Dead Radiance by T. G. Ayer Page A

voice skittered down the hall. The nervous tremor and icy disdain in her words broadcast an unmistakable warning. Ms. Custer didn't have the constitution to be nervous. Something was wrong.
    "I told you twice already, she ran away," she said, her voice edgy, as if hovering between frustration and tears.
    "Why would she run away?" said a deeper voice, more authoritative, more official. "Is there something about your care that made her unhappy?"
    I didn't appreciate the insinuation. Seemed he was going for intimidation. I didn't plan on allowing it. I gritted my teeth and took a step forward.
    "My Bryn had her poor heart broken." An uncharacteristic chill in Ms. Custer's voice stopped me from barging right into the living room. She spoke with a harshness and an undertone of accusation, as if she had aimed the statement at another person in the room. "Then, to make matters worse, she was attacked by a group of boys from the school."
    A third person spoke. "What? What happened? Is she okay?" The familiar voice rang in my ears. An unwelcome dizziness accosted my head. My hip nudged the pine table in the middle of the kitchen as I backed into it.
    The last voice I thought I'd ever hear again.
    Aidan.
    Ms. Custer answered him curtly. "Young man, that's simply none of your business." The heat of pure anger blazed in my foster mom's voice and I gave a silent cheer for her. Not only because she was backing me up, but because she had the guts to tell Aidan off in front of those threatening, official-sounding people.
    The first man spoke again. "Miss Custer, I would appreciate it if you could answer Mr. Lee's question. This is an official investigation, and if Miss Halbrook is in any danger or has been injured in any way it would be best for us to know the extent of her injuries."
    "She's fine. She kicked their butts and sent them packing."
    "Sounds like Bryn." I stiffened as Aidan's voice echoed again, only this time a trail of rage ripped at my gut.
    How dare you sound pleased or proud of me? How dare you come back here looking for me, and bringing your government goon, too?
    "I've answered enough of your questions. What more do you want from me, then?" asked Ms. Custer. Behind the impatience in her voice lay an inch of steel. "You've already turned my place upside down for that book when it simply isn't here. You've seen for yourselves Bryn isn't here. So why are you still here?"
    "Because I simply do not believe you. You see, I think you will cover for her given the chance. I think you could very well be lying to us. You say she ran. Why does her room not look like she's taken off for a long time, or for good? All her stuff is still there, isn't it?"
    "Oh, so when you decide to run away, I take it you stop to pack your hairdryer and your high heel pumps. No, Mr. Worthington. Bryn ran because her heart was broken. She ran because she was hurt and alone and probably in shock too. I'm sorry she wasn't here for you to arrest her for stealing a book, which I'm sure she wouldn't have taken in the first place." Bitterness laced her words, along with a hefty dose of anger. "If you're done I need my tea. You've wasted enough of my time."
    Panic flitted through me. I couldn't run out the back door. It would close too loudly and then Ms. Custer would be in tons of trouble. Slipping into the broom closet at the far end of the kitchen, I pulled the door, leaving it slightly ajar. I couldn’t risk the click of the latch giving me away. Already they were filing into the kitchen after her, as if Ms. Custer meant to abscond with the teabags.
    She gave my hiding place a quick stare, then went straight to the kettle and filled it at the sink. With the kettle starting its boil, she pulled out a cup and a little plate and prepared her tea.
    "Please excuse me if I don't offer you my hospitality, Mr. Worthington." She threw him a tepid smile.
    He smiled back, baring his teeth. He seemed unfamiliar with the human act of smiling. Tall, stocky, FBI issue.