See No Evil (The Faded Trilogy, Book 2)

THE FADED TRILOGY

SEE NO EVIL

CHLOE MILES

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 by Chloe Miles

All rights reserved.

Published by Chloe Miles Publishing

Cover design by Chloe Miles

Image Copyright Gleb Semenjuk, 2013

Used under license from Shutterstock.com

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are acknowledged by the proper use of capitalization throughout.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Title

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Book Three Preview

Book Three Ad

Also By Chloe Miles

Social Media

— Prologue —

Kill her.

What?

You heard what I said, Gwen said matter-of-factly. I can’t risk her turning against us. We can heal her later, but only once we’re sure that none of her nosy little friends have managed to find out where you are.

Logan’s eyes darted to Abigail then back to Gwen, careful not to take his eyes off her for too long.

That’s not going to achieve anything, he said calmly, although his heart was racing in his chest.

Either you kill her, Gwen gave him his options, or I’ll do it for you. Only I’ll make sure that I don’t heal her.

I’ll kill you first before you even get a chance to lay a finger on her. Logan glared at Gwen. Don’t think I won’t do it.

I’m too powerful for you, darling, Gwen informed him. And since you’re both conveniently in human form and vulnerable to death, I think it’s safe to say that I should be the one calling the shots. Don’t you think?

A million thoughts were running through Abigail’s mind. How could she somehow get to Gwen first? She was in human form; it was the perfect opportunity to defeat her. But if Abigail moved even the slightest, Gwen could harm Logan in the blink of an eye.

Gwen glared at him. Remember, they are your enemy, Logan. They are the ones who took Abigail away from you. And remember who saved your life. You know what they did to you. They left you for dead. And if it weren’t for me, you’d still be dead. Remember that when you think about whose side you’re on, Logan. It’s your turn to save her now, and you know the only way you can protect her from them.

Logan slowly looked back at Abigail. He could still see the fear in her eyes. All he had wanted to do was to protect her from this. How had this happened?

What will it be? Gwen asked him. The choice is yours, Logan. It just depends on how badly you want Abigail.

Logan’s eyes remained fixed on Abigail.

I love you, he whispered to her. I don’t want to lose you.

You don’t have to, she pleaded. She was terrified that he just might be desperate enough to follow through with what Gwen wanted him to do.

Logan shook his head, his breathing unsteady as he watched Abigail, her whole body frozen with fear. I’m sorry … but I have to do this.

— Chapter One —

Two Months Earlier

Turning eighteen had been bittersweet. Savannah had thought that she would have woken up the morning of her eighteenth birthday feeling instantly older now that she was officially an adult, but it had already been a week since her birthday, and she still wasn’t sure exactly how she felt.

When she was younger, she had always thought that eighteen seemed so grown up, and if she was being totally honest with herself, it had slightly terrified her to think that one day she would wake up to a world of responsibility where she could no longer hide behind the naivety of childhood anymore. But with everything that had happened over the last few months, she felt like she hadn’t been a kid anymore for a long time, and if she was being even more honest with herself, there was a part of her that missed that. Whenever she looked at Annabelle, it reminded her just how much she longed to have that blissful innocence back, and it worried her just how much longer Annabelle would be able to keep hers.

Annabelle had been playing around with her powers over the last two months, and the spirits had been great at teaching her how to use them. Beverley had spoken to Savannah about whether she thought that Annabelle should relinquish her powers as she was worried that she was too young to understand the consequences of them properly, but Annabelle wouldn’t hear a word of it. She said that Savannah was like a guardian angel, and she wanted to be just like her too. Beverley couldn’t argue with that, and neither could Savannah. Annabelle was still a little young to use her powers in that way herself yet, but Savannah felt honored that she felt that way about her.

In a way, Annabelle was right. Even though Savannah knew that the chances of Gwen coming back for Annabelle were slim, it still terrified her to the point of waking up in the middle of the night every night since the tornado and going to check on Annabelle. She didn’t know how long she would keep it up, but she had no plans of stopping anytime soon.

