“Yes, yes he will. But I had to call his father to tell him, of course. He’ll be here tomorrow night, and he’s not happy, Cara. Not happy at all.”

  I gulped, imagining dealing with an angry Armin. He was hard to deal with at the best of times.

  “And you two,” she said, turning to Levi and Petra. “What were you thinking letting her go out like that? She’s just a child. You could have all been killed.”

  “Sorry,” Levi said. A grin tugged his lips; he didn’t look very guilty. “It’s just hard to be killed when you’ve already been killed, you know?” The twinkle in his eyes died under Louisa’s steady glare.

  “Well, Cara is human and she certainly can be killed. Plus, as you well know, Levi, there are things worse than death,” Her glare and tone were fierce. “I rescued you once from Leo. I can’t promise I’ll be there to do it again if you act so recklessly and put yourself in danger. What you do with your life is up to you, but I’m shocked you’d put Petra and Cara in danger like that.”

  “It was my idea,” Petra said quickly. “It was my idea to follow her.”

  “No, it wasn’t,” I interrupted. “I wanted to make sure the Horse Trader was really dead and these guys wouldn’t let me go alone. I was just going to dig him up and make sure he was in his grave and then bury him again.”

  “Oh, was that all? You know that if you were caught, there’s a sentence of jail time for digging up a grave, right? You know if you were caught, Petra and Levi could have been in serious trouble. Not to mention that—”

  She pointed to Levi’s bare arm where a nasty-looking tear dug length wise through his skin, leaving a torn furrow of ragged skin.

  “Oh, no,” I said. “Why didn’t you say anything, Levi?”

  He winked and shrugged. “I caught it on a tree branch the first time we climbed over. It doesn’t bother me, don’t worry.”

  “I’m so sorry, Louisa,” I said. “It really was all my fault. These guys caught me sneaking out and came with me to make sure I was safe. And they did, I probably would not have made it back in one piece without them.”

  “I’m all for teamwork,” Louisa said dryly. “But this whole thing could have been avoided if you had just listened to me and your aunt. We told you he wasn’t a Nzumbe. Why didn’t you believe us?”

  “Because I thought you just wanted to shut me up. You said he’d been cremated, but you lied. He has a grave with a coffin in it and a family who buried him. I had to make sure he was really there.”

  “Okay, I’m not sure whose grave you dug up tonight, Cara, but I can promise you it wasn’t the Horse Trader’s. I looked into this already. He had no family and he was cremated right after the autopsy.”

  “No,” I said stubbornly. “I Googled him. Stewart Jones; he was buried two months after he was killed and there was a funeral and everything.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she said, shaking her head. “Cara, it’s another Stewart Jones. I do remember seeing that, but it’s just a coincidence that they had the same name. He was a banker who had a heart attack. How do you think his poor family is going to feel when they discover someone has been digging in his burial plot? They’ll be appalled.”

  “How was I supposed to know that?” I cried. “You guys never tell me anything that’s going on. I have to guess everything myself. I had to wait forever to see Henry and you won’t listen to me about the dreams I’ve had of all these new Nzumbe popping up in the tunnels under the city. I think they’re—”

  “I always listen to you, Cara,” she interrupted. “Even if I don’t always react in the way you’d like me to. Sometimes, you have to let the grown-ups, especially those of us who are hundreds of years old, handle the big situations. Now, I’m done talking to you three tonight. We’ll continue this in the morning.”

  I flew out of the room and ran up the stairs without waiting for Petra or Levi. I was so mad, I could scream. Who was Louisa to blame me for mixing up the graves when it was her fault? It wasn’t like I asked Petra and Levi, or even Caleb, to follow me. None of this was my fault.

  I paused in front of Caleb’s closed door and took a deep, calming breath. Maybe it wasn’t my fault he’d followed me, but it was my fault for ignoring him these last few weeks. I pushed the door open and peered inside.

  He was sprawled sideways in his bed, half out of the covers with his feet dangling over the floor. His hair was pushed to one side and his face was blotchy with tears.

