Protecting me, as was his job. He could have asked me for the address instead of following my GPS signal. I knew why he hadn’t. However much it made sense to have backup, I’d have argued.

I felt a twinge of guilt. He’d had a point earlier. I never called him—not for help, advice or just to say hello. Part of it was fear of relying on someone. Fear of needing someone. After my powers appeared, I’d struggled for years, off-balance, self-reliance gone. And so many people had failed me, nearly everyone except my family, who’d stood by, in pain, watching me suffer. When I found my balance, part of me had to prove I could stand alone…and part of me feared ever again relying on anyone to catch me if I stumbled.

With Karl, that need was coupled with my determination never to be just another woman who’d fallen for him. I’d wanted to be different, so I’d gone completely the other way, acting as if he could walk away tomorrow and I wouldn’t care. Surprising that he hadn’t said “screw this” and left.

Or, I suppose, that’s exactly what he’d done…

THOUGHTS OF KARL kept me distracted until we met up at the apartment. Then I had to tell him everything, which ignited the fears I’d tamped down so well. By the end my hands were shaking, and I stuffed them into my jean pockets so Karl wouldn’t see. There was nothing I could do about my quavering voice.

“It’s probably just a misunderstanding,” I said. “Right now, they might be strolling into the club, ready for duty. I’ve left my condo without my cell phone and wallet—when I’m running out to the corner store or the coffee shop. There’s nothing to say they don’t have another set of keys.”

“We should notify Lucas.”

“Why?” My voice squeaked and I cleared my throat. “I’d sound as if I was overreacting.”

I moved to the sofa, grabbing every support along the route.

Something had happened to Jaz.

I dropped onto the sofa, one hand clutching the arm as though I might slide off.

I hadn’t seen a chaos vision. Hadn’t felt a vibe. If something serious happened in that room, I’d know it.

Wouldn’t I?

I was always the first to say my powers were far from perfect.

Karl sat beside me. Hands on his thighs, back straight. Then he reached over and patted my leg, a horribly awkward tap, like one you’d give a stranger in distress, while praying you wouldn’t be called upon to do more.

He glanced my way. Our eyes met and I saw…panic. Like I might throw myself into his arms and start sobbing. I looked away fast.

“I—I’m going to take a bath. Try to relax.”