“Lucky me. How’d you know we needed to leave?”
“You told me.”
Kaylyn hunched forward and rested her chin on her fist. “Like I told you about the hotel last night?”
“Yes.” He reached his hands behind his neck to undo his necklace—a black leather cord with a small, rustic, Celtic cross hanging from it. “My mother made two of these. She never told me what it’s made from, or how she did it, but it protects its wearer against spiritual attacks. You should probably wear it for a while.”
Kaylyn couldn’t manage words. Her brain couldn’t—or didn’t want to—comprehend the current turn of events. Jonah fastened the necklace around her neck, and she brushed her fingertips against it as the cold metal graced her chest. “It’s cold.”
“It always is,” Jonah nodded, but before he could explain anything further, Cole had pulled up and was running up the driveway toward them.
“Kaylyn! What the hell is going on, you’re not answering your phone and then,” she waved at the house. “And—”
“Phone is in there.” Kaylyn mumbled, hoping that her sister would stop flailing around like a maniac. “I had a rough night—don’t ask. My keys are locked in my car. Jonah happened by and was bringing me to get my spare and… boom.”
“Aren’t those the clothes you wore home from the hospital?”
“Please, Cole, just don’t ask.”
Cole glanced between her sister and her boss, “You only say that after drunken sexcapades… please don’t…”
Kaylyn blinked, only able to talk after she heard Jonah clear his throat beside her. “Cole! He already thinks I’m incompetent, and this isn’t helping.”
“It happens to us all.” Jonah chuckled. “I just can’t image the shape the poor man would be in once you got through with him.”
Kaylyn wanted to disappear from sight, or at least find a way to cover her blazing red face, so the sound of approaching sirens came as a relief.
“I’ll call Dan and have him put together a place for you to crash,” Cole offered.
“You have a tiny house, and Daniel’s brother’s already staying there. I’m not much for crowds…”
“Aicil has a few holdings,” Jonah intervened, “I can arrange for something temporary.”
“Fine,” Cole sighed, shoving her hands into the pockets of her fitted jeans. “But we should still pick up some essentials for you.”
Stop managing me, Kaylyn yelled silently. “I will as soon as I get my car.”
“Geez, Kay, I’m trying to help! A thank you once in a while would be nice, or at least a little less attitude.” Cole stormed off to her car and leaned back against the driver’s door to watch the firefighters buzz around the house.
Kaylyn leaned back on her free hand, and Frank tightened around her wrist as if the situation was getting to him, too. She glared at Jonah when he moved to stand. “If you say a word…”
“You seem to be doing just fine beating yourself up. Go talk to her. I’m going to talk with the fire chief.”
Kaylyn peeled the snake off and put him back in the cage, closing the top firmly before leaving him unattended. Then, she made the very long and awkward twenty-five foot walk to Cole’s car. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re maddening sometimes, Kay. You always have something snarky to say, but you never tell anyone what is really bothering you.”
Getting it from all sides today. Maybe it wasn’t so ironic that she kept getting the same lecture. “I know, and—”
“And normally I can deal with it, but for the last few weeks… you’re worrying me.”
Kaylyn nodded, “Things have been rough, and I haven’t been dealing with it very well. Maybe the doctor had a point. But, stuff like this,” she waved her hand toward her house, “keeps happening.”
“Maybe you should take a break.”
“I need to know what happened at the hotel. It’s more than fatigue. Then, maybe I’ll consider a break.”
“I’ll do what I can.” Cole leaned sideways to look around Kaylyn. “You sure you’ll be alright with Jonah? Not planning on strangling him or throwing him into a fire?”
“That’s not my thing,” Kaylyn smirked, nudging her sister’s arm. “But, yeah. I haven’t convinced him that I’m completely loony yet, so I may as well give it all I got.”
“You do have some major issues, sis. I have to pick some things up. Call me when you get settled, or if you need anything.” Cole’s expression was still strained with fine lines that aged her face, but she relaxed long enough to give Kaylyn a hug.
