Page 70 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
“Right?” My heart sinks. “It just… none of it makes any sense. I don’t understand what Poppy was doing here in the first place.”
He rises, placing a hand on the small of my back. “Did she enjoy nature?”
“She did…” I press my lips together. “But it has to be more than that.”
“It is. My vision wouldn’t have shown her to me if she wasn’t part of the Strode mystery.”
“But these woods don’t have the answer.”
“Are you sure?”
I look around. The space is illuminated as the sun sets. Orange light shines through the tree branches, casting patterns of shadow and light. It’s settled. There’s nothing to be afraid of here.
“Yeah,” I say. “I’m sure. We’ll have better luck at the vampire club. Unless you’re able to see anything else?”
Margaux’s parting words echo in my mind. She doesn’t trust Caldwell, but right now, Ido. Ineedto trust him.
Margaux and I are still rebuilding our trust, and Caldwell is safe. Isn’t he? I look to him with desperation, certain he’ll share anything he finds with me.
His eyes close, the wind sweeps through his hair, and his chest inflates as he slowly sucks in a deep breath.
I find I’m holding my breath along with him, waiting for him to return with an answer. Any answer.
Instead, he returns with another apologetic smile.
“Nothing,” he says, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t think these woods are the answer.”
“You’re right.” I take his hand gently, tugging him back to the car. “Come on. I think… I’m finally ready to let go of this place.”
We’ll find Poppy’s revenge, but it won’t be here. My mind can stop wandering to Roslyn Street in my dreams. Ican step forward, stronger than ever, with Caldwell’s sight to guide me.
And he does guide me. He takes me back to his car and holds the door open as he always has. I rub my hands together as I wait for him to turn on the heater, the autumn chill going right to my bones.
He joins and turns on the car, but rather than driving off, Caldwell faces me, his expression soft.
“Do you want to talk about her?” He rests a hand on my knee, and I take comfort in the slight pressure of his touch.
I tilt my head to the side. “Poppy?”
“Mhm,” he says, humming his affirmation. “You two must have been close for you to go through so much trouble for her.”
“It’s not too much. It’s nothing.”
“You’re risking your life for her. Most people would go to the investigators, but… you’re a human going after vampires. You’re getting your hands dirty. I’ve never met someone so…”
“Stupid?” I supply, laughing.
“No,” he says. “Loyal.Brave.I would be honored to have a friend like you.”
“Then youshouldbe honored,” I say, placing my hand over his. “We’re friends now. Aren’t we?”
He blinks, his lips parting—and then his expression shifts. A soft smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
“Yes,” he says. “We are. We’ve been friends all along, I think.”
“Not in my eyes. Our friendship is still very new.”
“Unsurprising, considering you thought I was a murderer, but I always knew you were loyal and brave.”
