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Resolution settled in my guts. My mother was safe. The scrolls were safe. Phoenix promised he would do everything in his power to keep them from being taken.
A plan began to form, but Phoenix and Voodoo would never approve. I found it unlikely that they would come up with anything that would work better without endangering more people, as he said. With a furtive glance over my shoulder toward the closed door that separated me from the men, I made my decision.
First, I softly passed by the room and down the hall to check on my mom. A quick peek showed she was sleeping, the even rise and fall of her chest my assurance she was okay.
“I love you, Mom,” I whispered. “I’ll be back soon.”
At least I hoped I would.
As silently as I could, I left, then snuck back out and to the front entrance. The entire time I crossed my fingers on finding transportation, because my plan depended on it. If they brought my mom here in her condition, they had to have a vehicle. She’d never have been able to ride a motorcycle.
The main entrance hinges creaked slightly, and I froze, heart pounding. When there was no movement from the room the guys were in, I stepped outside and gently shut the metal door. Relief hit me when I saw a car parked alongside the line of bikes.
“This is dumb,” I argued with myself as I paced by the vehicle. Yet I knew at this point no one was going to look for Niara but me. This would be a lot easier if I had the ability to teleport. It was too bad that wasn’t part of the powers bestowed on my family line.
I took back my early thought. Phoenix was not only going to disapprove of my choice; he was going to be pissed. But I couldn’t leave Niara to the wolves. She wouldn’t do it to me.
Climbing in the driver seat, I flipped the visor down.
Wishful thinking.
After checking all the places I could think of and still coming up with no key, I sighed. Then I wondered. I pressed two fingers over the ignition button and concentrated. Nothing happened, and my shoulders fell.
“Shit!”
A quick glance at the building showed I hadn’t been found out yet. Concentrating again, I focused, pressed the button, and nearly squealed when the car started. Thankfully, it ran quiet. I put it in reverse and slowly backed out. Each little sound it made as it rolled over the crunching gravel made me cringe, sure it would give me away.
Constantly checking my mirrors, I watched for signs that I’d been found out. When there was no movement, I slowly drove toward the gate. I opened it as quickly as I could and closed it as soon as I was through.
Heart slamming up into my throat, I continued watching my rearview.
When I’d gone what I deemed a safe distance, I pushed harder on the accelerator and focused on the road. Trying to wrack my brain for which way she could’ve gone, I was plotting my route. I figured with the condition the shop had been in when I left, I doubted they would be there. Unless what she thought I needed was in the storeroom. If I didn’t come across them on the way, I’d check the shop first, just in case. If she wasn’t there, I’d go to her apartment.
With each mile, I found myself torn between hoping I’d see them pulled off on the side of the road and being afraid I would. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a sign of them. I debated backtracking and checking different routes. But then I worried she might’ve been caught up at the shop or her place and made the decision to try there first.
It seemed to take twice as long as it had when Phoenix and I left, but finally, I was pulling up in front of the shop. I was stunned to see the place looked like it had the last time I saw it. There was nothing that would indicate there had been a massive explosion.
“How in the world?” I questioned.
There was also no sign of Niara’s car. The blinds were pulled, and there didn’t appear to be any lights on inside. I checked the alley, but there was nothing there, so I drove on to her apartment.
Kicking myself for not going there first, I slammed the car in Park when I saw her vehicle in front of her building. I rushed to the stairs that led to her second-story residence. When I reached her apartment and raised my hand to knock, I realized I had absolutely no real plan for when I found her. None.
Shit!
Did I knock? Should I let myself in?
Hand over my mouth, I tried to figure out what to do. I decided surprise was my best option if I needed to rescue her. A little voice screamed that I wasn’t a superhero and to go back to safety. I ignored it and gripped the handle. Visualizing turning the lock, I waited and listened. When I heard the tell-taleclickof the door unlocking, I wanted to jump up and down.
As quietly as possible, I let myself in. Thankfully, no betraying sounds gave me away.
Except when I got inside, all was silent. There was no sign of her or anyone else in the living room or kitchen.
“What the hell?” I whispered.
Still nothing after checking the bathroom and the spare room. Nothing seemed out of place.
Sure I was on a wild goose chase, I cautiously turned the knob on Niara’s bedroom. A gasp escaped unbidden when I saw her and a man, who I assumed was the guy they’d left her with, sprawled on the ground. Blood trickled from a head wound onto the carpet.
