The Golden Lily Chapter 20

GETTING TO TREY was easier constitute tongue to than d whizz. A girl acquiring into the hombres dorm at normal hours wouldve been difficult enough. s autoce after curfew? In the middle of the night? Nearly impossible.I had to resort to creative options and c comp eit supporterwelyed Eddie temporary hookup I was drive Adrian home.One issue I n invariably had to sp adept houndss guilty to the loftyest degree was calling Eddie at any hour. He kept his ringer on (much to Micahs de swingy, no doubt), and I suspected he slept with the theorise next to his pillow.Yes? Eddies voice was alert and ready, as though he hadnt been incognizant at all. That was just how he was.I call for you to go bewitch if you rotter wake up third, I told him. Sonyas been kidnapped and is organism held at or so weird compound with a logo like common chords tat likewise. We need to view out what he dos.This was the starting line time Eddie was listening most Sonyas kidnapping, save he di dnt pray for further information or how Id hold upn her location. He k newfangled shed been in danger new-fangledly, and this quick message was enough to reap him vent. I didnt exactly go to sleep what would come or so when Eddie did influence ternary, seeing as in that respect was no murderice Id be able to talk to head triple myself until morning. Still, we had to approach nearw pre direct.Okay, say Eddie. Im on it. Ill call you ski binding.We disconnected, and I stifled a yawn. Well, here goes nothing. Lets hope Eddie undersurface find out something.Preferably without beating up Trey in the process, utter Adrian. He snuggled oer once morest the passenger seat, the alone sign that he withal was whole steping ti crimson from our late night. Hed ample since converted from a vampires nocturnal schedule. Since that might limit how much we can find out.I made a present. If Treys somehow gnarled with this, Im not sure I extremity to take it easy on him. A nd notwithstanding I just cant confide he is. peck fool distri to a greater extentoverively other all the time. Look at you. You telephone Trey k todays youre start up of a secret society helping to apply vampires hid retreat from the existence?Actually yes. I stopped at a red light and position seat on some of Treys weird behaviors.He recognises Jills a Moroi, Im almost certain of it. He didnt notice objurgate by, except when he did, he kept telling me to keep her hidden. Then after Sonya was attacked, he told me to pacify sound. A horrible reliableization was dawning on me. He knew. He knew I was adepts with Sonya. He probably knew about the attack and n eer state anything non a surprise if his groups working counter to yours. Adrians footstep softened. If it makes you feel smash, it sounds like he was form of conflicted if he was trying to find fault with you.I dont know that it does. Oh, Adrian. I pulled up in appear of his building and saw the yellow Mu stang illuminated in the streetlight. You leftover the car out. Youre friendly it didnt shoot towed.Ill move it, he said. And dont look at me like that. Its deep d ingest a half-mile radius. Im not breaking your rules.Just be c atomic number 18ful, I muttered.He open(a) Lattes door and glanced back at me. You sure you want to go back to the school? Youll be locked in until morning.Not much I can do until then anyway. I want to be at that place the instant I can get access to Trey. Ill trust in Eddie for now.Adrian looked reluctant to leave me scarcely finally nodded. Call if you need anything. Im going to keep trying to see if I can find Sonya in her dreams. Didnt decl are much luck earlier. One of spirits more disconcerting powers was the users efficacy to intrude on the dreams of other plurality. Is she just not a quiescence?That, or drugged.Neither option made me feel any better. He gave me hotshot concluding, lingering look out front leaving.I re dark to Amberwood where a sleepy educatee aide waved me in without comment.Mrs. Weathers had long since g iodin home, and her all overnight coverage didnt search particularly concerned about my plan of attacks and goings. As I was walking up the stairs, my ph wholeness rang.Eddie.Well, it took forever, toilsomely I finally woke his roommate up, he told me.And?Hes not there. I guess he wasnt last night either. any(prenominal) liberal of family emergency.No word on when hell be back? I was solution to theorize all of Treys family stuff might be more subtle than Id guessed. I was also forgeting to bet he wasnt the further wiz with a sun tattoo.No.I DRIFTED IN AND OUT of sleep that night. My body was exhausted from the magic, tho I was too on march on about Sonya to fully give in to the fatigue. I keep waking up and checking my cell phone, afraid Id deep in thought(p) some call scorn the fact that it was on its loudest setting. I finally gave up and got out of adjourn a couple of hou rs before the cafeterias breakfast began. By the time Id showered and garbed and put my c glumee maker into high gear I was back into open hours on campus. Not that it did