Authors Note: I want to thank everyone for their wonderful feedback! Many expressed their concerns on updates, and I want to share that I will be updating every other week. The first few chapters have a lot of back story, and information, so I am sorry if its information over load. I am adding some back story and history, but most is cannon up to when Dimitri tells Rose his love for her had faded. The others will soon appear, and I have no intention of making any of them the bad guy.
A month had passed since my first session with Jack, and I was starting to wonder if maybe the Travelers had missed the memo about me being trusted. Or more than likely, Jack's memo consisted of him telling them how mentally unbalanced I truly was. Not that I blamed him, I was a hot mess.
To be honest, after my forced purge-fest I had half expected the court Guardians to swarm in, breaking down my crappy motel door and arresting me for breaking Victor out of jail. The thought occupied me for weeks and I had made up my mind a half dozen times to pack my bag and skip town. One time I even made it as far as the bus station. But my gut told me to stick around, that there was something to this Traveler mystery.
Another worry that kept me up at nights was Abe. I'd met my father in Russia through his odd connects to the Alchemists, and one in particular, Sydney. I still didn't fully understand how he had influence with a group of people who believed all Moroi and Dhampirs were basically the spawn of evil. Just how far reaching was his sway anyway? Was it just Sydney? Or was it all Alchemists? How was I supposed to know if Jack hadn't picked up the phone the minute I'd left, to inform Abe his wayward child was in Chicago? He'd gone to Russia to scare me back, what was a small trip to Illinois?
But neither of these things happened. So, I stuck around. I did move out of the hygienically questionable dive of a motel and upgraded. Well upgraded was slightly optimistic. But it was closer to the bar, and the linens didn't make me gag. Plus, the new location made me feel a little bit more secure, and lessened the small chance of being invaded by Guardians or my Old Man.
And even though Jack seemed to have kept his word by keeping my confessions, didn't mean I fully trusted him yet. So far, I'd endured three sessions with him, if they could be called that. After our first greet and meet, he deemed the office to be ineffective, and had taken me on an excursion of Chicago's top tourists spots. It's not that I minded not having to sit through long and tedious appointments in that drab and boring room, but he'd broken therapist protocol, or at least what I deemed to be appropriate procedure.
With Deidre, the Academy's shrink, we had a simple system. I went to her office and sat in a somewhat comfortable chair. I talked and she in turn asked questions, lots of them, on what I had just said. It was annoying, and typically pissed me off, but I had come to expect it. So, I didn't know what to make of Jack's non-sessions.
What I did know, I didn't appreciate the nine in the morning appointment. I was on a human schedule and had worked until three at the Gypsy, so with barely four hours of sleep I was feeling bitter and bitchy, not a good combo for me.
"A museum? Really?" Standing on the steps of the Field Museum, I sent what I hoped was a scathing glare at Jack, who's annoying grin only widened.
"What's wrong with a museum?" Jack asked, giving me a look like I was the crazy one. I noticed he hadn't shaved, cleverly hiding the tattoo on his cheek. His short brown hair was styled neatly, and his outfit was a little too GQ for me.
"Nothing, if you're sixty, have nothing else to do and can get the senior discount." Shoving my hands into my hoodie, I yawned, wincing when my jaw popped.
"Did you work last night?" Already heading up the steps, Jack looked over his shoulder at me.
With a sigh, I took the steps one at a time. "If by work you mean I showed up at the Gypsy, messed up most of the orders and broke at least ten glasses, then yes, I worked last night."
"I assume the Academy didn't teach waitressing 101?" Opening the door, he smirked at me and I sent him a scowl.
"Didn't have time between advanced technique and Bodyguard theory." I shot back.
Paying for our admission, Jack held the door open for me, as I dragged my feet like a sulking three-year-old. It wasn't just the fact that I hadn't had much sleep, that had become the new normal for me. It was too many unknowns weighing me down.
"So why here? And why so damn early?" Following him through the lobby to a large map, I watched as he silently found what he was looking for.
"I take it museums aren't your thing?" Apparently, he found what he was looking for and turned his attention back to me.
"History really isn't my thing." I replied. "From what I hear, museums are jammed packed with it."
Looking thoughtful for a moment, Jack asked. "If history isn't your thing, what is?"