  “Oh, Caleb,” I whispered, my anger fizzling away. “I’m so sorry.”

  I tiptoed to the bed, tucking the covers under his chin and straightening his pillow. His eyelids flickered and he whimpered in his sleep, but didn’t wake. Armin would kill me when he got there.

  “Cara,” Caleb yawned. “you’re here.”

  “Yes, buddy, I’m here. Now, go back to sleep.”

  “Did the bad man catch you? I tried to warn you but I was too slow. I’m sorry.”

  I stiffened and pushed myself upright, frowning. “There are no bad men, Caleb. I shouldn’t have snuck out without telling anyone. Nothing is your fault.”

  “No, the man from my dream was there. He said he was going to hurt you. I’m glad he didn’t.” His eyes flickered and his breathing softened.

  “Everything is okay, Caleb,” I whispered. “It was just a dream.”

  I pushed his hair back from his eyes and took a long look at him. Louisa was right; it wasn’t safe for him here. No little kid should have to be afraid.

  I reached my bedroom door and slid soundlessly inside, standing in the dark with my back pressed against the door and my throat clogged with tears. Why did he follow me out into the snow in the first place? He could have died.

  As I stumbled toward the bed, my bare foot kicked something soft and squishy. There was a blood-curdling yowl before tiny needles stabbed my leg.

  I yelped, clutching my leg and hopping on one foot. My other hand found the light switch and I flicked it on. Jasmine glared with baleful green eyes from the middle of my floor, her fur standing on end like she’d been electrocuted. She arched her back and hissed, teeth bared. Leaping on the bed, she stalked to my pillow, and sat in the middle of it to wash herself.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, kitty.” I sniffled. “I’m just hurting everyone tonight.” I dropped my backpack to the floor and pulled off my sodden jeans. I sat on the bed and gingerly inspected my leg. There were tiny puncture wounds from my foot to halfway up my calf.

  I limped to my dresser and pulled out my softest pair of fluffy flannel pajamas, a gift from Aunt Sandra I’d only used once since I preferred to sleep in t-shirts. I stepped gratefully into them and rummaged around until I found a pair of thick, woolly winter socks to match. The only thing still soaking wet was my hair.

  I climbed into bed and lay with my head far away from Jasmine’s perch on the pillow. She looked angry and I wasn’t going to risk being scratched again. I huddled under the covers, shivering until the warmth from the bed finally thawed some of the ice from my bones.

  Once I stopped shaking so badly, Jasmine pushed her nose under the covers with a questioning mew.

  “Come on, girl,” I said, lifting the blanket so she could wiggle inside. She settled into a ball against my chest, launching into a deep rumbling purr which gradually lulled me to sleep.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Armin

  I woke up late the next morning feeling like I’d been run over by a bus. Every muscle in my body ached, my head throbbed, and I had the sniffles. All I wanted to do was stay in bed. But that wasn’t happening.

  “Dad,” Caleb squealed right outside my door. Feet thundered along the hallway. There was a surprised oof from Armin when the kid probably launched himself onto his father like a rocket.

  “What are you doing here? Are you mad at me because I got lost last night?”

  “Never,” Armin said in his low, tense voice.

  I sat up in bed and strained to hear. I couldn’t believe Armin was there so fast. It was impossible. I looked at the clock. It was eleven in the morning.

  “Caleb, I could never be mad at you. I just had a change of plans. I’m here for the weekend, and then you and I are going on a road trip.”

  “Wow! Seriously? Where are we going?”

  “Germany, first, and then we’ll go see your mother in France. She’s been missing you. After that, we’ll have a little vacation together.”

  “The hell you are,” I said under my breath. I threw myself out of bed and marched to the door. I yanked it open and glared at them with both hands on my hips.

  “Cara,” Armin said without smiling. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Cara!” Caleb dislodged from his dad and ran over to me, bouncing with excitement. “Did you hear? We’re going on a trip! My dad’s taking me to see my mom.”

  I stared at him wordlessly, all the anger bleeding out of me. Realization dawned on me; maybe it was safer for him to be away from Wayfarer’s with everything going on. Maybe it was safer for him to be away from me.

