AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He chuckled, shaking his head. “At minimum, it would go a long way in honoring Trevor’s work. From what I heard, he came the closest to securing a conviction. I understand that the court case against Montenegro has been dismissed at least for now.”
“You’re worried a judge is going to dismiss the case altogether.”
He nodded several times as he slipped the drive into his pocket. “I’m not sure I’d blame them. The one Trevor was prosecuting was already round two. The first time, a witness and two jurors mysteriously died in violent crashes.”
“God damn it. What about the other victim? Any chance his death will shed some light?” I wasn’t holding my breath.
Max tipped his head, studying the morning sky, the bright sun making him wince. “His death doesn’t fit any profile, especially since he’s not a wolf, but I need to make certain they weren’t connected. All I know is the guy was some reporter from theDispatch, but as far as I’ve been able to tell, he’s a nobody. He retired years ago. Poor bastard was shot twice, both in the heart. I’d yet to hear whether the bullets were covered with the same poison.”
“A reporter?” My red flags were immediately raised, prickles coursing down the length of my arms.
Narrowing his eyes, Max glanced in my direction. “Yeah. Dude by the name of Randy O’Rourke. Do you know him?”
I took a step away from the railing, smashing my fist against the banister. “Fuck.”
“What the hell is wrong?”
I lowered my voice, inching closer to him. “Vanessa went to see a reporter last night, one who’d written some article a long time ago about the Wolfen. She said the guy was cagey with her but obsessed with the culture and the legend.” It was apparent by his expression that he had no knowledge of what the hell I was talking about.
“Shit, that makes sense,” Max said under his breath.
“What are you talking about?”
“Kathleen mentioned she was able to glimpse at Vanessa’s computer screen. Evidently, she’d been searching the internet, some article from the DenverDispatch.”
“Shit. An article. Why didn’t we know about it?”
“My guess is that no one believed the reporter. You have to remember, there have been several crazy stories over the years, the majority pushed aside as fables. What was Vanessa fishing for?”
I lowered my head, shaking it back and forth. “First of all, she read about the Wolfen in some book as a child, but that’s not the most important reason. She was there hoping the man knew anything about her father.”
“What?” Max shrank back, his expression riddled with confusion. “She’s been trying to find her father?”
“She never knew the man, but he’s not only from around here, the word Wolfen was associated with what limited information she has on him.”
“Are you trying to suggest her father is a wolf? We would have known,” Max huffed.
“Max, something isn’t adding up about this entire situation and I’m not entirely certain Montenegro is the one behind the murders.”
He lifted his eyebrows, reeling back. “I’m listening, but all points lead to his interaction.”
“Yeah, well, you know how looks can be deceiving. Everything is too convenient as if this wolf is supposed to take the fall. Montenegro isn’t a game player to any degree. We’ve seen him in action for years. If he has an issue with anyone, they suddenly disappear.”
“What are you suggesting we do?”
I turned to face him. “First of all, I need to talk to the elders, specifically Markel. I could tell the other day he knows a hell of a lot more about the LaRue wolves than he’s willing to share. Why? Why wouldn’t he provide every scrap of information unless he’s hiding a secret?”
“Be careful, Stone. Markel has the power and influence to banish anyone who crosses him, and the council will back his decision. Besides, I doubt the council will be happy with the fact you allowed the very wolf in question to get away, especially since your reason has to do with a human mate.”
I accepted his warning, even though I knew in my gut I was right. “Did your father every talk about the LaRue wolves other than when we were kids?”
Max shook his head. “Not that I remember, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Blackhawk did mention over the years there were various packs who would always be our enemies. Perhaps he was talking about the LaRue wolves. He felt secure in what had been built in Roselake, confident that other wolves wouldn’t try and sabotage our power. Since the LaRue wolves seem to be loners, he may never have come into contact with a single one of them.”
“Your father was an honorable man, Max, but he was also naïve in certain ways. He believed in the good within all people. You and I know that’s not the case. If Vanessa’s father is involved in any way, Markel would likely know enough to recognize the name. It’s something we have to dig into.”
Max darted a glance back at the door to my cabin. “You believe in this girl.”
I took a deep breath before answering. “She means everything to me, Max. As crazy as she drives me and as much as we butt heads, I believe her story, and I can’t seem to stay away from her.” I laughed, closing my eyes. “She’s a part of my very spirit.”