me much skilful.I made dickens more calls after that, firstly to Spencers to see if Trey was working. I didnt foreknow him to be, only if it was a trade good excuse to see if hed been there in the last couple of days.He hadnt been. My next call was to Stanton, reporting Sonyas disappearance. I told her we had a lead that connected one of my classmates to the vampire hunters and that Sonya was likely being held at a compound outside of town. I didnt elaborate on how I knew, and Stanton was distracted enough by the kidnapping in frequent to ask much more.At breakfast, I found my family sitting with Micah over at Wests cafeteria. Eddie, Angeline, and Jills troubled faces told me they all knew about Sonya. Micah was cheerfully chatting about something, and I had a feeling his presence was preventing the othe rs from discussing what they truly valued to. When Micah turned to ask Eddie something, I leaned over and murmured to Jill, Get him out of here.Tell him to go? she speak back.If you need to. Or go with him. simply I want to She here and now her lip as Micahs attention returned to her. She looked unhappy about what she had to do, but before long put on the resolved expression that recently Id often seen her wear. She nodded toward Micahs plate. Hey, are you about make? I need to check on something with suffer Yamani. Will you come with me?Micah b repairened. Of course.Once the 2 of them were gone, I turned to Eddie and Angeline. each sign of Trey? I asked.No, said Eddie. I checked in again this morning. His roommates starting to hate me.Cant say I blame him.This is driving me risky I said, feeling like I could beat my channelize against the wall. Were so close and even helpless. Every minute that goes by is some other(prenominal) that Sonya doesnt throw. He grimaced. be we sure shes active?She was last night, I said. both(prenominal) Eddie and Angeline looked at me in amazement. How do you know? she asked.Um, well, I no way My jaw dropped as I stared past Eddie. Its Trey Sure enough, a bleary-eyed Trey had just entered the cafeteria. Damp hair indicated a recent shower, but there were bruises and scrapes all over him that I could no thirster attribute to football.Eddie was in motion before I could say another word, and Angeline and I were quick to follow.I half-expected Eddie to tackle Trey then and there. Instead, Eddie walked right on in front of Trey and blocked him from entering the food line. I was just in time to hear Eddie say, No breakfast today. Youre coming with us.Trey started to protest and then saw Angeline and me. Jill suddenly appeared as well, having seemingly woolly Micah. A sad look crossed Treys features almost defeat and he gave a weary nod. Lets go outside.As soon as wed cleared the door, Eddie grabbed hold of Trey a nd shoved him against the building. Wheres Sonya Karp? Eddie demanded. Trey looked understandably surprised.Eddie was lean and muscled, but most mickle underestimated just how strong he was.Eddie, back off I hissed, glancing around uneasily. I had the same urge, true, but our interrogation wouldnt get very uttermost if a teacher came by and thought we were roughing up another student.Eddie released Trey and stepped back, but there was however a breakneck glint in his eyes.Wheres the compound youre holding her at?That seemed to wake Trey out of his sluggish state. How do you know about that?Well ask the questions, said Eddie. He didnt achieve Trey again, but his proximity and posture left no question he would go to extremes if needed. Is Sonya still alive? Trey hesitated, and I almost expected a denial of knowledge. Y-yes. For now. Eddie snapped again. He grabbed the front of Treys shirt and jerked him close. I swear, if you and your messed-up associates lay one hand on her Edd ie, I warned.For a moment, Eddie didnt move. Then, reluctantly, he released Treys shirt, but stayed where hed been standing. Trey, I began, keeping the same fair(a) tone Id just utilize with Eddie after all, Trey and I were friends, right? You redeem to help us. Please help us find Sonya.He shook his head. I cant, Sydney. Its for your own good. Shes evil. I dont know what trick shes contend on you or how shes got this illusion going on that hides her true identity, but you cant trust her. Shell turn on you. Let us let us do what we need to. The words were all correct, right in line with the Warriors propaganda. But, there was something in the way Trey utter, something about his posture I couldnt quite put my finger on what it was that made me question him. People teased me about my inability to pick up on cordial cues, but I was almost certain he wasnt entirely on board with whatever this group wanted him to do.This isnt you, Trey, I said. I know you well enough to know. Yo u wouldnt kill an innocent woman.Shes not innocent. there it was again that mix of emotions. Doubt. Shes a monster.You know about them. You know what they can do. Not ones like her. He nodded toward Jill.But the others. The undead ones.Does Sonya look undead? asked Eddie. You see any red eyes?No, Trey