Page 21 of Haunted Hearts

“Can do.” Jack salutes me but doesn’t leave.

“What?”

“Look, man, I can’t help but feel like something is off with us.”

“I think you know why,” I say bluntly.

“I’m sorry. And Kai, he’s a cool guy, he makes Calli happy.” He shrugs. “I meant what I said to you. I just want her safe and happy. He makes her happy,” he repeats, his face softening.

I exhale; as much as I don’t trust any of this, Jack doesn’t appear to be lying and I honestly don’t want to have this conversation. I pick up my bag. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I walk past him and exit the room.

My next stop is Calli’s room. I knock and the door cracks open. Calli peers out looking disheveled.

“What’s up?”

“I’m leaving for the night, I’ll be back in the morning.” I turn to walk away, but she opens the door, calling after me.

“Hey, be safe.” She comes over and gives me a hug.

I return it and pat her on the head, throwing on my backpack as I head down the stairs. “I’ve got the live feed to the cameras, so don’t do anything stupid.”

Locking the door behind me, I walk out to the shed where I pull the cover off my all-black ZX-10R Kawasaki.

You like it? I smile to myself, feeling I know your answer.

It’s rare I pull it out. My truck is usually less conspicuous, and cops tend to target bikes, which is the last thing I need, but tonight is special.

I grab my helmet and mount up; the bike roars to life as I rev it up. I kick up dust as I speed out of the driveway and pull onto the road. It’s beautiful out here, as usual. The midafternoon sunlight slips through the trees as I pick up speed. I begin to feel a warmth on my back.

I can feel you. The discomfort melts away.

Just getting some distance from that house is already taking the pressure off me. I hope you’ll give me an opportunity to show you the attention you deserve while we have the chance. When I’m healed, I’ll make my move. I don’t want to waste more of my time hunting these fuckers. This next mission has got to be the last.

I hope you’re prepared for what it means for you. You can’t hide in the shadows of my mind forever— Before long, I’ll be hiding in yours.

All too soon, I’m at the cabin near the top of the mountain.

“We won’t be bothered up here,” I say, pulling my backpack off. The front door opens with a loud creak, welcoming me to a freezing cold, dusty living room. I pause.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been up here, so I’ll need some time to get everything ready.”

CHAPTER 8 KAI

“So, you told your brother about me,” I say, kissing the back of Calli’s neck while she looks out on the tree line.

“I didn’t think I had a choice in the moment. You don’t know my brother. And I… I just couldn’t lie to him again.” She turns toward me. “Cade… he said something, didn’t he?”

“It’s okay, it only caused a minor inconvenience with Jack.” I pause. “But hopefully I took care of that.”

“What’s up with you two, by the way?” She places her hands on her hips. “You seem so friendly. I thought you hated Jack.”

I don’t need her suspicious right now, but she’s right.

“That was before I asserted my dominance and claimed you as mine,” I say with a laugh, attempting to defuse the situation with humor.

She lightly punches my arm. “Wow, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Bullshit, I call bullshit. While you were playing games this afternoon?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I deflect, but she persists.