Savannah hadn’t wanted a big party for her birthday. It didn’t feel right to be celebrating when Logan was still missing. Everyone had been sure that they would have heard from him by now, but it had already been two months, and as time slowly went on, they were all quietly losing hope. None of them had said anything to each other, but they all knew that they were thinking the same.

Abigail was obviously taking it the hardest, but they all were in their own way. They had all been so certain that something would have happened by now, and the fact that nothing had was a little unnerving. They were each starting to feel that maybe they were less powerful in this fight against The Forces than they had thought. But none of them would let Abigail know that, so they all just had to put on a brave face for her and try to reassure her that everything would be all right.

Everybody was trying to deal with Logan’s disappearance as best they could, but Abigail wasn’t dealing with it at all. She was convinced that Logan was never coming back. She had been strong for the first few weeks, but then she changed. She had become more withdrawn as time went on, and she had hardly spoken a word at all in recent weeks. She had stopped believing everyone. No matter how many times they told her Logan was coming back, she knew he wasn’t.

Abigail was the main reason why Savannah had decided against having a party. Abigail had helped her organize pretty much every birthday party she had ever had since they were kids, but this time it was different. There just seemed to be something insensitive about asking Abigail’s opinion on trivial little things like balloon colors or cake flavors when she had something much more important on her mind.

So, after weeks of being torn over the outcome of this one day, she finally decided at the last minute that she would just go to dinner with her parents and Annabelle. And she was glad that she had. She had been able to let herself take a moment away from everything that was happening to enjoy her birthday without having to worry if she was upsetting anyone. She knew that her friends would have all put a smile on their faces to celebrate with her if she had wanted them to—and she had considered it—but she didn’t want them to have to do that for her. And, even if they had, they would have still been reminded of reality all night. The last eighteenth birthday party they had all gone to had been Logan’s.

Savannah ran her fingers over the keychain that was sitting next to the card from her parents on her dresser. They had written in it about how proud they were of the person she had become, which seemed even more relevant now, considering the events of the last few months.

Inside the card had been a folded piece of paper detailing cryptic little clues which she had followed out to the driveway to where the shiny blue Chevrolet Sonic was parked, complete with a giant red bow on its roof. She had wanted to drive it to school that day, but the perfect shininess of it had intimidated her a little. She considered herself a good driver, but there was something about getting behind the wheel of a brand new, not-a-single-scratch-on-it-yet car that made her decide to give the keys to her mom so that she could be dropped off instead. That, and the fact that she was worried about leaving it in the school parking lot just yet. She didn’t want anything happening to it on its very first day in her life. She still had the rest of the school year to stress about that.

Although the car was by far her biggest birthday present, her favorite one was hanging on her wall. It was from all of her friends, but it was Hunter who had suggested the idea behind it. It was a collage of pictures of her with each of her friends, and between the pictures were words that had been stuck on with colorful letters like you would find on a ransom note, with each one spelling out the reasons why they loved her. Each one of the reasons meant just as much to her as the next, and she felt overwhelmed with love each time she looked at it. But there was definitely one reason on there that was her favorite, and she read it every day. At the very top, above all the others, were the words I’d be nothing without her.

Hunter had been a part of her life for five months now, and she could hardly remember what life had been like without him in it. He had always been there as a shoulder to cry on over the last few months whenever everything seemed to get too much, and he could still always manage to make her laugh.

She had always appreciated having Hunter there, but seeing how Abigail had been affected so much by Logan’s disappearance had made her realize even more so just how much it meant to her. The fact that Hunter’s spirit was invincible was definitely reassuring, but at the same time, the fact that he was also dead was a constant reminder of mortality. But there were actually some days that Savannah forgot that he was. She loved those days.

She felt something hit her shoulder and turned around to see one of the leftover gift bows from her birthday presents had landed at her feet. She picked it up and looked over at Hunter, who was sitting on the edge of her bed.

Got your attention, he grinned.

Savannah stuck the gift bow in her hair and walked over to the bed to sit next to him. Maybe being an adult and having responsibilities might not always have to be that serious after all.