For such an easy question, I was at a loss for words. If he'd asked me the same question seven months ago, the answer would've been simple. My 'thing' was training. Training to be the best Guardian. Training to be able to fight off strigoi. Training, so I could be assigned to Lissa. My other 'thing' had been focused on Dimitri, either saving him from being an evil strigoi or avoiding his murderous stalking. I had never had room for anything else, and now after sacrificing my future, I was lost and had too much time on my hands.
"Guess I'm in between 'things' at the moment." I tried to sound casual, but that ever-present anger started to boil inside of me. It was the same feeling that initiated my flight from court, away from the people I would have once done anything for.
Seeming to sense my emotions, Jack looked around as he led us through the halls. "I've always been fascinated by history. Studying epic civilizations that peeked then suddenly vanished. Watching as we seem to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors, always anticipating a different outcome."
"Must be an Alchemist thing." I muttered. He gave me a look and I shrugged. "The Alchemist I met was really into architecture. Would get all dreamy eyed and poetic when she spoke about it."
Looking at him from the corner of my eye, I watched his expression. This was the first time I'd mentioned having met an Alchemist since our original meeting, and I felt a little uneasy having said anything at all. But after a month of neither of us mentioning it, I was starting to feel frustrated.
As little as I had learned about the Travelers, Jack had probably learned less about me since my first visit. I'd braced myself to be asked the hard questions. To have to explain what had driven me to leave. Instead, he hadn't asked any questions, hadn't pried into my past, hadn't done anything but engage in simple conversation. His behavior kept me off my game. I mean would it kill him to act like a normal therapist? Ask a few prying questions, then respond to my vague answers with more questions.
Was I in therapy or on my third date with him?
"I can see that." Looking thoughtful, Jack tilted his head to the side. "Growing up, most Alchemists don't have the luxury to study anything that isn't deemed helpful to the cause." The way he said "cause" made it sound like a filthy word.
We walked silently for a while, passing very few people. Shocking I know, but soon we reached our destination. Dear god, what a snooze fest.
"The Revolutionary War?" I had half hoped for something a little more exciting. Like I dunno, cursed ancient mummies or something almost interesting. "This is something you wanted to see?"
"Its one of the most interesting times in American history." Looking around, Jack looked like he was in heaven, a nerdy heaven. "A fledgling country made up of people who had been proud to be members of the British Empire, pushed to the point where they were forced to fight back against oppression by a greedy crown. They were the little people who were looked upon with contempt, banning together to free themselves from tyranny and through pure determination, and a few miracles, gained their freedom."
I yawned again, this time being a little more dramatic. It wasn't like I was a complete idiot; I knew basic history. It just didn't give me goosebumps or make me go all schoolgirl giddy.
"I would have thought you'd get what they went through." Jack smirked, shaking his head already heading to a display of old military uniforms. His parting words penetrated through my sullen dismay.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Following on his heels now, I glared at the back of his head.
"Your part of a race who are constantly being used and mistreated by a government, who only sees you as collateral damage." Jack said, his words direct and to the point. They also pissed me off.
"That's a load of crap." I may not sound as elegant, and all wordy, but after four hours of sleep I think I got my opinion heard.
Giving me a look that clearly said I was being an idiot, Jack replied. "So, you support sending barely trained sixteen-year-olds to their deaths?"
At the mention of the Age Decree, my blood turned to ice. It wasn't that I had forgotten about it, how could I? It wasn't everyday I got to tell a Queen she was a sanctimonious bitch, while being dragged out by Court Guardians. "Of course, I don't support it."
"And aren't Dhampirs conditioned at an early age to believe their lives aren't as important as Moroi, especially royal Moroi? They come first, right?" He didn't look over at me, instead he stared ahead, acting like the uniforms were the most interesting things in the world.
"You make it sound like I was brainwashed." Now insulted, I balled my fists at my sides.
This time he looked my way, his face unreadable. "It's just an observation"
"A stupid one." I fired back.
"Like I said, history is my thing. But all I have are history books and diaries to get my information from." Jack shrugged. "If you have an explanation as to why Dhampirs have allowed their rights and freedoms to be stripped away over the last three hundred years, I'm all ears."
"Dhampirs aren't slaves." He may have not said it out loud, but I wasn't completely stupid. Jack snorted, only frustrating me more.
"Perhaps not at the moment, but I wouldn't be shocked if something that extreme happens soon." Moving away from the exhibit, he wandered over to another one with old looking guns, forcing me to follow if I wanted to convince him he was wrong. Sure, the recent decree was a load of bullshit, but it wasn't like the vote had been a landslide. It had been an even vote, until Tatiana had cast hers. There was still time for it to be repealed.
