Deceitful Circle (Silent Circle Book 2)

by Cassandra Larsen

  “In either case, the pack is responsible and Emerson will agree to the ritual.”

  He tricked me, I realize. Unless we can find irrefutable evidence that the pack had nothing to do with my mom’s death, then I’ll be forced to go through with the blood bond.

  This is his price for helping me. If I can’t prove the pack’s innocence today, then Caiden will expect me to give up on my wild theories and give in to Caroline’s plan.

  Chapter 21

  With the police file in hand, Caiden and I head out to visit the first witness, a Michael Holt. The strained silence between us remains unbroken and there’s nothing either of us can say to relieve it.

  I know he doesn’t want to be doing this; messing with these people’s memories goes against every moral code he has, but he’s doing this because it’s the only way to get me to hold up my end of the agreement.

  With his ability to read emotions, Caiden knows I’m more than a little ticked off about the way he tricked me, but nothing he says will change that. I’ve agreed to the blood bond in exchange for his help today.

  We’re both unhappy, but ultimately, each of us is getting what we want most.

  We pull up to a small, yellow ranch with a neat, manicured lawn. There’s a blue sedan in the driveway, so hopefully Michael will be home. Leaving the case file in the car, we slowly approach the front door and knock. An older man with gray hair answers and smiles at us politely.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I hope so. We’re looking for Michael Holt.” I put on my most charming smile.

  “Well it looks like you’re in luck, young lady. I just so happen to be he.” His eyes twinkle with good humor.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Holt. I’m Emerson Greenwood. I was wondering if we might be able to come in for a moment to speak with you?”

  “Greenwood? Hmm... Have we met before?” Smiling, he holds the door open so we can step inside and leads us to a clean, orderly living room.

  “No, sir, we’ve never met, but I believe you know of my mother.” I look him soberly in the eyes. “It’s actually her that I was hoping to talk to you about.”

  “Well, then, what’s your mother’s name? Perhaps I can help you out.”

  I glance swiftly at Caiden, hoping he’s ready to get into this man’s mind when I start asking my questions, but his brows are furrowed, his mouth turning downwards in frustration.

  I turn back to the man in front of me. “Her name was Elizabeth Greenwood.”

  “Elizabeth...” He says slowly, testing it out. “Hmmm, it’s not ringing a bell, but my memories aren’t what they used to be,” he chuckles.

  “My mother died three years ago. You were one of the witnesses to her death.”

  Shock replaces the humor on his face. “My Lord, I’m so sorry. That poor woman on the bridge... You’re her daughter? Oh my, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a terrible tragedy that was...” He stares off, lost in memories.

  I peek over at Caiden, but he still looks baffled.

  “Yeah, it was terrible,” I say, bringing him out of his thoughts. “I was kind of hoping you could tell me about that night.” Michael looks at me in concern. “After all these years, I feel like I need to get some closure. If you can just tell me what you remember...”

  Sadness clouds his eyes, and he nods somberly. “I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I can tell you what I know. It was an awful night, pouring cats and dogs, some of the back roads completely flooded. I stayed late at the bank I work at, catching up on paperwork I guess. I can’t really remember... but before I knew it, it was past midnight and I packed up to head home.”

  “Do you always work so late?” I interrupt him sharply. He looks at me, startled, and I soften my tone. “It’s just that it seems dangerous, staying so late when the roads were so bad. Honestly, I’m surprised so many people were on the road at that time of night, the weather being what it was.”

  His face smooths out, my explanation easing him. “Yes, well, it was quite a dangerous night to be out. And no, I don’t normally stay so late. I guess I was just so swamped that day... But I can’t say there were all that many people on the road. I think I only passed one other car the whole night.”

  I dart a surprised glance over at Caiden, wondering if he picked up on it too.