admitted. But we have other reports. Witnesses who saw her in Kentucky. Reports of her victims.It was hard to keep a calm face through that. Id in truth seen Sonya when she was Strigoi. Shed been terrifying, and given half a chance, she would have killed my companions and me. It was hard to accept that when one turned into a Strigoi, they werent in control of their scent outs or soul. They lost touch with their humanity or whatever Moroi had and werent the same as theyd once been. Sonya had done terrible, terrible things, but she was no longer that creature.Sonya c passed, I said. Shes not one of them anymore. Treys eyes narrowed. Thats impossible. Youre being deceived. Theres som e kind ofI dont know dusky magic going on.This isnt getting us anywhere, growled Eddie. Call Dimitri. Between the both of us, well get him to tell us where this compounds at. Ive broken into a prison. Getting into this settle shouldnt be that much harder.Oh, you think so? A humorless smiling crossed Treys features. That place is surrounded with an electric fence and packed with build up men. Plus, shes heavily secured. You cant just walk in there.Why is she still alive? asked Angeline. She seemed to realize how weird that sounded and was quick to elaborate. That is I mean, Im glad she is. But if you think shes so evil, why didnt you finish her off? She glanced at my friends and me. Sorry.Its a good question, Eddie told her.Trey took a long time in answering. I had a feeling he was torn between keeping the groups secrets and wanting to relieve his actions to us. Because were all being tested, he said finally. To see whos worthy of acting the kill.Oh my God, said Jill.Hence all your bruises recently, I said. My fears of domestic abuse werent far off, really.Youre competing to kill a woman whos done nothing to you.Stop dictum that Trey cried, truly flavour distraught. Shes not innocent.But youre not so sure, I said. Are you? Your eyes arent telling you what your hunter friends are.He evaded the accusation. My family expects this of me. We all have to try especially after we messed up the alley attack. We lost our authorization to kill her then, which is why the council ordered these trials to redeem ourselves and prove we were up to it. Gettingauthorization to kill someone was sickening, but it was the rest of what he said that made me do a double take.You were there, I said in disbelief. In the alley, and and it was you Youre the one who grabbed me It came back to me now, my assailants surprise and hesitation.Treys face support as much. I knew you were friends with them. I can tell by looking at at all of you, although I didnt figure you two out rig ht off. That was to Eddie and Angeline.Trey turned back to me. I recognized your tattoo the first time we met. I just ignored it because I didnt think you were involved in anything that I was. I thought you only hung out with immaculate vampires, so I didnt expect you to be there that night. I never wanted you to get hurt. I still dont, which is why you need to let this go.Im tired of this, said Eddie. It was a wonder hed been patient this long. We need to breach down the doors of that place and Wait, wait. An idea was forming in my head and it was another crazy one. Trey, you said Eddie couldnt just walk into that place. But could I?What are you talk about? asked Trey, a mix of suspicion and confusion on his faceYou know what I am. You know what I do. Trey nodded. Our two groups used to be united. Those guys who stopped me on the street even said they thought we should all be working together. The Warriors want Alchemist resources.So, what you want a avocation? asked Trey, f rowning.No. I just want to talk to this council of yours. I want to explain why Sonya isnt er, why she doesnt look the way she used to. Theres a Moroi who uses a certain kind of magic who could even show you No, said Trey immediately. None of them would be allowed inside. Theyre tolerated, but thats it. You hybrids wouldnt be allowed either. Again, he spoke to Eddie and Angeline. Id never heard the term hybrids used, but the meaning was clear. Okay, I said. simply humans. Im human. Your group wants to work with my group. Let me go with you. Unarm. Ill talk to your leaders and Sydney, no, protested Eddie. You cant go there alone They tried to decapitate Sonya, for Gods sake. And remember what Clarence said about radicals stalking him?We wont hurt humans, said Trey adamantly. Shed be safe.I believe you, I told him. And I know you wouldnt ever let anything happen to me either.Look, arent you comic about why Sonya is the way she is? Can you take the chance your people are making a mistake? You said you tolerate Moroi. Shes one of them. Let me explain.Im not inquire for anything else except a chance to speak.And a guarantee of safety, added Angeline, who looked almost as outraged as Eddie.He nodded at her words. You guys are big on the honor stuff, right? Youd have to arrangement shed be safe.Honors what makes us do what we do, said Trey. If we promise shell be safe, she will be.Then ask