The kitchen remained dim beneath the warm overhead lights. Rain and blood still scented the brothers’ clothes despite their attempts to clean themselves.
Dax leaned against the counter with his arms folded.
Malakai sat upon a stool where Cole could see him clearly. Cole stood near the sink, supported partly by the counter while he stared into the black windows.
Malakai signed first.
She appeared without a name or history, then saved Cole.
“Witches do not become lost inside protected territory,” Dax said.
Exactly. We still know nothing about her.
Cole set his glass down carefully.
“Would Rhen have allowed her to live if he believed she was an immediate threat?”
Malakai’s expression remained dry.
Normally, no. Tonight, his judgment is compromised.
“He is not acting like himself,” Dax said.
The observation hung between them.
Rhen did not offer patience, mercy, or unexplained gentleness. Yet something about the unknown woman had reached him almost immediately.
Malakai leaned back.
Whatever is happening is not simply repayment for saving Cole.
“Careful,” Dax said.
I am being careful. That is why we investigate quietly.
Cole nodded.
“Without a name, we are blind.”
“Then we find another way.”
Malakai removed his phone.
I asked Rhen for a photograph. If she cannot identify herself, perhaps somebody else can.
Dax reached into his pocket and produced a small bag of cannabis. He began rolling a joint with the practiced ease of someone refusing to treat the end of the world as a reason to alter his habits.
Malakai raised one eyebrow.
In the kitchen?
“We are having a wholesome family meeting. I am establishing atmosphere.”
Dax lit it and inhaled.
Malakai shook his head.
Mary will remove several pieces of you.
