The Catalyst by Kathryn Curran

Author:Kathryn Curran [Curran, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: L&L Literary Services LLC

14

In which understandings cause rifts

He could feel Calen even before he and Ethan entered the common area. This wasn’t going to go well. When they entered the room, the others were all around Calen—glaring at him or even, as in the case of Stephen, outright threatening him with his stance.

Gabriel moved to his cousin’s side. “It’s all right, everyone.”

Stephen turned his glare on him. “What do you mean, ‘It’s all right?’ He’s one of them. He’s probably waiting for a chance to call them back. I say we toss him off the ship and find out if he can learn to fly before he hits the water.”

Gabriel returned the glare. “He knew I was down there. He could have turned me in, but he didn’t. I’d say it’s earned him a chance to speak.”

Stephen was still scowling, obviously not impressed. “Fine. We’ll hear him out. Then we can throw him off the ship once we’ve decided we don’t like what he has to say.”

“Father, honestly,” Annie said, “if Gabriel trusts him, then we should give him a chance. Stop threatening him.” She moved to Priscilla’s side, and for the first time, Gabriel noticed the stunned expression on his fiancée’s face. He wondered for a moment what it was about, shook off his curiosity, and turned to Calen.

“Why don’t we all sit?” he suggested, though his eyes didn’t move from his cousin.

Calen watched the others as they settled, his eyes lingering on Priscilla before he sank into the nearest chair. Obviously, there was more going on than he had realized. He settled beside him and shifted to watch his face as he spoke. He hoped he’d be able to tell whether he was lying or not.

He wasn’t happy as he noticed Priscilla and Annabelle settle across from them and how Calen’s gaze was drawn to her once more. Calen’s gaze returned to Gabriel after everyone had settled around the table, and Gabriel found himself biting his tongue to keep from asking completely irrelevant questions.

He focused on the search, trying to remind himself of his earlier confusion. “You saw me down there, didn’t you?” Calen’s lips thinned. For a moment, Gabriel was certain he wouldn’t answer, but then Calen nodded. Obviously, he’d struggled with the decision. Why had he done it, then? “Why didn’t you tell them?”

Calen’s gaze wavered for a moment, and he nearly turned toward Priscilla before letting his gaze drop to the table. After a moment, his eyes rose to meet Gabriel’s once more. “Couldn’t,” he said. “But I don’t know why.”

Stephen's voice was a growl. “He probably wanted to lull you into a false sense of security. After all, how else would they get our secrets? If they took us, none of us would talk willingly. But if he’s here with us, I’m sure he’s hoping you’ll tell him everything.”

“Uncle Stephen, please,” Ethan said, “just let them talk? Interrupting and accusing him constantly isn’t going to help.”

Stephen opened his mouth to argue, but Tinely stopped him. “Yes, Tynan, do shut up.

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