The Dark Society

54

Stern had been trying to link Kyle and Logan to Trina and Jasmine for months, but Luis had mysteriously been excluded from any interrogation. Nevertheless, he spent the morning packing for his trip to America while waiting for his best friend.

"Isn't Alex coming by?" Caroline asked.

Luis appeared in the doorway. "Eventually."

She grimaced at the sound of an unexpected message notification.

"What's wrong?" his mother asked.

Luis looked up from his phone. "It's about Trina and Jasmine."

She recoiled. "Oh my god--did they find them?"

"I don't know," her son replied. "The police are still investigating."

Alex arrived shortly after, conspicuously alone.

"Make yourself comfortable," Caroline suggested, escorting him into the living room.

Alex's expression was troubled, which Luis had expected. Even still, the weight of something traumatic having happened hung heavy in the air, and Luis was determined to distance himself from whatever was coming. But despite Stern's insinuations, Alex's genuine concern for his best friend was obvious.

"You're going after Sabrina?" Alex asked, settling into a chair.

"How did you know?"

Alex chuckled grimly. "Our fathers talk, remember?"

The organization's involvement ran deep, so as Stern's investigation intensified, everyone had gone into isolation.

"I know you're determined to go," Alex said. "I'm just saying it'll look suspicious if you leave now."

Luis frowned. "Look, I'm sorry about what's happened, but I have to go."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Stern wants to question Sabrina."

Luis moved to the window and shrugged. "I figured as much."

Alex stood and approached him. "I hope you know what you're doing."

Luis managed a grin. "I do, but I'm worried about Karen."

Alex stepped back. "She's convinced the mosque is working against her."

"They're afraid of what she's becoming," Luis confirmed.

Alex looked pained. "And you're not?"

Luis parted the curtains, gazing outside. "I thought I understood her, but Karen's desire for control is changing her."

Alex turned away. "She's disappeared, and I don't know where to look."

Luis nodded. "If that's true, then her quest for immortality has begun."

"What should I do?" Alex pleaded.

Luis shifted to face him. "Karen's capable of anything now, but when the time is right, she'll find you."