  “Anyway,” Michael continues. “I was driving slowly across that old bridge outside of town when I saw this shadow over by the rail. I slowed down even more, trying to get a better look. My headlights swept over the figure and I noticed it was a woman. Her black hair was plastered to her face and she was standing on the wrong side of the railing, looking down at the water. I slammed on my brakes, but by the time I got out, it was too late. She was gone.”

  He pauses to clear his throat. “I called 911, and then there were police and ambulance all over the place, but they weren’t able to find her. The river was just too high that night. I’m so sorry, miss. I tried to get to her in time, but I was too late...” His voice trails off again and he turns his head away.

  I give him a moment to compose himself before asking my next question. “So you don’t remember seeing anyone else that night? No one else on the bridge?”

  He briefly swipes under his eye before turning back to look at me. “No, nobody. Just her.”

  “What about other cars?”

  “Other cars?” His face clouds with confusion.

  “Yeah, other cars on the bridge. You said there was another car that night.”

  “Did I? Oh, that was over in town, when I left work. There weren’t any other cars out. You’d have to have been mad to be out driving in that mess.” He shakes his head sadly.

  “But what about the other witnesses?” I ask, nonplussed.

  “Other witnesses?” His vacant stare makes the back of my neck prickle with alarm.

  “Yeah, the other people who saw her... jump. There were two other witnesses, according to the police. Are you saying they weren’t on the bridge that night?”

  “I...” Michael stares off, his brow furrowed tight in thought. “Other witnesses? I don’t know... I suppose they were there...” He rubs his forehead like he’s in pain.

  “But you didn’t see any other cars?” I press.

  *Em, give it a rest.*

  “No... Other cars?” he mumbles, massaging his temples.

  “Well, we should be going.” Caiden stands up, bringing Michael back to himself. “Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us.” He reaches out to shake Michael’s hand.

  Michael stands up as well, the lost expression fading from his face as he grips Caiden’s hand. “Not a problem, not a problem. I hope I helped.” He turns to me, all traces of his former confusion gone. “I am so sorry for your loss, young lady. I wish there was something more I could do.”

  “Thank you,” I say sincerely. “That means a lot to me. And thank you for telling me about that night. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

  He nods his head and attempts to smile. “Not a problem. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop by. I don’t get many visitors these days, and an old man like me could always use the company.” He smiles at us with genuine warmth before showing us to the door.

  I’m able to bite my tongue until we get to Caiden’s car, but only just.

  “Well?” I burst out as soon as the door is shut.

  “Well what?”

  “Was he telling the truth? He seemed sincere, but there are holes in his story. He must have been hiding something...” I muse.

  “I don’t know.”

  “What do you mean you don’t know?”

  “Just that, I don’t know.” He’s wearing the same frustrated expression he had inside. “I wasn’t able to get into his mind.”

  I stare at him in shock. “At all? Does that happen often?” I ask hesitantly.

  “No. Never. It was like I was locked out. I don’t understand...”

  “Was he blocking you? How could he do that?”

/>   “I don’t think he was blocking me, at least not intentionally... Like I said, I’ve never seen that before.”

  We sit in silence for a few moments.

  “Okay,” I breathe deeply, smothering my disappointment. “So, we don’t know for sure if he was lying, but what about his story? Did you believe him?”

  “He seemed to be telling the truth. I could still read his emotions and he was genuinely sad for you. I think if he knew more, he would have said so.”

  “But what about the cars? He said there weren’t any others on the road, but according to the reports, both Landon’s dad and this other woman, Deborah, were on the bridge at the same time. How does he not remember that?”

  Caiden shakes his head, looking as baffled as I feel. “I don’t know; he was confused. Sometimes when there’s a lot going on, people forget things. It was three years ago after all, and he isn’t exactly young. Maybe he’s developing Alzheimer's or something.”

  “I don’t buy that; he was perfectly lucid the rest of the time. He only acted strange when I asked him about the cars. But before I pressed him, he was adamant that no one else was on the road outside of town.”

