“I’m here,” a voice called out.
“Me, too.” Another one.
“I’m a Siren,” Ridley whispered. “Does anyone know what they’re giving us? The drugs, I mean?”
Or am I the only one?
“You’re pretty stupid, Pink,” Drew said. “Sunshine is the only drug strong enough to knock some of us out. Including a Siren.”
Ridley wondered who this girl was. She had backbone, which meant she was probably Ridley’s best ally in the group.
Even if she is a pain in the ass.
“Sorry I’m not up to speed on all the drugs Casters are using these days. I’m not accustomed to anyone being able to knock me out under any circumstances.” Ridley racked her brain, trying to figure out what kind of Caster would be as difficult to drug as a Siren. She needed to know more about this girl so she could find a way to bring her around. “Are you a Shifter?”
Drew laughed. “Please. An antihistamine could knock out a Shifter.”
A light went on in Ridley’s brain. Of course. She’s almost as defensive as Necro.
“You’re a Necromancer.”
“Give the girl a prize.” Drew sounded bored, or scared. It was hard to tell without looking at her.
“Is that why the Darkborn calls us the Menagerie? Because we’re different kinds of Casters?” Rid asked.
Or is it because they treat us like animals?
For a moment, no one said a word.
“His boss chooses us because we’re different types of Casters,” the French girl said. “He’ll keep doing it until he completes his collection.”
The word collection sent a chill up Ridley’s spine.
“Or until he needs a replacement,” Drew said.
Ridley clung to the bars, her legs suddenly weaker. “Who’s his boss?”
No one answered.
Footsteps echoed somewhere down the hallway.
“Shh,” someone hissed.
A familiar scent floated through the passageway.
The stench of the Barbadian cigars Abraham favored when he was alive.
No.
Anyone but him.
But there was no denying it.
I’d know the smell of those smokes anywhere.
Up until that moment, Ridley had believed her life was in danger because she’d been kidnapped by a crazy Darkborn. Now she realized someone far more deranged and deadly was controlling her fate.
And he’s standing in the hallway right now.
Ridley caught a glimpse of his expensive dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up carelessly, and his stupid wing tips.
Silas Ravenwood stopped in front of her cell, with a Barbadian cigar balanced between his fingers.
He smiled at her through the bars. “It’s nice to see you again, Miss Duchannes. So pleased you could join us.”
CHAPTER 8: LINK
Winds of Change
Link had more luck Ripping himself and Floyd to Oxford than he had Ripping them back. They ended up on top of a pile of garbage bags behind a Chinese restaurant.
At least they’d missed the Dumpster. Link tried to feel good about that. “Welcome to the good old US of A.” He flopped back into the trash. “Home, stinky home.”
“Thanks.” Floyd pulled a handful of rotten lo mein out of her hair. “I was already trying not to puke. You suck at this.”
Link grabbed a handful of noodles, eggs, and cabbage. “Maybe I felt like Chinese spaghetti.”
“Yeah. And maybe I hitched a ride with the wrong hybrid.”
“Whatever. Rippin’ isn’t as easy as it looks. At least we’re not in China. I hope.” He stared up at the Binding Ring on his hand. “This thing shoulda kept Liv and John close¸ but I don’t see them. Do you?”
“All I know is, you were supposed to be aiming for New Jersey. That’s what Necro said on the phone.” Floyd was getting annoyed.
Laughter interrupted them. “Why didn’t you wait for us to eat? You guys must’ve been really hungry.” John grinned down at them.
Of course, John and Liv weren’t covered in garbage.
“What took you so long?” John asked, pulling Link to his feet. “Still got your training wheels on?” Link punched John in the biceps and John punched him back, which turned into five more punches.
“Right. You’re both wankers,” Liv said.
“Losers,” Floyd added. They finally agreed on something.
By the time Floyd was on her feet, she had already called Necro on her cell phone. “I’ve got the address. It isn’t far. Some girl Sampson used to hook up with let them hang out at her place.”
Link looked around. “Let’s find somewhere with less people, and me and John will Rip us there.”
Floyd cringed. “No thanks. I’m taking the train. I’ve had enough Traveling for a while.”
“But—” Link began.
Floyd held up her hand. “I’m saying this as a friend. You really need more practice.”
“The train’s fine.” Liv pulled out her phone. “It won’t take long to get there. We’re only a few stops away.”
John noticed a snack truck parked by the curb. “Give me a minute. Link, front me some money, until I find somewhere to exchange ours.”
Link took his wallet out of his back pocket, the silver chain dangling from the end to where it attached at his belt loop. “What do you need money for?” he asked, handing John a five.
“Hold that thought.” John jogged over to the truck and returned moments later with a huge bag of Doritos. “I seriously missed these.”