by R. D. Brady
Noriko had only been in the room once before. She liked it, especially the windows that looked over the back of the estate. There was no one by the windows now, so she walked over to them, and in the distance she saw a black shadow sprinting across the lawn. Even without the psychic bond, she’d be able to feel Cleo’s excitement.
Noriko was a little more anxious than everybody else seemed to be. Laney had asked in her note that Noriko look after the cats while she was gone. Now that Laney was coming back, Noriko wasn’t sure if she’d still be needed. When the idea of leaving Malama Island had first been mentioned to her, she’d been a little terrified at the prospect of facing the outside world. But now, months later, the idea of returning to Malama Island didn’t hold the appeal it once did. It was still her home, but there was something about where she was right now that called to her as well.
I suppose that’s an issue for another day.
She watched Cleo run laps for a few more minutes, with Moxy trailing behind her, before turning back to the room. Danny was sitting at the big conference table, his attention on the monitor in front of him. Not wanting to disturb him, she wandered around the room, reading book titles along the back wall. Eventually she made her way over to the table. The monitor two down from Danny was on, and she stared at the screen with a jolt. “Who’s this?”
Danny looked up. “His name is Gerard. He’s a Fallen. We thought he’d cut ties with Samyaza, but apparently we were mistaken. He led the team that intercepted our team in Salem.”
Noriko frowned and tilted her head, her gaze not leaving the man’s face. “That’s not right,” she whispered.
“What’s not right?”
She pictured the eyes from her vision. They were the same. “I saw him—or at least I think it was him.”
Danny came to stand next to her. “In a vision?”
“Or a dream. But I didn’t get the sense that he was working against us. I thought he was a friend.”
“No one’s really sure what Gerard is. He helped Victoria and Max when Samyaza grabbed them, but he seems to have joined up again with the other side. Maybe your visions need to play a little catch-up.”
“Maybe.” But she couldn’t get the blue eyes from her dream out of her mind—and she couldn’t help shake the feeling that there was more to the man than they realized.
“Good. You’re here,” Henry said as he walked into the room, Jake with him.
“Hi, Noriko. Thanks for coming.” Jake looked around with a frown. “Where’s Cleo?”
“Um…” Noriko was still studying the man on the monitor, and she had to force herself to focus on the two men. “She’s running. She’ll be back in a little bit.”
Henry gestured to the couches over by the bookshelves. “Why don’t we all take a seat?”
Noriko sat down, and was glad when Danny sat next to her. Jake and Henry sat across from them.
“Okay,” Jake said. “Now we need you to tell us exactly what Cleo said.”
After taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Noriko recounted Cleo’s words and feelings.
“Any idea where Laney is?” Henry asked.
Noriko shook her head. “No. I don’t think Cleo knows either. But she’s certain Laney is coming back.”
“Did you have any sort of vision about Laney?”
Noriko’s gaze darted to the monitor for a second before she shook her head. “I haven’t seen anything about Laney.”
Henry and Jake exchanged a glance. Henry turned back to Noriko. “I was hoping that perhaps you and Cleo could stay at the estate for a few days. Just in case Cleo says anything else.”
“I—I guess I could.”
“Lou, Rolly, and Zach are coming as well. Dom said you guys could stay with him.”
Noriko smiled. She really liked the eccentric scientist. “Sure. That would be great.”
“Good.” Jake pulled out his phone. “And now I need you to tell Patrick everything you just told us. We haven’t said anything to him yet. You okay with that?”
Noriko nodded. She knew how upset the priest had been at Laney’s absence. And this was one piece of news she really didn’t mind providing.
CHAPTER 62
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Elisabeta stretched out her legs with a smile. The flight had been smooth so far; in fact, almost everything had gone as planned. The abduction of the children had spurred the Chandler Group to find the book for her. And now, within a few short hours, she would have Victoria.
And my immortality.
The children were being held at one of Elisabeta’s estates. Elisabeta had picked the place up years ago through a shell company so it couldn’t be traced back to her. She wanted the children physically isolated; she didn’t want to take the chance of anyone spotting the children in passing. She’d had a crew clean the place up and prepare it for the children with cribs, high chairs, and all other essential child equipment.
She knew abducting the kids had been a risky move. If Laney returned, if the government—any government—caught wind of her involvement in Israel, everything would be in jeopardy. But a willingness to take great risks was an attribute of a great leader.
And for this particular prize, the risk was well worth it. Elisabeta had known that sooner or later, one of Victoria’s brats would go looking for her—and Elisabeta could not chance them finding her first.
Because Elisabeta had plans—great plans. Victoria had stopped her once, and she was not going to let that happen again. Just this morning she had found the beginnings of another wrinkle. Time was marching on, and as powerful as she was, death was not something she could bend to her will or manipulate to her side.
“We’ll be landing in ten minutes,” the pilot called over the intercom.
Elisabeta looked up from her ruminations with a frown. She buckled her seat belt, her gaze shifting to where Gerard sat, his eyes closed. Are you truly loyal to me?
She had asked herself that same question ever since he had returned. She had to admit, his return had brought her, if not joy, satisfaction. Although she had expected him to return sooner.
