Page 20 of Destiny

Something’s rotten.

And I don’t think it has anything to do with the future lawmakers club, or Jack Murphy, or the clinic where he wants us to get our blood tested.

I think it’s much closer to home than that.

Chapter Six

Ava

“Are you sure about this?” Brendan asks me as we begin the drive up the long winding road to my parents’ house.

“I’m very sure,” I say. “Something’s going on, and I’m done being left in the dark.”

“All right. I suppose we may as well tell your father that his mother is missing tonight too.”

“Yes, we will tell him that. And we will ask my mother about the clinic in Grand Junction where you and your dad are going to get your blood tested. We’ll do all of that. But the first thing we’re going to figure out is why my mother told us not to come over tonight, and why she wouldn’t let me stay last night either. I don’t think for a minute that it’s because my father’s not feeling good. I just saw him last night. He’s fine. He’s never been sick a day in his life except for that panic attack.”

Brendan simply nods as we continue the drive.

I wish I were home. I’d draw a card. Perhaps three cards. Hell, perhaps I’d even do the whole Celtic cross spread—which I almost never use—because right now I need guidance.

Or do I?

Already I know my mother is lying to me.

Perhaps I don’t need the cards after all.

Perhaps all I need is my own brain. My own intuition. My own emotion.

After all…the cards are simply a tool to access those parts of me.

Still, once I’m back at my place, I’ll draw some cards.

For now, I’ll rely on what’s inside me. Ava Steel. Ava Steel has always been Ava Steel. I may not have known my true genetics, but that doesn’t change who I’ve always been.

Brendan pulls up next to one of my parents’ cars and stops the engine. He turns to me. “Ready when you are.”

I clutch the door handle. “Let’s roll.”

We walk to the door, and Brendan raises his hand to knock, but I whisk it away.

“We’re going in.”

“What if the door is locked?”

“I have a key. I know all the codes.”

“All right.”

I open the door, which turns out to be unlocked anyway. No dogs greet us, so they must be outside.

“Mom?” I call.

No reply.

“Dad? Michaela?”

“Is Michaela still here?”

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