“I can’t believe Arald’s pack members are responsible for this. Many are related because the packs are so isolated,” said Cody.
“You’re right about that. Arald has been hiring a large number of enforcers and according to what I found, he’s building an army.”
“Holy fucking shit!” exclaimed Dylon.
“Yup, that about sums it up,” said Zane. “What do we do about it?”
“Leave that to me and Dylon,” Cody said. “Make sure you make a copy of everything and give it to Jackson. We’re heading there now. Thanks, bro. You have more than paid us back.”
“Oh, and one final thing…Arald borrowed against his ‘fortress’ and was required to provide a floor plan of the building. Now, I don’t think it shows everything, but it might help you,” Zane said as he handed Dylon a copy of it.
Dylon was impressed with Zane’s computer skills. Examining the plan, his mind started assessing the possible success of each idea he considered. Zane had given him invaluable information. Glancing up at Cody’s brother, he said, “Thanks, you are fantastic. This will make all the difference in the world. Anything else?”
“Not right now. I’m trying to track Arald’s bank accounts…the ones where he deposits the money he makes on the auctions. So far, no luck, but I’ll find it.”
“One other thing, bro,” said Cody. “Can you find out who the buyers were at past auctions?”
“Yeah, that shouldn’t be too hard. From what I’ve found, there have only been two before this upcoming one.”
“Thanks, we better go see Jackson,” said Cody.
“Definitely,” said Dylon, before heading to the door with his mate. Once outside Zane’s room, he turned to Cody and said, “I can’t believe all the stuff Zane found for us. I need time to review this and develop a plan to save those shifters. But first let’s tell Jackson about Slate.”
“Agreed. I met Slate in Mexico and he’s a great guy. Steel would be devastated if something happened to his brother.” Cody interlaced his fingers with Dylon’s free hand and tugged it so Dylon would follow him. He wondered if they could move up their departure time because now every minute counted. Arriving at Jackson’s study door, Cody knocked and they entered after receiving permission.
Jackson looked up from his computer and said, “That didn’t take long. I was just glancing at the document Zane sent me. I’ve already told Steel I need him and he should be…”
Steel came through the open doorway and closed the door behind him. “What’s up, babe?”
Jackson said, “Why don’t one of you explain it?”
Dylon relayed all the information Zane had given them and ended it with, “You can see why your brother is in danger.”
“Yes, I’ll call and warn him as to what’s really going on. Fuck! I should have listened to him when he was telling me something wasn’t right.”
“Don’t call him, text him. And please don’t tell him anything specific. Arald is very tech savvy by the looks of things. He probably can tap Slate’s phone calls. Do you have a code word so if he sees it in a text message, he’ll know he’s in danger?” asked Dylon.
“Yes, we do,” said Steel.
“Then send him a text using it. Don’t mention our arrival,” Dylon said, then shifting his focus to Jackson, “Cody and I want to leave as soon as possible. Okay with you?”
“Steel will make the arrangements,” Jackson replied.
“And one other thing,” Dylon added, “if Dire Enterprises has more enforcers, send them immediately to protect Slate. I don’t know why Arald wanted a peace conference, but I can tell you one thing, it isn’t for anything good. If that’s all, we need to pack and say good-bye to my parents. I’m pretty sure you know my father is recusing himself from anything having to do with your complaint.”
“Yes,” said Jackson, “and Steel will handle the enforcer issue.”
“When I get back, I’ll contact my friends to see what I can find out since my father can’t help us. Did you ask Zane to look into who the enforcers were at the time of the massacre?” Dylon asked.
“I did, but he might be working on finding out who owned the companies that paid Pablo to kidnap Colton in Mexico. I’ll see how far he is with that and maybe move the enforcer inquiry to the front burner on that project,” answered Jackson.
“Okay, anything else?” Dylon asked.
“My brother knows you carry a Dire Enterprises Executive Order. Ask him for anything you need. I’ve texted Robert and he will be here to pick you up in thirty minutes to fly you to the jet. You’ll have another helicopter meet you on the other end since it’s too remote for any big planes to land. Once I’ve received the correct code word back, I’ll send you word that my brother is okay. If you don’t hear from me before you board thehelicopter on the other end, be prepared to go in under attack.”
“Got it.” Dylon grabbed his mate’s hand and walked to the door. Just before opening it, he turned back to Jackson and Steel. “You should know I trained with the High Council elite fighting force and have been in these situations before.”
“I know,” Jackson said, “but Cody hasn’t. I’m putting my trust in you to make sure my brother returns home safely.”