Valentine’s Day was only a few days away, and she couldn’t believe how excited she was. She was like a kid on Christmas morning. But there was also a part of her that couldn’t help but feel guilty for Abigail. Madison had told her that she felt the same. Neither of them wanted to upset Abigail, but neither of them wanted to miss out on their own Valentine’s Day either.

Savannah switched to spirit form for an attempted kiss just as she heard someone at her door, and she promptly switched back as Annabelle opened it and walked in.

Hi Hunter! Annabelle jumped up onto the bed and squeezed herself between them, almost knocking Savannah off the edge in the process. Look at the bracelet Chelsea gave me. She has one the same because she’s my best friend. Isn’t it pretty?

Annabelle, we were sort of in the middle of a conversation, Savannah attempted to inform her.

No, you weren’t. You were kissing, she corrected her, before she laughed and wrinkled her nose. Eww.

Well, that’s still in the middle of something, Savannah mumbled before she caught her eye on the convenient pile of textbooks on her nightstand. I guess I should maybe study. That’s actually a good idea … because you would have to go back to your own room then.

Annabelle ignored Savannah’s suggestion. Guess what, Hunter? I’m having a sleepover at Chelsea’s house next weekend. It will be so much fun!

I’m sure it will, Annabelle, he said, although trying not to laugh as he watched Savannah search for not so subtle reasons why Annabelle should leave.

Why don’t you go read one of your books or something?

Good idea, she said. Hunter, will you read me a story? I like when you do the funny voices. Savannah won’t do that.

Yes, I do.

Sorry, Savannah, but you don’t do them very well. Hunter does them better. He’s an awesome storyteller.

Okay, he said. I’ll read to you later. Why don’t you go choose a book, and I’ll practice my best character voices so that I can make sure I live up to your expectations.

Okay, she said as she jumped off the bed and skipped toward the door, before she suddenly turned around again and shook her head at them. You just want me to leave so you can kiss again.

Savannah laughed as she followed Annabelle to the door. You can stay if you want, but we’re still going to kiss.

No. I’ll go. I don’t want to see you kissing. She screwed up her nose again before she glanced informingly at Hunter. I’m thinking Rapunzel … no, Cinderella … no, maybe Sleeping Beauty. I’ll get back to you on that, but they all have a prince, so you have to practice your best Prince Charming voice, okay?

Will do. Hunter winked at her. Or should I say, will do, Your Royal Highness?

Annabelle gave a royal curtsey and then Savannah closed the door as she went skipping back across the hall to her own room.

I think I have some competition, she realized as she sat back down on the bed beside Hunter. Just so you know, you’re still my Prince Charming.

There’s never any doubt, Hunter smiled as she switched back to spirit form to kiss him. Uh, but don’t you have some studying to do?

Savannah shook her head. It can wait.

They heard another random knock at the door, and Beverley slowly opened it and peered into the room.

Savannah switched back to human form.

Honey, I’m making Annabelle a hot chocolate. Do you want one?

No. I had one earlier. Thanks, anyway.

Okay. Goodnight, honey. Don’t stay up too late studying. Beverley started to close the door behind her again before peering knowingly back into the room. Bye, Hunter.

Was that a subtle cue for me to leave?

Savannah shook her head, and he grinned again.

So, where were we?

You were about to kiss me, she reminded him just as Rob knocked lightly on the door and opened it before she had a chance to say anything.

Are you okay to drive yourself and Annabelle to school tomorrow? Mom and I both have to leave for work early in the morning.

Yeah, that’s fine. It looked like she would have to park her new shiny car at school sooner rather than later whether she liked it or not.

That’s good. Just making sure we’re all good then. Rob looked apprehensively around Savannah’s room, clearly wanting to say something else. So, you’re staying in here for a while? Got some homework left to do or something before you go to bed?

That’s the plan. She gave her dad a less than enthusiastic thumbs up. English paper due next week.

Uh-huh. Rob glanced suspiciously around the room again before it finally got the better of him. Do you really need the door shut?

Savannah nodded. It helps to keep distractions out.

