Destiny Binds(81)

“Christopher? I donʼt know anyone named Christopher.”



“I am so sorry. I am forgetful.” He recovered from the awkwardness of the unreturned handshake by stuffing his hands into the pockets of his suit. “When the boys ran away they assumed new names. I believe you knew him as Alex.”

“I knew Alex.” My voice held steady, my breath even.

“Perhaps you can help me. I am looking for his brother. The two ran away after their parents died in a house fire, and weʼve been desperately looking for them ever since. And now, with little Christopher gone...” He trailed off, looking forlornly where the funeral service had been conducted. Most people had left, only a few stragglers lagged behind. “It would mean so much to the family if I could bring his brother home. Do you have any idea where he could have gone?”

I met the dark brown eyes of the man who was not Alexʼs uncle and repaid Liam for saving my life. “He was always talking about how much he loved living in a warmer climate. If I was you, I would look south.”

“South? Are you sure?”

“He tried to talk Alex into moving to Florida on more than one occasion.”

“Thatʼs...interesting. Thank you, my dear. You have been most helpful.”

“I hope you find him,” I lied.

“Donʼt worry. I know we will.”

Before he made it to the line of dark cars parked in the drive he whipped out a cell phone, talking rapidly in another language. I couldnʼt tear my eyes away from him. It wasnʼt until he got into his car and drove away that the tension began to seep out of me.

“That guy was in serious need of a mustache to twirl,” I said, turning slowly back to Talley.

Moving took a great deal of personal effort. The stress of the day, coupled with the handful of pills Mom made me swallow before the service, was starting to have an affect on me. I was tired, sore, and groggy.

“Huh?” Talleyʼs head whipped around. She moved to block my field of vision, but was too slow. I saw him, standing on the edge of the wooded area that surrounded the cemetery. My heart stalled as the wolfʼs grey eyes met mine for the briefest of moments before he ran into the forest.

THE END