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She nodded. "There aren't many vampires in North America. If he's one of us, I should recognize him."
After we all returned to the cell block, I led Cassandra down the hall toward the remaining captive. As we walked, I tried to think up a way to keep Cassandra from accompanying Clay and me on our search for Winsloe. I didn't want her there. Winsloe was mine. I owed him for every thing he'd done, every thing he'd threatened to do. His death would be a private matter, something I would share only with Clay.
We arrived at the cell before I came up with a plan. Cassandra took one look at the man inside and blinked. Hard.
"You know him?" I asked.
She paused, seeming to debate whether to lie. "He's a vampire."
I interpreted that to mean she did know him. "Is he dangerous?"
"Not really. Not very useful either. I wouldn't be in any rush to release him. He'll only get in the way. We can come back later."
She turned to go. I grabbed her arm. Her skin was cool to the touch, like someone who'd spent the day in an air-conditioned office.
"What if something happens and we can't release him later?" I said. "Or is that a chance you're willing to take, like when I was being held captive?"
The words were out of my mouth before I realized it. Cassandra turned and studied my face.
"So Clayton told you," she said. "I'd have thought he'd want to spare your feelings. It wasn't like that, Elena. You're a werewolf. A warrior. A bright, resourceful warrior. You didn't need my help to escape. There was nothing I could have done."
"And the others? You counseled them not to help me. To let me rot here."
Cassandra sighed. "It wasn't like that, Elena."
"And the thing with Clay? Making a pass at him before my side of the bed was cold?"
"I wouldn't call it a 'pass.' Clayton is a very intriguing man. Perhaps I was a little too intrigued, but you can hardly blame me for that. Now you're back. He's your man. I respect that. You needn't worry about me."
I smiled, baring my teeth. "Trust me, Cassandra, I wasn't worried." I glanced at the man in the cell. "But I am concerned for this poor guy. I'm letting him out."
Cassandra blanched, then quickly recovered her composure. "Suit yourself."
She turned and headed down the hall, walking faster than I'd ever seen her move. Fleeing the scene? Hmmm.
I opened the cell door. The man turned and gave me a wary once-over.
"Yes?" he said, polite but cool.
"Hi, I'm Elena." I extended my hand. "Your rescuer for today."
"Oh?" Still cool. Brows arching. No effort to shake my hand.
"You want out?" I asked.
He smiled, a touch of warmth defrosting the chill. "Actually, I was getting quite comfortable here, but if you insist, I suppose I could tear myself away."
"We have an old friend of yours with us. She's eager to see you."
"Friend?"
"Cassandra ... I'm not sure of the last name. Auburn hair. Green eyes. Vampire."
"Cassandra?" His eyes narrowed. "Where?"
"Right down that hall."
I leaned out the door. The man brushed past me and marched into the hall.
