by T. G. Ayer
A wave of dizziness rushed through me and I swayed, gripping onto the edge of the table, hoping I wouldn’t pass out.
Thankfully, I didn’t.
Instead, I sat gingerly on the edge of the closest armchair, and when I looked up his attention was already on the monitor of his laptop as he plugged in the flash drive. I wasn’t sure whether it was a tactful move on his part, but I managed to relax and shake the dizziness off without him making a big fuss about it.
I respected the man already.
His laptop whirred and clicked, and he stiffened as he watched the video. I forced myself to remain still, and tried not to listen to the tape. I’d have preferred to not be in the room to listen to it again.
Grimacing, I tried to tune the sounds of Raulfir’s pain out, and almost succeed until Carter’s voice broke through.
“Where is this?” he asked already reaching for his phone. He paused as he waited for an answer, a scowl creasing his brow, his expression dark.
“Hong Kong.” I rattled off the address of Elise Garner’s Hong Kong headquarters.
I’d barely finished speaking when he began dialing. He made a quick call, alerting someone on the other end of the line that he needed an emergency Elite recon team to be dispatched in the next ten minutes.
When Carter put the phone down, I asked, “You didn’t ask me who she was?”
He gave me a small, though humorless smile. “I know very well who Elise Garner is. She has been on our radar for a while but we have just not been able to prove our suspicions. Now, thanks to you, we have everything we need to put her away for a very long time.” Both his tone and his way of speaking confirmed that he was possibly an immortal of some type.
Relieved, I sighed and sank back against the firm backrest of the armchair. “What can we do about her access to the Kil’rith?”
He nodded absently, as if he’d already begun to consider the problem. Then he took a breath. “Her portal key will be revoked, and because she would have obtained it through blood ritual, it will need to be severed with a blood ritual.”
More blood magic?
I’d had about enough of blood magic.
Chapter 35
“How do we do this?” I shifted forward in my seat.
Carter shook his auburn head. “You don’t need to worry about it.” When I frowned he let out a soft chuckle. “All I mean is you don’t need to do anything about it. We will contact High Priestess Kira of the DeathTalkers. It’s quite likely that Elise obtained her seal through Lady Kira. We will ensure that her portal key will no longer work.”
I pursed my lips and considered his reassurances. He had a plan so I wasn’t complaining. It just felt strange suddenly being no longer involved. “What if she had other plans in place in case this kind of thing happens to her? What if she’s got a team prepared to get her out as fast as she just got in?”
He shook his head. “Because of the severity of her crimes against all of the DarkWorld, the Ancients are involved. They want her punished. It’s quite likely that even if someone speaks on her behalf, she will never see freedom again.”
It sounded harsh, but it was exactly what she deserved. I spared a thought for Erik and what he would think about the situation.
I took a deep breath and for the first time in the last two days I relaxed. When I lifted my gaze and met his eyes, he smiled. “I’m guessing today isn’t the day to discuss joining the Elite?”
I laughed softly. “We might as well . . . since I’m here.”
He nodded, a solemn look in his eye. “I will understand if you do decide that this is not the best time. By giving us this information you’ve helped us a great deal.”
I smiled, taking advantage of that opening. “Well, maybe you can do me one more favor?”
He gave a short nod. “What is it?”
“The elf in the video. Do you know who he is?”
Another nod. “King Raulfir of Kil’rith, the Realm of the Elves.”
I sighed, sad for what Raulfir had endured. “His daughter—Princess Silvanya—is at my house.”
“So you retrieved her?”
I nodded. “With the help of Elise’s son, Erik.” Carter nodded, his face inscrutable.
His silence made me wonder if there was something he knew but wasn’t telling. I decided to ignore my gut, figuring I was probably way too paranoid for my own good, what with all the crazy that was my life these days.
I sighed and leaned forward. “She’s at my place. She wasn’t too thrilled with the plan for him to help trap Elise, but she understood. She’s waiting to see him again and I promised that it would be soon.”
Carter nodded and I watched his expression. Still indecipherable. “Of course. We will ensure that his debrief is as short as possible. He will be reunited with his daughter very soon.” Carter frowned and then shook a finger in my direction. “Come to think of it, we’d need to debrief her as well.”
Though I’d expected it, my face fell. I didn’t hide my disappointment, or my dissatisfaction, with the pace at which the Elite was working.
He must have read it all in my expression. “I understand your frustration. I promise we won’t take too much of her time. We just need her side of the story.”
He paused and looked back at the monitor which still bore the frozen image of Elise Garner. He gave the screen a nod, then shifted his gaze to me.
“And the boy’s.”
I didn’t have a problem with that and I was pretty certain that Erik wouldn’t have any issues with it either.
I gave Carter a nod. “How soon will you arrest her?”
He looked at his watch. “They’ve already been dispatched. The answer to that question is, as soon as recon returns with a report. We’ll make our move once we have the plan in place.”
I raised my eyebrows, surprised and impressed at the efficiency.
I fell silent for a few minutes, my thoughts now on the job offer. They had means, technology, manpower. All things that I lacked despite the connections I’d made through the years.
