Dangerous Temptations

by Kelly Elliott

  “Did you know she was on to the Alchemists?”

  He shook his head. “I knew she was on to something, but I wasn’t sure how much she knew. I was going to intercede, the way I am with you, if I had to. When she disappeared, I wondered if someone else had figured it out. However, nothing ever came of it. There was no mention or information in our archives.”

  That was a relief. Wesley stood and walked over to a painting on the wall. He slid it to the side to reveal a safe. “What I’m about to show you may give you some closure. If they ever found out… my life would be at risk.”

  “If the Alchemists are good, why would our lives be in danger?”

  “Because what they are doing is too important for it to be exposed. If the truth about the Alchemists were to get out, thousands of lives would be affected. Hundreds of thousands. And many innocents might be killed. We’ve stopped numerous terrorists from detonating bombs, and we’ve stopped countless shipments of narcotics and weapons. Those weapons would have changed the outcome of World War I and World War II. The world we live in would be a much different place under Hitler’s rule if it hadn’t been for the Alchemists.”

  I gasped. This was bigger than I ever imagined, but I felt conflicted. In my mind, the Alchemists were an evil group, but Wesley was telling me their intentions were good. It was a mindfuck. “Wait! Hitler might have won?”

  “If the weapons had gotten to his troops, then yes. We weren’t able to stop the Holocaust, but we were able to stop him from winning the war. Sometimes we aren’t able to stop incidents from happening, but we do everything we can to keep them from continuing. It took time, but we eventually got an Alchemist on the inside of his high ranks who was able to help us get around him. Otherwise, I’m not sure where the world would be. I need to show you something, but after tonight, you have to promise to never mention this again.”

  Regardless, I had to know what happened. “I promise.”

  Sydney

  Wesley opened the safe behind a painting and took out an old letter. “This is from Quinn. It’s a letter she sent to her real father, letting him know she had a baby boy. This is the last correspondence we have from her. We found it in a compartment like the one you had in your house.”

  “What happened to her real father and Captain Robert Soloman?”

  “Hathorne vanished. We believe he left to be united with Quinn. There’s no proof, but Quinn put a spotlight on how corrupt the Alchemists had become. It was because of the trail she left that we were able to get back to our original plan of making the world a better place, if you will. Because of her, we got back on the right track.”

  Quinn had ousted those using the power of the Alchemists for bad. “Wow.”

  “The Alchemists have done some horrible things, which we know. And the Truth-seekers still believe that the world should be left to steer itself however it will. We think, from time to time, help is needed. Think of Stalin, Hitler, Napoleon, Caesar… sometimes a man can have too much power, and it goes to his head. There are times an intervention that allows a man to take back his own destiny must happen. And at the end of the day, that is what the Alchemists stand for. Otherwise if any of those had taken more power… where would we be?”

  Maybe the Alchemists weren’t as bad as I originally thought. “And you’re going to be one of the leaders?”

  “Yes, I’m a legacy member. There is no choice. And at some point, I’ll be expected to marry and produce an heir.”

  I reached out and touched Wesley’s hand. “I don’t want to lose you. You’ve always been there for me.”

  “And I will always be there for you, Sydney. Always. For now, I need to focus on what I’m called to do. And I cannot have any weaknesses. Those who want my power would use you against me. Soon it will be time for me to leave. Someday, I hope I’m able to come back.”

  Tears pricked my eyes.

  “If I show you this letter, you have to promise me that you’ll abandon this scavenger hunt. You have to for your own good—and Mike’s.”

  I nodded. “I promise.”

  Wesley handed me the letter from Quinn.

  Dearest Father,

  Jonathon and I are safe, as is our son. We are filled with joy as we gaze upon him and know how blessed we truly are.

  We are waiting for you. Please hurry. Your grandson awaits you.

  Your loving daughter,

  Quinn

  My eyes filled with tears. “She made it. And she was waiting for her father to join her. Oh, Wesley… thank you.”

  He took the letter and put it back in the safe. “You’re welcome. I also have the letter that your grandpa actually left to you.”

  I took the other envelope. I touched the familiar writing. “How did you get this?”

  “Leslie was in our record-keeping group as part of her internship. She took the letter from Quinn and swapped it with the real letter from your grandfather when I was out of town on Alchemist business while you were spreading your grandfather’s ashes.”

  I gasped, and Wesley continued, “Leslie has been imprisoned for trying to expose us. I was able to advise the leaders that we intercepted the letters and contained the situation. The council is satisfied nothing else is needed in regards to protecting our organization. As far as everyone knows, you stopped looking with the discovery of Vickie’s body.”

  I took my letter from Grandpa and held it to my chest. Wesley put Quinn’s letter in the safe. “I’m glad they don’t suspect anything. How will you explain the other things I found?”

  “I’ll figure it out. Retrace your steps.”

  “When are you leaving town?”

  Wesley shifted. “I’ll announce my new position tomorrow. Margaret has insisted on a going-away party.”

  “So, we have this next week? We could do dinner.”

