Callon laughed, and clasped my shoulder.
“It’s definitely been awhile,” he said. “Enjoy your vacation?”
“Sure did,” I grinned. “Though I’m glad to be home.”
“Of course,” Callon said. “Come on, Daniel’s waiting in the truck.”
My eyes lit up. I’d not seen Daniel in ages, not since he went back to Ireland to look after the estate. We’d have a lot of catching up to do.
Callon led the way out of the arrivals lounge and into the pick-up zone. The area was packed with cars, jeeps, suitcases and trolleys, though I soon spotted the familiar truck near the terminal entrance. It looked more battered than I remembered.
Daniel was at the wheel, and he waved out the window as he saw us approach.
“Long time no see, bro!” he called, tilting his fedora back so I could see his face.
“Likewise!” I said, hurrying up and grasping his hand. “How’s Ireland treating you?”
“Same old, same old,” Daniel said. “It’s real quiet without you guys there. I’m glad you called me over!”
“This isn’t going to be all fun and games, you know,” Callon said, throwing my suitcase in the back. “While it is good to see you both, I didn’t only call you back for a reunion. We’ve got an important job to do.”
“Oh, right, that girl,” I said, climbing into the back seat. “You going to tell us a bit more, or shall we wait for the surprise?”
“Just wait, oh patient one,” Callon answered, jumping in beside Daniel. “It’s a long story.”
“I’m listening,” I said, kicking my feet up on the seat.
Callon waited until Daniel pulled out and started towards the highway, before he sighed.
“It all started with a letter I received last week,” he began. “It asked me to meet with Dex and Lilly at the old cemetery. When I got there, I met a couple named Gene and Alexis Wilson. They’re from the Coltooro clan.”
“Right,” I said. “And they wanted your help?”
“Yes. They asked me to keep watch over their daughter, Cheyenne, as she nears her twentieth birthday.”
“She’s Timeless?” Daniel broke in. Callon nodded. “But why’re they asking you to help? And why’d you want us here, too?”
“It isn’t that simple,” Callon went on. “Cheyenne isn’t their real daughter, she’s adopted. And I’m pretty sure they’re hiding something about the identity of her birth parents.”
“Oh?” I sat forward. “What makes you say that?”
Callon reached into his pocket and drew out a photograph.
“Take a look at this,” he said, “and tell me if she reminds you of anyone.”
Puzzled, I grabbed the photo and studied it carefully. A teenage girl was standing in a stream sheltered by the mountains, the wind teasing her hair and a broad smile on her lips. Her eyes were a brilliant blue, matching the sky above. I stared for a while, admiring her simple beauty. She looked so innocent…
“She doesn’t look familiar,” I said, handing the picture back. “Why?”
“…it’s nothing,” Callon muttered. I frowned.
Callon, don’t get evasive on me. Why would you ask otherwise?
Callon sighed.
It was just something Lilly mentioned, is all.
My eyes narrowed.
What? What did she say?
Callon didn’t respond. For a moment I was tempted to bug him further, but then I thought better of it. I knew my brother too well—he wouldn’t hesitate like this without a reason. It could only mean he wasn’t sure of his suspicions yet.
As Daniel turned off the highway, I glanced out the window, watching the trees drift by.
This was definitely going to be complicated.
It was late evening by the time Daniel pulled into the drive of Callon’s house. He’d had the garage door repainted gray, and the roof tiles looked new, too. The other thing I noticed was the severe lack of motorbike, and I frowned. I’d spent two long summers fixing that thing up. It had better be sitting in the garage.
I dragged my suitcase from the back and stepped out of the truck. Callon followed me, and went to open the garage door. As Daniel drove the truck inside, there was no sign of the bike anywhere.
Where’s the bike? I asked.
Callon swallowed.
Just took it in for a tune up, he answered. Ran into some…engine trouble.
I rolled my eyes. He’d probably crashed it into a ditch somewhere.
Daniel tossed the keys to Callon, who caught them. He unlocked the front door, and we stepped after him into the hall.
