Page 208 of Red Marked
“Thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done, Flint.” It sounds so inadequate. “I owe you so much.”
“It’s my pleasure, and you don’t owe me anything.”
“I—”
His phone buzzes.
He scrolls. “Holy shit.” He keeps scrolling. “What the fuck?”
“What is it?”
“The eight humans went back to the Mainland the day after the vaccination news broke. That part I expected.” His thumb keeps moving. “One of the other shifters killed himself the day after Torr did.”
“What? That’s insane. Another suicide?”
“Yes, and listen to this. The third one packed a bag and left. Disappeared. Nobody’s seen him since.”
“Wow.” I’m frowning. “That doesn’t sound possible.”
“I would be willing to bet there’s a shallow grave somewhere on this island. And the fourth died in a car accident. He and his mate; their vehicle went off a cliff.”
“Another car accident?” I shake my head. “That’s a little too convenient.”
“So they’re all either back on the Mainland or dead,” Flint adds.
“Are you talking about the rest of the Bridge team?” Jett walks in carrying a tray with three cups.
“Yes.” I tell him what Flint has just told me.
He puts the tray down. “That’s fantastic. I mean, not that they’re dead.” His eyes cloud. “That part is terrible. But surely you can come back now? Officially. There’s nothing tying you to Veridian, or that email, or any of it. There’s nobody left to expose.”
“Flint?” I ask. “What do you think?”
“I think that’s accurate.” He nods. Then he smiles, but it’s stiff. “This is good news for you and the others, Star.”
I can hear my own heartbeat.
“That’s wonderful, my love.” Jett pulls me into a tight hug.
Over his shoulder, Flint picks up his espresso and takes a sip. Then he throws the rest back in one go and puts the cup down with a thud.
I pull away from Jett.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” He takes both my hands and squeezes them.
“It is.”
“Your parents are going to be beside themselves.” He’s grinning. “Let me take you to see them.”
“Right now?” I look at Flint. “What do you think?” I’m smiling. I can’t stop it.
“I think you’re in the clear, Star.”
His eyes hold mine.
I break away from Jett and turn to Flint.
“Come with me?” I ask. “I want them to meet you. It’s because of you that—”
