Drake Sisters 07 - Hidden Currents

he’d probably think she was crazy. “I saw Death today.†Her confession came out in a little rush. “Today in the grocery store, I saw Death.â€
    He turned to her, studying her upturned, anxious expression and a chil went down his spine. She was very serious. “What does that mean?â€
    â€œI sometimes can see with a second sight. I don’t know how else to tel you, most of my sisters can do it. Today, in the grocery store, he was there, looking for someone to take. Both Frank Warner and Mrs. Darden attracted his attention, but anyone in the store, including you, is at risk.â€
    â€œThat’s crazy, El e. Death isn’t a person. It just happens.â€
    â€œHe looks for people close to death, a sickness, an accident, a suicide. He finds them. I saw him. You don’t have to believe me.†She looked out over the ocean. “We al have a deep faith, and I know you do, too. I’ve seen you in church, Jackson, but even though there is good and evil in the world, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t anomalies as wel . Some people think we’re an anomaly, but obviously we want to believe our gifts were given to us for good. There are things you just can’t explain. Death is one of them. We’ve always cal ed the apparition that. He comes sometimes and looks for someone close to dying and speeds it up.â€
    â€œCan you stop it?â€
    She shrugged. “We think it’s like accidents and random occurrences, but that once he’s in the vicinity, he isn’t satisfied and won’t leave until he’s stolen a life. It isn’t the same as a natural death, because he craves that life and succeeds in stealing it.â€
    Jackson shook his head. “I don’t even know what to say.â€
    â€œHe looked at everyone in the store and he has their scent, the essence of their life. I saw him take it in and he’l not stop until he’s satisfied.â€
    â€œDid you tel your sisters?â€
    â€œI took Sarah aside and told her. She’s seen Death before, when he came here on Damon’s shoulders. Damon had slipped away and Death wanted him back, but he took someone else. Whether we helped fight him or not, none of us real y know.â€
    â€œBut there’s nothing you can real y do about it?â€
    â€œNot unless we’re there when he tries to steal life—and even then we might not be strong enough to stop him.â€
    â€œYou can’t save the world, El e,†he said gently. “Sometimes, when I’m working, I have to repeat that to myself a dozen times a shift.â€
    â€œI know.†She produced a tentative smile. “But sometimes we can get in a little strike for justice.†The smile faded. “He was closer, Jackson.â€
    His head spun around and he locked gazes with her. “What do you mean? He? Death?†But he had a sinking feeling she wasn’t talking about death—not from the look on her face.
    Her stomach churned and she pressed a hand there. “Stavros. I felt him and he was closer. He knows where I am and he’s coming.â€
    He let his breath out and nodded. “It’s okay, baby. I figured he’d come. As soon as he answered Dane’s phone, I knew.â€
    â€œAnd you’re not afraid?â€
    Terrified. She wanted to say terrified. He knew that and understood. Jackson shook his head. “No, I think it’s a major tactical error for him to come onto our turf. He’s arrogant and used to getting his way. He thinks he’l buy off the cops or the locals and get help to reacquire you, but he’s going to run into a little problem with that plan.â€
    The confidence in his voice steadied her. “I’m not going to think about him tonight. At least he’s not feeling very wel .â€
    â€œI stil can’t believe your sisters did that,†Jackson said, leaning back, linking his fingers behind his neck. “You’re al a little out of control.â€
    El e pil owed her head on his chest, giving him a tentative smile. “Actual y, I thought they were very control ed. No one even peeked at my memories and you shielded them beautiful y from my emotions.â€
    His hand stroked her hair. “Let me just say, you’re al a little crazy and I never want to get on any Drake woman’s bad side.â€
    â€œIt was your