But these kids? They looked about three or four. That was some crazy shit. They’d probably have nightmares for years.
He snapped another stealthy photo as Connor ran past, carrying Elaine. Without making eye contact, John slid the phone into his pocket.
Connor pushed his way toward the door, followed by a couple of other guys who worked at the lodge, tiger shifters with Hungarian accents. Anton and Jani carried the little bears. John had been introduced to them briefly only once before and had kept a wide berth. Tigers put him on edge and rightly so. There was something distinctly suspicious about these Hungarians. They struck him as worldlier than some of the other inhabitants of Gemini Island, just the sort ofsuperior specimensHill would love to get his hands on.
Elaine had some strong and faithful friends. There was always someone hovering around her, and Connor wouldn’t leave her side. How was John ever supposed to get close to her when she was constantly flanked by her buddies?
Royal Hill wanted John to get more photos of Elaine. In the chaos of the last few minutes, he’d finally been able to take a few. Otherwise, what did Hill expect him to do? Hide in her closet?
Doctor Douglas followed the others. Sheesh. John had forgotten about him. These people even had a medicine man on their side.
There were eyes everywhere. He had to be so careful.
Ryland, his face pinched, took the stage and grabbed the microphone from the band singer. “Excuse me, everyone. I apologize for the commotion. As you all know, this has been an emotional time for everyone at the Ursa. Elaine is going through a difficult period, but we’re all family here. I know you’ll respect her and give her the space she needs to adjust. I also know I can rely on everyone here to be discreet.” He smiled and turned to the bandleader. “Now, Lex. How about another song?”
“You bet, Ry.”
Ryland headed off the stage, grabbed his wife by the hand, and joined the others outside.
Stymied, John jumped when his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked the text. It was from Royal Hill.
I’m waiting, John. I feel like you’ve been avoiding my calls.
Shit. He needed to think without Hill breathing down his neck. If he could just stall him for a while longer.
Without stopping to think of the immediate implications, he responded.You want details on Elaine? How’s this?
With nothing else to show, he forwarded the photos he’d just taken of Elaine and the little bear kids.
It took Hill only a few seconds to respond.
I want her, and I want those cubs.Make it happen.
John turned off his phone and tucked it back in his pocket. Sweat broke out on his forehead, and he wiped it away. A prickle itched the back of his neck.
What had he done?
Just what was Hill’s obsession with Elaine anyway? She was just some woman. Sure, she might be pretty, but she was too serious for John’s taste. He preferred a bit more life in his women.
Who was he to question the trafficker’s tastes?
I’m a bit of a sucker when it comes to lady bears. They’re my one weakness. Call me a connoisseur.
John’s bear had never hung its head in such self-loathing. Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything.
And then again, if he could just give Hill what he wanted, he could get the man off his back for good. This weird little bear family seemed to be the ticket for settling the score.
Only they weren’t exactly bears. They were part human, and there were clearly lots of people on the resort who cared for them.
It didn’t matter. He needed to separate the Gleason family from their friends. It wouldn’t be easy so long as Connor Church was acting as Elaine’s satellite.
Maybe he needed to get rid of Connor.
John remembered the figures Hill had shown him, his debt in black and white. Hill wouldn’t leave him alone until he gave him what he wanted.
Connor was asuperior specimen, come to think about it.
All John needed to do was deliver the Gleasons to Hill. Whatever Hill did afterward was none of his business. Once the deed was done, John could make himself scarce. He could go live with his cousin in the Yukon. Hill would forget all about him.
Would John forget? Probably not, but he couldn’t afford to worry about that now.
They were three bears from backwoods Ontario. Just three.
He could live with himself.
Hoping some good, old-fashioned hard work would banish his unease, he picked up his drink tray again and began to circulate.