“Wow, you’ve decorated,” I said, glancing at the paintings and new light fittings. Even the floor was a lighter shade than I remembered. “Overseeing the war’s been that uneventful, huh?”
“Something like that,” Callon said, heading into the kitchen. “You want anything?”
“No thanks,” I said, striding to the front room.
“I’ll have a soda,” Daniel said, edging past me and grabbing the television remote. I flopped onto the couch, enjoying the soft leather. There was also a new stereo unit and a glass coffee table, though the rug by the fireplace remained the same. Still, even with the newer furniture, this place felt homely. Something I’d not thought I’d miss as I’d been travelling across the globe.
It was good to be back with family.
Callon entered, holding a bag of potato chips and Daniel’s soda. He sat on the footstool in front of the fireplace, handing Daniel his can. Then he flicked Cheyenne’s photograph onto the coffee table.
Daniel leant forward, taking off his fedora.
“So that’s Cheyenne?” he asked, taking a sip from his drink. “She’s cute.”
“And facing a lot of danger she doesn’t even know about,” Callon added. “Protecting her is going to be quite a challenge.”
“How old is she?” I asked.
“Seventeen. She’ll be eighteen next summer.”
“Still has a few years to go then before she transforms,” I commented. “She’s going to be pretty vulnerable.”
“There’s a good chance the Tresez already know about her, too,” Callon said. “That’s why Gene and Alexis came to me.”
“But why did they run straight to you?” I asked. “Surely they could’ve got their own clan to pitch in, rather than asking the acting clan regent. Seems a bit much to get you involved from the start.”
“Apparently they’ve stayed away from other Timeless since they adopted Cheyenne,” Callon said. “Even Dex didn’t really know them that well, and he’s their clan leader.”
I chewed my lip. Now that was odd.
“That’s why I did some research,” Callon continued. “Though while it’s strengthened my suspicions, I still can’t actually prove anything.”
“Is that why you asked me about the photo?” I said.
Callon rested his hands on his knees.
“When I was first shown the photograph,” he said, “Lilly was with me. And her initial impression was that Cheyenne looked an awful lot like Qaysean, the late leader of the Kvech clan.”
My eyes widened. I scanned the picture again, checking each detail over. Though I’d only met Qaysean twice, I did remember his features, and the girl did seem to share his skin tone and facial build.
“You don’t think…” I trailed off. This was too dangerous to talk aloud. You don’t think they’re related?
I dismissed it at first, also, Callon said. Now I’m not so sure.
But if he and Sahara had a daughter, Dex would’ve known about it, I argued. And Marcus would’ve hunted her down and killed her.
Don’t be so sure, Callon answered. It’s entirely possible that Sahara and Qaysean gave Cheyenne to Gene and Alexis on purpose. Marcus would never have suspected them, and if Dex didn’t know either, that would leave fewer people to spill the secret. Marcus couldn’t track her down if he never knew she existed.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Daniel blurted, abandoning his ch
annel-hopping to join the conversation. You really think Cheyenne could be Kvech?
That’s something we’re going to have to find out, Callon replied.
But how? I asked.
Callon shrugged.
We’ll have to see what comes up, I guess. It wouldn’t surprise me if this is why Gene and Alexis aren’t comfortable disclosing the whole truth.
I raised an eyebrow.
Don’t they trust you?
I think it’s more they don’t want unwelcome ears listening, Callon said. I can’t blame them. You saw what happened with that Laundess traitor. Besides, if Cheyenne really is Qaysean and Sahara’s daughter, that opens a whole host of possibilities, even without the risk of the Tresez finding her.
I nodded, knowing this would make things very complicated. For the Kvech had an agreement with our clan, the Consilador, in that any daughter of the Kvech would be betrothed to the Consilador leader. And right now, Callon had enough to worry about without that extra burden.
Daniel sighed.
I can see why you wanted us to help out, he said, putting his feet up on the table. So what’s the plan, boss?
Callon closed his eyes briefly.