  “No, people are coming into town. And I’ll be closely observed. I don’t want any more attention on you than necessary. Leslie was useful for one thing—corroborating the fact that there was nothing going on between us.”

  My heart clenched with sadness. I was losing another person I considered family. I sniffled. “I don’t want to lose you. Will people believe your story?”

  “I wish things could be different. As far as the town knows, I have a big job in a big city. Another Alchemist will come to take up my post in Salem. There are two or three of us here at any given time.”

  More Alchemists were in our town. A shiver went down my spine. “Why?”

  “To ensure no more missing pieces from our past show up. And your name is on their radar. You must not do anything else.”

  “Will they know you brought me here tonight? Was someone following me in Boston?”

  “I don’t know. But I will get to the bottom of it. If anyone asks, you were away for the weekend with Mike. The good thing is, they also know that we’re friends, so it would be appropriate for me to tell you I had another job. It will be a fine line. Just give details, just stick to you and Mike. This also is why you have your computer. We’ll wipe it here. Is there information anywhere else besides your phone?”

  I thought for a second. “That’s it for me. Mike used his computer, but he was also involved with the investigation of Vickie’s death.”

  “That would make sense. I advised the council that I was inviting you over for dinner in order to let you know I was leaving town. You should be fine as long as nothing else is said.”

  It was going to take me a bit to process everything. And once the evening was over, I wouldn’t get any more answers. “Can I tell Mike? If I don’t, he’ll know something is up and just look harder.”

  “Yes, you can tell him, but he needs to understand the seriousness of it.”

  “I’ll make sure.”

  “Then it’s done.”

  The situation felt so final. If we saw each other later in the week, it would feel fake. “Will I ever get to see you again?”

  “In due time… maybe. I have a huge responsibility ahead of me.”
>
  In some way, the fate of the world might rest on his shoulders. “Promise me, Wesley, that someday we will get to see each other.”

  He leaned over and kissed my forehead. “If it’s within my power.”

  My throat tightened. It wasn’t a promise, just a hope. Wesley never said something he couldn’t follow through on. With a practiced ease, he wiped my computer clean and then moved on to my phone. The journal we’d found was added to his safe.

  Before we got into the car, I threw my arms around him. “I don’t want to lose my best friend.”

  “You never will.”

  But it would never be the same. Nothing would ever be the same. I pulled back and looked into his eyes. “I’m going to keep the faith that someday we’ll see each other again.”

  “You do that, Sydney. Please don’t ever lose that faith.” He checked the time. “I need to get you back. It’s getting late.” We walked toward the car, but he stopped. “If anyone asks, I moved away to accept an opportunity with a law firm overseas. Then you simply lost contact.”

  I nodded. “I’ll do that.”

  Wesley put his hand on the small of my back, and we got into the car. He loved me, but I knew I would never be able to return those feelings. Maybe once upon a time I could have, but my heart belonged to Mike.

  Wesley pulled into my driveaway and shut off the car. “So, this is good-bye.”

  I put my finger to his lips. “No, this is ‘Until next time.’ Don’t say good-bye to me, Wesley. Don’t do it. Good-bye is too final.”

  I removed my hand for his answer. “Yes, I suppose it is. Then until next time, Sydney. You will always be my best friend.”

  “Same here, Wesley.”

  I leaned over and hugged him to me tightly. “Be careful. I’ll always be here for you. Take care of yourself.”

  I sniffled, and Wesley wiped away my tears. “Don’t cry, Sydney. This is my destiny. I’m ready and need to take my place.”

  “I’ll miss you.”

  “And I’ll miss you, too.”

  From my purse, I pulled out the compass Grandpa had given me as a child. It had been on many an adventure with me and Wesley. “Take this. In case you ever lose your way, look at this to remember where you come from.”

  Wesley put his hand around mine. “I will treasure this.”

  I got out of the car and walked toward the house. Wesley waited until I opened the front door. I gave him one final good-bye, trying to stay strong, but inside, I felt hollow.

  Through the tears that fell, I noticed a blue Tiffany’s box on the side table and opened it. A typed note rested on top of an infinity bracelet.

  To a friendship that never ends. Forever and always. W

  I pulled out my phone.

  Me: I love it and will treasure it always. Thank you. Good luck on your new job overseas. I’ll miss you. Touch base when you can.

  I hoped Wesley knew what I meant behind that message.

  Wesley: Always. Thanks for everything, Sydney. Your support means the world.

  Smiling, I knew he had. At least I would be able to message him over the phone. At least we might have that. I walked over to the couch and took out the note from Grandpa.

  Punkin Pie,

  I want you to know that you are such an amazing granddaughter. And even though I’m not here, don’t forget to live each minute to the fullest. Don’t be afraid to fall in love, take chances, and live your best life.

  I love you, Sydney. You’re an amazing vet. All you need to do is believe you’re ready. You are.

  The house is my gift to you. I know you’ve loved that house since you were a little girl.

  Go achieve everything you ever wanted.

  Life is an adventure. Make the most of it.

  Love,

  Grandpa

  I cried as I held the letter.

