Chapter 18
AS they left Lia and Ryland in Fleur’s capable hands, Connor gave thanks for the fact Fleur had learned enough about childbirth from a midwife in her family. As soon as she and Jani arrived at the suite, a smile of relief broke out on Lia’s face.
They would be okay until Josh could get there.
If Josh could get there.
Elaine had relayed the entirety of Hill’s conversation with her. Once again, Connor gave thanks, but this time it was for his bear lady’s good sense. He was so glad she hadn’t opted for doing the “noble” thing, sacrificing herself for their friends. Hill was banking on her desire to keep everyone she knew from harm. As much as Elaine probably wished she could solve this problem on her own, Connor was pleased she’d involved him.
Just as he now needed to involve her.
While he contacted their friends, Elaine had come up with a plan. It was twisted, so twisted it just might allow them to capture Hill.
“Remember when we had that talent show at the Ursa a couple of years ago?” she’d asked.
“How could I forget?” replied Connor. “Lloyd made all the guys dress in drag for a Britney Spears tribute.”
Elaine’s lip curled. “Exactly. I don’t suppose we kept all those blonde wigs.”
Connor had to admit, although the devious energy shining in Elaine’s eyes concerned him, it was also a major turn-on. His woman had a dark side, and for some reason, he found it as appealing as her capacity for love and kindness.
They quickly rounded up their friends, but not all of them would be able to join them as they confronted Hill. As honorary midwife, Fleur was busy with Ryland and Lia. Jani stayed behind with his mate, in case she needed anything. And because they were immediate family to Ryland, Soren and Gioia stayed behind as well to lend support. Gioia offered to watch the kids until Elaine returned, including baby Lloyd.
Connor and Elaine were joined by Anton and Marci, Bart and Charlotte, Nina and Killian, Percy, Byron, and Suzan. When they all got to the lodge, Elaine explained her plan.
In the meantime, Connor checked in with Drew to bring him up to speed. The police chief told him about the henchman Seb’s confession. The man corroborated details about Hill’s strange obsession with his sister, Jinny, confirming Hill had taken her life. By the time Connor finished talking to Drew, several shifter police officers were on their way to Exit 25, taking care not to be seen. As for Seb Capobianco, he was spilling for all he was worth, hoping to cut a deal. He’d given Drew the names and locations of those involved in the organ trafficking ring. The ring involved locals like Hill, but he had contacts as far as Toronto, New York, and British Columbia. Drew now had the unenviable job of coordinating several arrests with his shifter police counterparts in those cities.
Toward the end of his lengthy confession, Capobianco also let police know the whereabouts of Marcelle and Josh. It seemed the man had a heart, after all. That, or he was sweetening the pot to strike a better deal. Either way, Drew told Connor he’d just dispatched some of his men to collect Josh and Marcelle.
Now they just needed to play their parts and take Hill down.
On the boat ride to the mainland, Elaine sat quiet and still, her eyes on the horizon. She appeared calm and unafraid. With the wind blowing through her hair, she resembled the proud figurehead of a Viking ship.
“You don’t have to do this,” said Connor.
She turned to him. “I want to. This man has threatened our people. He has our friends locked up. For all we know, they’re suffering. It’s Hill’s turn to suffer.”
“I can make him suffer.”
She grinned. “I know you can, but I need to do this.”
He guessed at the silent need inside her, the one she’d never really voiced. “You don’t owe anyone anything.”
“Don’t I?” She faced forward again. “After Lloyd died, you took care of me, Connor. Our friends took care of me. Now it’s my turn to do what I can for all of you.”
“No one’s keeping score.”
“It’s not about evening the score.”
“Is it about avenging Lloyd? Because August Crane is already dead. Whatever you do today, we can’t change that.”
“I know. Believe me, if anyone would like another crack at Crane, it’s me, but I can’t have that. This isn’t about Lloyd. It’s about right and wrong. It’s about protecting those who can’t protect themselves. I told you a while ago I want to take my power back, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Hill has no idea what’s coming for him. He tortured and killed those poor women. I’m going to make sure he pays for it.”
Connor smiled, even though his adrenaline was racing in a dangerous way.
Elaine had taken charge of the situation and of her life. He’d never been more proud.
Or more in love.
Love. Against all odds, it had happened.
Despite fighting it, despite feelings of guilt, it had claimed him. His mountain lion agreed. Right now, it chomped at his innards, wanting to protect Elaine and her family. Connor had known a long time ago he would have given his life for her. He just hadn’t understood why.
