara probably know where you live. I’m not letting you walk in there alone.”
“I agree with the vampire,” Kei’Mani said from the back seat.
I turned to look at her.
“We need to establish a cover story,” he said. “Something to explain why you’re with me and not Brooklyn.”
“I’ll say you met us at the restaurant and Brooklyn needed to get home so you offered to drive me home.” The lie formed easily in my mind. Too easily. I’d never been a good liar before tonight.
“Ready?” Seven asked.
I nodded, though I wasn’t ready at all. I was about to lie to my father’s face while my best friend was being held captive by African hunters. Nothing about this was okay.
Seven was at my car door before I could open it. He offered his hand, helping me from the car with old-fashioned courtesy that seemed at odds with his predatory nature.
Kei’Mani remained in the back seat. “We’ll be right back.” I promised.
I clutched the food bags and walked up the front path with Seven at my side. Before I could knock, the door swung open. Dad stood there, relief washing over his features until his eyes landed on Seven.
“Kasi,” he said, his gaze never leaving Seven. “Where’s Brooklyn?”
“She wasn’t feeling well,” I explained, stepping past him into the house. “Seven met us at the restaurant and drove me home.”
“You must be Mr. Bacchar,” Seven said, extending his hand. “Severin Crackstone. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Dad hesitated before shaking Seven’s hand. I could see him noting Seven’s firm grip, expensive clothes, and the confident way he carried himself.
“Crackstone,” Dad repeated. “Kasi mentioned you.”
“Let him in, daddy.” I yelled back to the doorway.
“Come in.” I heard my dad say.
I set the food bags on the coffee table and began unpacking them. “I got everything you asked for.”
“Thank you, baby girl,” Dad said, but his attention remained fixed on Seven who was standing inside but still near the front door. “So, you’re the man who lives in Hinsdale?”
“That’s correct,” Seven replied smoothly.
“And what exactly do you do, Mr. Crackstone?” Dad asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
Seven smiled. “Investment management, primarily. My family portfolio requires constant attention.”
Dad nodded slowly. “And you met my daughter how?”
