Night Whispers: ShadowLands, Book 1 (37 page)

“You too,
cuate
.”

He walked away from her, but Jules couldn’t stand to stick around and watch. She hurried and got into James’s dinged car, on the passenger side this time. Her tear-fogged eyes wouldn’t let her drive.

Erik drove out of her life with a plume of dust, headed back north. Jules said a quick prayer for the man under her breath. He had suffered enough. Let him find some sort of happiness.

James got in behind the wheel. With one glance, he seemed to grasp her tumultuous emotional state and picked up her hand to squeeze it.

They backed up, turned around and started driving in the opposite direction.

“Will Gabriel be very upset when he hears we let Erik go?” she asked quietly, too low for Carrie to overhear.

“Yeah,” James admitted, using the same almost-whisper. “Until I tell him I gave Erik your van.”

She frowned at him, not understanding. What did her van—?

Her van. Which James had tracked to find her.

She swallowed. He looked so sweet and intellectual and quiet. But he was brilliantly devious. “We can find him.”

“If we need to. If his captors go after him, I want to be able to get to him. Or if we have problems later…” He shrugged. “I’m keeping our options open, is all. I’m surprised he didn’t realize that was why I was giving it to him.”

“We never said how you found me.”

“Yeah. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out. I’m guessing once he thinks about it, he’ll ditch the van. But hopefully we can track him for a while before that happens.”

“Smart man. So I guess we have a long ride ahead of us.”

He glanced at the GPS. “If you don’t mind, actually, I’d like to stop and see some friends of mine.”

“What friends?”

“You’ll see.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Their ride to Raven was uneventful enough, with both of them taking turns at the wheel. That way they only needed to stop for necessity’s sake or to give Carrie a rest when she suffered motion sickness.

She and James had both agreed it was best to speak with the doctor at Raven before discussing Carrie’s not completely human status with her. Other than her eyes, Carrie was exhibiting no further hybrid-like side effects and was recovering quickly, already able to sit upright and eat solid food. She was solemn, but after her illness and saying goodbye to her long-time companion, that was to be expected.

Jules didn’t get nervous until they drove up to the high gates protecting the entrance of Raven Rock. James had driven for the past few hours, both because she was exhausted and he knew the way better, and also because she figured he secretly worried she would bolt if she was in control of the vehicle.

James leaned out of his broken window and pressed the small button on the intercom. “It’s James Bennett. Can you let me in please?”

Static sounded before a deep male voice blared, “Jesus Christ, Bennett. We’ve been worried since we lost contact. Thank God we could keep tracking your car.”

“Hey, Marc. Sorry about that. Had an accident.”

“Or eight,” Jules muttered, which made James smile. The gates were clanging open.

“Let the truck behind me in too, okay?” James said to the intercom.

“Uh. Sure.”

They drove through the gates, the granite walls of the mountains stretching high around them. Jules held her breath as James continued to drive straight toward the largest mountain in front of them. With a loud screech, the gray rock face moved, exposing a steel door. That, too, opened up to welcome them.

If she hadn’t been watching it, she would have missed the exhale of breath James gave as they entered the hidden door. The lines of tension around his mouth and eyes eased, and he subtly relaxed.

He was comfortable here. She remembered what he’d said, about feeling safe within the bunker, and she was abruptly grateful that she hadn’t demanded he go elsewhere with her. Oh, she knew he would have made it work—his strength of will wouldn’t demand anything less—but he wouldn’t have been truly happy.

They drove through a narrow tunnel carved out of rock and lit by dim emergency lights.

“This is crazy,” Carrie whispered, suitably awed.

Jules agreed. The tunnel widened until they reached a car park. He stopped amidst a small row of other vehicles similar to his.

“We have to walk from here,” he murmured.

She nodded, too intimidated to speak. Sanctuary was large, but it was, at heart, a military base. This was a super-secret underground command center, stretching miles below the surface of the earth, a place built during the Cold War. And now she was standing here, about to go inside and meet some people who were the last remaining survivors of the group specially selected to receive protection in the event of worldwide disaster. Her, a former drug addict from one of the poorest neighborhoods in L.A. Crazy was right.

She went to the trunk to get their bags while he picked up Carrie. The two occupants of the truck spilled out, road weary and rumpled. Ben looked around with a frown on his grizzled face while Rose patted her hair and quivered with excitement. Jules knew the other woman was starved for companionship, particularly since she’d been chattering since they’d met.

Their trip had been delayed by a day when they’d stopped at the couple’s place. James had told her that he owed the elderly pair, and he hated to think of them living all alone out there forever.

Jules had liked them on sight, especially since, other than a few questioning looks at Carrie’s coloring, they hadn’t quizzed them about it. Her guy had tried to convince Ben to return with them while she and Carrie had rested, but to no avail. Finally, while eating a delicious dinner, Jules had won the battle of wills with a single question: “If you die, who’s going to look out for Rose?”

“Well played,” James had whispered, as the old man had stomped off to ready their luggage.

“Amateur,” she’d whispered back.

So the couple had come with them, bringing their own vehicle packed with their precious possessions. The extra wheels had been an added safety net for all of them, in the event that James’s vehicle gave up the ghost.

Jules followed him as he picked his way to an unobtrusive elevator. It was almost too small to hold all of them. “It’s best if we all meet Gabriel first,” he said.

Ben grunted. “So we can run if we think he’s shady?”

“Basically,” James agreed. “You can run at any time. Actually, you can walk at any time. No one will stop you.” After emerging from the elevator, they walked to the door at the end of the hall, their footsteps clattering on the stone floor. Jules could see Carrie’s wary gaze taking in the place. James didn’t have to knock. The door opened for them, and they entered.

