Feathermore

Claire’s eyes went from the police “escort” in the rearview mirror to the speedometer. “It’s a really bad idea, Jade,” she said. “You don’t know how he’s going to react or what he may do. What if he decides to expose us? It could turn bad in all kinds of ways.”

  She always knew how to kill any spark of hope I had. I knew she was just being logical—something I should try once in a while—but I just hated lying to him. I didn’t respond to her. Instead, I just stared out the window at the buildings going by.

  “What the hell?” I followed her gaze to the rearview mirror. The police cruiser had its lights on.

  “Is he pulling us over?” I asked, leaning over and checking the speed. We were inside the limit, so what did they want? The siren whooped once, and the cruiser sped around us.

  Claire and I looked at each other, partly in excitement that we had lost our tail for the moment, but dreading what it might mean. Had Lilith struck again?

  Fear seeped onto my bones as I thought of who her latest victim might be. I grabbed the cell phone from the center console and dialed Avan’s number.

  Voice mail.

  “Jade?” Claire said. “Are you all right? You look pale…”