* * *
After a tear-filled memorial for our friends that evening, there’s a phone call for me.
“Ms. Courtnae, my name is Charles Rhondell,” the voice on the other end of the line says. “I’m Head Reader in my clan and I’ve obtained some information you might be interested in, concerning the safety of your team.”
I politely reply, “Then I think maybe you should be speaking with Chris, the fastest Runner in my group.”
“No, you’re the one I need to speak with, Ms. Courtnae.”
I scan the room looking for Justin. “Me? I’m the weakest. What about Justin?” Justin must have told the Readers about my multiple abilities . . . of all the selfish, arrogant, mindless . . . I will wring his neck!
“I will only share this information with you, Ms. Courtnae.”
“Let me guess: you’ve hired more Hunters.” If Justin didn’t have to be at the delivery, I’d . . . ugh.
“What makes you think we hired Hunters?”
“One told me . . . right before the Shadows got him.”
“You mean you read his mind, don’t you?”
“Interpret how you wish.”
“I’m told you can walk amongst the Demons. If this is true, then you should come to my motel right now so I can give you this information.”
“Why don’t you tell me over the phone?”
“I don’t trust the line. Anyone can tap these days.”
“Good point. I’ll meet you in the lobby in a few minutes.”
“Oh, and Calli, leave the diamond behind.”
“What?” My heart pounds in my chest. He knows! Somehow he knows I’m carrying the real diamond. But how? Maetha said the stone would be protected as long as I kept it in the pouch, which I have.
“Leave the diamond, Calli. My purpose in calling you is not to get hold of the stone. If the Hunters weren’t able to capture it, then we certainly don’t have a chance either. But you’re not the only one who can walk among the Demons. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to swoop in and take the magical stone.”
“Okay. Look for me in a few minutes.” Relief sweeps over me as I end the phone call. He must have assumed because I possess multiple powers, I must be the leader of the Runners’ Clan now. It would make sense in his mind that I would be the one carrying the diamond.
Clara asks, “Where are you going?”
“I’ve got to talk to Justin.”
“It’s dark. Can’t this wait?”
“Nope.”
My blood is boiling. I leave the room and head straight to Chris’s room, hoping Justin is there. With all the readjustments in sleeping arrangements, I’m not sure where Justin is staying. I pound on the door. Jonas opens it a crack.
“Calli. What’s up?”
I can see Justin standing by the far wall. “I need to come in.”
Jonas opens the door and I storm across the room. Conversations come to a halt. My overly-attuned senses locate Chris off to my right. I don’t even need to look with my eyes to confirm. I can smell his scent. Justin realizes I’m here for him and he changes his stance to a defensive posture. I grab him by his jacket front, shove him up against the wall, and press my body against his large frame. He is dumbfounded by my actions—along with everyone else in the room—and doesn’t fight back. I hiss through gritted teeth, “You just can’t keep your mouth shut, can you? Are you carrying a cell phone?” I slide my left hand down across his belly and over the zipped pocket in an attempt to locate a phone. Nothing. “How do you do it? How do you tell people?”
“Tell what?” he whimpers, belligerence for once has drained away.
I push him harder. “My abilities! You told the Mind-Readers didn’t you?”
“They would’ve found out soon enough anyway. I don’t know why you’re all upset.”
I let go of him. “Why would I be upset? Sheez, Justin, you were the one with the Hunter’s target on your head—Hunters sent by the Mind-Readers. Now you sidle up with them and give away vital information?” I turn to leave the room, but before exiting I say, “If I only had half a brain I’d have twice as much as you! You are the muck, Justin!”
Chris follows me out the door. “Where are you going?”
I stop and turn to face him. “I’m on my way to meet with the leaders of the Mind-Readers, thanks to him.” I point in Justin’s direction.
“They might be dangerous,” Chris says. His eyebrows draw together.
“No more than I am.”
“Be careful,” Chris adds before I walk away. I can tell he’s worried and wishes he could go with me.
As I walk in the direction of the other motel, I think about Chris and the fact someone other than my parents and my cheek-squeezing grandma is concerned about my safety.