Groaning, he reached over and pulled his phone off the charger. He held his finger over the sensor, unlocking the phone and swiping past work emails. He would deal with those later.
A missed text from his sister a few hours ago caught his eye.
River
Dad’s improving, thank Dyna. He’s awake, and this morning, he raised his right hand. They’re going to try him on solids tomorrow. The meds seem to be working.
Ryker exhaled and typed a brief message, reminding his sister to train and thanking her for the update. He didn’t expect an immediate response. River was probably at Dyna’s temple, praying to the fae goddess and making an offering.
He scrolled up to the message that had just come in and clicked on it.
Brynleigh
Hi.
One word had never sounded so good.
A smile pulled at the corner of Ryker’s lips as he sat up, the sheet falling to his waist. Myrrah’s words echoed in his mind as his thumbs flew over the keyboard.
Ryker
Hi, back.
Two checkmarks confirmed the message was read, followed almost instantly by three dots. He leaned against the headboard, waiting for the phone to vibrate.
How are things?
That’s a stupid question. Of course, they’re bad.
I think I’m nervous.
Ryker huffed a quiet laugh, bringing the phone with him to brush his teeth and prepare for the evening. They’d be working around the clock until they uncovered a lead.
I’m nervous, too.
And things are… not great. I’ll probably be here for a few more days.
Setting the phone on the counter, he ruffled through his duffel bag for some clothes. He’d just pulled on his pants when his phone vibrated again.
Okay. Yesterday, I… retrieved a book that belongs to Jelisette. I think it might be of interest to you.
Ryker frowned.
Retrieved?
Black dots appeared and disappeared as time ticked by. His stomach twisted into knots.
Stole.
Does that bother you?
It probably should bother him, but a few days ago, he’d watched her kill someone. A minor theft didn’t seem like that big of a deal in comparison. Besides, it was for a good cause.
Honestly, not really. Did she see you?
That was the far more pressing question. He held his breath and waited for her reply. Every second dragged on until those black dots danced across the screen.
I wouldn’t be alive if that were the case.