City Of Bones

Chapter 17

Jace walked casually down the corridor with his hands plunged deeply into his jean pockets, Isabelle walking silently beside him. He looked straight ahead, thinking of what Clary had just told him. It made sense now, all the weird conversations, escapes and lying. He felt bad for Clary and wanted to stop the pain she was experiencing. He knew Hodge wanted to speak to him urgently but he couldn't stop his mind from wanting to return to Clary and comfort her. Stop it, a part of Jace chastised himself. You sound pathetic.

"Why was Clary crying?" Isabelle asked abruptly. Jace was caught off guard by the question but he continued to look straight ahead, unnerved.

"Don't really know," he answered simply, shrugging his shoulders. Isabelle was going to ask him to elaborate but knowing Jace and how he'd most likely respond, she said nothing. After a few moments, she spoke again.

"Do you know why Hodge-?"

"Sort of," he replied calmly.

"Are you going to tell-?"

"No." He cut her off.

"Are you going to mention-?"

"No." Isabelle let out a small sigh of frustration. She hated how he kept cutting her off. Fine, let's see if you can answer this one, she thought smugly.

"Do you know why he wants to see Alec as well?" Jace looked at her in surprise, finally letting her finish her question. His pace slowed as he took in what she asked.

"He asked for Alec also?" He asked curiously. Isabelle nodded. "Well then that rules out my theory on why Hodge wanted to speak to me." Jace's mind started to try to conjure up other theories on why he would want to see him and Alec. Alec hadn't been at Dorothea's or at Luke's home. Jace quickly tried to think of different reasons. He didn't like being caught off guard. They finally arrived to Hodge's office and Jace still had no idea.

"Well, have fun." Isabelle told him before spinning around and darting out of sight. Where's she headed off to? Jace couldn't help but wonder. Jace mentally shook himself from his thoughts. Taking his mind off of Isabelle's sudden disappearances lately, Jace slowly entered the office.

As Jace walked in he noticed Alec was already seated in one of the chairs, the one Clary had sat in a while ago. What is wrong with me! She's just another girl! No different from the others! Stop thinking about her! A small voice chastised in Jace's mind. He couldn't help it though. He tried to pull his mind off of the small red head but it was if everything reminded him of her.

She's not just another girl. And she is most definitely different from the others. Jace thought back to the voice. Great now I'm talking to myself!

"Ah Jace, sit down," Hodge spoke cheerfully but he looked stern. Jace sat and shot Alec a look that said, 'what's this about?' Alec just shrugged at him, equally confused.

"Alec, Jace," he said quietly when they were both seated quietly. He leaned forwards, his forearm resting on his desk and his hands were clasped together. This can't be good,Jace immediately thought as he took in Hodge's appearance. "I asked you both to come here because I have a few questions for both of you."

"About what?" Jace asked cautiously. Hodge cleared his throat loudly.

"About Clary," he replied softly. Jace and Alec looked at each other in surprise. "I have this strange feeling that she's...Not quite telling me the truth about everything." Jace was absolutely astonished. How had Hodge found out?

"What do you mean?" Jace asked, sounding surprised. He decided sneak a glance at Alec who in turn was looking quite pleased.

"I don't believe she comes from France...Or maybe that is true but your reason for going to the vampires lair? Not so clear. Whatever happened with Valentine's followers? Not so clear as well. Do any of you know something I don't?" There was a long pause and Hodge cleared his throat. "The Clave needs every piece of information they can get boys. We need to stop Valentine and fast."