Between Worlds

Chapter 18

"I might have already found us a job for tomorrow night," Adin mentioned, catching Finch's attention as he rummaged through the fridge. Finch should have been asleep, preparing for his daytime driving shift, but sleep remained stubbornly out of reach.

"Yeah?" Finch said, failing to summon any enthusiasm into his voice.

"There have been reports of strange lights in the woods and missing food at a campsite."

Finch frowned at the fridge's contents before grabbing an apple. "Sounds like campers with flashlights and maybe some hungry animals."

"That is most certainly a possibility, but you know how I am with these things. We can't ignore the possibility of someone being in danger out there, even if we are stretched thin."

Finch sighed and sat down across from Adin, fiddling with the apple in his hand. "No, you're right. We're all from different worlds. As long as we can scrape by, we should help others in the same boat, profitable or not."

"It might turn out to be profitable, but that's secondary," Adin replied with a shrug. "A vampire's nose should be able to make quick work of it, in any case."

"And a vampire's distinct lack of empathy is going to be a whole lot of unhelpful if we do find someone," Finch said around a mouthful of apple. "I miss Tyla already. It really was an incredible blessing to have someone who could talk to everyone, regardless of language barrier."

Adin nodded. "I felt more at ease with Malyn and Tyla working as a team. Malyn's capable, but close-quarters combat is risky for any ranger."

"Well, we have Shadow and Luther, at least for now. I don't exactly trust Luther, but he's a force to be reckoned with. At least at night."

"I do feel that Luther deserves a chance. Or perhaps he doesn't, but it's not really about what he deserves. I believe that the world is a better place when each of us is given the chance to be our best selves. That was certainly something both you and I relied on the patience of others to work towards."

"Yeah, because in my case, it was mostly your patience."

Adin inclined his head in acknowledgement. "And that was a choice I made in memory of those who had done the same for me. I know Luther is theoretically a grown man, but the transformation he went through is a kind of rebirth. He's still learning."

Finch rolled his apple in his hand. He wasn't actually that hungry. "Yeah, okay, I get your point. I'll try to be more patient with him."

"If we're going to share quarters with him, I think it would be for the best. I'm not without my own reservations regarding the man, but I do think he's well-intentioned.

Finch let out a sigh. "Yeah, I know. Still annoying, though."

Adin offered up a gentle smile. "You should try to get some sleep. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."

"Mm..." Finch said as he picked up what was left of his apple and stood from the table. "I'll try..."

Finch found only fitful rest that night, his mind unwilling to fully switch off. The next morning, Adin had a simple breakfast ready for him – egg on toast – which Finch ate with a quiet gratitude before taking over the driver's seat of the bus.

Guiding the large vehicle along the road provided Finch with a much-needed distraction. His thoughts still wandered, but the physical act of driving kept them from spiralling. The steady rhythm of the bus moving along the highway was almost meditative, giving him a sense of purpose.

As the morning light brightened, Finch noticed a gradual awareness creeping into his consciousness until finally he glanced over and saw Shadow sitting in the seat next to him. He was wearing his big, wrap-around sunglasses.