For the first time in his life, he felt clarity and peace.
After they took care of Hill, he would tell her how he felt and they could start planning a life together.
* * * *
As Royal drove to the abandoned rest stop, he tried Seb on his cell once again. “Where the hell are you, you fat slob? Let me guess. Stuffing your face, as usual? I need you back at the house to guard the prisoners. I’m heading out to pick up Elaine Gleason.”
As he disconnected, a frisson of suspicion tickled the skin between Royal’s shoulder blades. Had Seb betrayed him?
No. He didn’t have big enough balls for that. Betrayal would actually take a brain.
It was more likely he’d turned off his phone. He would pay for his carelessness. If only Vadim hadn’t gotten himself killed. Vadim had been ruthless, unfeeling. He’d been perfect. Royal had always liked the fact that Seb provided some muscle and he never disobeyed, but there had been times when he’d spotted a glint of resistance in the man’s eyes. He’d done his best to quash it, but perhaps he hadn’t done enough.
The longer he drove, the more he began to wonder about Seb. Minutes passed, and he still didn’t return the call.
Something was wrong.
As soon as Royal put his foot on the gas pedal, he’d wondered if he should have forced the doctor and his tart into the car. Having them at gunpoint might have proven a stronger incentive for Elaine to come away with him. But no, he’d figured it was easier this way. If Elaine misbehaved, one call to Seb would have ended the lives of his basement guests.
Oh, Royal. It’s all going to shit now, isn’t it?
The womanly voice intruded on his thoughts. He knew the soprano tones, better than he knew his own baritone.
“Jinny?”
It had been so long. He thought he’d never hear her again. And yet, here she was, coming to him somehow in his moment of need. Everyone else had deserted him. John, Vadim, and perhaps Seb as well. Jinny never left. Jinny stayed with him. And once he had Elaine under his wing, he’d see to it the spirit of his Jinny remained alive forever.
If only her words didn’t make his stomach turn.
Royal stopped worrying about Marcelle and the doctor. They couldn’t get in his way now anyway. For all he cared, they could rot in that cell.
He continued toward Exit 25. He’d chosen the spot because of its access to the highway but also because it was desolate. It hadn’t been used as an official rest stop since the eighties. The government had built a number of new rest stops at the time, tearing down several old ones. The building at Exit 25 had been sold to a local developer, but development plans had fallen through years ago and the lot remained stagnant and empty. Surrounded by woods, it allowed his bear an escape route, but the large adjacent parking lot allowed him to see anyone passing through.
Royal drove into the lot, parked in one of the spots closest to the building, and remained in his car for a few minutes.
He checked his phone. Still no answer from Seb.
Anxious in a way he hadn’t been since his father first took a swing at him, Royal got out of the car and planted himself in front of it.
He was on his own here. Seb wouldn’t be calling.
Screw them all. He didn’t need them.
But you still need me, don’t you, brother?
Her voice. It sounded so near.
He checked his watch. Noon. His new Jinny should be here any time. He’d forget his old life and begin a new one with his only love.
Love. Jinny’s voice changed in his head. It dripped with resentment. The only one you’ve ever loved is yourself.
He paced in front of the car. “No, that’s not true. I did so much for you. I’ve killed for you. I created a shrine to you.”
That wasn’t for me. Nothing you ever did was for me. You did those things to appease your wicked desires. You’re a monster, Royal.
“Don’t say that. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Why did she use such hurtful words? It was just like the horrible moments before he was forced to silence her.
Only I’m not silent, am I? You killed your own sister. You abused your own sister. You should have protected me.
“I did! Why can’t you understand? I made sure Father never touched you again.”
But you touched me, over and over again, and now you’re going to pay for it. You’re on your own now, Royal. There’s no one to help you.
Wanting to shut out the voice in his head, he plugged his ears with his hands and walked away from the car toward the ridge of trees at the edge of the parking lot.
You thought you’d silenced me by putting me on that pedestal, but you can’t shut me out now, brother. You may have stitched my mouth closed, but I still have my voice.
“Stop it. Just stop it.”
You can’t make me do what you want anymore. Do you hear me, Royal?
“Stop!”
“Royal?”
The voice sounded different this time. Somehow closer and yet somehow farther away.
“Royal Hill, I’m here.”
A flash of blonde hair appeared at the edge of the woods.
