“What in the name of baby Jesus is going on?” Voodoo asked in a soft voice that only Ivy could hear.
“I don’t think Jesus had anything to do with this.”
“More like the devil,” Voodoo stated.
“The devil we know. Come on, let’s help our girl.”
“Right... our family,” Voodoo said as they entered the twilight zone.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
Three weeks. Carter had been gone for three weeks. What had she expected? That he’d stalk her, that she’d see him around every corner? She’d wondered if Ghost or Ivy had spoken with him, if they were still considering him for the job. Why wouldn’t they? Carter was a great agent, and until she believed he was trying to kill her, he was a great husband. And that, right there, was what was troubling her. Carter hadn’t wanted her dead. She’d run for no reason. She’d changed her name, her career, and everything that made her Gwen. She became someone comfortable with killing a person she judged worthy. Was she really in a position to judge others when she’d so horribly misjudged her husband?
Husband. It felt strange knowing he was in the same city; even stranger was that she wanted to see him.
Three weeks ago he’d walked away. Surely, he wasn’t done with her. He had hunted for her for five years. That had to say something, didn’t it?
“Hello, earth to Voodoo,” she heard Byte say as she waved a hand in front of her. Voodoo swatted it away and answered. “I heard you.”
“Oh, really. So what did I say?”
She had always wondered why someone would lie about paying attention. It always failed when it couldn’t be supported.
“Fine, I didn’t hear a word. So just say it again.”
“I asked if you wanted to go out for lunch.”
“Sure, why not.”
“Don’t do me any favors.” Byte snorted.
“No, sorry. Yes, I’d love to grab a bite. Where do you want to go?”
“It’s Tuesday, so where else... Taco Tuesday, baby.”
“You are such a dork.” Voodoo was both happy and a little concerned to see Byte back to her normal self. She’d not spoken about that day. She’d leave the room when the topic turned to Vanessa, and she’d told Aria and Ivy that she didn’t want to talk about Chloe. Ivy had wondered if she was Byte’s sister, but they had nothing to support that speculation.
The two stepped out of the car after a short ride, and Voodoo let the sun penetrate her soul. She’d been feeling cold, not physically, but emotionally.
Again, three weeks!
Byte opened the door and let Voodoo step inside first. However, instead of following her, Byte turned around and jumped back into the car. In a matter of seconds, Voodoo stood inside the Mexican restaurant, watching her ride disappear. What happened? Had she had another episode?
No, it was none of that, she realized when she heard Carter’s voice behind her.
“Son of a... that vixen tricked me. I’m guessing you, too.”
Voodoo drew in a breath, exhaled slowly, and then turned to see her husband. “It would seem so. I guess there are worse places to be dumped at,” Voodoo said as she walked up to the hostess stand. “I think that was the plan. Byte pulled a fast one on me, and that rarely happens. Are you joining me?”
“I do believe I will. After you,” Carter said as the hostess led them to their table.
The waitress came and took their drink orders, brought out a basket of chips and salsa, and promised to return for their lunch order.
“How have you been?” Carter asked after biting into his salsa-laden chip.
“I’m okay. It’s been a pretty crazy few weeks. What about you? Have you been in Austin the whole time?”
“I have. I rented a little condo in Round Rock.”