Raven Mask (Camren) Book 2

Chapter 24

My cell phone was ringing. I finished buttoning the black–and-red striped overshirt and followed the irritatingly loud sound to my overnight bag. Pushing my towel behind my right ear, I answered the unrecognized number.

"Hello?"

"Is this Camila Cabello?" a woman asked. "This is Gwen. Gwen Miller."

"It is. What can I do for you, Mrs. Miller?"

"Bea," she said. "My daughter. One of her friends from the neighborhood just came over. Would you like to speak with him?"

"Sure. Put him on."

I sat on the couch, dressed, with the exception of the towel on my head. I shifted, trying to get into a comfortable position with the small-of-the-back holster. I could usually ignore the discomfort of the gun when I sat. The trick was putting most of my weight on my shoulders. I often did it unconsciously now, but wondering what news this friend of Bea's might have, I'd totally forgotten about the gun. They have a way of reminding you you're wearing them.

"Hello?" He sounded young, with a thin, nervous voice.

"Start with your name. Then tell me everything you know."

"Alec. My name is Alec Wright. I live a few houses down the street. I grew up with Bea," he said, then corrected himself. "Beatrice. She said she'd call me last night, that she was going to check on Jacob." His tone gave away the rise of panic he was experiencing. "She didn't call."

"Are you friends with Jacob?"

"Yeah. We go to the same school."

I nodded, though he couldn't see my response. "Alec," I said softly. "Where did she go? Do you know where she went?" If I could get a lead on Beatrice I was pretty sure I had a clue to Jacob's location. Well, you've got to know where someone is to go check on them, don't you?

"Kind of. There's a vampire." The boy swallowed audibly. "Bea called him the Count of Counts. Said he promised he'd give her and Jacob a lifetime together. That he'd give her the power to save her mother. I told her it wasn't a good idea, but she wouldn't listen to me. She told me the cops found Jacob and how that piss—ticked the Count off."

"Alec," I said in a firm tone. I didn't need him distracting himself with thoughts of "I should have" or "I could have" and was afraid that's where he would go. "I need to know where Beatrice went. If you tell me, I can save her. If you tell me, I can save them both."

"I don't know. Bea said they met the Count of Counts in an abandoned church downtown. I...I don't know what street it's off of." His voice cracked. "All I know is it's near the vamp club. I'm sorry," he said, and I wasn't exactly sure to whom he was apologizing. "I'm really sorry. I should've stopped them. I should have told someone sooner, but I promised. She made me swear I wouldn't tell."

I could hear Gwen on the other end saying, "It's okay, Alec. It's not your fault."

"Alec, I want you to stay with Gwen for a little while. Do you think you can manage that?"

"Yeah, I'll call my parents and let them know."

"Good. I'll see if I can get someone to come sit with you guys for a while, all right?"

"Why?"

"I don't think it's safe for you to be outside without an escort. The sun will set soon. You've just given me information that may or may not put your life at risk." I paused, deciding I sounded a little too harsh. "I seriously doubt it, but if you're connected to Beatrice and she breathes word of it to the bad guys..."

I heard his quick intake of breath. A little bit of healthy fear can keep you alive—going bat-ass crazy does not.

"I won't."

"You'll stay inside after dark?"

"Yes. I swear."

"Good. Tell Gwen I'll call her or someone else will later tonight."

"I will."

I flipped the phone closed, took the towel off my head, and headed for the bathroom to finish getting ready. It looked like I might miss Lauren's party after all.