The Mapmakers Union (The Doorknob Society Saga Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

enough times to know where everything was. I looked down the hallway and saw that the door to Nightshade’s room was open and the light was on. My eyes lingered on it, as if any minute he would step out.
    Nightshade’s mother walked past me into the kitchen area and filled a tea pot with water, then put it on the stove. She took out two mugs and sat them on the kitchen island. I walked over, pulled out a stool, and sat down keeping my eyes downcast, unable to look at her. I unzipped my hoodie and flipped the hood down. What was I thinking? Why did I come in here and what could I say to this woman? She had lost her son and here I was planning to tell her what? I loved your son but never gave him a chance and treated him terribly and still he gave his life for me.
    “I’m sorry.” It was all I could think to say. I finally looked up; she stood across from me staring into what felt like my soul. She had Nightshade’s eyes or he had hers I suppose. They appeared glassy and puffy and I knew she had cried as much or more than I had in the last few months.
    “Thank you,” she said in a whisper and smiled. The tea pot whistled and she turned, grabbed it, and poured steaming hot water into the cups, then offered me a tea bag.
     I dropped it in letting it steep like my mother had taught me. My mother who was responsible for Nightshade’s death, but was it really her fault? I was the one she was after. Nightshade was there to protect me and back me up as always. He never questioned my actions or decisions. He jumped right in joining me in every hair-brain scheme and rescuing me from most. In the end it was me who was at fault, and I guess that’s what I had been denying all this time.
    “It was my fault he died,” I blurted out. I hadn’t meant to be so blunt, but I had kept it bottled up for so long that I couldn’t hold back any longer. My body trembled and I clutched the tea cup trying to keep my hands steady. “He was protecting me; he stayed in my place. I tried, I really did try to make him change places with me, but he wouldn’t listen. He never listened to me, he just always... he just always...”
    I bit at my quivering lower lip trying to calm myself. I couldn’t look at her or say another word. I so wanted to tell someone what had happened... the truth of what had passed between Nightshade and me. But I couldn’t get it out; I didn’t have the courage.
    “Did you know that James’ father had died?” Her voice was low; her tone even.
     I nodded, remembering he had mentioned that his father had passed but we had never really spoken about it.
    “He was a lot like his father, head strong and always rushing in to save the day. My husband was on assignment, tasked with bringing down a splinter group from the Skeleton Key Guild. His team was ambushed and surrounded. My husband fought five men, keeping them at bay until every member of his team made it through that portal. When they dragged him through his wounds were so severe that he didn’t last more than a day. Nightshade men are honorable; they never back down and I would expect nothing less of my son. His death is not your fault, Chloe.”
    I looked up and saw tears running down her cheeks. I couldn’t contain them anymore, tears burst out of me as if a damn had exploded. My body shook as I wept uncontrollably and Nightshade’s mother came around and wrapped her arms tightly around me. I closed my eyes and let her embrace me and when I took a deep breathe I could have sworn it was Nightshade’s scent that I smelled and I let out a sob of anger and sadness.
    “I loved him.” The words ripped from my body like a physical wound.
    “Come with me.” Mrs. Nightshade grabbed my hand and walked me down the hall to Nightshade’s room.
    We walked in and I could see that she had been packing some of his things away. His long coat and scarf hung on the back of his closet door waiting for his return.
    “Sit down.” She motioned toward the bed.
    I sat down