  “When will you bring him back,” I asked, my voice cracking painfully. “Caleb has schoolwork, and friends and a—a home here, you know.”

  Armin’s face was uncharacteristically sympathetic when he looked at me. “It’s just a trip, Cara,” he said softly. “He’ll be back in time to catch up with his school work. I promise.”

  I bit my lip and didn’t say anything else. I didn’t want to upset Caleb, who was already gazing with worried eyes between me and Armin. He’d had a rough night.

  “Caleb,” I said, dragging up whatever acting skills I had to make my voice sound fun and carefree. “Let’s go down and make breakfast for your dad. We’ll make something really tasty for him. I have to get dressed, but will you make up a quick menu? Anything you like. I’ll meet you down there.”

  “Okay,” he said happily. “I’ll get my menu board.” He turned on his heel and galloped down the hall to his room to grab his white board.

  As soon as he was gone, I slumped against the wall and closed my eyes.

  “Please bring him back, Armin,” I said without looking up. “Last night was an accident. It will never, ever happen again. I promise.”

  “Cara,” Armin said sternly. “I meant what I said. It’s not forever. It’s just a little break. I’ve known your aunt and uncle for a long time and I trust them completely. Everyone feels that it’s safer for Caleb to be out of the way right now.”

  Armin was silent for a long time. “I know you have no reason to trust me, so I can only say to you that I swear I will bring him back here if I can. This is his home and he has been given a better childhood here than either his mother or I could provide. But that’s beside the point. I wanted to ask you if you would come with us.”

  I opened my eyes and gaped. “Me?”

  He curled his lip into a slight smile. “Of course. Caleb adores you and it would be my pleasure to show you the sights. You would probably be safer with us and you could experience food from all over the world.”

  Staring at Armin, I felt tingling excitement ripple down my spine. I could see myself travelling all over the world with Caleb and Armin, visiting cheese factories and eating in fancy restaurants. It was so tempting, and I wouldn’t have to say goodbye to Caleb so soon.

  My beautiful fantasy was replaced with the vision of Henry lying all alone in his hospital bed. I saw Ramsay still recovering in his stall, and Leo at large, ready to attack us at any moment. I gave up my brief dream with a reluctant sigh. I would travel the world someday when I was a famous chef, but I belonged at Wayfarer’s End. I was needed.

  “I can’t go,” I said reluctantly. “But thank you. You promise me you’ll come back,” I said, staring him right in the eye. “Really?”

  “Really,” he said, holding out his hand for me to shake. “I promise.”

  * * * * *

  Saying goodbye to Caleb the next day without blubbering was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. He looked so little standing there in the early dawn light, half asleep, with his suitcase clutched in one hand. Aunt Sandra clasped his other hand, her face stamped with worry. She smoothed his hair one last time and kissed him on the forehead.

  “Now, remember not to stay up too late, Caleb. Brush your teeth and don’t let your dad spoil you too much, okay? I want you to email us every day and let us know how much fun you’re having. And say hello to your mother for us.”

  “Don’t forget to tour that famous chocolate factory,” my uncle added. “And bring us home some samples.”

  Caleb clung to Aunt Sandra tightly. With a sniffle he dragged his suitcase toward the car. He turned to look at me, his eyes brimming with tears. “Cara—”

  Before he could go on, I wrapped him in a tight hug, lifting him off the ground and twirling him around until he squealed.

  “You’re going to have such a great time with your dad, Caleb, and you’ll come home soon and tell us all about your amazing adventures.”

  I pulled back and stared at him, memorizing his face just in case I never got to see him again. This was the right thing to do. It was horrible for me to let him go, but Armin was right. No matter what happened, Caleb had to stay safe.

  “I will,” he said with a frown. “I wish you were coming.”

  “Me too, buddy. But I have to stay here and take care of the Inn. It would pretty much fall apart without me.”

  Armin flashed a rare smile and opened the back door. “All right, hop in, Caleb. Time to road trip.”

