Page 75 of The Immortal's One
Damn it!
Tears well in my eyes. Just as I’m about to open the damholding them back, a notification pops up at the top of the screen:“Join Wi-Fi network?”
An incredulous laugh bursts past my lips.
The Immortals have Wi-Fi?
I tap the notification and laugh again when it connects—no password required. Looks like someone needs to take a class on internet security.
As soon as my phone connects to the internet, ding after ding sounds off. Dozens of unread notifications come through, some from seven days ago.
Tension drains from my body, relieved that no one snooped through my phone.
I ignore all the notifications from social media apps and focus on my texts. All but one are from Dad or Kayla.
Dad’s texts say exactly what I’d expect: he misses me and hopes I’m enjoying my time abroad. Kayla’s are the same, but she adds how bummed she is that we won’t get to go through the Christmas Light Trail together. It was our favorite holiday tradition as kids.
I squeeze my eyes shut. I’ve been avoiding the possibility that I won’t be home for Christmas. It’s morbid to think this way, but the truth is, if Dad’s treatment doesn’t go according to plan, this could be our last Christmas together.
Fresh tears burn the back of my eyelids. I open my eyes, blink to hold them back, and resume reading messages, sparing a grateful thought for the Immortals working their Masking magic. Dad has enough on his plate. I’m glad he’s not anxious or worrying about where I am.
One text message thread, however, isn’t so relaxed.
Hey, Darcie. Is everything okay?
It’s from Amanda, and it’s dated the day Evetta attackedme in the Robertson’s bathroom. She texted again after an hour.
One of my coworkers found a cart of groceries left outside the restroom. The receipt in the cart had your dad’s rewards number on it. Just want to make sure you’re good.
I choke out a disbelieving laugh.
Looks like the Immortals didn’t tie off all of their loose ends…
I don’t know if Thane and the others have fixed the situation, but I can’t bring it up. I don’t want to risk losing my phone again.
I move to the corner of the room, away from the door, and sit on the floor with my back against the wall. Then I tap my dad’s name again and bring the phone to my ear. Anticipation builds with each ring. I can’t wait to talk to him and hear how he’s feeling.
I hope I’m wrong about Lome and that he’s fulfilled his part of our bargain. If he has, I’ll drop all plans to find a way out of here. I’ll vow to sit tight for however long it takes for the Immortals to be satisfied with my safety, even swallow the tough pill of missing Christmas without complaint. It would be a small price to pay for Dad beating cancer.
Anticipation plummets into disappointment when Dad’s voicemail message plays in my ear.
I should hang up. I almost do.
But when I hear the beep, a jagged breath catches in my throat. I blink hard, and my voice comes out hoarse. “Hey, Dad… it’s me.”
Silence stretches. I swallow against the burn rising in my chest.
“I’m just calling to check in…” My voice wavers, softer now. “I’m having a good time, but—” I falter. My lips tremble. “—I miss you.”
I grip the phone tighter, pressing it to my ear like it’ll bring me closer to him somehow. “I hope you’re feeling okay. I’ll… I’ll have service for a couple of days. So if you want, you can call. Or text. Or whatever.” I laugh a little, but it’s hollow and short.
“Alright, well…” My voice cracks, and I don’t bother to hide it. “I love you, Dad. I’ll talk to you later.”
I end the call and swipe away tears before tapping the screen to call Kayla, eager for a distraction.
Ring. Ring. Ri?—
“Darcie!” Kayla cries. I pull the phone away to save my ears from the piercing sound. “I can’t believe it’s you. How are you doing? Long time no talk!”