Okay. Rob hesitated at the door for a minute. Well, I’ll just be, um … I’ll just go back downstairs now. He pointed over his shoulder and slowly pulled the door behind him, leaving it slightly ajar. Goodnight.

Goodnight, Dad. Savannah was trying not to laugh as she turned back to Hunter. Sorry about that. I guess he’s still getting used to the idea of you being around. So, about that kiss.

Hunter lifted his hand to halt her. Just wait.

Wait for what?

You’ll see.

He slowly started counting to three on his fingers before her bedroom door predictably opened again.

I’ve gotta say, I’d still feel more comfortable if the door was left open. Are we okay with that?

Dad, Hunter had been around for months without you knowing. You didn’t even know when he was in my room before. What’s so different now?

Rob shrugged as though he couldn’t even figure it out himself. Yeah, I know. But the thing is that I do know now. I’d still feel better if the door was open. How about we keep our voices down so we don’t distract you and then the door can stay open. Okay?

Okay.

She was starting to think that things were a whole lot easier when she was the only one who knew about Hunter. It was certainly a lot less embarrassing before her dad knew about him. Apparently, the whole overprotective dad thing concerned all boyfriends—invisible or not.

Hunter suddenly stood up and walked over to the door.

Where are you going? she asked him.

I think I might read Annabelle that story now. Apparently, you have an English paper due next week. I might be considered a distraction.

She watched as he walked across the hall to Annabelle’s room and then she stood up and walked over to her door. Hunter sat down on the edge of Annabelle’s bed and smiled as he noticed Savannah watching him.

She leaned against the door and listened as he adopted all of his silly voices to make Annabelle laugh. Savannah couldn’t help but laugh too. She had been so worried about how all of this might affect Annabelle, but it wasn’t affecting her at all. Annabelle wasn’t letting it. She wanted to still be a kid, and rightly so.

Savannah had always tried to lead by example for Annabelle because it was somewhat her job to, but watching her and Hunter laughing so innocently together made her realize that maybe there was actually so much more that she could learn from Annabelle instead. Annabelle wasn’t letting The Forces affect her life. Savannah shouldn’t either.

She finally crossed the hall to Annabelle’s room and moved one of her stuffed animals before she sat down cross-legged on the bed beside her.

Annabelle wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug.

We chose Snow White, she informed her.

Savannah smiled. That was always my favorite. I’ve always thought there was something so romantic about the idea that the prince’s kiss could bring her back to life … She trailed off as she smiled at Hunter. Maybe it’s not just a fairytale after all.

Shh! Annabelle held her finger up to her lips. Hunter’s reading.

Sorry, she whispered. Keep going.

Hunter tried to contain his increasing grin as he lifted his eyes from the book. Finished that English paper already, have we?

Yeah, Savannah said casually, although with a hint of mischievousness behind it as she leaned back against Annabelle’s pillow. I actually finished it a week ago.

***

Madison greeted Savannah as soon as she pulled into the school parking lot, barely giving her a chance to even get out of the car before she lunged forward and threw her arms around her.

What are you so excited about? Savannah asked as she tried to shut the car door behind her. Are you really just that shocked that I managed to drive myself here and still be in one piece?

No, Madison laughed. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. And it’s almost Nationals, so it’s, like, the most exciting time of the year for me. I mean, Nationals! I live for Nationals!

I think we’ve all figured that out by now, Savannah said.

This is your first ever Valentine’s Day, Madison continued with her obvious excitement. And it’s my first Valentine’s Day with Jackson. Her smile suddenly dropped. It would’ve been Abigail’s second with Logan.

Savannah nodded. I know. I feel so guilty whenever I think of it.

I hate that I’m so excited, Madison whispered. I shouldn’t be. I’m horrible. What sort of person am I to be so excited about something that one of my best friends is so sad about? I have to get it all out of my system out here before I go in there for Abigail. Heidi agreed to take all the decorations down. We didn’t want to make it even harder for her than it already is.