"You act like you know something I don't." Coming to a stop next to him, I folded my arms over my chest, not caring if I looked defiant.
"History repeats itself Rose. Cultures always have a pecking order, one group believes they're more important, more vital to their existence. Slowly, over time, they strip away the rights of those they deem less worthy, less important, while convincing those poor souls it was a necessary evil for the good of all. The problem is the underdogs can only be pushed so far until they start to push back." His eyes met mine for a moment, and they looked sad. "The Age Decree only proves that the majority feel Dhampirs are expendable, their lives only tools to be used to protect theirs."
I frowned at his words, wanting to disagree, but there was some truth to what he was saying. Remembering how shocked and used I'd felt back at court, when my testimony had been manipulated to support putting under trained teenagers into the line of fire.
"Did you know there was a time when Dhampirs and Moroi were equals? There were royal Dhampirs, who held council seats?" Sending me a look, he was on the move again, and again I was forced to follow. "During the Stepan Razin rebellion in Russia, several royal Dhampirs had been involved in the riots against the human tsarist bureaucracy. The Moroi felt their actions had nearly exposed them all and blamed the Dhampir's close interaction with humans. Because several of the Dhampir council members and their families had been injured in the riot, the governing Moroi voted for the removal of their seats. It didn't take long before the Dhampirs lost their voice."
My mind spun with this information. "How do you know all this?"
"How do I know anything?" Jack asked, his expression turning dark. "The Alchemists. We've been around just as long, watching and keeping notes. Vowing to keep the poor humans safe. They also played a part in this, whispering doubt into Moroi ears, hoping to unbalance their society. Thinking it would lead to its downfall."
"How do I not know this?" I whispered to myself. If there were still Dhampirs on the council, that stupid law would never had passed.
"That's nothing. Through the years the rights of Dhampirs have been chiseled away." Said Jack. "At one time they could form attachments to one another, and it wasn't uncommon or taboo for them to marry. Of course, once the Moroi pulled away from interacting with humans, the Dhampir numbers declined, and scared they would be left unprotected, Moroi made it practically a sin for Dhampirs to be together."
This information was uncomfortable to hear. It made me burn the need to argue back, to disagree and tell him he was wrong, but seeing I had no clue any of this happened, I didn't have much ammunition to fling back. Not anything that wouldn't make me look ignorant.
"All of these events and several more, are why the Travelers exist." Leading us over to a bench he took a seat and gave me a knowing look. "You've been a lot more patient than I'd expected, but something tells me its an oddity for you."
Oh boy, that was an understatement. Taking a seat next to him, my heartbeat sped up, as I pushed all thoughts of forgotten history to the back of my mind. For weeks I'd been trying to subtly get answers about the Travelers, mostly from Duke, and he had cleverly evaded them all with deflection and sarcasm. My gut warned me not push too hard. Typically, I'd just tell my gut to shut up, and dive right on in headfirst. But something held me back. Maybe I was maturing. Doubtful.
"More like I'm worried about being initiated into some sort of wacky cult where I end up being someone's fifth ladywife." Doing what I did best, I used humor to cover up any awkwardness.
He let out a laugh that bounced off the walls, and a few patrons turned to stare at us. "You think we're a cult?"
"Hey, you guys are creepy secretive, what else was I supposed to think?" I snapped.
"Fair enough." He conceded. "I know you're looking for some defining answer, and I hope you're not disappointed, but the Travelers means something different to everyone involved. But basically, it's a large community of Dhampirs, Moroi and some Alchemists who only want to live their lives without the pressures from our societies."
"When you say large." Pausing, I took a breath. "How large?"
"Honestly, I don't know the how many Travelers there are." Jack replied.
"Color me shocked." I gasped. "There's something you don't know?"
I got a small smile. "There are too many variations, and many don't share the same views and opinions, so we don't really interact with all Travelers. Plus, over the last decade, the increase in numbers has been staggering. The new Age Decree is causing another swell."
And just like that it hit me. "There's not a decline in Dhampir numbers, they're just abandoning their responsibilities."
"If by responsibilities you mean giving up their freedom and freewill for a group who refuse to defend themselves or pulling their children out of school and sending them to safety, then yes, I suppose you're right." Any trace of humor fled his eyes and was replaced with anger.
"So, the Travelers are an anti-establishment group?"
"Some are." Jack murmured. "We don't usually interact with the more extreme circles."