One man was seated at the desk, while a younger, extremely handsome man stood behind him. Military, Jules thought, judging from the way the younger guy held himself.

Though she had never met him, she instinctually knew that the seated man was Gabriel. His appearance wasn’t nearly as impressive as she’d imagined. He was of average size, in his forties, with salt-and-pepper hair and a lined face. But Jules had an inkling that those world-weary green eyes missed nothing. They flicked over her and Carrie. Jules felt like they’d been assessed and judged in one fell swoop.

Gabriel’s gaze shifted to Ben and Rose. “I thought you were going after one person, James.”

It wasn’t a question, but James answered. “Yes. But plans change. Let me introduce you to Carrie. She was held in captivity by the same people who captured Jules.” He lifted the girl in his arms. She swallowed before giving a feeble wave, which Gabriel returned. James tipped his head to Ben and Rose. “And this is Ben and Rose Reardon. They were kind enough to offer me hospitality on my journey, and I offered to let them stay here if they wished it.”

Gabriel inclined his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. My name’s Gabriel, and this is Marc. He handles our small military.”

Rose gushed. “What a pleasure to meet you! My, this place is amazing. And to think, you’re like the president—”

Gabriel cut her off. “Ma’am, if that’s what James told you, he’s sadly mistaken. I’m nothing more than a wrangler.”

Ben grunted. From what Jules had gathered, that was the man’s favorite method of communication. “Titles don’t matter anymore. Actions do.”

“I fully agree,” Gabriel said softly.

The two men studied each other, and Ben seemed to come to a decision. He gave a short nod. “I can hunt really well, and I’m a fair shot with most firearms. We can pay our way.”

Gabriel shook his head. “We’ll worry about your skills later. Let’s get you settled first. We have barracks at Camp David, but we also have some apartments. The latter have more privacy, so you might be more comfortable. The apartment probably won’t be very big, but…”

“That’s fine,” Rose interjected. “Will we have neighbors?”

“Yes, indeed. On either side.” He leaned forward and picked up a radio. “Kev. Can you please come in here?”

“Yes, boss?” The voice behind them made Jules jump. Talk about efficient. She turned to find a young man behind her. Young, pierced and blond, he had a giant smile stretching his rubber-band mouth.

When Ben and Rose moved aside, he saw James. With a whoop, and ignoring the girl in his arms, Kev leapt to James and hugged him. “You’re back!”

James had to quickly adjust Carrie so she wouldn’t get smooshed. “Hey, Kev.”

“We missed you.” Kev vibrated with excitement, not very different from a nervous puppy. “Oh wow. You brought lots of people.” He took in the ragtag group with a mercenary eye. “How are any of you with technology?”

“Not now, Kev,” Gabriel warned.

The guy finally registered Carrie’s presence, and his attitude changed at being confronted with a female around his age. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Carrie said shyly.

“What’s up with your—?”

“Kev,” Gabriel interrupted. “Could you please take the Reardons to one of the empty apartments at the base? I understand they brought their stuff in their own vehicle, so maybe they could follow you.”

“Sure thing.” Easily distracted, the kid nodded and held the door open. The couple squared their shoulders, linked hands and followed Kev.

James turned to Gabriel and Marc. “Carrie could probably do with a bed while we talk. She’s been pretty sick.”

“I’d rather stay here,” Carrie whispered, too low for Gabriel or Marc to overhear.

Or so she thought. Gabriel responded. “We have a wonderful doctor who would be happy to give you some rest, liquids and food.”

“Will anyone tie me down?” Carrie asked warily.

Gabriel betrayed his amazement with a blink. “Absolutely not. We have some very soft beds in the sickbay. I’ve been in there myself before.”

Carrie’s mouth firmed. “I’m okay. Thanks.”

All three men looked thwarted by her refusal. Mentally, Jules rolled her eyes. Amateurs was right. “Here.” Jules pulled out her closed blade and handed it to Carrie. “Take that.”

Carrie gripped the blade, her thin face relaxing. “Thank you.”

“Use it on anyone who looks at you sideways. Do you mind getting some rest now? We’ll come for you as soon as we can.”

“Okay. But no needles. And I’d rather walk.”

Because it was easier to get away if you were on your own two feet. Smart girl. James didn’t hesitate in lowering her to her feet.

Carrie was shaky, and it looked like every step was costing her. James caught Marc’s eye behind her back. He pointed to his eyes and shook his head, telling Marc not to say anything about Carrie’s eye color for the time being. Marc gave him a thumbs-up and followed Carrie. He didn’t touch her, but his big hand hovered behind her elbow. “The doctor’s seriously nice. Well, to everyone but me.”

Carrie’s response was muffled as the door closed.

The room was silent as they were finally left alone with Gabriel. He studied them with a faint smile. She took a deep breath and clasped her hands together in front of her, unable to keep from tightening them until her knuckles were white.

“Quit shielding her, James.”

James
was
shielding her. As soon as Carrie had left, he’d moved to subtly block her. “She’s scared of you.”

“I am not.” Maybe intimidated, but not scared. She walked out from behind James and stared at the man across the desk, her chin raised.

This is the president.
He may not claim the title, but the subtle mantle of power he wore was undeniable.

His face softened, and he pushed his seat back, coming to his feet. He was so much bigger than she’d initially thought. She held her breath as he walked around the desk.

He was wearing cargo shorts, exposing the length of his legs. As well as the metal prosthesis below both of his knees.

I found Gabriel in the hallway…

Holy shit. James hadn’t mentioned how badly the man had been hurt.

Gabriel leaned against the front of his desk and crossed his arms over his chest. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to meet the infamous Jules. It’s like I’m meeting a hero.”