  Grandpa, I miss you.

  I needed Mike.

  Me: Instead of going home, can you come here?

  Mike: Of course. Is everything okay?

  If the Alchemists were reading my texts, I had to be discreet.

  Me: Yes, everything is fine. I just miss you.

  Mike: I miss you, too.

  Mike

  The moment Sydney texted me to come to her house right after work, I knew something was wrong. After my shift was over, I made my way to my house so that my car wasn’t parked in her driveaway. Not that it was anyone’s business, but I couldn’t stand the thought of gossip.

  It was around two in the morning, and I slipped the key Sydney had given me into the lock.

  When I opened the door, I reached down and gave Maggie Maye a quick pat on the head, whispering, “Hey, beautiful, how was your night?”

  I looked up to see Sydney sitting on the sofa in her living room.

  “Syd?”

  “I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Why are you sitting in the dark?” I asked, glancing around the dark house.

  “I needed to be alone with my thoughts. You can turn on a light.”

  I stared at her before walking into the living room and turning on the side table lamp. Sydney was sitting with her legs tucked up under her.

  “What’s going on, baby?”

  She chewed on the side of her bottom lip and then looked directly at me. “We have to give up the search for Quinn. The Alchemists. The Truth-seekers. All of it.”

  “What do you mean give up the search? Why on earth would we do that? We went to all that trouble to get the clues. I’m not giving up.”

  Her eyes widened, filled with fear.

  Moving to sit next to her, I took her hand. “Would you please tell me what’s going on?”

  Earlier this morning when I left, Sydney had been hell-bent on finding out what had happened to Quinn. She was hungry for information, truth be told, and so was I.

  She drew in a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

  My heart started to race, and I instantly panicked. She’s changed her mind about us.

  “Syd, I’m not going to lie. You’re starting to scare me. Have you… have you changed your mind about us?”

  Her eyes widened in shock. “What? Oh my gosh, no! Mike, no!”

  I sagged with a huge sigh of relief. “Then can you please tell me what’s going on.”

  It was her turn to breathe in deeply then release it. “Wesley is an Alchemist.”

  “What?”

  Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “I blurted that right out, didn’t I? Earlier this evening, Wesley stopped by. He told me I needed to go with him to his house.”

  I didn’t want to be jealous, but I couldn’t help it. “Why did he want you going to his house?”

  “Well, when he stopped by, he saw the journal. I decided to tell him what we’d found. That was when he started to act weird and asked me to go with him.”

  My brow rose. “You thought he was acting weird, but you left with him and went to his house?”

  “He’s one of my oldest and dearest friends, Mike. He would never hurt me.”

  I let out a frustrated sigh. “Keep going.”

  She nodded and took in a breath before speaking. “He told me he was an Alchemist. We had them all wrong, Mike. They’re not bad people.”

  “Because Wesley said so?”

  I hated the sarcasm in my voice. Sydney frowned.

  “Yes. Wesley’s father was one, and his grandfather, and his great-grandfather before him. He told me they help to keep the world from imploding.”

  Staring at her in disbelief, I asked, “Imploding like how, Syd?”

  “Hitler, for one example. They had an Alchemist who was planted within his close circle. They were able to keep weapons from being brought into Germany that eventually led to the end of the war. An Alchemist kidnapped Abraham Lincoln and kept him from being murdered. They were able to get important information from him that kept the South from winning and he lived and was kept safe. They have people in government positions all over the
world. In large corporations. They are everywhere.”

  “And the Truth-seekers?”

  “They’re good, too. But they have been influenced by the bad apples in the Alchemists and misled by their foul actions.”

  “And you believe all of this, Syd? Wesley, an alchemist? Lincoln wasn’t killed, but lived out the rest of his life on some farm somewhere under a secret name? Is that what he’s saying?”

  She nodded and took my hands in hers. “I know it’s hard to believe, Mike. I know. Wesley told me they have other people here, in Salem, that are part of the group. They’re probably on the city council, as well. They’re going to be watching us, making sure we don’t keep looking for answers or other clues. I would bet there’s at least one of them on the police force.”

  That made me stop and take pause. It would explain how the evidence had been stolen so easily.

  “What about the coin your grandfather left you? Or the letter we found in the bookcase?”

  Sydney chewed on her lip again. “Well, that is where it gets… weird.”

  “That is where it gets weird?”

  She gave me a sweet smile. “Yes. You see, Leslie planted the coin. She knew Wesley was going to pursue me and was considering asking me to marry him. She wanted Wesley. So she planted the coin and the letters from Quinn. She knew from the little bit Wesley had told her about me that they would pique my interest, and would have the Alchemists looking into why I was snooping around. Wesley found out about it, and that was when he had the evidence taken. He hoped that would stop me from looking. Especially since we’d found Vickie. He assumed I would put it all to rest.”

  I held up my hands. “Whoa, wait a minute. He was going to pursue you? Ask you to marry him?”

  “Yes. But I told him I could never love him like that. He realized that when he saw me with you.”

  That was a relief. Especially since she hadn’t even told me she loved me yet.