First, we need to decide how we’re going to keep an eye on Cheyenne without making her freak out, he stated. I thought the easiest way would be to have one of us enroll in her school. That way, at least someone will be with her for a good part of the day. And she’ll be more willing to listen later if we can build a friendship with her now.
Not thinking of enrolling yourself, are you? I snickered.
Callon frowned.
And what’s wrong with that? I could pass for seventeen.
Not with the way you talk, Daniel chuckled. And you’d blow your cover the minute you had a biology class, Doctor O’Shea. He rubbed the back of his neck. Why not me? I’m the youngest, I’d fit in the best.
Maybe, but you’re hardly suited to protect her if something happens, Callon countered. You can’t just jump in public, and you won’t be able to fight off a pack of Tresez if they corner you.
Daniel looked disappointed. I patted his shoulder in sympathy.
Callon doesn’t mean it like that, I said. I know you want to help, too. But he’s right. If the Tresez suddenly appear, you’ll only frighten Cheyenne if you jump her out of danger. We have to keep our powers secret until she learns the truth.
Yes, Callon nodded.
So let me be her friend, I said. I mean, let’s face it. I’ve got the most experience with women here. I can earn her trust, so when the time comes, she’ll have the strength to face her future.
Daniel almost choked on his soda.
Oh yeah, you definitely have a way with the ladies, he said, his humor returned. You could charm the pants off a wardrobe if you tried.
Laughing, I threw a cushion at him. Daniel jumped, and appeared in front of the television. Callon smiled.
Maybe you’re right, he conceded. I admit I’m not exactly the most approachable type. Then his gaze hardened. But don’t play any games with her, Colt. If it turns out she really is Qaysean’s daughter, there’s a bigger destiny waiting for her than you could possibly imagine.
I snorted.
Geez, lighten up, Callon. You’re making it sound like I’m a bad influence.
I’ve had to pick up too many of your pieces in the past to think otherwise, Callon answered. Don’t forget, you’re going to have Cheyenne’s mom to deal with, too. You mess with her daughter’s heart, and you’ll have to mess with Alexis. And she’ll be more brutal than anything I could ever hope to do to you.
Yeah, yeah, I said, resting my hands behind my head. You’ve laid it on thick enough. No games, I promise. I won’t play with her heart.
I’ll hold you to that, Callon said.
He stood up and wandered into the study. Moments later he was back, carrying a stack of papers. Well, now that’s sorted, guess we’d better go through the paperwork and get you enrolled.
Hasn’t the semester already started? Daniel asked, downing the last of his soda.
Only just, Callon replied. I’m sure we could fit Colt in as an overseas transfer. Anyway, I’ve talked with Gene, and he’s told me which classes Cheyenne is taking this year. Apparently she wants to study journalism.
I scanned through the forms. Calculus, English, History, Spanish…it didn’t sound too bad.
Should be fun, I said. So, where do I sign?
Sandpoint Charter High was a medium-sized school, around twenty-five miles from the house Callon planned to rent out for us. That deal was almost done; we were just waiting for the landlord to finalize the contract. The house was also fairly close to the Wilson’s residence, which meant I’d be able to drive Cheyenne home, too. The only downside was that the area was close to a forest—an ideal place for Tresez to lurk around.
Good thing I was going to enroll, then.
Daniel parked the truck a short way up the road, and together we headed for a redbrick building at the back of the campus. That was where we were supposed to meet the principal for a student interview.
Our story was simple. I’d flown over from Ireland as my ‘dad’—played by Callon—had started a new job in the area, and was going through something of a messy divorce. He’d only just won custody over me, hence the delay in starting on time with the new term.
Callon was dressed in a suit and tie, and it was all I could do to keep a straight face as we walked across the lawns. Daniel, too, was grinning more widely than usual. Callon hated dressing up, and I could almost hear him cursing as he fiddled with his collar yet again. He always said suits made him look old. But then, that was the point. He was supposed to pass off as my dad.
