72. Jack
SEVENTY-TWO
JACK
That night, Jack was in his room, taking off the soft clothes that felt so foreign to him, when there was a knock on his door. Jack didn’t carry a watch, but the nearly full moon that shone through his bedroom window told him it was late in the night.
“Who is it?” Jack asked through the door. “Elizabeth, if this is you again, I told you, you can’t borrow my toothbrush. Ask one of the guards. I’m sure they’ll get you one.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s Aareth. Open up. We don’t have much time.”
Jack complied, unlocking his door. It swung open for the city inspector. Aareth rushed into the room. He quickly closed the door behind him. Aareth was a mess, with wild, red eyes and long, unkempt black hair.
“I need your help,” he said, licking his lips like a wild man. “Get your gear. We’re going on a trip.”
“A trip?” Jack leaned in to get a better look at his friend. “Aareth, are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I’ll explain on the way. Bring your wand. We’re going to need it.”
“Does Sloan know about this?” Jack buckled on his belt with the holster that carried his wand. “Where are we going?”
“I can’t tell her.” Aareth went to the door. He pressed his ear against it and waited. “I can’t risk anything. I don’t know who’s involved or how far this goes. There’s a meeting tonight in the warehouse district. The Order’s looking for new followers.”
Jack shoved his feet into his boots, pausing with the leather straps to fully digest Aareth’s words.
“You found them? You found The Order?” Jack asked with more excitement for the discovery than he realized he had. In his mind, the mutated wolf controlled by Elijah Ahab had killed his father, but The Order had been responsible for it all.
“Yes, I need someone I can trust.” Aareth moved away from the door, satisfied no one was listening in on the other side. “You’ve lost as much as I have to this city. Tonight, we get answers, and make them pay in blood.”
Jack trusted Aareth despite Aareth’s manic state. Still, he knew every plan needed a backup. Elizabeth, I know you can read my thoughts. I hope you’ve been listening in next door. If Aareth and I aren’t back by sunrise, tell Abigail and Sloan everything you’ve heard.
That was the best Jack would be able to do. Aareth was eyeing him, already licking his chops, thirsty for blood.