Even from upstairs?—
I recognized it.
McDougal family crest burned into black steel.
My blood ran cold.
Because Caleb only gave those coins to people he trusted with his life.
The stranger looked directly at me through the storm.
Then quietly said:
“My name is Commander James Callahan.”
Lightning flashed violently across the yard.
And the man added:
“But your brother calls me Rook.”
43
FELICITY
Oh.
Oh, this man was dangerous.
Not in the wild, unstable way Vaughn’s people were dangerous.
Not cruel.
Not chaotic.
Commander James “Rook” Callahan looked dangerous the way hurricanes looked dangerous.
Controlled.
Precise.
Certain destruction if pushed too far.
Rain poured over him in sheets while lightning illuminated the driveway in violent flashes.
Tall.
Massive.
Broad shoulders beneath a black jacket soaked dark from the storm.
And his eyes?—
God.
Cold gray steel.
The kind of eyes that looked like they’d seen terrible things and survived anyway.
