57. Jack
FIFTY-SEVEN
JACK
An hour later, Jack found himself cleaned and briefing Sloan and the Queen in a large meeting room. The palace was home to dozens of different quarters, each seeming more grandiose than the next. This room was large enough to accommodate the entire locomotive they had used to return to New Hope.
Jack stood next to Aareth as the two men relayed the events after the attempt on the Queen’s life.
“And then she took off sprinting down the alley,” Aareth finished.
Jack was about to open his mouth, reminding Aareth of what he had said about the woman seeming somehow familiar. He stopped himself just in time. If Aareth had omitted that piece of the story, he had done so on purpose.
“Well,” the Queen said with a firm gaze.
If she was rattled about having her life almost snuffed out, she didn’t show it.
“Captain Sloan has briefed me on the events taking place in Burrow Den; the cave laboratory, the experiments done on both humans and animals, and, of course, the journal that was found. I dare say these actions are one of a much larger scheme. I am aware much of the evidence—the mage-powered bikes and the equipment found in the secret laboratory—points to Dr. Oliver Livingston. As he’s one of the most influential men in New Hope, we need to gather more information before making an accusation.
Dr. Livingston has been nothing but helpful to the Crown.
“Captain Sloan and I are bound to see this through to the end. Aareth Emerson and Jack Walker, I can never thank you enough.” The Queen hesitated, looking at both Jack and Aareth with an intensity foreign to her age.
Her eyes looked sad as if she were reliving a memory from her past. “And you, Jack, I seem to owe you twice as much for saving my life. Both of you have risked and lost enough.”
Jack couldn’t believe his ears. If the Queen thought this was where their paths ended, she was wrong.
His feelings were so strong on the issue, they surprised even him.
Aareth spoke before Jack had the opportunity.
“With all due respect, I’m not going anywhere.
I plan on seeing Edison about whatever it is that’s healed my arm so quickly and …
there’s a hitwoman on the loose I intend on finding. ”
“I’d like to stay as well.” Jack looked from Sloan to the Queen. “My father died as part of someone’s sick game. I won’t be able to live with myself until whoever’s in charge is found and pays.”
The Queen inclined her head, then looked to Sloan for consensus.
“I could use them,” Sloan agreed, “as well as the two Ahab girls. They may have more information about the proceedings in Burrow Den. The journal makes a strong case that the younger girl, Elizabeth, may have been experimented on as well.”
“I agree.” The Queen looked from Sloan, to Aareth and Jack. “Thank you for your willingness to assist New Hope. There is much to discuss, and leads to follow, but for now, a hero has waited long enough to rest.”
Jack felt a lump grow in his throat. It refused to dissolve no matter how many times he swallowed. Words were lost to him as he looked into the eyes of the Queen. All he could do was nod.