“Floraidh is bringing the Raptor back to the skies.”
“We’re eaters of the dead. It transforms us, and allows us to live beyond our mortal lives.” She sounded like she was reading from a textbook. The same one Tolly had stolen a peek from when she’d dipped her foot into Scidairan magic.
“What does that have to do with my friend?”
She gasped as I twisted the knife, letting her cheek feel its sharp edge. “When we eat the
“Of course. Where’s she headed?”
“Clava Cairns. She’s already buried the items she needs there. She just had to get the diamonds to pro—” The girl gasped. “Floraidh! I’m sorry. I had no—” Both girls began to choke. I pulled the knife away from the talker’s face as her body bucked and writhed, struggling for air.
Within a minute Vayl had laid her beside her partner. Though Albert had called an ambulance, it would serve only as a hearse.
I grabbed Vayl’s arm. “Let’s go. We can still catch up to them if we hurry, right?”
He looked off in the direction they’d gone, cast his eyes back down to me. “Possibly. But I would hate to be drained of my energy at the very point I might need it the most.”
“The van, then. I’ll drive,” I said, digging into my pocket for the keys. “Albert, you stay here with Jack.”
“And explain the dead girls how?” he asked. “The way my luck’s been running, they’ll have stood me in front of a firing squad for murder before you two get here to back up my story!”
The fact that Albert had managed to keep up with us as we hurried around to the front of the house explained better than anything how he felt about being left behind. And I sure as hell didn’t have time to argue. “Fine. But you keep your ass parked in the van until we tell you it’s okay to come out,” I said.
“I might be able to help you,” he told me. “I’m pretty handy with a golf club.” Which was when I finally got a good look at the weapon that had taken down girl number two. Hard to tell where he’d found the nine iron he was currently using as a walking stick, but at this point I wouldn’t have cared if it was a bazooka.
“You’re in the vehicle or you’re stuck here and I don’t give a crap if they dangle yoe thnt>u from Castle Hoppringhill’s tallest tower.”
“I knew you were gonna say that. Fine. But if you need me, yell.” Albert hefted himself into the backseat of the Alhambra as Vayl, Jack, and I jumped into the front.
The dog settled between the front seats until Albert said, “Yo, mutt. I’ve got a goody for you back here.” While it wasn’t advisable, I glanced behind me. My dad was just pulling a sausage out of his pocket, which Jack reacted to with a bouncing turn that slapped his tail against my jacket as he enjoyed his snack.
“Why are you carrying fresh meat around with you?” I asked as I turned my eyes back to the road.
“I never know when I’m going to want a snack.”
“What’s in your pants pocket?”
“A Fruit Roll-Up and half a ham sandwich.”
“You’re joshing.”
“I never joke about food.”
I wished he’d find something to kid about. My insides were wound up so tight a good guitarist could’ve played the opening riff to “Smoke on the Water” on my intestines.
“Cole is fine,” said Vayl.
“How do you know?” I snapped. “It’s not like we have any clue what her plan is. Hell, she might have already started snacking on his fingers. Which means even if we save him he’ll never be able to talk to Viv again!”
Albert laughed.
“You are such a dick,” I said under my breath.
“What did you say?” my father demanded.
“You’re a selfish dick!” I yelled.
“That’s better! I knew I taught you not to talk behind people’s backs!”
The turn to Clava Cairns appeared on my right a lot sooner than I’d anticipated. I slammed the brakes and spun the wheel, making my dad swear as I slid him into the window. Even Vayl had to clutch the door handle, and I wondered for a second if the vehicle was going to roll as the tires screeched like a pissed-off diva.
As soon as I had the vehicle straightened out again, I killed the lights.
“Is that such a good idea?” asked Albert.
“I can see fine,” I replied.
“What kind of approach were you considering?” asked Vayl as we rocketed past the sign that told us we had less than five kilometers to go before we reached one of Scotland’s most ancient landmarks.
“Quick and violent,” I said.
He considered. “That might be a problem if she has a shield in place like the one that felled us.”