Kaylyn walked back up the drive, the smoke was still heavy in the air, but the fire was out, with seemingly minimal damage. Lost in the hypnotic dance of smoke and movement of at least half a dozen firemen moving in and out of the house, she tuned out the rest of the world until Jonah returned.
“They have no idea what started it,” he explained, “and until they figure it out, they don’t want anyone staying in the house. Not that I would recommend going back in there, anyway.”
“Why do I have the uneasy feeling that my temporary quarters involves staying with you?”
“It’s the safest place for you right now. Guess I should’ve arranged for a spare bedroom set to be delivered sooner.”
“And Frank?” Kaylyn tilted her head, enjoying the apprehension that flashed across his face.
“As long as he doesn’t escape, and I don’t have to feed him,” Jonah frowned, and rubbed his hand against the back of his neck. “Frank is free to come along, too. We can drop him off at the house and then I’ll drive you to the store.”
“This probably isn’t how you wanted to spend your Sunday.”
“I do have to admit, I was hoping for a day off.” Jonah closed his eyes, his head falling to the side. “Grab your creepy-crawly, and let’s get out of here.”
Jonah
The next morning, Jonah came downstairs to find Kaylyn sprawled out on the couch. Her body tangled with the blanket, an arm and leg hanging over the edge. Chuckling at the sight, he proceeded to the kitchen to have coffee and a quick breakfast. He still wondered if he had lost his mind. Whether or not putting his ass on the line to help her would be worth it. But he couldn’t come up with an alternative that would make it any easier to sleep at night.
As soon as he turned on the kitchen light, he heard Kaylyn groan. He poured a cup of coffee, then peeked through the doorway to see her with the blanket pulled over her head. “You should get up if you’re going to work.”
“If?” she murmured, with her face still nestled between the couch cushion and the blanket.
“Well your house did catch on fire yesterday, as much of an ass as your boss is, I’m sure he’d understand if you missed a day.” He leaned against the doorway sipping his coffee, “You didn’t have to sleep on the couch, by the way. But, the furniture set for the guest bedroom is supposed to be delivered today.”
“That’s splendid timing.” Kaylyn let her other leg fall off the couch.
“They should be here around one, so I planned on taking my lunch to let them in.”
“They’re never on time.”
“Hopefully, I’ve built up enough karma this weekend to luck out. I’ll call and see if I can get a locksmith here around the same time. You’re sure you don’t want a day off?”
“Why? So I can stick around here and be bored out of my mind while waiting on your furniture? No, thanks. I’d rather get to the office and find out what’s on those tapes.” Kaylyn trudged into the kitchen and Jonah handed her an empty mug.
“You seem in a better mood today,” she said, filling her cup with cream until the final result barely resembled coffee.
“I think I got a full night’s sleep for the first time in a week.”
“I’d say,” Kaylyn took a quick sip of coffee, “you were in bed by nine, old man.”
“Yeah, sorry. I should’ve taken the couch, but you were using it, and I was too tired to come downstairs after my shower.”
“Like I said,” she shrugged and leaned her forearms against the island, clasping the mug between her hands. “I was fine on the couch, I wanted noise. Sleeping with the TV on makes the dream less intense.”
Jonah nodded and set his cup on the counter.
“No,” Kaylyn said, “don’t give me that look. I didn’t even have the dream last night, and we don’t need to talk about it.”
“Fine.” Jonah swung open the refrigerator and pulled out a jug of milk. “I have cereal, if that’s fine with you.”
As Jonah cut off the Vantage’s engine in his usual parking space behind the Aicil office, he cursed under his breath. Another car was already parked in the small lot and, although he didn’t recognize it, instinct told him it meant the Aicil Council was going through with their threats. “Just what I need.”
Kaylyn stopped short of opening the door and frowned. “Wha—”
“That necklace… make sure it stays hidden, unless you want to answer more questions.”
