Empath (Book 1 of The Empath Trilogy)

  Ch. 50

  The next morning, again before dawn, my eyes opened and rested on my hand lying in front of me. It was clasped loosely within a pale one. I studied the way they looked together before stretching into the body behind me. It seemed strange that when we went home I would be settling back into college life again. I wanted to finish school and liked it a lot, although after the few weeks I’d just had, it seemed anti-climactic to go back to books and a degree I wasn’t sure I’d live to use. I sighed. Maybe we could go abroad while I studied in another country. Being overseas with James had reawakened a travel bug I’d buried when dad had retired. Initially, I had thought England or France would be good candidates for study, but now Scotland held the most interest for me. I wondered if James was tied to Minneapolis with work.

  His chest rumbled with a playful growl. “Are you trying to get my attention?”

  “No,” I realized that was only partially true and blushed. “I was just thinking about school. It’s going to be kind of boring after this. Have you ever thought of going abroad?”

  We were interrupted by a knock at the door. James untangled himself from me and got up. Sitting up and clutching the sheet over my bare body, I watched tensely as he grabbed a bathrobe off a hanger in the closet. I couldn’t help but stare at his figure as he strode away. Sensing it, he shot me a look over his shoulder, I saw the hint of a smile before he turned back to answer the door. It was out of my sightline so I listened closely.

  A thick Scottish accent spoke first, “A message was left for you sir.” I heard paper rustle and the door closed.

  James walked slowly back into my view as he came down the hallway from the door, staring at the elegant cream stationary in his hands with a gold “M” emblazoned on the front. Looking up at me, I saw the tension in his face. “It’s from Miranda.”

  Brow furrowed, he came over and sat next to me on the bed. With a smooth, practiced motion, his finger slid under the envelope flap and he steadily withdrew the note card. We both studied the script for a moment. It was on my third time reading it that the words finally registered.

  James-

  We enjoyed meeting your Claire. Keep us apprised of any developments, we are watching the situation with great interest. We look forward to meeting with the two of you again.

  Regards,

  Miranda

  “Developments?” I mumbled, confused, as I started to breathe again. “What does that mean?”

  James was unconcerned. “The Court knows we’re looking into Milwaukee, which has led us to Bradley. And now Bradley’s coven knows we’re watching them, the Court as well. Henry wanted to fire a warning shot, if nothing else to let Bradley know he has an audience and to be careful not to overstep.” Frowning he added, “And I would assume we have an audience now as well.”

  Realizing we’d done what we needed and were really in the clear for now, I offered him a grin. “We still have a few hours before we have to leave. Let’s go out and say good-bye to my new favorite city.”