We were warmly greeted by a red-haired secretary, and I had to resist flashing my award-winning smile at her. I was supposed to be seventeen, not two hundred and twenty-three. Callon accepted a cup of coffee, while Daniel and I contented ourselves with some water. We sat in the waiting room outside the principal’s office, waiting to be called inside.
You look smart, Dad, I said, stretching my legs out.
Yeah, Daniel chipped in. Gray suits you.
Callon’s lip curled.
Can it, both of you, he snarled. The sooner we get this over with, the better. And don’t say anything stupid.
Daniel and I exchanged a conspiring glance, and we chuckled. It’d been ages since we’d had the chance to wind Callon up. I was going to milk this for all it was worth.
The office door opened, and a chubby man with a balding head stepped out.
“Mr. O’Shea?” he asked.
“Doctor,” Callon replied automatically. I rolled my eyes, taking to the role of embarrassed son.
“Oh, do forgive me,” the man said. He shook Callon’s hand, and gestured to his office. “Please, come in.”
We followed ‘Dad’ inside, and took a seat in front of the desk. The wall behind was stuffed with books and ornaments, and a green lamp stood beside the window. Outside I could hear students chatting as they moved classes, and I wondered if Cheyenne was down there.
“So, which one of you is Colt?” the principal asked, taking a handkerchief and wiping his head.
“Me,” I said, sitting straighter. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
“A pleasure,” the principal said. “I’m Principal Scott.”
He stuck out his hand, and I took it firmly.
“Welcome to Sandpoint Charter High,” he beamed. “I hear you’ve only flown in from abroad recently?”
“Ireland,” I said. “Dad wanted to bring me here as soon as possible.”
“Really? That’s quite a distance,” Principal Scott said. “You don’t seem to have much of an accent though.”
“We’ve had to move around a lot,” Callon said, as I opened my mouth to answer. “I’m still doing residencies, you see. And he was with his mother back home.”
“Ah,” Principal Scott nodded. “Well, your son should find it easy to settle in here.” He glanced to Daniel
, and raised an eyebrow. “What about your other son? Do you want to enroll him as well?”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Callon replied. “Daniel’s got behavioral issues, and doesn’t do well in a classroom environment. I’m having to home school him at the moment.”
Daniel’s eyes filled with laughter, and he turned his head away. Even I had to stare at my lap, fighting the urge to break into hysterics.
The principal blinked.
“Oh, I see.” He cleared his throat. “So, um, do you have the remaining papers?”
“Of course.” Callon handed over a plastic file. Principal Scott briefly checked through them, before he nodded.
“Everything seems in order,” he said. “Colt, you start Monday. Come by my secretary’s office when you arrive, she’ll give you your schedule, and she’ll organize one of the students to be your mentor while you get used to the new surroundings.”
“Thanks,” I said, though I already knew which classes I was going to take, as they’d be the same as Cheyenne’s. I wasn’t particularly worried about the subjects, as I had a pretty broad knowledge, anyway. Though it would be weird doing homework and assignments. Maybe I’d be able to use it as an excuse to hang around Cheyenne even more…
“Well, it was lovely meeting you all,” Principal Scott said. He shook hands with us all. “I look forward to seeing you Monday.”
“I’m excited to start, sir,” I said.
“My secretary should be able to give you a brief tour now,” he said.
“Cool,” I said.
We said our goodbyes and headed out into the corridor again. The red-head appeared, and flashed a smile at Callon that bordered on flirtatious. Callon ignored her, and we followed as she led us back outside. There she took a left, and showed me the main building where I’d have my classes. Next came the sports complex, which included a basketball court, tennis courts and football fields, and then the science and I.T. department.
The whole tour took about fifteen minutes, and I was actually quite impressed with the facilities available. There was a good variety of things going on, which meant I could sign up for different activities to keep an eye on Cheyenne on the days she stayed late. I couldn’t mimic her too closely; that would just be creepy.
Fated, A Timeless Series Novella (A Timeless Series Companion Novel) Page 4