"Circles?"
"Yes." He nodded. "Travelers tend to stick with others who view things the same way and have established safe places to live in several different cities. Our group, the one Duke, Jennifer, and I travel within, typically stick to Denver, New Orleans and Jacksonville. We're only in Chicago because Jennifer's aunt got sick."
"So, you guys will be leaving soon?" I felt a little hurt, that the people I'd just met and was starting to get to know, would most likely be leaving soon. I had been invited over to Duke's place for dinner that night before heading off to work. It'd be my first time going to his home. All my interactions with him and his family had been at the bar before it officially opened. Jennifer and their kids, Scout and Chloe, would show up a couple times a week with homemade food. At first, I thought it was odd to have small children in a bar, but I guess since we weren't open, there wasn't really any harm.
"Did you miss the Travelers part?" Jack joked dryly. "And with the issues at the Moroi court, we're being overly cautious. Which is why there's all the secrecy."
"You're telling me this now because?"
"Because you'll be going to Duke's place tonight, and I needed to prepare you." Leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees Jack sighed. "We'd hoped to have more time for you to acclimate, give you a chance to make up your mind about us, but there's been some trouble in Detroit, and we may have to leave sooner than we thought."
"I don't understand." The words slipped out of my mouth, as my mind tried to catch up.
"I'm sure." Jack agreed. "It'd take me months, maybe years to explain everything to you."
Something shot through my dazed mind. Sitting up straight, I turned to face him. "Have these sessions been more about finding out if I could be trusted, or about helping me with my . . . problems?"
"A little of both." Jack replied after a moment of silence, like he had to think about his answer. "Most of the Dhampirs we find aren't so . . . connected. Most have never been to the Moroi court, much less called its Queen a bitch during session." His mouth curved into a slight smile at that, stupid truth herbs. "But I've also been watching how you respond to different questions, to figure out the best way to help you. The darkness you have from Spirit is also an issue, and I hope with time, it lessens."
"How do you know about that?" Even though I'd revealed my bond to Lissa, it was unsettling that Jack knew anything about Spirit, especially since we knew so little.
"Ah, you must've missed the Alchemist part." Jack smirked darkly. "We've been lurking for centuries, hording information like lunatics while acting like we're the only salvation the world has. Spirit is extremely rare, but there is information on it. I'm guessing your bondmate may have used an unusual amount of Spirit before you left court, and it had some influence on you."
I really hadn't thought about that. Turning a strigoi back into a dhampir would've taken an enormous amount of Spirit. The large flash of light that had thrown me back like a rag doll only proved just how much she'd used. Maybe my feelings of anger and betrayal were a side effect? Perhaps in time I wouldn't feel the emotions burning through me. Then what?
"So, I left because Lissa used a large amount of Spirit, that it made me feel those things."
"I wish it was that easy." Jack replied. "Those emotions were all yours, Spirit didn't create them, just amplified them. If it makes you feel any better, its probably a good thing you left when you did. Being in such close proximity your bondmate just made it easier for the darkness to bleed into you. God only knows what you would've done with anymore darkness."
Basically, I had been a ticking time bomb with a broken heart. Gee, couldn't see that going well.
"Let me see if I've got this right. There's a secret group who have cut themselves off from the Moroi government, you don't really know how many there are, because each group has different views. That the dhampir numbers haven't been really dropping but instead they've been fleeing to live their lives how they see fit. And if I stick around, I'm not going to become someone's sex slave?" It was a little more confusing than that, and after some time to process this, I probably would have a few hundred questions.
"Something like that. Though you seem to be a little disappointed about not becoming a sex slave." His smile returned.
I rolled my eyes. If I were my old self, I would have had a witty response, I guess an eye roll would have to do. "So, are we done here?"
"Are you kidding? We still have the rest of the exhibit to see, and you don't want to miss the dinosaurs."
After two long hours, Jack had announced he had another appointment, and left me on the steps outside the museum. I grabbed a quick hotdog at a nearby cart and walked back to the motel. After a nap, one that lasted a little longer than I wanted, I was pressed for time. Duke said he'd pick me up around four, and seeing we were going straight to work after, I needed to ready for another fun filled night.
Running a brush through my hair, I quickly pulled on the cleanest shirt I could find, while wiggling into the jeans I'd worn early that day. I really needed to do something about my limited wardrobe options, maybe tomorrow. Shoving my wallet into my weathered backpack and was lacing up my boots when Duke knocked on the door.