  Caiden runs his hands through his messy dark hair. “I don’t know what to tell you, Em.”

  “But it doesn’t make sense!”

  “Maybe not, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” He puts the key in the ignition and starts the car. “Maybe we’ll have more luck with the next one.”

  I get out my phone and navigate us to the address in the reports for Deborah, in the next town. This house is bigger than the last, with a large wrap around porch. I eagerly jump out of the car, hurry to the front door and ring the bell.

  This is my last shot. Caiden has to be able to get inside her mind. That last guy was just a fluke. Caiden will get into her memories and I’ll finally know for sure what happened that night. I’m so close.

  A young brunette opens the door. Perfect. Caiden can’t accuse her of dementia...

  “Hi, I was hoping I could speak with Deborah Hills,” I say, my heart pounding with nerves.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, there’s no one here by that name.”

  My breath leaves my lungs in a gust. No. This can’t be happening.

  “I... I have this address listed as hers,” I stammer, trying to force air into my crushed lungs.

  “I bought this house last year from a Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. I don’t know who Deborah Hills is. I’m sorry, I wish I could be more help.”

  The door closes in my face, taking with it my last chance to find the truth. I’m out of options. As per the agreement I made with Caiden, I’m now supposed to drop it and accept Caroline’s version of events. And I have to blood bond myself to her.

  Devastated, I turn and walk mechanically back to the car.

  “What happened?” Caiden asks.

  “She doesn’t live there,” I answer without looking at him. All my schemes, the risks we’ve taken, all for nothing.

  I wrap my arms around my hollow chest and stare morosely out the window. Searching for the truth these last few weeks, it was almost like my mom was still with me in a way. As long as I was looking for her murderer, it was like she hadn’t died. It gave me something to cling to, some way to keep her memory close by.

  But now that’s over. I will never know exactly what happened to my mom. It feels like I lost her all over again.

  Caiden drives all the way back to my place before he says anything.

  “Em, I’m–”

  “It’s alright, Caid,” I say without looking at him. “You tried. It’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow in school.”

  I escape from the car before I tear up. I vaguely notice my car sitting in the driveway; My dad must have dropped it off before heading back into work.

  I walk inside and find Arianna waiting for me. Right, her shift for guard duty.

  “So, how’d it go?” She asks hesitantly, her eyes roaming my lifeless face.

  “It was a dead end; they didn’t know anything. It’s over.”

  Chapter 22

  My mood doesn’t improve the next day. I can’t stop thinking about the promise I made to Caiden. I gave my word that I’d go through with the blood bond if he went with me to see the witnesses, and even though we didn’t get any information out of them, I still have to follow through on my end of the deal.

  Trouble is, every time I picture Caroline decimating the entire wolf pack, I feel sick to my stomach. I know Caiden says they’re all monsters, but isn’t that what people have been saying about witches for centuries? How can they believe that every werewolf in that pack deserves to die?

  I drive myself to school, but the enjoyment of finally being back in my own car is short lived. By the time I pull into school, the anxiety and dejection is back full force.

  Caiden meets me in the parking lot and scrutinizes my face. I attempt to smile, but I know I’m not fooling him when I feel him checking my emotions.

  “Don’t you know it’s rude to use your powers on someone without being invited?” I try to joke.

  His emerald eyes widen slightly, pink tingeing his cheeks. “How did you know what I was doing?”

  “I can always tell when you’re checking my emotions. I can feel it, up here.” I tap my temple, shrugging.

  “Oh,” he gives an embarrassed cough. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

  “I’m okay. Not great, but,” I shrug again, not having the words to adequately express all that I’m feeling.

  “Okay, fair enough.”

  “Have you told Caroline yet? That I’ll do it?”

  “Not yet. I figured we could go over to her house tomorrow after school. That way you’ll have some more time to think about it, in case you want to change your mind.”

  “I told you I’d do it,” I say, looking away.

