Page 101 of Warrior Unraveled

“Okay, there’s a sinkhole repair in process about three miles ahead of us. The construction workers will have left for the day, and the locals are avoiding the road at the moment because of the delays. We might be in luck. I’ll try and cut her off at the construction site.”

Wesley sped up and caught up with Deirdre’s Toyota. He pulled over to the middle of the road to look ahead. In the distance, he saw a car coming toward. He punched the gas pedal and sped past the Toyota, then pulled to the right again just a couple of seconds before the oncoming car reached them. Not slowing the car, he raced ahead, leaving the Toyota behind.

As he sped along the wet road, the drizzle turned to rain, Wes connected with Blake again.

“We’re on CA-92. Cutting Deirdre off before the sinkhole repair around Nuff Creek. She’s heading toward a council member’s compound. We think she might be leading the demons there.”

“Got it.”

“Thanks!” He disconnected the call.

“There it is,” Virginia said, and pointed to the signs alerting drivers to the repair site.

One side of the street had been blocked off, turning the highway into a one-lane road. Wes slowed the car, and at the point where the road narrowed to one lane, he stopped and put his hazard lights on, while putting the car into park.

“Okay, so far so good,” he said and looked at Virginia. “Will Deirdre recognize you?”

“Most likely yes. I brought many suspects before the council while she was a member. She’ll know who I am.”

“Well, I guess that’s good. She’ll know the gig is up when she sees you.” He looked into the rearview mirror. “Here she comes.”

~ ~ ~

Virginia looked over her shoulder and saw the white Toyota with Deirdre at the wheel stop behind them. Virginia opened the door and got out. Wesley did the same on the driver’s side.

The rain was getting heavier, but Virginia ignored it and marched toward the white rental car. At least the rain would make it harder for Deirdre to recognize her from the distance. She walked to the passenger side and tried the door. It was locked. Deirdre whipped her head in her direction. Her eyes widened. She’d recognized Virginia.

Virginia passed through the closed door, entering the car.

Deirdre shrieked and reached for the door handle. She managed to push the door open, and Virginia let it happen. Deirdre got out of the car in a hurry, while Virginia turned the key in the ignition and stopped the engine. Then slowly, she exited and looked over the roof toward the driver’s side.

Wesley was holding Deirdre’s hands behind her back, and Deirdre was struggling against him. Unsuccessfully. When Virginia approached, Deirdre tossed her a scared look.

“You!” She fought against Wesley, but couldn’t free herself. “Let go of me!”

A few more steps, and Virginia was face to face with the former council member. “So you remember me. Good.”

“What do you want from me?” Deirdre spat, defiance spewing from her eyes, venom in her voice.

“What are you doing in California?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business!”

“Oh you don’t?” Virginia took a step closer. “Well, that’s where you’re wrong, Deirdre. Who sent you?”

Deirdre pressed her lips together and glared at her, while she tried to free her arms from Wesley’s grip.

“You know I can make you talk,” Virginia threatened.

Deirdre tipped her chin up in defiance.

“Cinead was wrong about you,” Virginia said. “You never saw the error of your ways. You never repented. Even a year in a lead cell hasn’t made you understand how wrong you were. Once a traitor, always a traitor.”

“I’m not a traitor!” Deirdre protested with a raised voice, her hair now matted to her head from the continuing rain. “But you wouldn’t understand that.”

“Oh, I understand. You’re so full of hatred for your half-brother and the council that you’re trying to wipe us out, aren’t you?”

Deirdre’s eyes widened.