Elaine.
No, Jinny. Even here, outside his home and away from everything that smacked of his sister, the resemblance was startling.
“Jinny?”
“Yes. It’s me, your Jinny.”
She moved between the trees, a specter. With her dark clothing, she blended with the tree trunks, seeming at one with the forest. Her hair gave her away, though. So delicate, the way it framed her face. So innocent. His Jinny.
He’d stolen her innocence.
For the first time in his life, remorse crowded in on him, demanding to be seen. Was there a chance he’d really hurt her as badly as she said? It hadn’t been his intention. He’d wanted to free her, to bring some beauty into her sad life. Surely she could forgive him for his awkward methods.
Maybe this new Jinny would forgive him. None of the other ones had. They’d all been afraid of him after learning the truth.
She emerged, standing at the edge of the wooded area. “I’m here for you. Just like you said.”
“You listened. That’s good.”
Her head bobbed in a tight nod. “You like that? When people listen to you?”
“I know what’s best for you. I’ve been trying to tell you, but you just won’t listen.”
“That must be frustrating.”
“It is.” He dug his hands through his hair. “From now on, you must do everything I say. Our lives depend on it. Is that clear?”
“It’s clear, Royal.”
He smiled. “I’m so glad. I knew you would be the best one of all. I could see it in your eyes. There’s such pain in your eyes. You need someone like me. I can teach you about beauty, about the love that can exist between likeminded creatures.” He held out his hand. “Come, Jinny. It’s time.”
But Jinny stood still, a shadow of accusation in her blue eyes.
That look. He’d seen it before. How he despised that look.
“I said, come, Jinny. Now.”
From off to his right, Royal heard a second voice. “What about me, Royal?”
He turned to face the voice. A second Jinny stood in the distance, poking her head around a wide maple trunk, her blonde hair a tempting fall over her shoulder.
Another one?
“Don’t you want me to come with you, too?” the second one asked.
Royal swallowed. This is stress, just stress. She’s not really there.
“Afraid of ghosts?” Jinny Number One taunted.
The two Jinnys broke into a graceful run, heading toward each other. As they passed, their hands touched. From behind them, a third Jinny appeared.
“What’s going on?” Royal demanded. “Stay still. You’re making my eyes blur.”
“Hello, big brother.” Jinny Number Three waved and winked. “Have you missed me?”
The first Jinny danced behind him, skirting out of his reach. “Why settle for one when you can have three?”
“That’s right,” said Jinny Two, blowing him a kiss. “You like being surrounded by women, don’t you? It makes you feel powerful.”
“Stop it!” Royal’s head pounded. His bear growled, unsure what was happening. He nudged the creature, beckoning to it, but it remained in its hole. It didn’t know what to do with all the blondes, so it cowered and hid. “This isn’t happening.”
“What’s the matter?” asked the first Jinny. “Are we too much for you? Would you prefer to see us stuffed and silent in your gallery?”
“Shut up.”
“Because I have news for you,” she continued. “We can speak. We have minds and hearts of our own, and we’re not alone.”
From behind the abandoned rest stop, a fourth Jinny ran. She rushed past him, her fragrance lingering in the air. “Royal, I bet you can’t catch me.”
He hurried back to his car. He didn’t want these Jinnys. They weren’t as good as the original.
“You can’t hide from us,” one of them called. “We’ll always be with you. You made sure of that.”
“No,” he muttered. “No, no, no.”
They followed him to the car in a slow, measured pursuit that would give him nightmares. He had to get rid of them. He fumbled in his pants pocket for his car keys. As he did, his heart beat out of his chest.
Memories of his gallery assaulted him. All of a sudden, a thousand Jinnys watched him, their pretty faces marred by hatred. The other Jinnys, the ones from his gallery, wanted revenge. Would they spring to life too?
With the four behind him, Royal pulled his car keys free and clicked the unlock button.
A fifth Jinny popped up on the other side of the car. “Hello, handsome. Going my way?”
Royal screamed. He opened the door, hurled himself inside, and locked it behind him.
It didn’t matter. The five women had him surrounded. They leaned against the car on all sides, calling his name. He couldn’t escape their wicked smiles. They dragged their slender fingers over his windows, tempting him back into the open. One of them tried the door and wagged her finger at him when she realized it was locked.
You may have escaped them, big brother, but I’ll always be in your head.
Jinny, the original one. If only he could lock her outside.