  “I know. But I don’t want to force you into anything you’re not ready for. If you’re still sure tomorrow, then we’ll tell her. One more day won’t hurt.”

  He reaches for my hand as we walk in together, and our routine from the past couple days begins.

  Today is marginally better than yesterday, mainly because Caiden’s more cheerful than he was, but I can’t pull myself out of my funk long enough to really enjoy it.

  At least Grayson seems to notice I’m not in the mood for his antics and lays off me for the most part, but I do notice him watching me throughout the day. Time passes relatively quickly and before I know it, I’m headed to detention.

  As Caiden and I walk in, I have to question the intelligence of the school administrators, who decided it would be a good idea to punish two guys for brawling by placing them together in a small, enclosed space.

  Sebastian growls, nearly jumping out of his seat when he sees Caiden’s arm around my waist. Of course, Josh, his ever-ready sidekick, is there to stop him.

  I ignore the two of them, but Caiden pulls me up tighter against his side and stares at Sebastian while we pass.

  Oh joy, this is going to be fun.

  I sneak a quick glance at Sebastian while taking out my History homework. He’s furious, eyes practically glowing, fixed on Caiden. If Josh weren’t here to stop him, Seb would be on Caiden in a heartbeat.

  Caiden returns Sebastian’s glare with a look of his own before taking out his Calc book to study. That’s right, he has a big test tomorrow. I wonder if he ever took Lydia up on her offer to help him study... I banish that thought before I can define the clawing sensation in my gut.

  I focus on my homework to distract myself, but Caiden’s voice sounds in my head.

  *What’s wrong?*

  I look at Caiden quizzically. *What do you mean?*

  *You’re angry.*

  Was I that obvious?

  *Just don’t like the way Sebastian is looking at you,* I say quickly, hoping he won’t sense my white lie. Not even a lie, really. I don’t like the way Seb looks ready to attack him. *He needs to chill out or you’ll both be serving more time ne
xt week.*

  Caiden studies my face for a few seconds, looking deep into my eyes.

  *Well, he’s just going to have to get over it. You two are done, right? He needs to get used to seeing you with someone else.*

  I study his serious expression, my heart beating a little faster. Is he saying what I think he is? My cheeks heat and a corner of his mouth quirks up.

  He searches my eyes another few moments before turning his attention back to his Calc book.

  * * *

  By the time we’re sprung from detention, I’m almost caught up on the mounds of homework that have been piling up. As I walk to the parking lot with Caiden, I want to ask him what he meant earlier, but he needs to get to work and I don’t want to hold him up. Before he gets in his car, he looks at me sternly.

  “Remember, straight home. Arianna’s already there waiting for you.”

  I roll my eyes at his protectiveness. “Yeah, yeah,” I tease.

  He gives me a small smile and reaches for my waist, pulling me in close. “I mean it.”

  “Oh, believe me, I know.” Before I lose my courage, I lean in and brush my lips softly against his. When he doesn’t pull away, I kiss him again, increasing the pressure.

  He holds himself still for a moment, but then, like a dam breaking, he groans deep in his throat and begins kissing me back, winding one hand through the hair at the back of my head.

  I wrap my arms around his waist, running them up his back, feeling his muscles contract under my touch. I get lost in the feel of him, his mouth on mine, his scent and taste.

  Then his cell phone buzzes, jolting us both.

  “Damn,” he breathes, breaking the kiss. “I really need to get to work.” But instead of backing away, he keeps his hands right where they are, holding me flush against his chest. We’re both breathing heavily, pulses racing, unwilling to move.

  After an eternity, he leans down slowly and kisses me once more, his lips soft and sweet against mine.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says, his face inches from my own. “We’ll talk.”

  I catch my breath and nod, forcing myself to step back so he can get in his car. I watch him drive away before heading over to my own car. When I reach the driver’s side door, I glance up and nearly jump out of my skin.