Chapter 222
Flashback.
How it had all happened.
A week ago p>
“I know you won’t breathe a word of this meeting to anyone in Dravengard,” Kira said, looking at Connor. “But I still need you to do something for me p>
Connor turned to her. “What is it you want me to do p>
“It’s about Uncle Crane. Brian’s father,” Kira’s said, dropping her gaze for a split second before looking back up at him. “I have a reason to believe Brian is running from him p>
Connor blinked. “And why do you think that?” he asked.
Kira took a deep breath, recalling the chaos of her brief captivity.
“When Brian kidnapped me, he had it in his head that he was saving me from Derek, and from his father too. And he said something to me on the day I escaped. Something about Uncle Crane massacring his own people p>
She frowned, trying to recall it. “I didn’t understand what he meant. He never got to finish, because that was when Olivia, his wife, came in and knocked him out cold with a pan p>
Connor said nothing for a moment, his face thoughtful.
Kira pressed on. “Look, Brian might be wrong. He might be deranged, or paranoid, or making the whole thing up. I know how he sounds. But I have a gut feeling, Connor. A real one. That there’s something going on underneath all of it. I just need you to keep a close eye on Uncle Crane. That’s all I’m asking p>
Connor sighed slowly. “The only massacre that’s happened recently,” he said carefully, “was the one Rolf orchestrated. If Brian’s claiming his father did something like that He paused. “Could it be the two of them worked together? Crane and Rolf p>
Kira shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s possible. Anything’s possible at this point.” She looked at him earnestly. “Maybe you could convince Derek to reopen that whole case and look into it again, properly, from the beginning p>
“It’s very sensitive for him,” Connor said, nodding slowly, turning it over. Then he asked, “And what about Brian? Where’s he hiding? Derek has his own scores to settle with that one p>
Kira shook her head. “I’m not trying to protect him. But Brian isn’t quite the monster we’ve all painted him to be. There’s more to it. And honestly p>
She let out a breath. “I think we’re better off leaving him in the hands of his wife for now. Olivia has her own justice to see to. Trust me on that p>
Later that same day, as Connor walked back into the palace estates, Derek’s voice came cutting into his mind through the link.
Where have you been?
Out for a run, Connor replied smoothly. In the woods. Needed to stretch my muscles, clear my head.
Report to my office. Now.
When Connor stepped into Derek’s study, the King was standing at the window, a glass of whiskey held loosely in one hand, his back to the door. He did not turn around to look at Connor when the door clicked shut.
Connor cleared his throat lightly, keeping his tone perfectly balanced between respectful and casual. “How did it go?” he asked. “The meeting with Nana p>
“She’s hurt,” Derek said simply.
He turned at last to face Connor. But he did not speak aloud again, instead, his voice dropped into the mind-link, low and private.
I’m going to tell you something now. And I want you to treat it as high level classified information.
Connor met his gaze and waited.
Derek set down the glass and crossed the room, stopping directly in front of him, looking straight into his eyes.
No one else knows about this thing I’m about to say to you. Not even Declan.
His voice was hard as iron. So if there is ever a leak or breach, I will hold you, and you alone, accountable. Are we clear?
Connor nodded once. Your secret is safe with me, Your Grace. Always.
I need you to keep a strict watch on Uncle Crane for me.
Connor’s brows pulled together, just slightly. The very same request. Word for word, almost, as the one Kira had made of him only hours before. The coincidence sat strangely in his chest.
But he only asked, through the link, Why?
I overheard him on the phone, Derek said.
He was speaking to someone. Talking about making a move on someone, once things die down here a little. I don’t usually make my uncle’s affairs my business. But he looked strange when I went to his wing today. And he was using a burner phone.
His jaw tightened. If whatever he’s involved in were honest and above board, he’d have no reason in the world to hide behind a burner. I want to find out what he is up to.
Connor nodded. I’ll see to it right away.
But Derek lifted a hand to stop him.
One more thing. My uncle is clever, Connor. Very clever. He knows full well I’ll be watching him closely now, after today. He is not going to dismiss my presence at his house as nothing. If anything, it’ll make him more careful with whatever he’s plotting. His eyes narrowed.
So if he catches even the faintest whiff that you’re the one watching him, he’ll bury his tracks so deep we’ll never find them. Don’t move on him yourself. Get someone else to do the watching, and have them report only to you.
But he’ll be mindful of his own staff too, Connor pointed out. He trusts no one. He’ll be watching the people around him as carefully as he watches the doors.
Derek turned away, gazing back out the window. Tell me, he said through the link. What is the one thing you know my uncle loves most in this life?
Women, Connor answered at once.
Derek nodded slowly. Good. A grim note entered his voice. Then find a woman.
Connor inclined his head. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, he sent another thought down the link, one that had been quietly nagging at him.
I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Your Grace. He paused. The banquet massacre all those years ago. How certain are we, truly, that it was the werewolves who did it?
Derek spun around at once and stared at him.