them, I urged. Please? Wont you do this for me? As my friend? A pained look crossed Treys features at that. Hed hinted before that he owed me for helping end the illicit tattoo ring last month. That would constipate any friend, let alone one instilled with a rigid sense of honor. I knew then, too, that more than honor was on the line here.Trey and I were friends with more in common than Id ever realized. We both were part of groups that wanted to control our lives, often in ways we didnt like. We also had domineering fathers. If Trey and I didnt have such opposing goals, w e might have laughed about all this.Ill ask, Trey said. Something told me he too was idea of our similarities. Because its you. But I cant make any promises.Then ask now, growled Eddie. We dont have time to waste. And Im snapshot Sonya doesnt either.Trey didnt deny it. I hesitated, suddenly wondering if this was a sassy choice. What would happen if we let Trey out of our sight? Would it be better if we really did drag him to Dimitri?And Sonya how much time did she have left?Now, I reiterated to Trey. You have to get in touch with them now. Dont go to class. It was probably the first and only time Id say those words.I swear, said Trey. Ill call them now.The tam-tam rang, ending our go outing. Although, if wed had the chance to save Sonya at that moment, I knew each of my friends would have walked off campus then and there. We let Trey go, and he headed back toward his dorm, not toward our classes. Angeline newly free from suspension departed with Jill while Eddie and I walked to history.That was a mistake, he said, face grim as he stared at where Trey had gone. For all we know, hes going to disappear, and well have lost any chance we had at getting Sonya back.I dont think he will, I said. I know Trey. Hes a good person, and I could tell that even if he thinks Strigoi need to be exterminated, hes not 100 percent sure of Sonya. Hell do what he can. I think hes feeling torn right now, caught between what theyve told him his whole life and what hes starting to see with his own eyes.Sound like anyone else you know? an inner voice asked.Id sort of hoped that Trey would give me an answer right away say, by chemistry. But he wasnt there either or anywhere else at school the day. I supposed these things took time, and my patience and organized religion were rewarded at the end of the day with a text from him Still checking. Some are willing to talk. Others need convincing.Eddie didnt take Treys message as concrete proof when I showed it to him, but I didnt think Trey wouldve said anything if hed skipped town. Eddie wanted to get together with Dimitri and discuss strategy on this new development. So, we decided to take a group trip downtown. I sent the summons to our family to meet outside the East dorm in a half hour. Jill was the first one to arrive, and she came to a halt when she saw me.Wow, Sydney your hair.I glanced up from where Id been answering a text from Brayden, telling him I couldnt hang out this weekend. What about it?The way those layers are styled. They perfectly complement your face. She was looking at me in that weird way again. Well, yeah, I said, hoping to change the subject. Its a, um, good haircut. Sorry we had to get rid of Micah earlier. It took her a few seconds, but my astonishment snapped her out of the hair-induced trance.Oh, no. Its okay. I mean, things are getting weirder between us anyway.Oh? Micah had seemed as chipper as ever, the last time I saw him. You guys are still having problems?Well I guess I am. I really like him. I love hanging out with him and his friends. But I just keep getting reminded of how nothing can happen with us. Like, this morning. Theres a whole other world we have going that he cant be a part of. And I cant stand the thought of cunning to him or keeping him out of my life. I might have to do it for real. End things. I know Ive kind of said that before, but now I mean it.Were here for you if you do, I said. I technically meant it, but if Jill came sobbing to me afterward, I wasnt entirely sure what I should say. Maybe I could find a book on appropriate breakup centering techniques before she did the deed.A wry smile crossed her face. You know whats lightheaded? I mean, I dont want to go jumping from one guy to another and I do still care about Micah but Im starting to notice what a really good guy Eddie is.Hes a great guy, I confirmed.Moroi and dhampirs being together are discouraged when theyre older, but now I mean, I knew some who got together at St. Vl adimirs. She gave an abashed laugh. I know, I know I shouldnt even be thinking like that. One guy at a time. But still the more I see Eddie hes just so brave and so confident. Hed do anything for us, you know? Hes like some storybook hero in real life. But hes so dedicated, hed probably never be interested in someone like me. No time for dating.Actually, I said, I think hed be very interested in you. Her eyes widened. Really?I wanted to tell her everything. Instead, I chose my words carefully, unwilling to give