The Dark Society

103

Jennifer retreated to the Birdsong to await Sam's return. Though, following Anna's admission, she was nervous about seeing her, but after entering the suite, an envelope from The Research Medical Center caught her attention. Sam's battle with the ascension was legendary, making such an unusual letter disturbing.

Nevertheless, Jennifer cherished Sam's anonymity and had embraced that virtue, yet her feelings remained conflicted. As a result, she had minimized any further involvement, but it was two in the morning and Samantha still hadn't arrived. Thus, Jennifer grew worried, knowing Sam's punctuality.

Even so, Sam usually shared details about medical appointments, but she'd withheld the results of this recent visit--one of many small betrayals that had caused tension between them. Likewise, Sam was keeping secrets, yet this time Jennifer couldn't walk away without knowing why.

Meanwhile, she had also been considering returning to California despite Sam's objections. Besides, Jennifer wasn't religious, but Sam was changing, and staying felt like a lonely choice. Barring this in mind, she leaned against the table, retrieved the envelope, and opened it.

Inside were pages detailing Sam's latest exam. Sadly, Jennifer wasn't medically trained, but she understood enough terminology to grasp the basics. So, after reading through the results, the diagnosis was clear.

"She's dying," she whispered, letting the papers fall to the floor.

Angry and ready to leave, Jennifer headed for the door but found Samantha waiting outside.

"Going somewhere?"

Jennifer looked into Sam's emotionless eyes. "I was worried."

Sam reopened the door, took Jennifer's hand, and they returned inside together. For the first time, Jennifer felt terrified, anticipating Sam's reaction to the invasion of privacy.

"What do we have here?" Sam asked, collecting the scattered forms.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Sam scowled. "It wasn't necessary, and you know that."

Jennifer recoiled as Sam's answer rekindled her earlier fears. "You're giving up?"

Sam smiled grimly. "No, but there are alternatives."

Clutching the papers, Sam walked to the window and parted the drapes.

"Aren't you curious about where I've been?" she asked. "Or who I've spoken with?"

Jennifer moved closer. "The mortuary. Where you encountered Sabrina."

She and Sabrina had spoken at length, but despite her sister's pleas, Sam had refused.

"Yes."

"What happened?"

"She asked me to come home--an offer I'm still considering," Sam answered. "But there are things to handle first."

"Your father and Saint Anthony's."

"I need answers," Sam said. "Since Katherine's absent, Harold will have to do."

"What am I supposed to do?"

Sam stared at her. "You and Anna want to protect me?" She took Jennifer's hand. "Then revitalize your practice."

Jennifer met her gaze. "My involvement is limited, you know that. I can't impose on free will or influence the sect's decisions."

"Then why are you still here?" Sam challenged. "Especially after learning the truth of all this."

Jennifer's anger flared again. "Because despite everything, I love you."

Sam recoiled. "You're a creature of magic, incapable of authentic human emotion."

"Don't say that!"

With their bond finally severed, Jennifer grew frustrated and yielded to Sam's will. From now on, Samantha wouldn't be swayed by blind emotion, even with Harold's return to Saint Anthony's looming.

Sam was leaving for Saint Anthony's, and after many years, it was time. But, Jennifer knew Sam might not return, so before she departed, she offered one final plea.

"I wish you wouldn't go!"

With a solemn look, Sam headed for the door. "I have to. I'm sorry."