Page 75 of Sundowners
“Creed, you be careful. This world is a better place with you in it. I hate to lose you.”
I knew it was about more than the Exchange for him, but I hated to think he’d begin to diminish after I left, that the new lease on life he’d experienced recently would prove to be a last gasp.
“I wish I could stay. Hell, I wish I could take you with me. I’m sure you’d be amazing in battle.”
Mr. Fletcher laughed heartily, and I heard the fluid in his lungs. It broke my heart to think of him suffering. Was I being selfish? Should I just give up my quest and stay?
But then I thought of Stephen’s evil grin, and I shuddered.
“There was a time I would have made a great partner in battle, but now I’m an old man wishing for a little more time.”
He gave me a pleading look, and I smiled. I would do this one last kindness for him and get what I needed to face my enemy.
“You’ve been a true friend, Mr. Fletcher. I am grateful.”
He put a hand on top of mine and then turned his wrist over.“For old time’s sake.”
I nodded, released the pheromone, and closed my eyes.
“Blessed be.”
I pressed my lips to his wrist and pierced his skin as the door creaked behind me.
“Creed, step away.”
I sighed and released as much healing energy as I could into Mr. Fletcher. I made sure to take the moment necessary to heal all traces of my bite, knowing I was caught anyway. Why hurry? Mr. Fletcher relaxed back against the pillow and was out like a light.
I held my hands up as I turned to face Reynaldo. Rey’s hand hovered over his duty weapon and his posture was coiled tight, as if he were ready to take me down.
“Am I under arrest?” I asked.
“Creed, we’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Rey said, and he wasn’t hateful. I’d expected anger from him, but what I got was even worse.
“If I’m not under arrest, I need to leave. I can’t let them find me here.”
“You’re not under arrest, Creed, but you need to come with me,” Rey said.
“I can’t do that. Please, let me go—”
“Rhonda needs you. She won’t eat anymore.”
Tears burned my eyes and a sob broke free. “No,” came out in a whisper.
“Creed, come back with me,” Rey pleaded. “We can protect you—”
“You can’t! I can’t let anyone else get hurt. I can’t.” I could barely talk, my throat was so full. I gauged whether or not I could take him by surprise, just barrel through him to the door or go out the window, but Rey’s hand was back on his weapon.
“Don’t.” Rey stepped forward with a hand out. “Don’t make me hurt you.”
“Please. They’ll kill all of you to get to me.”
Rey put a hand on my biceps, his grip strong, but not enough to hold me if I fought him.
“Which is why you need to tell us what you know. Come with me.”
I nodded, sucking in a breath. “But take me to the police department, not to your house. I don’t want to put Roman in any more danger. They’ve seen him with me—”
“He’s at the station. With Rhonda. Come on.”
