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I want to ask him how he knows such things, but it’s not important. It’s likely that many of these men have worked with my brother in the past. What matters is where their allegiance is now.
“How would you plan to go about it? Your brother is... unstable,” Alabaster declares, earning head nods from the others. “I’m afraid storming the auction would make for casualties.”
“Allow me to handle my brother,” I order. “I’ll take care of the details, ensuring as much as possible that no lives are lost in the process. In the meantime, I need to know where each of you stands.”
“I’m with you,” Law says, standing from his seat and coming to my side.
“Me too,” Count Dupré agrees, standing in unification.
More Council members stand in solidarity to my crown. Byron is the last to stand, but he does. Likely, his decision was made when he realized that he’d be alone in his quest to aid my brother.
“If Marcellus is alerted to my plans, each of you will be brought in for questioning,” I threaten, but not idly. “Whoever crosses me from this point forward will forfeit his life, and his family’s spot in my council will be lost forever.”
They nod their heads in agreement and for the first time in years, I feel like I have control. It may be short-lived, but I will bask in it for the time being.
* * *
As soon as the meeting is adjourned, I go in search of Marina. My plans were approved, and I want to bask in this victory with my girl. We’re one step closer to bringing down the auction, and I know this will be a happy moment in an otherwise dismal time for her.
Having to leave Shannon so quickly and without making enough progress was tough for her. I know it was, but she understood why we had to get back. I plan to fill her in and sweep her off to Seattle in the morning so that we can work to get the new plan in place for new bites. We have one week before my first plan is enacted with the Council.
When I get to her room, I find it empty. My next stop is to the library, and when she’s not there either, I head to my mother’s lounge. Maybe Addy found her and they’re having tea. When that too is empty, I head in the direction of Addy’s room, but stop short when I see her heading my way.
“How did it go?” she says, beaming as though she already knows.
“It went better than expected,” I admit, but I don’t go on as it’s not my current concern. “Have you seen Marina?”
“No, actually. I was looking for her earlier, but she was nowhere to be found.” She purses her lips. “Why do you seem concerned? It’s a big house, Julian. She’s here somewhere.”
A hand slaps my shoulder. “Nice work, brother.”
I turn to Law, trying to shove down the rising panic. Something’s wrong. I don’t know how to explain it, but I know Marina’s absence isn’t good. The pit in my stomach intensifies with every minute that goes by.
Law’s eyes narrow. “What’s wrong?”
“Marina,” I say, throat closing up. I claw at my throat absently, not understanding my sudden urge to scream. “I feel her fear.”
“What are you talking about?” Law demands, grabbing me by the shoulder and shaking me gently.
“I can’t explain it, but Ifeelher, Law. She’s terrified.”
His eyes dart around, looking up and down the hallway. “Let’s split up. Don’t give away what we’re doing to anyone. If something has happened to her, we don’t know who we can trust.” His eyes meet mine, determination burning in his black pupils. “We’ll find her, Jude.”
I nod.
“I’ll search the grounds,” Addy offers.
“Good. Julian, you search the main floor. Check every crevice of the library. I’ll take upstairs.”
I continue to claw at my throat, needing to open my airway for oxygen.
“Julian,” Law barks in a commanding tone. “You have to pull yourself together. I’m going to start looking and you need to as well. Do you understand?”
I inhale deeply, pulling in a huge lungful of air. Finally, I have myself in check. “Find her, Law. Then help me catch the sonofabitch who did this.”
“With pleasure,” he grits through his teeth, before jogging off in search of Marina.
I have to find her.
