Page 50 of Midnight Whispers
The hinges creak as I pull open one of the double doors and look around. A red container catches my eye as it was exactly what I was looking for, gasoline. Starting in the back room and making my way through the living room and kitchen, I scatter the floor with the gas before stopping at the threshold ofthe front door. I toss the gasoline container into the house, lighting a match and throwing it into the gas. The house is quickly engulfed in flames, I turn leaving it and the bodies burning as I head back to the manor.
“Anything?”Asher asks while Flora is pacing the main television room and doesn’t stop once I enter.
“There wassomething.”
“What?” Flora exclaims, her attention now on me.
“There were two large males in an abandoned house on the edge of town. Probably a farm or something at one point. There was,” I pause to contain my anger. “Blood on the floor that was Lillia’s.”
“Oh my god.” Flora sobs and sits on the couch.
“You’re sure?” I nod. “Was it a lot?”
“No. I’m certain it wasn’t enough for me to be able to conclude she’s severely injured, but this was from hours ago. Who knows where she is now?”
Almost as if on cue, my phone begins to ring. I pull it out of the pocket of my jeans.
“Who is it?” Flora says, her voice full of hope.
“I’m not sure. It’s a private number.” I hold up my finger. “Hello?”
“Finnian, hello.”
“Cedar.” I spit through the phone.
“I have your precioushuman.I don’t see what the big fuss is about, she’s not even that pretty. But she does smell delectable.” I can hear Lillia mumbling in the background.
“Where is she?”
“Well, Finny, we are going on a little trip.”
“A trip? A trip where?”
“Think really hard.” There’s someone talking in the background. “Oh, I must go, the captain says it’s time to take off. See you later, Finnian.”
The phone line goes dead, and I crush the phone in my palm.
“What did he say?” Flora rushes to where I’m standing, looking up at me with pleading eyes.
“He said they’re going on a trip and to think really hard. I know they’re boarding a plane.” Asher and I look at one another as realization hits us simultaneously.
“France.” We both say.
“Asher, call Merritt and ask him to get the plane ready? We leave for France in an hour. Flora, you’ll have to stay ...”
“You will not tell me I have to stay here. Iwillbe going with you to save my best friend. There’s no if’s and’s or but’s about it.” She crosses her arms and cocks her hip, holding my gaze until I nod. “I will be right back; I just need to pack a small bag.”
“I think I love that woman.” Asher whispers as he comes up behind me.
“If I’m being honest, I find her to be quite scary.”
“Me too.” He laughs and follows her path upstairs while dialing his phone.
I go up to my own room and pack a couple of outfits. I know exactly where he’s going, and I don’t know how messy things will get once we get there. My only hope is that Lillia will be safe in my arms once again soon.
Forty-five minutes later, the three of us arrive at the local airport and to our private hangar, where our pilot Merritt is waiting. We walk up the stairs and into the cabin of our jet. It comfortably seats ten people, but we’ve never had more thanfour others fly with us. I pour myself a mixture of whiskey and blood before taking my seat.
“You guys have your own plane?” Flora whispers to me.