"Wow." Scanning the room with his dark eyes, he didn't look overly impressed. "This sure is . . . a room."
"It's not the Plaza, but you should've seen the last room." Pushing past him, I quickly closed the door before he could make any more comments.
"You're actually staying here?" He didn't look happy about his nugget of information, and lines creased his forehead. "Drug dealers avoid this place."
"Its not that bad." Even I didn't believe my words, but we were in dangerous territory of him being worried about me, thus making him a friend and I wasn't ready for that, not yet. I was okay with being acquaintances, in the getting to know one another stage.
He must have sensed that I wasn't in the mood to talk about it, and let it drop. But his typically carefree attitude seemed to dampen.
"Hope you like spaghetti." He tried to sound upbeat, but his eyes skipped back to the motel before pulling away from the curb. "Jenn used her Grandmother's recipe."
My stomach clenched in hunger. "Are there people in this world who don't like spaghetti? If so, they must be stopped."
"I heard Jack laid down some pretty heavy information today." Maneuvering through traffic, he shifted his eyes over to me for a moment. It was an awkward change in conversation, and Duke was usually much smoother, but I didn't call him out on it.
"Yeah." I said. "Though I'm still not a hundred percent sold on you guys not being a crazy cult."
"We're not that exciting." Duke's smirked.
"Not sure I could handle anything more exciting." Looking out the window, I sighed.
"Really, we're just a bunch of Dhampirs trying to live our lives, without the weight from a bunch of bogus rules." Duke made it sound simple, though the look on his face told me it was anything but.
"Have you always been a Traveler?" I asked, suddenly curious.
When he didn't immediately answer, I wondered if I made some kind of social blunder by asking. He cleared his throat and sighed. "No, I went to Academy and took my promise mark, just like you."
I didn't need to ask him how he knew I went to Academy, I'm sure over the last few weeks he'd seen the back of my neck. "Where did you go?"
"St. Vladimir." His smirk grew when I stared at him in amazement.
"But I went there." I stared at him, trying to recall ever seeing him.
"Don't know if you noticed, but I'm a little older than you." Okay, he had me there. But still, he couldn't be anymore than seven or eight years older. And seeing St. Vlads housed grades kindergarten through senior year, it meant we'd been there at the same time. Except, he'd been at least seven or eight years ahead of me, and we hadn't been on the same campus.
"It's still weird." I muttered, waiting for him to continue.
"Jenn though, she grew up a Traveler. Her old man is an Elder in Denver."
"An Elder?" I asked. "Please don't tell me you're Mormon."
"What?" Looking over at me, he looked confused for a moment, then he rolled his eyes shaking his head. "No. Elders are basically leaders in larger cities. They're typically older Dhampirs who are tired of moving and are looking for a more permanent location."
I thought about this but was startled when Duke made a turn a few blocks from my motel and stopped in front of a large iron gate that had seen better days. Looking past the iron bars, my eyes landed on a large abandoned building. It was the most hideous looking structure I'd ever seen.
"What the hell?" My gaze flew over to where Duke was grinning like a lunatic, and my hand started to reach for the handle. "I knew the Travelers were a cult, is this where you kill me?"
"Don't be stupid." Duke laughed. "If we wanted to kill you why would we get you sober first?"
"Because you couldn't use a lush as a sacrifice?" I shot back.
"Rose, take a look at the building." He sighed, still amused, but his tone was a little more serious. "What do you see?"
"Rot and decay?"
"Really look." He pushed.
I heaved a sigh and stared forward, it took a second, but I soon realized the building was blurry. I felt my pulse quicken. "Magic." I barely whispered.
Pushing a button on what looked to be a garage door opener, the gates creaked open and he drove through. Looking back briefly, I watched as the gates closed, before turning my gaze back to where we were heading, I gasped in shock when I started to see groups of people scattered around the parking lot and a lawn in the front. I most definitely hadn't noticed them before, and I could only assume it was more magic that hid them from my view.
To our right there was a group playing basketball, mostly Dhampir but I could identify a few Moroi. Watching nearby, others shouted out encouragement and taunts at the players. There were small children running around playing, as their parents watched nearby. The parking lot Duke was headed, had a few others who looked to be coming or going, and they barely spared us a glance as they went on with their lives.
"This is -." Taking in everything, I was seriously at a loss for words.
