Painful Reminders

Chapter Eight: Accidents & Abductions

"Cassian."

I looked up in irritation at the sound of Andrea's voice. She stood in the doorway of my office, watching me hesitantly. She had bad news. "What is it?"

She shifted uncomfortably, looking back over her shoulder into the hallway before stepping fully inside and shutting the door. "There's been an incident."

"Another attack? Which coven did they hit?" Pushing my laptop away, I gave her my full attention.

"It was Mya."

I stiffened, my blood running cold. "I told you to keep an eye on her. I told you not to do anything, but watch her."

"It wasn't us," she rushed to assure me, her eyes widening in alarm. "She was hit by a car leaving work. She's been rushed to the hospital, Chippenham. She's—where are you going?"

"Cancel tonight's meeting," I called over my shoulder, already halfway out the door.

***

"They're close now."

We sat on a park bench, watching the ducks fishing in the pond. The sun was shining brightly above us, and for some reason, my entire body ached. My head was pounding. "I wish you wouldn't be so vague. I don't know how you expect me to listen to you when I don't know what you're talking about."

"You haven't gotten any less difficult over the last five years."

Clenching my teeth, I slid him a look and glared. "You haven't gotten any clearer either."

"You need to get your head on straight. You'll get yourself killed if you don't start paying attention."

"Pay attention to what? Grandpa, what am I supposed to do if I don't know what you're talking about?"

"They're watching you."

"Who?" I demanded, twisting to face him fully and wincing in pain. My left leg was killing me. "Who exactly is watching me? Who am I supposed to be wary of?"

"Everyone."

***

"What happened?"

Becca lifted her head from where it had been lying on the hospital bed beside an unconscious Amya. Her eyes were red, her face red and blotchy. "You're the guy from the club."

I didn't have the patience to make small talk as I stepped into the room, taking in Amya's lifeless form. Her left leg was propped up on an elevation pillow and in a cast, her right arm heavily bandaged, as well as her head. I returned my gaze to Becca, "Tell me what happened."

She began sobbing instantly. "She thought I was kicking her out. I wasn't kicking her out; I would never kick her out. She started freaking out and we were in the road and this car—she pushed me out of the way."

"How is she?"

"She's got a concussion, a fractured tibia, bruised ribs, and she—" she hiccupped on a sob, wiping at her eyes and looking back at Amya. "She hasn't woken up yet."

Her bandages were stained with blood, her skin pale beneath the scrapes and bruising. Her death would've simplified things, and yet...I pulled out my phone, dialing Andrea's number. She answered on the first ring. "How is she?"

"Prepare a room. I'll send you a list of necessary items. Send Zeke for her belongings."

"Her belongings? What are you talking about?" Becca interjected, pushing up to her feet, her voice laced with panic as she moved to place herself between her friend and me. "Who are you? She can't leave the hospital right now, she—"