Eventide

Chapter 16. Revelation

Chapter 16

Revelation

(Monster, by Skillet)

　

　

　

　

　    I jumped out of my Jeep and ran toward the speeding airplane along the airstrip. Moira was visible in the pilot’s side window. It became obvious I was too late when the wheels left the ground, so I broke for the tree line.

     The moment I was far enough into the woods that no one at the airstrip would see, I dove at the ground and phased, destroying yet another set of clothes.

     The plane’s engine whined as it gained altitude. The forest canopy blocked my view, but the sound was enough for me to follow. I wouldn’t have to see exactly where it landed, only run fast enough that I could keep it within earshot until it did.

     Seth almost gave me crap because I wasn’t supposed to do any more patrols, but Jacob knew what was happening, reviewing my conversation with Jeff. He was as confused as I was about Brogan. He even seemed angry with him.

     No, not just anger. Betrayal.

     It’s got to be a misunderstanding of some sort.

     I pushed my speed, afraid I’d lose the plane if I ran into obstacles like rivers or mountains. Brogan and I needed to talk just as soon as possible so we could straighten out whatever was wrong. No way could I suffer through three days of not knowing.

     He’d better have a darn good reason for leaving,

Seth thought bitterly.

Or, he’ll wish he’d never met us.

     That was kind of sweet, in a violently disturbing sort of way, but my focus stayed on following the sound of the engine and not crashing into trees during my desperate dash through the woods. Minutes turned to hours, me running while Seth speculated about what might be wrong with Brogan.

     When the motor finally revved down, we’d traveled hundreds of miles from civilization. I couldn’t see where Moira landed, but I knew it was about ten miles due North of me. I maintained my speed until I heard them talking, then proceeded more cautiously so I wouldn‘t make any noise. A fallen tree several hundred yards from them gave me the cover I needed. As I settled behind it, my heartbeat adjusted to his and I could just make out their words.

     “Here, take the lantern.” Moira tried to hand the Coleman to Brogan, but he just shook his head.

     “That won’t be necessary, it’s a full moon tonight.“ A pile of camping gear sat at Brogan’s feet. “I’ve got everything I need. Go. I’ll see you in three days.”

     “Hold on. I’ll get the injection ready.” Moira stuck the needle into a tiny glass bottle and drew the plunger. Pitch-dark liquid glistened at the bottom of the clear syringe. She carefully flicked out the bubbles after she had it measured.

     “You should have told me the moment you realized.” He stuck something with a plastic handle in his mouth and twirled it around, then looked at it in the fading daylight. From the sour expression, I gathered he didn’t like whatever reading the little window showed.

     “I know,” Moira said with a frustrated huff. “I‘d hoped I was wrong about your body‘s resistance, though. I didn‘t want to say anything until I was absolutely certain.”

     Brogan took both the bottle and the needle from her, then filled the whole syringe with the contents. He didn’t bother to flick out the bubbles.