I shifted in my seat, still not entirely certain of my choice. “So if I do join your Elite team, how will that impact my work. I get requests to find missing people all the time. I have to admit I’m concerned. What if cases end up clashing . . . and I have to choose?”
Carter got to his feet and walked around the desk. He stopped in front of me, and sat on the edge of the desk. “I can assure you that cases will not clash. The moment you agree to come on board, we will give every one of your cases the utmost priority. And will treat them as if they are our own. You will have access to backup, medical intervention, and forensic diagnostics.”
“So what do you get in return?” I asked.
This all sounded a bit too good to be true. I had to admit I’d give anything to have access to such a backup team, but not if the price was too high.
His lips curved into a warm smile. “We get Mel Morgan on our team. Your abilities will help us greatly. You are not the only one that receives requests to find missing people. The Supreme High Council believes that you will be a priceless addition to our team. As foreboding as it sounds, the future of the DarkWorld isn’t as bright as we’d like to think. All we want is to be prepared for what comes.”
He was definitely getting morbid, but I’d already had a run-in with Darius, and I was beginning to suspect Carter knew something about the Ancient’s contact with me. But I didn’t feel ready to discuss it with him. Not yet.
I smiled and got to my feet, hitching my satchel over my shoulder and holding onto the strap tightly. “I’m in, as long as we are able to coordinate and as long as our cases do not clash. If it ever comes to it, I will choose my own clients over those of the Elite.”
He nodded, his expression kind and understanding. It wasn’t often I came across an officer of any investigative agency who was this approachable. Again, it made me wonder if this was too good to be true.
And then I reminded myself that sometimes I did hav
e to trust.
He got to his feet and walked past me, heading to the bookshelf. He rummaged inside one of the cupboards and handed me a flat box. “Your badge and the agency cellphone.”
I nodded and deposited the box into my satchel without opening it. “Thank you. And I appreciate the agency’s interest in me.”
He smiled and guided me to the door. “My dear, you are far more important than you know. I only hope that when the time comes, you will be able to trust yourself to fulfill your potential.”
I glanced at him, my brow furrowing.
A little cryptic for me.
But he ignored my questioning look and opened the door for me. We said our goodbyes and I headed to the front lounge before teleporting back into my kitchen.
I set my satchel on the table and withdrew the black box. Lifting the lid, I stared at the golden badge, and the brand-new cell phone. Were these two things going to be anchors around my neck?
I certainly hoped not.
Having agreed to the Elite’s proposition, I began to wonder if they had approached anyone else. Certainly Kailin and Logan would be high on my list had I been given a choice.
And so would Saleem.
My heart tightened. I just couldn’t get used to Logan’s situation. I sent off a quick text to Kai, asking about Logan’s condition and how she and Lily were doing.
Eyelids drooping, I longed for sleep, a little unsure now how long I’d been going without a good rest.
Rest would definitely be next on my list.
Chapter 36
Silvanya walked into the kitchen, her hair rumpled, her sweats and tee creased from sleep. I was glad to see that she’d been getting some rest. After an ordeal like hers she’d needed rest and recuperation.
“What news?” her voice was soft and gentle, yet held an unspoken command. She’d had enough and wanted it all to be done.
I was glad to be the bearer of good news. “The Supreme High Council has a team in play. Recon first and once they know the situation, they will head in and extract your father.”
“And incarcerate that . . . woman.” The vicious quality of the princess’s voice didn’t surprise me. In fact, it made me proud of her.
I nodded. “High Councilman Carter has assured me they’d hold her accountable for every bad thing she’s ever done. I believe they already have a long list of crimes.”
Silvanya inhaled deeply, as if all this time she’d not taken a peaceful breath. “How soon before my father is released?” Her eyes went to the staircase, half visible from the kitchen doorway.
I pursed my lips, wondering if she was concerned about Erik’s feelings. “As long as all goes well with the extraction and then the debriefing, likely a day. They’ll want you to come in for a debrief as well. Your testimony could likely be needed to put Elise away for good.”
I felt a twinge of guilt that Erik was somewhere in the house and we were talking so blatantly about his mother.
Silvanya straightened her spine, for a split second seeming to grow taller and thinner. “I will tell them everything they need to know about Elise and more. The woman liked to talk.” She leaned against the fridge and folded her arms. “I’m just worried that a woman of her financial means and her nefarious intentions would have plans in place to ensure she is exonerated quickly. Or at the very least, do some damage to my father’s kingdom.”
I nodded. The princess and I had been on the same line of thinking. “Carter assures me they will be negating the power of her portal key, ensuring she’d never be able to cross the veil again.”
Silvanya’s face tightened, the lines around her eyes deepening. “I would hope so. I’m very much of the mind to lobby for seclusion from the rest of the DarkWorld once I return home.”
I stared at her. Seclusion was not a common practice, especially when the High Council still remained the highest form of authority across all the planes. She’d likely be able to lobby her own people, perhaps draw various Elvin kingdoms together to agree, but they’d still need approval from the High Council and the Ancients.