Heidi had remained friends with them ever since the Winter Formal. It was like she didn’t even have a mean bone in her body anymore. She was actually nice to them, and not just fake nice either. She was actually genuinely really nice. And since Heidi was nice to them, the rest of the girls followed her lead. They figured that if it was good enough for Heidi to be friends with them, then maybe they should, too.

Unless Heidi hadn’t really changed that much and just threatened them to be nice to her new friends. Savannah didn’t think that was the case, though. All the girls had taken it pretty hard thinking that Logan had actually died. They all felt sorry for Abigail and had tried as hard as they could to go out of their way to be nice to her.

Everything in Savannah’s life was so different to what it had been five months ago. She never would have imagined that Heidi would stop to talk to her whenever she passed her in the hallway, that Madison would be one of her best friends, or that she would have the most amazing boyfriend. But she also would never have imagined that Logan would be gone.

I guess we should go see if Abigail’s here yet, she said as she linked arms with Madison to walk toward the school building. I wish there was some way we could take her mind off everything. Tomorrow of all days is going to be so hard for her.

Abigail was already talking to Keira at her locker as Savannah and Madison headed along the hallway toward her. She had been spending a lot of time with Keira lately. Savannah appreciated that they both had someone to talk to who understood what each other was going through, but she couldn’t help but worry that it was doing more harm than good to Abigail. Keira really did think that Logan had died, and the more that Abigail was around her, the harder it was becoming for her to believe that he hadn’t.

Keira waved to them as they got closer.

Anyway, I guess I should head to class. I’ll see you at lunch, Abigail.

See you at lunch, she said.

She gave a slight smile to Savannah and Madison and then turned back to her locker to continue getting her books out.

You’re here early, Savannah noticed as she opened her locker next to Abigail’s. You didn’t get to witness my awesome parking skills like Madison did.

Yeah, I know. I promised Keira that I would see her before class. She wanted to borrow my iPod so she could create a playlist for me.

Okay. Savannah grabbed her textbooks and closed her locker. Hey, is this new? She tugged on Abigail’s black gothic jacket. That’s not your usual style.

Yeah. Abigail pulled her sleeves down over her hands and folded her arms. It’s Keira’s. She has a million other ones like it, so she let me have it.

It looks great! Madison said a little too enthusiastically.

Abigail, are you okay? Savannah asked quietly.

Yeah. Abigail furrowed her eyebrows slightly. Why wouldn’t I be?

I just mean that, you know … tomorrow.

Is Valentine’s Day. I know. I’m fine.

Savannah gave her a sad smile and then looked back down at her textbooks. She knew that she wasn’t fine, but what else was she supposed to say to her? She hated how awkward her conversations with Abigail had become lately. She used to tell Abigail everything, and Abigail used to do the same. She was the only person Savannah used to ever feel that she could be herself around. Now she had to run through every word in her head before she spoke to her in fear that she would say the wrong thing and upset her.

You know we’re here if you need to talk, she offered. Twenty-four seven. Both of us. And even, you know, Rose or Hattie—

Thanks, but I’m fine, Abigail assured her. It’s just a day. It’s no different to any other day. It’s no big deal. I’m not even thinking about it.

Abigail? Heidi called out to her as she approached along the hallway with the other cheerleaders following closely behind, before she threw her arms around Abigail in a tight hug. We can’t even imagine how hard tomorrow is going to be for you and we just want you to know that we are all here for you. You can cry on our shoulders anytime you want.

You can cry on mine, Jamie offered. I really don’t mind. Laura does it all the time.

No, I don’t! I don’t ever cry, Jamie. Okay, maybe sometimes I do. She sighed and looked back at Abigail. What I mean is that you can cry on mine, too.

So much for trying to forget about it, Madison mumbled to Savannah. I know they mean well, but I don’t think they’re helping.

Jamie reached out and took Abigail’s hand. I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow, Abigail. Except when I’m watching my Grey’s Anatomy box set because then my thoughts will be with McDreamy. But, other than that, my thoughts will be with you.

Thanks, Jamie, Abigail said as she attempted to reclaim her hand. But everybody can stop worrying about me. I’m fine.