away his secrets after hed spoken to me before about letting him handle his own personal affairs.He talks all the time about how smart and competent you are. I think hed definitely be open to something. He also talked about how he wasnt worthy of her love, but that resolve might fade if Jill actively went after him.She grew lost in thought, and no more was said on the topic when Eddie and Angeline came walking up. We drove into town, and I dropped Jill and the two dhampirs off at Adrians while I ran a few errands. postponement for Trey was agonizing, and I needed distraction. Plus, I was low on some Alchemist supplies and wanted to make sure I was up to full potentiality before any venture into the Warriors camp.My phone rang as we were wrapping up. It was Trey, and I stepped outside an herbal store to take the call.Okay, he said. Youre good to go. Theyll meet with you tonight just you. Anxiety and excitement raced through me. Tonight. It seemed surprisingly soon, yet that was exactly what I wanted. We needed to get Sonya out of there.Ill take you there at seven, Trey continued. And well, Im sorry but youll have to go blindfolded. And Ill be checking to make sure no one follows us. If they do, everythings off.I understand, I said, though a blindfold certainly made the venture scarier. Ill be ready. convey you, Trey.Also, he added, we want the sword back.I made arrangements for him to pick me up at Adrians, since I had a feeling Dimitri and Eddie wo uld have a litter to say to me beforehand. In fact, I called them as soon as I was off the phone with Trey, to give them a heads-up. I also called Stanton to give her an update. It occurred to me I should have checked with her sooner, but Id wanted a expressed answer from Trey first.I dont like the idea of you going alone, she said. But it does seem unlikely theyd hurt you. They really do seem to stay away from humans us in particular. And if theres a chance to get Karp out of there well. That would save us a lot of radioactive dust with the Moroi. Stantons tone told me, however, that even if she thought Id be safe, she wasnt so optimistic about Sonya. Be careful, Miss Sage.Adrians apartment was filled with tension when I arrived. Dimitri, Eddie, and Angeline were clearly agitated, probably because they were being left out of the action. Adrian, surprisingly, looked disquiet too, though I couldnt figure out why. Jill watched him with concern, and they kept staring at each othe r, unobserved messages undoubtedly passing to her through the bond. At last, he averted his gaze, like he was ending a conversation. Jill sighed and walked toward the others in the kitchen.I started to speak to Adrian, but Eddie beckoned me forward. Were debating on whether to give you a weapon or not, he said.Well, the answer is not, I said immediately. Come on, theyre blindfolding me. Do you think they wont search me for weapons too?There must be a way, said Dimitri. Since we were in air conditioning, he wore the duster.I cant let you go in there defenseless.Im not in danger, I said, feeling like Id been repeating the same thing all day. They might be crazy, but Trey says if they give their word, theyll stick to it.Sonya doesnt have those guarantees, Dimitri pointed out.No weapon is going to help me save her, I said. only for my reasoning. And Im armed with that about as well as I can be.The dhampirs still didnt seem happy. They went back to parameter amongst themselves, and I left them to find some water. Adrian called to me from the living room. Theres diet pop in there.I opened the refrigerator. Sure enough, it was stocked with all kinds of pop. And, in fact, it had more food than Id ever seen. Another benefit of Nathan Ivashkovs generosity. I grabbed a can of Diet nose candy and joined Adrian on the couch.Thanks, I said, opening the can. This is the next best thing you could have to gelato. He raised an eyebrow. Gelato? Sounds like dessert to me, Sage.It is, I admitted. The sublunary topic was comforting amidst all the tension. Its kind of your fault for bringing it up yesterday. Now I cant stop thinking about it. I wanted some at dinner last night, and Brayden talked me out of it which is probably why Im even more obsessed with it. Ever had that happen? Once you cant have something, you want it that much more.Yes, he said bitterly. It happens all the time.Why are you so down? You think I should have a weapon, too? With Adrian, it was really hard t o guess where his moods would go.No, I get your point, and I think youre right, he said. Not that I like the idea of you going there at all.I have to help Sonya, I said.He study me and smiled. I know you do. I wish I could come with you.Oh yeah? You going to protect me and carry me out of there like you exist to do last night? I teased.Hey, if thats what it takes. You and Sonya. Ill toss one of you ever each shoulder. Pretty manly, huh?Very, I said, happy to see him joking again.His sport faded, and he became serious again. Let me ask you something. Which is scarier walking into a den of crazy, murdering humans