"Overwhelming." Duke guessed as he pulled into an empty spot. "Its easier if you just think about the wards at school. They discourage civilians from getting too close, while hiding what's really going on inside. It's a little more complicated than that, but it'd take an Alchemist to explain it."
I didn't doubt what he was saying.
I followed him through the parking lot, trying to ignore some of the stares we were getting. A few yelled out their greetings to Duke before giving me a silent nod. Others I recognized from the bar and they gave sent me a friendly look, as they slapped Duke on the back before moving on their way.
Reaching the building, I noticed it didn't really improve in looks, but when Duke opened the door, I was startled to see it had been updated with modern drywall, and hardwood floors. The entrance was large, like a hotel lobby, with several couches and tables scattered about the room. Some were occupied, as groups played games or just simply talked to one another.
"We're in guest housing." He pointed to the right, to a hallway in the wall.
"Guest housing?" Frowning, I tried to keep with Duke's longer strides as he headed in that direction.
"Jack didn't tell you?" Not looking pleased, Duke looked down at me. Trying to go through what Jack had disclosed, I remembered him saying they were all only visiting Chicago.
"He said you guys aren't part of this . . . circle." I think I used the right words, and when Duke's shoulders relaxed, I was pretty sure I did.
"Most cities have housing for Travelers who are visiting or are there on business." Reaching an elevator, he pushed the button. "Its nothing special, but it beats where you're staying."
I ignored the dig as we rode up to the fourth floor. The hallway we stepped out in was long, with doors on both sides. It really looked like any ordinary apartment building would. Thankfully, we only had a short way to go.
He was right, the apartment wasn't much, but it made my motel room look dank and seedy. The shouts, and thundering footsteps of two rambunctious kids hit my ears as Scout and Chloe launched themselves at Duke and he caught them effortlessly, blowing raspberries on their stomachs.
Both Scout and Chloe had Duke's dark brown wavy hair, but their doe like eyes were all Jennifer's. At six, Scout was the oldest, and he also was the more daring of the two. He'd taken no time in chatting me up, asking me a slew of inappropriate questions, while Jennifer apologized for his brashness. Chloe, was four, and had been painfully shy when we'd met, but after a few visits, and a bribe of candy from me, she quickly warmed up to me as well.
As soon as they were done attacking their father, they turned their attention on me. Chloe wiggled out of her father's hold and attached herself to my leg, while Scout started to tell me about his newest art project 'I just had to see'. They were filled with so much energy, that it made me exhausted just to watch them. I couldn't imagine channeling that level of exuberance every day.
Trying to pay attention to their ramblings, it occurred to me that I should've asked Jack about Dhampirs having children. I had a chance, but had been too overwhelmed, and I knew now wasn't the right time.
"Rose, I'm so happy you're here." All smiles, Jennifer efficiently detached her daughter from my leg, while telling Scout he would be able to show off his work after dinner. She did it with such ease, I could only stare in awe. Handing Chloe off to Duke with strict instructions to get the kids washed up for dinner, she took my hand and led me to the kitchen. "I'm glad you were able to make it."
She made all this seem so normal, and I suppose to her it was.
"Thank you for inviting me." It was lame, but seeing how overwhelmed I was, it was the best I had to offer.
"Are you kidding? I'm just glad you didn't go running for the hills. Typically, newbies think we're some kind of weird sex cult." Her eyes sparkled, and I had a sinking suspicion Jack had opened his big fat mouth.
"I'm going to kill Jack the next time I see him."
"Don't blame him. It's not the first time we've heard it." Laughing, Jennifer handed me a glass of wine before moving to the stove. With the same efficiency she had with her children, she stirred the sauce, made a fresh salad, and put the garlic bread into the oven.
It all looked so incredibly domestic, and I couldn't help but feel like I was back in Baia. My heart gave a lurch, warning me I was treading into unsafe waters.
"I know Jack can be overwhelming." Jennifer said with exasperation, but the look on her face showed how much she adored her friend. "But you can come to us anytime you have any questions."
"Do you have a few days?" Taking a sip of the wine, I grinned at her over the rim. She was about to reply when a pounding at the door made us both jump. The sound of Duke's heavy boots could be heard hurrying to the door, as Jennifer and I made our way out of the kitchen to see what the commotion was about. We barely made it to the kitchen doorway to watch as Duke opened the door.
I didn't recognize the man at the door, but Duke seemed to be familiar with him as they talked quietly with one another. Closing the door, Duke turned around, his face grim.
"There's an emergency meeting downstairs, there was another attack in Detroit."