Page 60 of CHASE: Captive to the Dark

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

“No, thank you. This for the best. Father...” He narrowed his eyes even more. “Chase has had a hard life. I can see why he latched onto you. I really can. He’s never had anyone. Hell, he’s never let himself get close enough to allow anyone in. You,” his head shook and he paused. “You awoke something in him. Or maybe the loss of memory did. Either way, he took to you like he took to religion. Which was with his heart and not his head. He always leapt and then looked.”

I blinked past the tears and turned to stare outside.

“You can’t handle this life anyway. Not as his…partner, or whatever it is the two of you have. This is definitely for the best.”

I could have argued. A part of me felt the need to. He didn’t know me or what I’d been through. He hadn’t seen the connection Chase and I shared. How perfect we could be together if these outside forces weren’t screwing with his head. Instead, I pointed to the fork in the road. “Head that way. I have to stop by my room and grab my things before we go to the airport. It’s not far. Only a few minutes away.”

Palo headed in the direction and regardless of being away from Chase’s home, I couldn’t stop watching the reflection behind us. Would I always be looking over my shoulder, expecting him to be there? Would I wish he was? It was ridiculous, but even now I wished he’d come for me.

The motel I’d been staying at came into view and I sighed as we pulled in. I didn’t have the key to make it into my old room. As Palo put the truck in park, I got out, heading to the office. The older woman who’d checked me in rested behind the desk and smiled as I came forward.

“I was wondering what happened to you.”

I forced a smile, resting my hands along the counter. “Sorry, I got caught up visiting friends. You wouldn’t happen to have my bags, do you?”

“They’re in the back. Let me get them for you.”

I nodded, hugging my jacket tighter. I’d been cold for so long, I didn’t doubt it was permanently embedded in me. Heat. Yes, I needed to get back to Florida. To the sun and beaches and forget I ever came in contact with mountains, trees, and shadows. The scenery was darkly beautiful, just like he was. Would I ever be afraid of the pitch black again? I didn’t think so. It wasn’t about Peter anymore. All I saw in those last days was Chase.

“Here you go.”

The woman wheeled out my suitcase and I grabbed the handle, pausing before I turned away. “You wouldn’t happen to have any messages for me, would you?”

“Actually.” She headed back around the desk, flipping through a small notepad. “Yes, right here. The man didn’t leave a name, just a number.”

“May I?” I pointed to the phone sitting on the desk. Cell coverage wouldn’t work here. I knew that.

“Oh, yes, go ahead.”

Without thought, I tore the page free of her book and dialed the number, shoving the paper into my pocket. Ringing filled my ear and a familiar voice echoed through.

“You’ve got some explaining to do. Whatever made you think to come here?”

Relief was quickly doused by the anger he caused. “I thought you were dead. What do you think I’m doing here?” I asked lowly. “You go missing, then Rory. I freaked out. “Then…” I couldn’t say his name yet. “I can’t really talk right now, Jim. I’m headed to the airport. Tell Uncle Abe I’m sorry if I created a mess here. I should have never come.

Jim let out a deep breath. “You can’t leave yet. We have to try to get Rory back. I can’t do this without him. I’m in over my head.”

My jaw tightened and I brushed my hair back, trying to get my mind off the lightheadedness. I needed food. Something to give me strength.

“You made a mistake by ever getting mixed up with him. Rory’s bad news. I could have told you that. Now you have to do this on your own. Or…let Chase.” My body shivered as his name left my tongue. Putting the two of them together brought reality to a different scope. Although I’d heard the priest’s name a handful of times, I never knew he was involved in the church. Or that he was even around anymore. Jim didn’t tell me much. Hell, I really didn’t know him. Aside from a few family reunions while growing up, we weren’t close. It wasn’t until his trip to Florida a few years back that we connected again. It’s where he met Rory.

“I don’t know what is going on between the two of you, Jim, but he’s more than ready to take care of things. If you’re hiding because you’re afraid of these attackers too, go to him. He’ll help you.”

“Maybe I will,” he said lowly. “Who’s taking you to the airport?”

“Palo.”

He got quiet. “Let him drop you off in the front. I’ll be there waiting.”

My head shook and I tried to peer through the cracked blinds. “I’m not staying. I’m going home. Anything you need to know I can tell you over the phone. I have to go.”

I hung up, throwing the lady my best grin possible. “Sorry…and thank you.” I took the handle, walking to the truck at a fast pace. Palo climbed out, taking it from me to lift in the back. As we climbed in, impatience filled me. I had to get out of this town. Ever coming here was a mistake to begin with. I was done with Rory, done with Jim. I was the biggest magnet to trouble there was. If I didn’t break myself free of everyone involved, I’d surely be brought down with all of them.

The truck roared to life and the silence lasted as we headed through town and back into the remote part of the mountains. So many question kept plaguing me and I longed for some sort of understanding. Not only of who these people were, but what was going on in this town. I knew it was best to let it go, but I found myself continually turning to Palo.

“What is it, Kit?”

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