Watcher in the Darkness, Book 3: Imprisoned

Chapter 43

I made it back to the Sanctuary right before nightfall. The sunset sky was still bright red, so most of the Disavowed were in their pajamas. I didn't know their names, and I didn't stop to talk to anyone, but it was a huge relief to be around other vampires.

I finally found Michael leaning in the open doorway of the common room. He stared through the rolling picture on the television, lost in thought.

I didn't know where to begin, so I said, "Hey."

Michael yawned, deep circles under his eyes. "Hey, Tobias." He jerked in surprise then spun toward me, his eyes wide. "Toby? Sweet bloody Jesus, where in the hell have you been?"

I took a step back at his intensity. "What? Why, what happened?'

Michael look at me as though this was the most outrageous thing he'd ever heard. "What happened? You've been missing for over a week, that's what happened."

I made a face. "What? No. I just left this morning." Even as I spoke, I knew he was right and I was wrong.

"No," he said, slow and deliberate, "a security camera caught you jumping off the roof of a hospital nine days ago. They didn't find a body or any blood, but you were gone. I've filed a missing persons report, and everything. Hell, enough time's passed, the cops told me that you were most likely dead."

I closed my eyes as I shook my head. My life had gotten way too weird. "Well, I'm fine. Do I need to call somebody, or something?"

Michael shrugged. "Maybe Sebastian? I know they said they were going to question him."

I thought about this then nodded. "Yeah. If I ever get murdered, he'd be the first person I'd look at."

Michael passed his hand over his face. "You've missed so much. Your trial, for starters."

My blood ran colder as I braced for the worst. "Is it over? Did they convict me?"

"No. The judge recused himself, claiming some sort of conflict of interest."

"What? What conflict? What does that mean? Did they move the trial again?"

"No, they dismissed all charges."

I stared at him, but I wasn't even surprised. In fact, I'd kind of expected as much. Of course, I was going to be a free man. I'd worked so hard for the exact opposite.

As though sensing my disappointment, Michael said, "It's been established by natural law that a feral vampire has no control over their actions." He hesitated, as though he didn't want to tell me the next part. "That, and all the files pertaining to your case disappeared after DA Halloran died. Five minutes after we were seated, the new judge threw out the case. So, congratulations, I guess?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Okay. Well, what about the assault charges? What about Elaina?"

"The statute of limitations expired, Toby. Too much time has passed."

This was not the time to talk down to me. "Dude, I know what statute of limitations means."

"I know you know," Michael said, ever patient. "It's hard, but there are some things you just can't change. Now, where have you been?"

I laughed once in the back of my throat. "Dude, you wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Michael crossed his arms. "Try me."

So, I did. I told him everything, and I spared no detail. By the time I'd finished, four of the Disavowed had gathered around us.

A male, golden-blond vampire spoke first. "Dude, bullshit."