“Please,” he begged, hunching over, clutching his chest. “Just go away. I want all of you to go away.”
But you kept me here. You chained me to this place and made a mockery of my memory with that abomination you call art. This is all your fault. I’ll be with you forever.
The women on the outside of the car continued to call his name.
And then Royal spotted them. On the edge of the property, spilling out from the trees, a number of police officers, guns drawn and aimed at him. With them, several men in plain clothes emerged. He recognized them. They were from the Ursa Resort. He was completely surrounded.
They’re coming to kill you, Royal, his sister said, her voice echoing in his head. But I won’t allow them.
“You were always a good sister, Jinny. You’ll protect me, won’t you?”
I won’t allow them to kill you because I’ve been waiting for my opportunity. You silenced me. Now I’ll silence you.
His sister appeared before him inside the car, her face floating over the dashboard in front of him. She reached an ethereal hand toward his chest, right over his heart, and squeezed.
“No!” Pain shot through his heart, lancing down his left arm. He’d never felt anything like it before. It made his eyes bulge and his throat seize. Was he seriously having a heart attack? Shit like that didn’t happen to people like him. His shoulders bunched as the pain spread. His stomach turned, and for a split second, he wondered if he was going to throw up.
Jinny angled her hand on his chest. Goodbye.
As Royal’s vision faded to black, the last thing he saw was her blonde hair.
*
“Hey, lady. Come away from there.” Connor gently pried Elaine away from Hill’s car. “You don’t need to see that.”
“Did you see her?” Elaine couldn’t look away. “The woman in the car?”
“There’s no one in the car.” His lip curled. “Just that piece of shit.”
“No, Connor, I mean it. I saw a woman in there with him. I think it was…I think it was his sister. Don’t laugh.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Do I look like I’m laughing?”
“You don’t think I’m seeing things?”
He slung an arm around her shoulder. “Sweetheart, I’ve seen some strange things myself. I’m not going to tell you what you saw wasn’t real.”
“I think Jinny killed him.”
“Hmm.” He glanced toward the sky. “Good for you, Jinny. I hope he rots in hell.”
Elaine wished she could close those sightless eyes and his gaping mouth. Thanks to her enhanced senses, there was no escaping the cloying scent of death, as it already clung to him. “I wanted to kill him, Connor.”
“So did I. The important thing is he’s dead.” He turned her chin to make her face him. “Royal Hill will never hurt anyone else.”
As their friends from the Ursa regrouped, the police took charge of the car and its morbid contents. Over to Elaine’s side, four blonde wigs fell to the ground. Marci, Charlotte, Nina, and Suzan all shook out their hair. Their mates Anton, Bart, Killian, Percy, and Byron joined them, their faces somber.
No one in the group looked pleased. Elaine knew they’d all come with the intention of teaching Hill a lesson, but none of them enjoyed watching another person die.
“Well,” said Charlotte, “mission accomplished, I’d say.”
“What a waste of life.” Killian looked away in disgust.
“He brought it on himself. If you ask me,” began Byron.
“It’s exactly what he deserved,” finished his twin, Percy.
“I don’t want to bring those wigs back to the lodge,” said Marci. “They’re already giving me the creeps. My days as a blonde ghost are officially over.”
Her mate, Anton, picked up the wigs and tossed them, one by one, into a nearby trashcan.
Elaine said nothing as the wigs were dumped. She was happy to see them in the garbage as well. They reminded her too much of the murdered women on their pedestals. “We need to find Jinny Corcoran’s body. She’s still out there somewhere.”
Nina walked over and grabbed Elaine’s hand. “We will, and we’ll make sure she gets laid to rest. She deserves some peace.”
Connor’s cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He stepped aside to answer it. After a short conversation, he rejoined the group. “That was Drew. Josh and Marcelle are safe. Josh has a few injuries. Something about a fight with one of Hill’s men, but he’ll be okay. They’re both already at the Ursa.” He turned to Elaine. “They’ve also retrieved Jinny’s remains.”
“Thank God.” Elaine sighed. “Let’s go home. I want to hug my kids.”
Bart’s eyes popped. “Speaking of kids, has anyone gotten a message from Ryland? Do you think Lia’s still in labor?”
They all checked their phones. No one had any baby news. With matching smiles of anticipation, they all broke into a run and headed toward where they’d hidden their cars and trucks.
Perhaps they weren’t too late to greet the new baby.