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“Because there was with the other three.”
Crap. Telling him might be enough to scare him away. But then again, if he was getting involved, he had a right to know. “I went out with him a few times.”
David stopped on the boardwalk, tilting his head to the side. “Why was he killed?”
“Why were any of them killed?”
“I’m asking you.”
“Why do you think I know?”
His eyes narrowed. “I’m not a fool, Ellie. Please don’t treat me like one.”
“You are the last person on earth I would ever suspect of being a fool.” I meant it.
“So why were they killed?”
“As punishment. For me.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I wished I could retract them. I started walking again.
David sensed my reluctance and thankfully didn’t press the issue, not that I presumed he’d let it drop. He was just biding his time. I was learning that it was something he did a lot.
I led him between the New Moon and the retail shops that faced the sound. My apartment was in the back, the last unit on the third floor. We climbed the exterior wooden steps to my porch. When we reached the landing, I wasn’t sure whether to curse or be thankful.
Collin had redone the marks.
David stared at the door, his mouth open in wonder. “You have to tell me what this means.”
“I don’t have to tell you anything.” I said, snippier than I’d intended. I rubbed my forehead with the back of my hand. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I’m tired. I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks.”
“Why not?”
“My sleep has been riddled with nightmares.”
I could see he wanted to ask me about my dreams, but instead he turned his attention back to the door. “You’ve already told me the symbols are there for protection, and I know you don’t want to tell me what you’re protecting yourself from. But if you were to indulge me with an explanation of their meaning, it might jar a memory about Ahone.”
I shook my head with a smirk. “Well played, David. Fine.” I pointed to the corners and started with the explanation Collin had given me. “The stars and the moon in the corners represent nighttime, which is when I need the most protection. The sun is on either side. This asks the sun to provide its far-reaching power to the night.” I pointed to the symbols on either side of the sun. “Next are lightning and rain, representing the air. They are placed on either side of the sun. This asks the sun and the night to provide me protection from the wind—” I stopped short of addinggods. I stared at the center of the design. Collin had added his sign of the land. The only symbol needed for the protection code to be complete was mine for the sea. I bent down and grabbed the piece of charcoal I kept hidden in a flowerpot. “The symbol in the center represents what’s being protected. What’s there now is the symbol for land, but it’s incomplete.” I added my wave symbol to all four sides. “I am the sea.”
When I stood back and looked at the door, the charcoal still in my hand, I waited for him to respond in some way.
He was silent for so long I wondered if he’d been enchanted. Finally, he licked his upper lip. “I have so many questions that I don’t know where to start. And I’m far from sure you’ll answer any of them.”
“Go ahead and try.”
“Where did you learn all of this?”
“The other Keeper.”
His head pivoted toward me. “The other what?”
“Keeper. His name is Collin Dailey, and he’s a descendant of Manteo. These symbols have been passed down from generation to generation. He’s the one who first put them on my door. His symbol is the land.”
“The land and the sea?”
“When his symbol joins with mine, it provides additional protection.” I paused. “But I’m not ready to tell you that part yet.” I was surprised I’d told him the Keeper part.
“How can you be sure he’s a real descendent of Manteo? There are no recorded relatives. He could be duping you.”
I put the charcoal back into the pot and pulled my keys out of my purse. “Wondering whether Collin is a real Manteo descendant is the least of my worries. But trust me that he is. I have all the proof I need.” I put the key in the lock and pushed open the door.