Her eyebrows arched, clearly seeing right through me. Not that it was a big leap to understand my point of view.
What she suggested was radical.
But I understood why she thought it a desirable option.
I was about to give her my undiluted opinion when my phone rang.
“Excuse me,” I gave her an apologetic smile and she returned it with a slow nod. She pushed off the refrigerator and sauntered off, waving her fingers over her shoulder at me, the smile on her face telling me she understood.
“Hey, Kai,” I said softly, worried that something else was going on. “How you all doing?”
“I’m doing okay. As well as can be expected. Anjelo’s mom isn’t taking it well. I have a feeling she’s blaming me in a way.”
“That’s natural. She’ll realize she’s wrong pretty soon. Give her time.” I spoke the words, hoping Kai would listen. “How’s Lily?”
Kai sighed. “Lily is acting really strange. As if she’d accepted Anjelo’s death even before we’d found him.”
“I wondered the same thing,” I said.
Another sigh.
“And Logan?”
“He’s in some kind of coma. We’ve had him checked out and my dad—of all people—has taken over his care.”
I laughed. “I did not see that coming.”
“Me either,” she said, a smile in her voice. “Let’s hope he makes some progress.”
“He’ll be fine, Kai. Logan is strong.” I stopped speaking as I realized that one person in this equation had no idea what was going on. “I’m just worried about Saleem.”
Kai cleared her throat. “I was worried about that. You told me they’d planned on a mission to Mithras together?”
“Yeah. According to a message I got from Saleem they should have left before you called me about Logan.”
“When did Saleem message you?”
“A few hours before you called.” I was already beginning to see where she was headed.
“But Logan was missing for much longer than that,” Kai said, regret in her voice.
I sighed now. “Saleem lied to me.”
“He’d have his reasons, Mel.”
I cleared my throat and shrugged off any feelings of hurt I had. Who was I to judge when I was lying to him myself?
And besides, he would have his reasons. I just hoped he’d made the right choice for the right reasons.
I focused on Kai, one more thing on my mind. “Tell me what happened with Storm?” I asked, still feeling numb because if his betrayal.
“Not until I know more. All I can tell you is we had a full-on battle with him, in which he took Logan in exchange for Lily’s release.” Kai inhaled sharply. “Storm isn’t who he says he is. I’m so sorry Mel. I know you and he were close.”
I nodded slowly, not liking that she’d refused to give me further details but understanding her position having been in the very same one with Natasha not too long ago.
“It’s okay. I’ll find out what’s going on soon enough.”
I was about to ring off when she asked, “Are you okay, Mel?”
“Me?” I let out a laugh. “I’m as well as can be expected.”
“You just looked . . . drained. I’m worried.”
I took a deep breath. “I’m fine. I promise. Just overdoing it a little bit but if you tell Saleem I will have to kill you.”
Kai let out a soft laugh, and we both rang off with smiles on our faces.
A small pocket of happiness in a maelstrom of pain.
Chapter 37
I stood in the study, reluctant to cross paths with anyone right now. I’d sent Steph a text bringing her up to speed, checked up on Erik who was in his room, face in his laptop, and had then come to hide out in my study.
I didn’t want to see anyone. Not right now. Not when all my emotional baggage had just hit me full in the gut.
I dropped my satchel on the desk and
began to pace, unable to remain still.
Now that Elise was well on her way to being arrested, I didn’t need to focus on her case. Erik and Silvanya were both safe at my place, waiting to hear back from Carter on the progress of Elise’s arrest.
At one point, I’d considered asking to be part of the raid, if only to get a feel for how the Elite operated, but my mind kept returning to the one thing that had broken my heart so badly that I’d tried to shut it out of my mind altogether.
Storm.
Storm and his betrayal.
I still could not come to terms with the fact that he’d betrayed Logan and Lily and Anjelo.
Everyone who knew Storm knew that he’d had a soft spot for Anjelo ever since he’d saved the boy’s life a while ago.
I didn’t recall the details but as the story went, Storm had found Anjelo shot by drug dealers when the kid had first come to the city.
Injured as he’d been, they’d needed medical attention from someone who knew paranormals existed so Storm had taken Anjelo to Kai at the hospital she’d been working at.
I couldn’t imagine the depth of the betrayal that Kai was experiencing.
Storm had put me on to Tara the Fae MetalSinger who’d become one of my closest friends. What would she think when she found out about what Storm had done?
And Saleem? Did he know about Storm? Had he deliberately delayed telling me he’d spoken to Logan?
Or had he gone ahead and left for Mithras without Logan, wondering all along why his friend had abandoned him at the last moment?
Did Storm even understand how badly he’d hurt so many people? What the ramifications were for his actions?
I stiffened and came to a stop.
I knew what I had to do.
And to hell with the consequences.
I took a seat in the armchair that sat against the wall beside the door.
Closing my eyes, I sank into the back of the seat, reaching into the ether for Storm’s feedback thread. The energy of his essence was strangely faint, as if dampened in some way; perhaps a magical ward of some kind.