You are? Heidi asked, slightly stunned. How? It’s your first Valentine’s Day without Logan. I wouldn’t be fine. I would be a complete mess. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to have someone you love just die so suddenly like that without any warning. She placed a well-meaning, comforting hand on Abigail’s shoulder. You’re a brave girl, Abigail. Logan was a lucky guy to have you in his life for the time that he did.

Uh, maybe we should talk about something else, Madison suggested. It’s kind of hot today, am I right? She started fanning herself with her hand and then abruptly stopped when she noticed Abigail’s jacket. Maybe not.

Maybe you girls should go get your books or something, Savannah said to them. The bell will be ringing any minute now.

No, that’s okay, said Jamie. We still have four minutes. We should spend three of them with Abigail. It’s the least we could do.

Savannah helplessly raised her eyebrows at Madison. She wished they would take the hint to leave or at least change the subject. They were obviously making Abigail feel uncomfortable.

So, are you girls excited for Nationals? She remembered how excited Madison was about it. Surely these girls would be too. I want to know all about it.

Nationals? said Jamie. Oh, you know. It’s just, like, the be all and end all of pretty much our entire lives!

She’s not even kidding, said Laura. Nationals are everything!

And who are gonna win Nationals? Heidi asked the rest of the squad.

Fort Everwick!

And who are gonna be the best squad ever in the history of Nationals?

Fort Everwick!

Not you, too, Jackson said as he leaned against the lockers. Nationals? That’s all that Madison will talk about. I think I unwillingly know as much about that thing as all of you do. I thought you girls would have something more to talk about with tomorrow being Valentine’s Day. Aren’t you supposed to be talking about love and all of that stuff that girls talk about?

Madison elbowed him in the ribs.

What did I say? he asked.

That’s exactly what we finally got them to stop talking about, she whispered. Never mind.

She rolled her eyes at him and then turned to her locker. As she opened it, all the heart-shaped decorations that had been adorning the walls and lockers tumbled out onto the floor. She had completely forgotten that she had put them in there after she had taken them all down.

Madison! Heidi scolded her as she helped her stuff them back into her locker. You were supposed to hide these so you didn’t make Abigail feel uncomfortable. The last thing the poor girl needs is to be constantly reminded of Valentine’s Day.

Yeah. Like, who would do that? Madison said under her breath as she scooped the rest of them up and closed her locker door. It was too full to shut properly, so she leaned against it so that it wouldn’t fall open again and smiled distractingly at Abigail. So … did I tell you that jacket looks really nice on you?

I’m just gonna go to class now, Abigail said as she edged away from the lockers as the bell rang. And, by the way, weren’t those on the outside of the lockers yesterday?

She smiled suspiciously to herself as she walked off down the hallway behind Heidi and the rest of the girls.

Madison started to move away from her locker, and a few hearts escaped and tumbled back down onto the floor. She immediately leaned against the door again and smiled nervously at Savannah and Jackson.

Smooth, said Jackson.

Are you just gonna stand there or help me?

Hey, Abigail? Savannah called after her. Remember, I’m still coming to your house to study this afternoon, okay? She turned concernedly back to Madison and Jackson. I’m worried about her. She says that she’s fine, but I really don’t think that she is.

She’s turning into Keira, Madison observed as she shoved the last of the decorations back into her locker and leaned against the door again.

I know. This is so not like her lately. I wish she would talk to us about it. I just want to help her. She looked down at the textbook in her hands. Anyway, I have chemistry. I’ll see you later.

I think I have history, said Madison. Or Spanish. No, I think history.

She tried hopelessly to open her locker door to get her textbook out. The temperamental decorations started to fall before she quickly shut it and leaned against it again. It was clearly a losing battle.

You do realize that you’ll probably have to stand there like that all day, Jackson teased her as he leaned in for a kiss but stayed far enough away so she couldn’t reach him.

Madison laughed as she pulled him closer. Well, maybe that won’t be such a bad thing if you stay here, too.

Miss Egan and Mr. Gellar. An unimpressed