jaw with those cool fingers and lifted her chin so her eyes met his. ‘You know, you don’t have to do this Sarah.’
‘Do what?’ she asked, confused.
‘Look for Jo. The police are looking for him already, we could just go home.’
‘No. I want to; if I go home I will just feel restless, and angry.’
‘Angry?’
‘It doesn’t matter, we should go,’ she said, looking away.
Sarah led the way outside, and breathed in the cool air. She buttoned up her coat and pulled up her hood, the temperature had decreased while they were inside. She still had that uneasy feeling, like she was being watched.
‘Sarah, it’s ok, why do you feel angry with Jo?’
She didn’t want to tell him, it would seem like an excuse for her behavior. But he raised her chin so her eyes met his again. The intensity of his gaze did something to her; it made her open up inside and the truth poured out.
‘He had an affair when I’d just had Bea. I don’t trust him. I’m angry at him for leaving us now. I can’t help thinking he’s just left us without even bothering to leave a letter.’
She breathed out, that was what she thought, but how did he make her confide? What was it about him? He continued to look in her eyes but now it looked as though he was thinking things through.
‘Sarah, that may be a possibility, but I just have this feeling that’s not the case. I’m sorry to say this, but I think something might have happened to him.’
Daniel released his hold on her and stepped back, letting her process what he’d said.
‘Why do you think that?’
‘Well, two reasons. One is - why would anyone leave you Sarah? You’re beautiful,’ and he gave her a wicked grin, her response to which was to blush red and avert her gaze. ‘And two,’ he said becoming more serious. ‘I’ve heard of other people going missing. Here. Recently. I’m worried something is going on.’ This time Daniel looked away, his expression reflecting the angst in his words.
‘How do you know other people have gone missing?’ Sarah said accusingly, she didn’t know why she said it like this, it just came out.
‘I’ve read reports, there have been articles in the local paper. People talk.’
‘Really? I have to admit I rarely read the paper. Or talk to anyone,’ she looked at him, but he smiled a little, not seemingly surprised by this.
‘Well, as a newcomer to this town I have fresh interest in discovering how things work around here,’ and he raised his eyebrows at her.
Sarah laughed, despite the seriousness of the situation she couldn’t stay somber long - not around Daniel, with his quirky smile, charm and melting gaze.
***
Sebastian resumed his form of bat and flew towards town. He didn’t usually go out in the daytime but it had started to rain and the sky was dark. It would only take him minutes to get there as he was a fast flyer. It felt exhilarating flying as a bat. It was definitely his favorite animal form, but he could also turn into a cat and a wolf.
He would have liked to stay with Jo, keeping an eye on him to make sure he coped with his new situation. However, he desperately wanted to see what Daniel was up to before taking Jo into town tonight.
It was typical that Daniel had tracked him this far. How he did it Sebastian didn’t know, but he tended to follow Sebastian and make things hard for him. Once Sebastian reached the outskirts of town he flew into an alley and returned to his own tall self.
He was wearing all black to blend into the shadows, but this wasn’t much help in the daytime. However, town was quiet and he was able to quickly pass into the centre, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of Daniel. He figured he would be out talking to people, rather than staying alone and sleeping like any normal vampire would during the daytime.
He was probably investigating Sebastian. He rolled his eyes at the thought. Daniel wasn’t a serious risk, but he could be a pain. He did have a habit of interfering. And Sebastian didn’t want Daniel to get in the way this time, not with his plans for this town.
Then he spotted him, he was walking some way ahead with a girl who looked familiar. Sebastian ducked into a doorway and watched from a distance as they entered a bar. He waited