Hi guys! Sorry it has taken me forever to update.

Life just kinda gets in the way sometimes.

This is a really short chapter but I promise the next one will be better!

The ride back to my home was quiet and almost tense. It was kinda unusual for us to have this awkwardness between us. I couldn't remember the last time it had been like this. Rachel hadn't really said much and I couldn't help but wonder if she was angry with me. I knew she understood why I had done the jump but it seemed like she had a lot on her mind.

I sighed as we got about a mile away. I wasn't looking forward to an empty house. I even contemplated bringing Jon back. I would hope enough time had passed that he had learned his lesson by now but with him you never really know.

I waved to the guard at the gate as they let us pass and Rachel finally looked over at me.

"Are you going to be alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine Rachel. Truly. I just need some sleep." I answered. Was I being honest? Yes, I feel like I am. "At least we know my spell works." I joked.

She pressed her lips together in a tight line but didn't respond. Yeah she was not happy with me. It made me wonder if she really did have more feelings than she was letting on if she was having such a reaction to me line jumping. I knew Rachel cared for me. She does for all of her friends. Would she be this upset if Ivy or Jenks had tried something like this? I think she would. I know the woman well enough now. She wasn't treating me any different than she would treat one of them. I wasn't sure if I liked that or not. Only time will tell I guess.

She stopped in front of the back entrance and it didn't seem like she had any intention of coming in. I unbuckled and opened the door.

"Trent wait!" Rachel exclaimed.

I stopped getting up and turned to look at her. She looked as surprised as I was by her outburst. What was going through her mind right now?

"I, uh, I'm glad you're ok. But please don't try anymore new spells when we're in a crunch. I'd rather have you practice when you aren't locked in a room with a vampire." She smiled.

With that smile I knew I was off the hook. "I'm sorry about that. I just responded. You know how instincts take over. I will make some time to practice some of the new stuff I've found." I smiled back.

"Great. If you need any help or want some company just um, let me know ok?" She said sounding unsure.

"Yes!" I knew I sounded too excited but I couldn't stop my enthusiasm. "It would be great if you wanted to come and make sure I don't get stuck in a line." I joked trying to make it toned down a little more.

She laughed. "Just give me a call ok. I gotta go take care of some of the broken things at the church before Ivy has a cow."

I nodded. "Thanks for the ride Rachel."

"Anytime Trent."

-x-x-x-

The sound of beeping woke me from a dead sleep. I couldn't believe how tired I had been. After showering and eating a light breakfast I climbed into bed. I turned the alarm off. Why I had even set it I wasn't sure. I had to get some work done today but I was just so tired. Who knew line jumping sucked up all of your available energy. I groaned and rolled over. It wasn't yet dark outside but the sun was coming in the windows at an odd angle.

I sat up but didn't get out of bed. I had a vampire in the basement and I did not want to deal with him. I knew I could get the information out of him that I wanted but not sure if he would survive the way I retrieved it and that would be breaking a promise to Rachel. With any luck Cormel would get all the information we needed out of the vamps he had. It would make things a lot easier for me.

The more I thought about it though I had to wonder what the vamps would want Rachel for. I know she had some kind of understanding with Cormel and he wouldn't have sent vamps from who knows where to take care of any kind of an issue he had with her. He would do it himself. So this had to be something not connected to the vampires. I still had that horrible feeling that this was all about Elsabeth but how could she have gotten something like this past Quen. He surely would have heard something. And Ceri was quite sneaky in hearing things whispered around the house. She seemed to know everything even before I did.

I picked up my cell from the nightstand and dialed Quen. I was dumped straight to voice mail. That was odd. He shouldn't have his phone off. I tried Ceri's phone. Hers rang but there was no answer. I left a brief message about calling me back. My bad feeling was only getting worse. Quen would have answered Ceri's phone if his was dead. He would never be without a way to contact me. I shouldn't have let them go. I knew that crazy bitch was up to something.

I called Rachel. She was the first person that came into my mind and I didn't know what else to do. She answered on the third ring.

"Hey Trent."

"Hi, Rachel. I have a slight problem that I wanted to get your opinion on." That definitely got her attention.

"Is everything ok? Do you need me?" She answered quickly.

"No, no it's fine. I think. Well maybe. I don't know." I didn't know how to explain this feeling and I was royally screwing up.

"Just explain it slowly. What's going on?"

"I can't get a hold of Quen or Ceri." I blurted.

"How long have you not been able to get a hold of them?" She asked calmly.

"Well I tried them just now. I haven't spoken to them since early yesterday. Quen's phone went straight to voice mail and Ceri's just rang no answer. Rachel he never turns off his phone. Ever." I told her.

"Its just been today then? You spoke to them about 24 hours ago?"

"Yes, it's been a little over that but yes." What was she getting at? She wasn't understanding how serious this was. "I know you think I'm just worrying for no reason I just have this feeling. Something bad has happened or is going to. I feel it."

"Now that I can understand. Have you tried Elsabeth?" She asked with an odd tone to her voice.

"No, I really would rather not if I don't have to. I just overreacted and called you. I figured you would understand." I mumbled feeling like I shouldn't have said anything.

"I do Trent. I think something is going on. Is there extra security there with Quen gone?" She was taking this seriously.

"Well no, not anymore than usual." I answered her honestly.

"Then I'm on my way."

"That's not necessary. Things are fine here."

"I'm hanging up. See you soon Trent." With that she cut off the call. I blew out my breath. I hadn't been trying to get her over here. Not that I would complain but I wasn't sure what would happen. I know my compound is safe. Very safe and that my staff would not betray me. I know that but yet I felt like something was missing besides Quen. I wasn't scared for my safety. I was worried about the girls and Ceri and Quen.

I kept getting the urge to bring Jon back. I knew I would have to tell Rachel and I don't think she would be too happy but ultimately it was my call and I know she would support me. I couldn't explain why I just felt like I was going to need him.