Chapter 7
Chatan didn’t know what to do to keep Jacinda from shutting down. She claimed to accept his history with Jackie, and maybe she did. She certainly had enough to worry about. It was probably her mother’s death weighing her down.
“Chatan, can we talk a moment?” Brent quietly asked.
Dipping his head, he left the loveseat and followed Brent into the kitchen. Brent looked back at Jacinda.
“Don’t, she just lost her mother,” Chatan warned.
Brent held up a hand and rolled his eyes. “Relax. I’m not about to complain about her lack of interest. She’s been through too much and I wish I could have helped from the start. Maybe my son would still be around, but that doesn’t matter right now. What does is stopping the creature that is after her.”
“You got that right.”
“She needs rest. I don’t fault her for that. Take care of her. And if she isn’t up for dinner tonight, that’s okay. In fact, if she wants to stay in a hotel, with you, I’ll arrange it. And help me convince her she needs a phone. I’ll bring one if she’s open to dinner with all of us.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” She looked so lost, Chatan wasn’t sure how to help.
“Remember what it was like when you lost your mother. What did you need then?”
He smiled sadly. “Family, but she’s not used to having family around. I’m trying to change that.”
“I have faith in you. Let’s get you over there.”
“You aren’t upset she doesn’t want to stay here?”
He shook his head. “I get it. I wish things were different, but there is nothing I can do to change the past. We can alter the future, though. Together.”
“Hopefully I can get through to her soon. She’s terrified of that thing. It’s about all she’s afraid of. And I don’t blame her. I saw what it did to her mother, and before she realized I was there, she fought against me.”
“I saw. Hurting anywhere?” Brent asked.
He shook his head. “I took care of the bruises. She just knocked me across the room without a thought. And considering she had just played back what had happened like a hologram, I honestly can’t blame her.”
“Let’s get her to Eddie’s. Maybe she’ll relax there.”
* * * *
Jacinda shook her head and looked at Amelia. “Hey. Sorry.”
“For what?” Amelia asked.
“Showing up like this. I’m sure it must be strange.”
Amelia shook her head. “I’m glad you’re here. He told me about Tyrell. About how he left to protect Brent and his sisters. He was a good man.”
“I wish I had gotten to know him better, but I suppose I have through the journal. At least in a way.” She looked at Brent. “I hope they’re right and we can stop Thanatos.”
“We will. I’ll tell you my story when you’re ready.”
“Thanks. Right now, I feel lost. I’m hoping Chatan will help with that.”
“He will. Lean on him. He has the look of a man who would do anything for his woman.”
“Yeah, he would.” A small smile pulled on her lips. “I’m not used to needing anyone. I’m so used to being alone.”
“Leaning on someone doesn’t make you weak. Having someone in your life can make you stronger.”
Jacinda nodded, watching Chatan. “I’m learning that.” She hopped up. “And right now, I’m hoping whoever is at Jackie and Eddie’s will let us hide in a room and just sit. I want to stop thinking.”
“Not sure you can in your situation. Stop thinking, that is.” Amelia squeezed her shoulder. “But you should go. See if he can take your mind off everything for a little while.”
“I just want to lie in his arms and cry.”
“He’d let you. I told you, he’d do anything.”
Jacinda smiled. “He turned into a cat for me because I don’t like dogs. He’s used to being a dog. He stuck with me for two days as a cat, because he couldn’t let me go.”
“That’s pretty amazing.”
“It is.” Jacinda watched Chatan a moment before turning back to Amelia. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you. Just one thing, am I supposed to think of you as a grandmother?”
Amelia laughed. “Oh, I really hope not. A friend, I hope.”
She nodded. “I need to get used to the idea of having a grandfather. I didn’t know anything about him until the other day when Eddie mentioned it, and then I didn’t really think much of it.”
“You’re a strong woman. Being alone since sixteen, and by choice.” Amelia shook her head. “I’m impressed, truly.”
Jacinda didn’t know what to say. Instead of figuring it out, she picked up her box. “We ready?” she asked Chatan.
“Sure.” He wrapped his arm around her instead of asking for the box, which she wasn’t ready to let go of. As usual, he seemed to know what she needed before she did.
Brent went to the door. “Come on. Eddie’s there now. Jackie is working on an assignment at the moment. She’ll be home soon.”
Having both there now might have been easier. Maybe not. She never imagined staying with a stranger.
The trip was fast, and Chatan let her get the box but held the car door for her and knocked with her next to him.
A man who looked very similar to Chatan opened the door with a smile. “Hey, man. Jacinda, it’s a pleasure.”
“You too, Eddie.”
Chatan took the box and Eddie pulled her in for a hug. “Hopefully you’ll mean that soon. I remember losing my parents. It hurt like a bitch. Come in. You and Chatan have free rein of the house. I have to go to work for a bit.”
“You don’t have to leave,” Jacinda insisted.
“I do, for a bit. I left work early and need to finish up something. I’ll be back soon.”
Brent spoke up, “I thought maybe I’d bring pizza later.”
Jacinda nodded.
“Sounds good to me,” Eddie answered. “I’ll see you all later. Chatan knows where to set you two up.” He slipped through the door.
Brent squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll see you later, if you’re up to it.”
“I will be,” she answered, then hugged him. “Promise.”
He kissed her head and walked back to his car.
Chatan nodded toward the hall. “Follow me,” he murmured, taking her to the first room on the right. “Jackie lost her mother at two weeks old, or so she thought. She found her again. Her father had died when she was six, or so she believed. They’re both alive, and that’s another long story. But she knows what you’re going through. So do I. Tell me what I can do.”
“Hold me,” she answered. “That’s all, for now.”
He pulled her to the bed and wrapped her in his arms. “I’m here for you, Jacinda.”
“And I’ll be here for you no matter what,” she vowed. Running wasn’t the answer. She just hoped they could find one.