Yet even though she wanted him back in the fold, she couldn’t help but wonder about his motivations. Yes, he had said the past was in the past. And for her, that was true. But she had never truly understood why Gerard had chosen to live a simple life, a life without glory or wealth, to begin with. And seeing as how she could not understand it, she could not entirely trust that he had turned away from it—even if it had occurred lifetimes ago.
Hakeem was the only other occupant of the cabin. He sat sulking in the back row. He had been unhappy since Gerard had returned, no doubt because he had been pushed aside. But when it came to these two, well… there was no choice. It was like asking if someone wanted a perfectly cut diamond, or the coal that might eventually turn into one after a massive amount of pressure. Gerard was finesse and grace. Hakeem was brute strength, but also unquestioning loyalty.
The wheels touched down with a small bump, and Gerard’s eyes popped open. He looked over at Elisabeta and smiled.
Elisabeta returned the smile. “I hope you’re rested, because I have an important task for you.”
He bowed his head. “Whatever you need, Samyaza.”
“Indeed,” she murmured with a quick glance at Hakeem. The large man stared stubbornly out the window.
Elisabeta looked back at Gerard, who was unbuckling his seatbelt. And if you don’t fulfill that task, well, then my blunt instrument will come in quite handy.
CHAPTER 63
GALETON, PENNSYLVANIA
Patrick was in a daze as he ended the call with Noriko. Laney’s awake. She’s coming back.
“Patrick? Is everything all right?”
Cain stood at the edge of the kitchen, looking at Patrick with concern. Patrick was once again amazed at how quickly he was recovering. Only yesterday he had walked for the first time, and now he moved with only a little pain.
“That was Noriko. She said Laney’s
coming back.”
Cain smiled. “Now that is good news. When?”
“We don’t know yet. It was Cleo who told everyone.” Patrick didn’t understand the bond between Laney and Cleo, but he did know how strong it was. And Noriko was convinced of the accuracy of Cleo’s words.
“You should go back. You should be there when she gets back. She’ll want to see you.”
“She’ll want to see both of us. Let me see what I can work out. I’m not sure heading back to the Chandler estate is the best call. The ETF has already been there, and they still have it under surveillance.”
“But you could go back. I’ll be fine.”
Patrick shook his head. “No. We don’t even know when she’ll be back. When she returns, we’ll find a way to see her. Until then, let’s just focus on getting you all the way healed.”
Patrick could see the relief on Cain’s face. The immortal did not want to be left alone. “Well, how about a game of chess then? We haven’t played in a long time.”
Patrick smiled. “Sounds good. I saw a board in the back bedroom.”
“I’ll get it,” Cain said. He headed down the hall.
Patrick cleared some space for the board on the kitchen table before putting on the kettle. He found himself humming as he did so. She’s coming home. She’s all right. He looked up, tears pressing against the back of his eyes. Thank you, God.
CHAPTER 64
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Hakeem drove the Mercedes SUV through the winding, tree-lined roads toward the country estate. The surrounding area reminded Elisabeta of the place in Switzerland where she had stayed when she was in hiding.
The iron gates to the estate swung open as they approached. Hakeem wound through the drive at a speed slightly faster than Elisabeta would have liked. He jerked the wheel, and she slid to the side. “Hakeem!”
“Sorry, Samyaza.” He reduced his speed.
Gerard said nothing, but a small smile spread across his face. Gerard was aware of Hakeem’s jealousy—a blind man would be. He did nothing to egg the man on, but he’d also done nothing to reduce the animosity either.
Elisabeta sighed. Why did men so often behave like boys?
The building came into view. Two tall turrets framed a two-story home of Victorian-styled design. A deep, large porch dominated half of the front. The house’s whimsical color scheme—blue siding with yellow trim and green shutters—gave it a wholesome look.
Hakeem pulled up in front and quickly got out to open the door for Elisabeta. She nodded at him, walked past Gerard, who held the front door for her, and handed her coat to Hilda, who stood waiting with a clipboard in hand.
Hilda draped the coat over her arm. “The children are all waiting in the playroom.”
Elisabeta grimaced. “The playroom?”
Hilda shrugged. “That is what the nannies are calling it. It’s the den with some toys.”
Elisabeta waved her forward. “Right. Well. Let’s begin. Hakeem, bring the book.”
Hakeem hurried forward, smirking at Gerard as he passed.
Hilda led them down the hall toward a set of double doors. Even from down the hall, Elisabeta could hear the children. A shiver ran through her. Who on earth would ever voluntarily spend time with the little monsters? All they did was demand attention and food and provide nothing in return. She cast a glance at Gerard, who walked beside her, his face impassive. What had he seen in his own children that had caused him such pain at their death—and from all reports, joy at their existence? Maybe the biological bond caused some sort of chemical response that made you lose your sanity. If so, so much the better that she’d never even considered having a child.
Hilda opened the doors, and with distaste, Elisabeta stepped into the den.
