Chapter Twenty-Four
Asher
Lie. One big, fat lie.
I felt energy swirl around his desk. He was putting a lot of energy into protecting a certain area that I picked up on it.
“Sounds great. If you’ll just back it up a bit, I need to get in here for a moment.” I walked over and started opening drawers. He tried to push me back, but I wasn’t budging. I was done fucking around with these two people. Echo didn’t say a word. I knew she was bound and couldn’t do anything. But I could. Just a Good Samaritan. They’d let me in, so I wasn’t breaking and entering.
Bingo.
“Not worried about anything? So why do you have some syringes with a bottle of ketamine, otherwise known as the ‘date rape’ drug?”
Sarah gasped and Robert’s face paled.
“It’s not what you think. I didn’t kill her.” Echo started reciting his rights as she walked around the table, cuffs in hand.
“Where are you taking him?” Sarah asked, tears streaming down her face as she watched her husband being handcuffed.
“To be questioned at the station.” Echo gave her a quick answer, then she went about putting the evidence in an official bag she pulled out of her back pocket. We were on the move to the car shortly after, hopefully to end this whole case.
I wasn’t an official member of the Seahill Police Department, so I was stuck waiting in the break room as Echo and her chief interrogated the pastor.
Twenty minutes later they emerged, her face twisted in anger.
“He’s lawyering up. He’ll have to stay the night, and we’ll get another crack at him tomorrow. But until then he’s not budging. Hopefully forensics can connect the drug in Amanda to his.” She looked a little restless as we walked over to her desk, which, considering all the dust on it, I bet she didn’t use often.
I sat in the chair across from her, watching her emotions change by the second.
“Think he’s the guy?” I was curious. He seemed like a fit suspect, but something in her words told me she wasn’t one hundred percent. Her brown eyes met mine, and I wished I could read minds.
“I’m not sure. I don’t feel that relief I thought I would by catching my parents’ killer.” She chewed on her bottom lip.
“Maybe you’d made him out to be bigger in your head than he really was.”
“Maybe. We’ll see tomorrow.”
She had some paperwork to do, so I decided to go get her something to eat. She was always hungry.
Their little snack area was pathetic, so I took to the street and stopped by a late-night diner to pick up some burgers.
“Asher. So glad I ran into you.”
I’d lived in the city for years now, and until the last twenty-four hours, I had never heard my name said out and about like I have now. I turned to see the master of the universe himself waiting for food alongside me.
“Phillip Griffin. I’m sure this is a surprise to you.” I grinned, knowing very well this meeting between us was one he’d foreseen.
The pretty boy smiled, completely unashamed for whatever reason he was here with me.
“I’m grabbing some food for everyone. It’s been a rough week. Thought they’d want something other than Italian food tonight.” Phillip grabbed a drink from the little fridge and paid for it at the counter. He was dressed in jeans and a thick, zip-up jacket and sneakers. So down to earth for a millionaire.
“Pizza can get old after a while.”
“Yep. So, you two have any plans for Christmas next week? Rose wants to introduce Draco to our parents. So that will be fun, but we were thinking about doing a little get-together for the crew. You guys should join us, if you aren’t busy.” He was pretty chatty, but then again, so was I, most of the time.
“I completely forgot about it, honestly. But I’ll mention it to the woman.” I winked. Speaking of my woman…
“The killer who got her parents came after her today. She changed into a lion and her asshole neighbor reported her to the landlord. She has to move out within twenty-four hours. Any room at your headquarters if she wants it?” I figured while he was here I could at least help try to get Echo in at the apartments.
Phillip nodded while taking a sip of his drink.
“Already have it ready for her in case she decides to. It could still go a few ways. One path is starting to solidify, though. Keep putting the sweet on her.” Phillip chuckled to himself while my chest warmed. There was a future where she chose to stay with me. That gave me hope.
“So, what’s the real deal you’re here for? We both know it’s not just for the burgers.” I didn’t mind his company, but I wasn’t one for beating around the bush.
He nodded, understanding that I just wanted him to get out whatever he had on his mind.
“I can’t see who that killer is. I’ve tried finding him in the visions, but I can’t go back, only forward. I saw her being attacked but knew you’d save her. I wanted to warn you that shit in Seahill is going to get worse, and we are going to need you both with us. She’s already agreed to be part of our Hero Society, but we need you, too. You are vital, actually. I’ve seen two futures for you that are most prominent: a mate, or a destiny with your coven. We both know Echo is your mate, destined for you since she was born. Her energy matches yours perfectly. You could also run from the fact that your future is set one way or the other. I can’t tell, but you need to make your move soon. Time is running out. Night is coming for us all. You will either be with us or hiding with your coven.”
I stared at the man who seemed so young but had the knowledge of every possible future. He’d seen everything he cared about live and perish in a single thought. The man had lived thousands of lives before they’d even come to pass. It takes a strong spirit to have his power and still be standing, fighting for what he believes is right. But what if he was wrong? What if that line he walks so tightly wobbles, and he fails? If he fails, we all fail.
“Mr. Griffin, order up!” The waitress behind the counter lifted a large bag full of the food he ordered for his crew. His family.
“The time to make your choice is now, Asher.” Without another word, he grabbed his bag and strode out of the diner.
Time to choose. I thought I’d already made that choice. Hadn’t I?