No one mentions my dad. No one mentions the boy in jail. At least, not where I can hear them.
Dad’s colleagues are somewhere in the hospital. Police officers. Lawyers. The secretary he’s had since I was a baby. Mom won’t let them near me, but she passes on their well wishes.
At least the doctors speak directly to me instead of going through my mom. They tell me I’m lucky, that my lungs look great—all things considered.
That’s what they say.All things considered.They tell me it’s a miracle I didn’t suffer tremendous burns. That I’m lucky. Blessed even. I need a new T-shirt:Someone tried to kill me, and all I got was this stupid concussion.But the real injuries won’t show up on their scans.
I think they know that.
A knock at the door has Mom putting down her magazine. She raises a brow when Detective Archer walks in, carrying a small bag in one hand. “I thought we agreed: no interviews until tomorrow. She deserves a good night’s sleep before reliving this nightmare.”
Detective Archer stops beside my bed. “I’m sorry, Marie. I tried to put it off, but the chief insists. Your husband was an important man. The DA is pushing for a quick trial.”
At the mention of my dad, Mom loses the little color she had left in her cheeks. She nods and settles back into her chair.
“I actually need a private word with Hannah, if that’s all right.” The detective casts a glance my way as he says my name, but he doesn’t meet my eye. “Please.”
Mom presses her lips into a thin line, but she nods. “Of course, Detective.” She glances at me before she goes. “Can I grab you anything from the cafeteria?”
I shake my head. Food reminds me of Dad, which reminds me he’s gone, which sends me spiraling into despair, and I don'thave time for that right now. When the door closes behind Mom, I stare at the detective. I haven’t forgotten his failures. He may have saved my life, but that doesn’t mean I trust him.
Detective Archer clears his throat and takes a seat in Mom’s chair. “How much have you heard?” he asks, which seems like an odd place to start.
“Not much.”
Archer runs his hands through his hair. “Mr. Hall has been processed and questioned. We’ll know more tomorrow, but the DA is confident she can get the judge to deny bail. He’s going to be in jail a very long time.”
A long time isn’tforever, but I’ll deal with that later. “His parents?”
“They aren’t in Salem. Records show they flew to Florida two days ago, right after the fire. We believe they’re hunting down a family of Blood Witches near Bradenton. We’ll stop them.” Detective Archer finally meets my gaze. “I’m really sorry I didn’t take them out sooner.”
“You should be.” My throat closes, and I force a cough to dislodge the emotion there. “What’s that?”
Detective Archer lifts the bag like he forgot it was there. Color brightens his cheeks. “Lauren asked me to bring this for you. She tried to visit, but your mom sent her away. Cal sends his well wishes, too.” He hands me the bag.
“When were you planning to tell me about Cal? How long has he worked for you?” I remember Cal acting grossed out when I suggested he might find the detective attractive. His reaction makes so much more sense now.
“Mr. Morrissey joined the Council when he turned eighteen. We were paired up when I moved to Salem last month.” Archerleans his forearms on his knees. “Cal’s a big part of how we made it to you fast enough. Without his help, I wouldn’t have finished the tracking spell in time.”
“Can you thank him for me? I don’t think I’ll be at work for a while.” When Archer nods, I shift in my hospital bed and turn my attention back to the gift Lauren sent. My hands shake as I peel away the tape. Inside, nestled among light blue tissue paper, is a small stone on a silver necklace. And a note. “Did you read this?”Is it safe? Can I read this without losing myself? Does she say his name?
“Take your time. I can wait.”
Lauren’s flowing cursive greets me inside the card. My eyes fill with tears before I even read past my name. I blink them back, shove the feelings down as hard as I can, and read:
Hannah,
I’m so very sorry to hear about your loss. I know this isn’t much, but I hope this necklace brings you some small comfort. This black tourmaline stone is from my personal collection, and it has always provided strength when I needed it most. I hope it can do the same for you. If there’s anything you need, anything at all, do not hesitate to ask.
Blessed be,
Lauren
My heart lurches in my chest until it’s hard to breathe. Dad always kept a piece of black tourmaline on his nightstand for protection. It was lost with the rest of our belongings. I grip the necklace tight in one hand.
“Are you okay?”
I glance at the detective. I’d almost forgotten he was here. “Yeah.” I brush the tears away. Though my magic is still missing, I find a small bit of strength from Lauren’s gift. “There’s something you should know. About the Order.”
