“And now, we bring you footage from the warehouse that burnt down in downtown Arcana this afternoon.”
The newscaster’s voi
ce caught my attention. I grabbed the remote from the top of a stack of People magazines and turned up the volume.
“We’re live with Ian Welch downtown. Ian?”
My stomach fell as Ian appeared on the screen, two fingers on his earpiece and his other hand holding a mic. After a slight delay, he smiled into the camera and stepped aside to reveal the pile of ash and rubble behind him.
“Sandra, I’m standing in front of what used to be Ulright’s warehouse on 89th and Philips. The warehouse is completely gone, reduced to a pile of ashes. Firemen are still on the scene and sifting through the rubble to find the cause of the fire.”
The camera zoomed in on a fireman in his gear, stepping over some broken boards.
“At this point, they suspect arson, but there’s been no confirmation of that theory. KYZA has obtained exclusive footage that was taken during the fire – two young women narrowly escaping this inferno with their lives.”
My heart jumped into my throat. A clip of me carrying Michelle out of the building played on the screen. The film was shaky and fuzzy. If I had to guess, it was probably taken across the street by someone on their cell phone.
Arcana’s enchantment hid my wings from the video, but my long blond hair was clearly visible. The camera zoomed in on us. The quality was too low to make out many features on my face. Still, it was more attention than I needed.
Ian Welch popped back on the screen, his hair tussled by a light breeze. “We are still working on confirming the identities of the females in this footage, but police are on the scene and we will alert the public if there are any new developments. Sandra, back to you.”
I was surprised Ian Welch didn’t rat me out on live television. I supposed he had to make sure it was me in that video first, before he risked his career. We could expect Ian to show up at the hospital any minute now with his camera crew. If I knew anything about demons, it was that they never gave up the hunt.
“Enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame,” Agent Silva said behind me, “while you can.”
I’ve had about enough of her attitude.
“You don’t know anything. I don’t want fifteen minutes of fame. I don’t want any fame. Just leave me alone.”
Storming away, I left Agent Silva with a sour expression on her face. She didn’t understand me or the past that I’d left behind. I certainly didn’t want attention for saving anyone.
My feet carried me to Michelle’s doorway. She’d fallen asleep, her cheek resting on the pillow, and a soft snore on her breath. I couldn’t imagine what her dreams held for her, but at the moment, she looked peaceful. Maybe the doctors had given her something to help.
“I’m sorry about Rita,” Gideon whispered, stepping in the doorway beside me. “She can be a bit harsh, but she’s a good partner. Always has my back.”
I wondered if there wasn’t something more between them, especially after last night and the way Agent Silva had rushed to Gideon’s side. But, I didn’t feel right asking him. It was none of my business.
“My family can’t find out I’m here.” I looked at him over my shoulder. “I don’t know what’ll happen if the HQ finds me, but it won’t be good. They’ll punish me for not going after Nicky.”
“I know.” He stared at the empty chair in Michelle’s room. “But I won’t let them.”
“I don’t know if you can stop them.”
Gideon’s self-assurance was great, but he was running against an organization centuries old, with as many contacts and spies as there were stars in the sky. The only reason they hadn’t hunted me down already was because I was probably small fry compared to their other business.
“They’re scarier than you think,” I whispered. “I’m living on borrowed time here.”
Michelle twitched, her arms flailing, and woke up. She sat up with a start, turning her head wildly from side to side.
“You’re okay.” I stepped into her room. “You’re still at the hospital.”
Her face scrunched up in pain and she took a few deep rasping breaths. “I thought I was in that warehouse again,” she said, taking another calming breath. “I felt so alone.”
“Is there anyone we can call for you?” Gideon followed me into the room. “Maybe Kit’s father? Someone who can come to the hospital and stay with you?”
Michelle’s face darkened. “Kit’s father doesn’t know about his son and he never will.” Her mouth twisted into a grimace and she lowered her eyes to the floor. “He’s a powerful warlock who thinks he can take whatever he wants. The SI didn’t have enough evidence to put him away for rape, so he’s still out there.”
I covered my mouth with my hand. Michelle had already been through so much trauma. Sometimes, the world seemed like such a cruel place.