Page 78 of Light As A Feather
“Plus, it doesn’t need to be a true attachment for him to have influence, especially not here. This is where he’s strongest. It’s not surprising his energy is more impactful on this property.” I’m more talking myself through the rationale. Taking another bite of cheese, I re-evaluate all of my and Jay’s recent interactions through a new lens. “The signs were there, we just didn’t realize it.”
“How so?” She finally picks up a cube of cheese.
“He’s been jealous and combative. Cruel, even. That’s not him.”
“You’re right.” She dips a few pretzel sticks in peanut butter, and I relax into the sofa more.
“I’m relieved. I know it sounds bad, but I’m so grateful that there’s an explanation for it all.” Sol laces her fingers through mine, and there’s no judgment in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re okay, of course. I’m just really thankful that I didn’t have to make that choice even though I was willing to.”
“I would never ask you to choose between us, Hawthorne. I’d never revel in you losing one of the people you love most.” The truth of it wraps around me like a blanket of reassurance. “Now we just need to make sure that Ivan doesn’t get a second chance.”
Before I can respond, Mendez comes out. “Who’s next?”
“I’ll go. There’s not much to tell, so let’s just get it over with.” Kissing Sol on the top of her head quickly, I follow him back into the room.
Jay is still restrained, but most importantly, himself. Leaning against the wall behind him, I give them the floor to ask their questions.
“When did you know something was wrong?” Hale asks and picks up her pen.
“I was looking for them since I saw Jay’s car parked out front, but when I found the dining table knocked over and the door wide open… I didn’t come to the right conclusion, but I panicked all the same.” Jayden looks over his shoulder at me. “I’m sorry, Jay, but I didn’t know what to think. You haven’t been yourself.”
He nods solemnly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t notice, didn’t think to question it sooner.”
“It’s not your fault. I didn’t even suspect…” His eyes go distant for a minute, and guilt rocks through me. How much has he suffered that none of us will ever really understand? But that’s a conversation for another time. Who knows where Ivan is planning his next move?
“Anyways, I ran out there, aimlessly at first, but then I heard Jayden’s voice. Thankfully, just in time. I didn’t think so much as act when I placed him in the chokehold. All I knew was that I needed to get him away from her as quickly as possible. But I couldn’t bear the idea of going straight to harming him. I’m glad that intuition paid off.”
“What was he doing when you found them?”
“He was about to stab her and?—”
Zoey holds up their hand, turning their attention to Jayden. “Where did you get the knife, Dash?”
“I don’t know. I just had it.” He shrugs.
“Did you recognize it, Hawthorne?” Everyone turns to me.
“No. I’ve never seen it. I didn’t get a good look at it, though. It was so dark out there. Plus, I was more worried about getting us all back here.”
“Do you think you could take me back to where you left it?”
“I’m sure we could find it in the morning.” It’s already so late it won’t even be all that long until sunrise.
“Afraid of the dark, Phantom?” Ozzie calls me by my nickname out of habit. He’s inwork mode.
“I mean…have you been out there after dark? I’ve seen what I needed to see, and I’m not interested in finding out what else might linger out there.”
“I’m with him.” Hale raises her hands as if in concession. “I don’t fuck with whatever creatures might stalk between the trees.”
Ozzie rolls his eyes, but I turn to Zoey to get their opinion.
Zoey nods. “Yeah, let’s do that. I want to see if I can get a read on it, find out where it came from.” They check their watch. “It’s not like anyone’s gonna happen upon it.”
“Anyway, that’s really it. I didn’t see much, and when Jayden finally regained consciousness, he was himself.” I turn to Jay. “Did you remember anything else?”
“Nope. It’s all dark. Cold. Isolating. Darkness.” He shudders.