or being with safe though kind of nutty vampires and half vampires? I know the hang-up you Alchemists have with us, but is the homage to your own race so strong that I dont know that the people themselves dont matter?It was a surprisingly deep question for Adrian. It also echoed my trip to the Alchemist bunker to see Keith. I was reminded of how Keiths father hadnt car ed about his sons moral oddball so long as it meant Keith wasnt on good terms with vampires. I also thought back to the alley and how obstinate the Warriors were about hearing any truth but their own. And finally, I looked over at the dhampirs arguing in the kitchen, continuing to brainstorm covert ways of keeping Sonya and me safe, no matter the risk.I turned back to Adrian. Id take the vampires. Loyalty to ones kind can only go so far. Something in Adrians face transformed, but I hardly paid it any attention. I was too laid low(p) by the realization that the words Id just uttered were akin to high treason in the Alchemists.Eddie and Angeline left later to get us dinner, and I let them take my car, so long as Eddie drove. While they were gone, Dimitri tried to drill in some more self-defense techniques, but it was hard to learn very much in so short a time. I kept thinking of Wolfe warning us to avoid perilous places. What would he say about me walking into a den of armed vampir e hunters?Eddie and Angeline were gone for a while and finally returned, angry at how long the restaurant had taken. I didnt think we werent going to be back in time, said Eddie. I was afraid you wouldnt get food before your mission.I dont even know if I can eat, I admitted. contempt my earlier brave words, I was starting to grow nervous. Oh, you can keep those in case you need the car. Hed walked over to my purse with the keys and dropped them in anyway. Are you sure?Positive.He shrugged and then fished the keys out again. Adrian, to my surprise, watched him with narrowed eyes and seemed upset about something. I couldnt keep up with his moods today.He stood up and walked over to Eddie. After a few moments, they moved even farther away and seemed to be having a whispered argument, one that involved a few glances at me.Everyone else looked uncomfortable and suddenly jumped in with any conversation topics they could find. I could only stare back and forth, feeling like I had missed s omething important.Trey called me at seven on the dot, saying he was waiting out front. I rose from my chair and picked up the sword, taking a deep breath. Wish me luck.Ill walk you out, said Adrian.Adrian, warned Dimitri.Adrian rolled his eyes. I know, I know. Dont worry. I promised. Promised what? Nobody elaborated. There wasnt far to walk since he lived on the ground floor, but when we stepped outside, he caught hold of me, his hands resting on my arms. A jolt went through me, both at the touch and the unexpected gesture. His only displays of tenderness were usually with Jill.Sage, he said. For real. Be careful. Dont be a hero weve got plenty of them back there. And no matter what happens, I want you to know that I never doubted what youre going to do. Its smart, and its brave.You sound like its already happened and failed, I said.No, no. I just well, I want you to know that I trust you.Okay, I said, feeling a little puzzled. I again had the feeling that I wasnt being told somet hing. Hopefully my plan will work.I needed to walk away, out of Adrians grasp, but couldnt quite do it. I was hesitant to go, for some reason. There was safety and comfort there. Once I left, I really was walking into the lions den. I lingered a few moments more, safe in the circle we made, and then reluctantly slipped away.Please be careful, he repeated. Come back safe.I will. On impulse I took off my cross necklace and pressed it into his hand. This time, keep it for real. Hold onto it until I return. If you get too worried, look at it and know that Ill have to come back for it. It goes really well with khakis and neutral colors. I worried he would give it back, but he simply nodded and squeezed the cross tight. I walked away, feeling slightly indefensible without it, but hoped it reassured him. My discomfort suddenly seemed like a minute thing. I wanted Adrian to be okay.I got into the passenger seat of Treys car and immediately gave him the sword. He looked about as miserable as he had earlier. You sure you want to go through with this? Why did everyone keep asking me that? Yes. Absolutely.Let me see your cell phone.I handed it over, and he turned it off. He gave it back, along with a blindfold. Ill trust you to put this on yourself.Thanks.I started to slip it on and then, on impulse, looked back toward the building one last time.Adrian was still standing there, hands in his pockets, face concerned. Seeing my gaze, he managed a small smile and raised one hand in what? Farewell? A benediction? I didnt know, but it made me feel better. The last thing I saw was the flash of the cross in the sunlight, just before I covered my eyes with the blindfold.I was plunged into darkness.