Kaylyn slipped the necklace into the neck of her top, and buttoned another button to ensure it was well hidden. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
Jonah stepped out of the car. “I’m not sure. But, whatever happens, please don’t say anything to get either of us in trouble.”
He walked slowly past the silver Cadillac. A suit hung over one of the back windows, but the car was otherwise empty and immaculate—aside from a rental slip tucked in between the front seats.
Unlocking the back door to the office, he let Kaylyn enter first, but then passed her and strode to his office.
“Good morning, Jonah.” An older man greeted them from behind Jonah’s desk. Even as he leaned back in the chair, his posture and stoic expression gave his false ease away. “And Kaylyn? What a surprise to see you here so early. We’ve not met, but I know you from your record.”
Jonah glanced at Kaylyn, hoping she'd follow his warning and keep her mouth shut. “What brings you here, Dr. Emerson?”
Emerson nodded his head to one side in one quick tick. “Business.”
“Well, if you’ll excuse me.” Kaylyn stepped back.
“Stay.” Dr. Emerson commanded, without raising his eyes. “You should both have a seat.” He pulled up a file and leaned back again, as Jonah and Kaylyn took their seats across from him. “Jonah, I trust that you’ve informed her of our concerns.”
“I have, sir.” Only five days earlier, it had been Kaylyn in this seat, and Jonah behind the desk doing the lecturing. He started to drum his fingers against the chair arm, but caught himself before Emerson could notice.
“And yet she continues to work in the field, even in light of recent events.”
Jonah’s jaw tightened, “With all due respect, I found no reason to do otherwise. She has a good record, one mistake shouldn’t—”
“One mistake?” Emerson’s fist tightened around the chair arm—finally, a chink in his cool façade. “Would that be the box, or the side-show of an investigation Friday night?”
“I don’t believe she should be held personally responsible—”
“Then who should? You are responsible for the actions and safety of everyone involved—employees and clients. Are you telling me that, without a doubt, Kaylyn is capable of upholding her duties without putting anyone in danger?”
She’s barely capable of walking around without putting anyone in danger, he thought. And that wouldn’t change until they dealt with the spirit threatening her.
Jonah could feel Kaylyn’s gaze begging him to say something, but there was no honest response that would change Emerson’s mind.
“Well?” Emerson continued, “Why is she still doing field work? You were sent here for a reason, and it involves making tough decisions.”
“I realize that, sir.” Jonah became aware of every movement of his tongue and mouth as he forced the words out, “Though, I’m still not entirely certain why I was sent here.”
Emerson chuckled, “I didn’t know you needed a step-by-step explanation.”
Jonah took a deep breath, swallowed, and blew it out slowly. Being ordered around like an incompetent brought out his need to push back—argue for the opportunity to do things his way, to make his own decision on the matter. He was the youngest head of an office, and he suspected it had little to do with his performance. For reasons he hadn’t yet figured out, the Council wanted someone here they could control, and probably believed that Jonah’s youth gave them an advantage—do as we say, or we will end your career.
Jonah didn't intend to be played. “I believe it is within my purview to take the Council’s concern into advisement, and make what I believe to be the best decisions for the future of the office and everyone in it, including Kaylyn.”
Emerson’s smug smile grew as he sat forward to interrupt, but Jonah wasn’t done.
“I shouldn’t have let Kaylyn investigate the hotel, but since Carlisle’s files were deemed to be inaccurate, and he was the only one in a situation to know what was going on here, I was well within my right to feel out the situation, rather than end someone’s career based on unsubstantiated hearsay.”
Emerson stood, sending the office chair rolling backward. “And what is your assessment of the situation, Mr. Troyer?”
Jonah glanced at Kaylyn. Her knuckles paled from her tight grasp on the chair arm as she waited on his response.
“Mr. Troyer,” Emerson repeated.
Jonah hated it when the Council called him that—especially Randolph Emerson, who had been a regular at family dinners before Jonah started primary school.