  Caleb’s face lit up and he pushed away from me, all traces of tears gone. “Yeah, let’s go,” he said, leaping into the back of the limo without a backward glance. “Bye, everyone. Come on, Martin, hurry up!”

  Martin strode past me, wearing striped pajamas tucked into his winter boots. He had on a thick winter jacket topped with a scarf and a plaid wool hat, the flaps covering his ears. “You couldn’t have picked a later flight, Armin,” he asked grumpily. “It’s not even daytime yet, man. It’s the middle of the night.”

  Armin grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s good for you to get up early once in a while.”

  Martin grunted and got into the driver’s seat, slamming his door behind him.

  Armin paused before getting inside, his face twisting with emotion. “I will bring Caleb back here safe and sound,” he said with a frown. “But I want you all to take care of yourselves, too.”

  With that, there was a flurry of slamming car doors and waving. The car spun away and they were gone. Just like that.

  My chest was hollow as I watched the tail lights disappear into the darkness. I really hoped I’d see Caleb again soon. Already the place seemed a little colder, like a light had left it.

  Of course you’re going to see him again, I told myself until I believed it. He’ll go on his trip, come back, and everything will just like before. Better than before, actually, because Henry will be home.

  Brave thoughts, but the dread lodged in my belly didn’t go away.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Wheelchairs

  “Becca,” Phin said. “Do you think we could go for another ride down the hall today?”

  The day before, Becca introduced him to his wheelchair and took him on a lap of the third floor. It was painful and awkward, but gave him something to do and made life a little bit brighter. Being pushed around the halls was actually quite nice. It was a bit like being visiting royalty. He had to squelch the urge to wave at everyone as he passed.

  “Sure, John. How about I get you set up in the chair now, and then I’ll come back in an hour after my rounds and we can go for a short ride?”

  It took a long time to get Phin out of bed and into the chair. He could only use his left side and every move was wracked with pain. Transferring from the bed down into the chair was terrifying; he couldn’t imagine what would happen if he slipped and fell. Becca was patient, but it still embarrassed him to be so weak and helpless in front of her. He finally settled into the wheelchair with a groan, panting and sweating. Becca draped a blanket over his lap and patted him on the shoulder.

  “Becca,” he said, before she escaped to do rounds. “Maybe you could drop me off at the end of the hall by the window. Since you’re going that way, anyway.”

  Phin flashed his most charming smile, but really, he was desperate. He did not want to spend another hour in his room staring at the walls. The room seemed to be closing in on him and he needed to get out.

  “Oh, John.” She shook her head disapprovingly, but he’d won her over. She grasped the handles on his chair and steered him expertly toward the door.

  “Thanks, Becca,” he said gratefully as she pushed him to the window at the end of the hall. She manoeuvered the wheelchair—his left side was closest to the window and his back was toward the hall, that way he could see everything happening below. At least he’d have something interesting to look at. He wasn’t able to work the chair himself since he only had one working arm and one working leg. He was pretty much stuck unless someone pushed him.

  “Uh-huh,” she said. “See you in an hour. Flag down a nurse if you get too tired and need to rest.”

  Phin leaned sideways as far as he could in his chair and rested his good elbow on the windowsill to peer outside. It was still pretty early in the morning and the streets didn’t have much traffic. A few people went by walking dogs and he followed their progress down the sidewalk, smiling as the dogs sniffed everything in sight, their tails excitedly wagging. His parents would’ve never allowed him to have a pet. They were too expensive, for one thing, and they also got in the way of travel plans for monster hunters who had to be constantly on the move. Cara’s dog Rosie never warmed up to him. She’d always stared at him suspiciously, convinced he’d been up to no good.

  Phin befriended animals wherever he went on his travels with his parents and he always hoped to have a horse of his own one day. Maybe he’d be able to make that a reality.

  I think John definitely likes horses, Phin thought, working on his alias. For sure, he’ll like cats and dogs. He’s going to have at least one of each. Maybe, if I wasn’t so far behind in school, I could study to be a vet or something.

 

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