It was pandemonium. A group of six children were running in circles in one corner. Another handful were sitting in a group playing some sort of clapping game. Some children sat by themselves crying. One kid was staring at the wall, laughing, while another was jumping at something only she could see; obviously those two were deranged. Elisabeta hoped neither was Victoria.
A few children sat quietly around a woman who was reading them a story, and more had crawled into the laps of the six women that were sitting on the floor. Another four women wandered the room, three with children in their arms. These nannies did not speak any English, and had been brought in from Argentina for just this project. They were all poor, unattached, and most importantly, disposable.
Elisabeta waved Hilda forward. “Have them bring the first group.”
Hilda relayed the order to three women near them. They jumped to attention and began carrying over the children one at a time, exposing the upper half of each child’s right arm. Elisabeta waved them all away and gestured impatiently for the next group.
After eighteen children, Elisabeta was growing concerned. None had the mark. What if Victoria wasn’t in this group? What if they needed to get more children? She had hoped that this method would bear fruit. Scouring the world for every redheaded female child born within a few days of Victoria’s death would be next to impossible. It had taken months to get the information to winnow the number down to these thirty-six.
Elisabeta glared at the next child’s unmarked arm, waving her away with a growl.
Gerard took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Patience. We are not through all of them yet. If you would like to take a break, I will finish the task.”
Elisabeta looked into his handsome face and took a breath. He was right. And here was why he was more useful than her other people. He could read her. He could read a situation.
She shook her head. “No. I want to be the one to find her.” She waved the next child forward. The girl screamed, trying to claw her way from the nanny’s arms. The nanny struggled to free the girl’s arm.
“Enough.” Elisabeta yanked on the girl’s arm, ripping her shirtsleeve. No mark. In disgust, she pushed the girl away. “Next.”
The next girl sat calmly in the nanny’s arms, although the nanny shook with fright. The nanny pushed up the girl’s sleeve—
And there, on the girl’s arm, was a birthmark shaped like a crescent moon.
Elisabeta gasped and squeezed the girl’s arm tightly. The girl let out a cry.
Gerard was beside her in a moment. “Elisabeta,” he said quietly.
Elisabeta let go of the girl’s arm but didn’t step back. Instead she peered into the girl’s face. The girl looked back at her, her bottom lip trembling, a stuffed lamb clutched in her chubby little hands, tears pooling in her eyes. She leaned away from Elisabeta’s stare.
Elisabeta smiled. “There you are.”
The girl turned her face into the nanny’s chest, and the nanny wrapped her arms protectively around her.
Elisabeta turned on her heel. “We’re done here.”
Hilda and Hakeem followed her out. “What are your instructions?”
“Prepare the rest of the children to be moved.” Elisabeta paused. “Have the nannies go with them. We can take care of them at the same time.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Will I be taking care of them?” Hakeem asked.
“Yes. You and—” She looked around with a frown. “Where’s Gerard?”
“He remained in the room, ma’am,” Hilda said.
Elisabeta narrowed her eyes. “Oh, did he?” she said softly.
She knew it. He had not let go of his feelings for his family.
She marched back down the hall. The den’s doors were once again shut. She flung them open.
A few of the children cried out, and one of the nannies near the door put her hand to her throat. Gerard was on the other side of the room, holding a child. Protecting a child.
Anger rising, Elisabeta stormed across the room. “What are you doing?”
Hakeem was at her side in flash, reaching for the child in Gerard’s arms. Gerard kicked him back. “Do not touch her.”
“You traitor. I knew you—”
Gerard stood straight, his eyes looking right into Elisabeta’s without blinking. “I am no traitor. I thought it wise to check the rest of the children. To be sure we had the right child.”
Elisabeta faltered. It was a good decision. A logical decision. “And?”
Gerard gestured to the child in his arms. “This one has the same mark.”
Elisabeta reached for the child. “What? That’s not possible.”
Gerard turned the child so Elisabeta could see her arm. Sure enough, the crescent mark was there as well.
“There are two that bear the mark. Not one,” Gerard said quietly.
Elisabeta had not considered the possibility of two. She stared at the little girl in Gerard’s arms. She had the red hair and blue eyes, as they all did, but her cheekbones were more pronounced, her face longer than the other child’s. And God’s truth, Elisabeta could not truly see much more of a difference between the two girls. They could easily be mistaken for sisters, if not twins. And both looked liked they could grow into Victoria.
“What would you like to do?” Gerard asked.
“The rest of the children?” Elisabeta asked.
“They do not have the mark. I checked them all,” Gerard said.
“Very well. We will take both.”
“And what of the other ones?” Gerard asked.
“We do not need them any longer. You will be in charge of disposing of them.” She watched him carefully. “Unless you have a problem with that.”
He shrugged. “I see no problem.”
“Good. You will fly out with them and the nannies. I don’t want it done here. I want nothing to tie it back to me. The pilot has the coordinates.”
Gerard bowed. “Yes, Samyaza.”
“Have that one taken to my plane along with the other one. And send one of the nannies with them. I don’t want to have deal with the things.”
She turned on her heel and strode from the room, the fates of the other children and the nannies slipping from her mind as soon as they were out of her sight.