“I understand that you’re still establishing your authority here, and we’ve put you in a difficult position.” Emerson’s attention moved to Kaylyn, who was now sitting like a statue in her seat. “Kaylyn, pending a full medical and psychological evaluation, you are formally suspended. After we receive the results, the Council will review your case, and determine if you are fit to return to work.”
“Sir.” She nodded, stood, and walked out of the office, leaving Jonah alone with his burning temper and its target.
“Problem solved,” Dr. Emerson said, returning to his seat with a pleased expression as if he’d just saved the day. “We took a chance on sending someone so young here, but we have every confidence in your ability—”
Obviously.
“Do things our way, Jonah. We have no room for youthful rebellion.”
With each measured breath, Jonah tempered his emotions until his jaw loosened. “Your patience is appreciated, sir.”
Emerson sat back, folding his hands on his round stomach.
Jonah studied the old man’s features, waiting for the sound of blood rushing through his ears to diminish. Jonah’s father had once regarded Emerson as a brother, but although they still maintained professional ties, Jonah never figured out what severed their friendship. “I assume you have matters in Montreal to return to?”
“Actually, I’m planning to stay in town for a while. I have to make a few calls; I hope you don’t mind if I use your office.”
“Of course not,” Jonah stood and nodded to the old man.
“Please, close the door.”
Jonah reached the threshold and turned back. “I do have a few things of my own that I should attend to.”
“Sure. I understand that you haven’t had ample time to settle in. Maybe that will help you relax and adjust to your new role. I can handle things here for a while.”
The door clicked closed, setting free all of the frustration that Jonah had managed to bridle.
Kaylyn
Clearing out her locker, Kaylyn shoved the last of her belongings into a duffel. She blinked back the tears when she heard the echo of footsteps entering the room. “That went well.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do much without getting myself suspended. Although, I’m surprised you didn’t tell him off and get yourself in deeper.”
Kaylyn slammed the locker door in response, refusing to face him. Her insid
es had collapsed into a puddle in her stomach. “It was bad enough that you came in here changing things, and now I’m getting suspended. For what?”
“Not having your head in the game, and I’m sorry, but even if I wanted to, I can’t argue with that. Whether it’s your fault or not,” Jonah swallowed, “Dr. Emerson has a point.”
He leaned against a desk, crossing his arms in front of him. “I probably should have insisted that you stayed home today, but,” Jonah shook his head, “too late for that.”
Kaylyn pushed past him, before he had a chance to see the tears well up in her eyes.
“Where are you going?” He grabbed her wrist, throwing fuel on her anger.
“I’ll manage, thanks.” She shook off his hand and shoved him away. “Nice working for you.”
“I told you I want to help. You’re only suspended, there’s still a chance you can be reinstated. But, either way, something is after you, and I don’t think it’s going to give up because you’re out of a job. Let me take you back to my house. This evening, we’ll figure out how to get this cleared up, and you can come back to work.”
“No, thanks.” She dropped her duffel on the floor and reached up to take off the necklace.
Jonah shot forward and grabbed both of her hands. “Why do you have to be so stubborn that you only make things worse? Is it so hard to admit that you need help?”
Kaylyn closed her eyes, clenching her fists as she jerked fruitlessly against his grasp. She felt like she’d burst through her own skin, and his touch only amplified the burning sensation. “Why do you want to help me? Out of the goodness of your heart? Or because it’s your duty? Because you want to prove yourself, and prove that you weren’t an idiot for letting me stay in the first place?”
“If it were only about my job, I would have saved myself the effort and suspended you.” He loosened his grip on her wrists. “You can accept that and my help, or walk out now and throw everything away.”
Kaylyn’s breath caught in her chest, as she took a step back and took a seat against a nearby desk. The office was so quiet, she could pick up on the indiscernible tones of Emerson’s voice. He was probably arranging for her exams, if he hadn’t already. Her fingers brushed over the lump created by the pendant under her blouse and Jonah’s eyes followed her movement.
Fractured Legacy (Darkness Bound / Frqactured Legacy #1) Page 9
