Chapter 18
ASthey 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.
IfJosh 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.
