Blood Luster

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Allowing her to go to her dad's house could be a trap, it could be dangerous for everyone," Giovanni said.

"But what if he has answers that we've been searching for? What if he's the key to figuring out why the Gallentine's want her? More importantly, what if he's the key to keeping Magnolia alive? I know we all can't go, but Magnolia and I need to try," Benjamin responded.

Giovanni ran his hand over his face. "Invite him here."

"Do you think that's a good idea? If it's a trap then we're bringing the Gallentine's to our doorstep," Marcus said.

"Benjamin's right. Magnolia's dad might be the only option to figure out what we do next. If they come here, at least we will have a home advantage. We can be more prepared here." Giovanni turned to Magnolia. "Set it up, dear."

Benjamin and Magnolia left and went to the kitchen to set up the meeting. She sat down on a barstool and pulled her phone from her back pocket, leaning her elbows on the countertop. Leo answered the phone on the second ring, regardless of the time; 2:45 am.

"Speaker," Benjamin whispered.

"Hello?"

"I got your message," she said.

"You need to come see me, I'll be able to help you," he said.

"Come to me."

"Of course. Where are you staying? I looked for you at Mill's."

"Benjamin will meet you at the gas station outside of town, exit 27. You can ride with him or follow," she offered.

"Violet will be with me. She knows everything; she's worried about you."

"We'll talk when you get here. What time?"

"Would tonight at six be okay?" he asked.

"See you then." She ended the call and turned to Benjamin.

"How are you feeling?"

She rubbed her eyes. "Scared, worried, eager."

They spent the remainder of the morning watching movies, trying to distract themselves from everything. Fear gripped every muscle in her body as time sped by. When the alarm went off on her phone she'd set this morning, they weren't surprised. They both had been watching the clock intently. Benjamin finished getting ready. When they were almost at the front door, they spotted Giovanni and Addeline.

"Be extra careful, son. If you think you're being followed, take a different route. If anything seems out of the ordinary or you need help, call here and we'll be there immediately," Giovanni said.

"I will. Thank you for everything you've done for me." Benjamin shook his hand before turning to Magnolia.

"Be careful, I'll see you when you get back. I love you," she said.

"I love you too. Don't worry yourself too much, I'll be gone about an hour." He leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

The second the door shut behind him, dread and emptiness washed over Magnolia.

Addeline placed her hands on her shoulders. "Come on honey, let's go relax in the sunroom."

"I'd love too." She smiled.

She followed Addeline as they navigated to the sunroom, she had been unaware they had one, but she probably was unaware of a lot of things in this house. They walked into a medium-sized sunroom with white lounger chairs. The yellow painted walls brought warmth to the room.