80. Sloan
EIGHTY
SLOAN
He was definitely a fool, maybe even a bit of an idiot, but he was her friend, and for a moment, there had been the possibility of something more.
Sleep wasn’t even an option that night. After ensuring the captured members of The Order had been secured and transported for interrogation, Sloan turned the scene over to the city inspectors.
Now, in the early hours of the morning, she was sitting with Aareth in the palace.
Together they waited for the Queen. Just looking at him, Sloan knew he was in no mental state to even be awake.
Aareth refused medical treatment, insisting they speak with the Queen immediately.
Sloan had only consented because she, too, needed a conference with the Queen before making a move on the most powerful man in New Hope.
Sloan retreated into herself. It was time to be the leader both men and women respected. Fantasizes of love, a life with someone who cared for her, were shattered like they always would be.
“Whatever your plan is, you need rest and food.” Sloan studied Aareth with a raised eyebrow.
“I could take you now with one hand tied behind my back. If Commander Brookhaven’s your wife, like you say she is, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
She’s good with a sword; maybe even better than good.
She was prepared to kill you tonight. Whether you want to believe that or not, it’s the truth. ”
“Sloan, I don’t know what’s happening to me, but the moment we shared—” Aareth struggled for the next words. “You and I?—”
“Save it.” Sloan crossed her arms over her chest. “What matters now is that we get answers from Edison about what’s happening to you, and we find your wife.”
“It’s not her.” Aareth slowly shook his head. “Whatever was done … has changed her. She was never even a fighter.”
“Well, she is now. She’s an assassin.” Sloan thought back to the quick, decisive killing strokes her adversary had tried using against her. The way the woman had fought, there was no room for quarter, no sympathy in her moves. “And she won’t hesitate to kill.”
“She needs to be taken alive,” Aareth pleaded. Even past the exhaustion, his voice was firm and clear. “Please, Sloan, she needs to be taken alive. This isn’t her. She’s being controlled somehow. You’d like her if you knew her.”
“I’m sure I would have.” Sloan stopped herself before she said something hurtful. Aareth was in no state for idle words. “I’m going to do everything in my power to bring her in alive, but not at the cost of the lives of my men.”
Before Aareth could form a rebuttal, the doors to the room opened. The Queen entered, dressed in a white robe and slippers, followed by Fenrick Trillion.
Immediately, Sloan bristled at the sight of the man.
Fenrick was a snake looking out only for his own interests.
Sloan had a deeper suspicion he was involved in more than he let on.
Her own five senses wouldn’t be able to pick up the danger signs Fenrick carried; however, over the years, Sloan had developed a sixth sense that told her who could be trusted and who should be kept at arm’s length.
For whatever reasons, the Queen was choosing to employ Fenrick. He had joined her during the early years of her rule. He had been there before Sloan could counsel the Queen.
“Captain, Inspector,” Queen Eleanor addressed the two before she took a seat in a high-backed chair by the window. She took a moment to look outside at the early morning hour before she continued. “It’s almost time for the full moon.”
The three other party members looked at one another for direction. Even Fenrick seemed to be at a loss with the Queen’s comment. Bags lined his eyes, and he looked as though he were annoyed to be conscious at such an hour.
“My Queen.” Sloan rose to bow. “We have urgent business that request your attention.”
Aareth remained motionless.
“Of course, forgive an old woman for not staying on course.” The Queen sat straight in her chair. Her eyes moved from the window to address the room. “I’ve been briefed by the messenger you sent, Captain. I’m glad to see you both safe, and many members of this Order in custody.”
“Thank you.” Sloan cleared her throat, preparing herself for what she was about to say next.
“I’m afraid this is only the beginning of a very tangled web.
It seems as though one of the members of The Order is Aareth’s wife.
She was presumed dead years ago. If that wasn’t enough, this woman is also Doctor Oliver Livingston’s employee and bodyguard, Commander Brookhaven. ”
“This is preposterous.” Fenrick Trillion started with a jolt. “Are you inferring that one of the most well-established and loyal friends to the Crown is involved in … in whatever this Order is?”
“I’m not inferring anything.” Sloan clenched her jaw in an effort to keep her temper in check. She skewered the weasel-like man with a death stare. “I’m stating facts.”
“And there’s no room for error in this?” the Queen asked, ignoring the tension between her treasurer and captain. “You are absolutely sure this woman is both the commander and Aareth’s wife?”
“I saw her with my own eyes,” Aareth spoke for the first time. “It was her. I don’t know how, but it was her.”
“I was going to order an arrest warrant for her right away,” Sloan continued. “However, I thought it prudent to check with you. Since the commander is so deeply involved with this, I’d also like to bring in Doctor Livingston for questioning.”
“Your Majesty.” Fenrick took a stance next to the Queen. He began gesturing wildly with his hands. “You can’t. Livingston Industries has always been our ally. Edison Reeves has worked side by side with him on numerous projects over the years, including the Vampire Project.”
“I am well aware of our history with Livingston Industries, Fenrick.” The Queen’s eyebrow rose.
Her gray eyes narrowed in thought. “You have my permission to bring in this Commander Brookhaven; however, detaining the doctor may not prove advantageous for our cause. Just because one of his staff was involved in the night’s escapades does not prove him guilty of the same crimes. ”
The look of victory on Fenrick’s face made Sloan want to tear out his throat and beat him with it. At times, keeping the rage living deep inside of her at bay was easy. This was not one of those times. Right now, she sapped more energy than normal to check her temper.
“As you command, my Queen,” Sloan said with a bow, “so it will be done.”
“I want to help bring her in alive.” Aareth stood, reminding everyone just how wild and unkempt he looked. He hadn’t changed in days, half of his hair was shorter than the rest, and his face showed every hour of sleep he had missed. “I know her. Maybe she’ll listen to me.”
Sloan was on record pace for biting her tongue.
What made Aareth think his wife would listen to him now, when she’d tried to kill him hours before, was beyond Sloan.
Still, she couldn’t bring herself to voice her opinion.
If she did so, she would ruin Aareth’s chances.
Something like sympathy for Aareth’s position touched her conscience.
Just as soon as it surfaced, Sloan dismissed the idea.
“Capturing her alive will be our main priority,” the Queen reassured Aareth. “I want answers as much as you do.”
“Thank you.” Aareth bowed his head.
“Captain.” The Queen stood to take her leave. “Although I refuse to arrest Doctor Livingston, you may visit him for questioning. Remember, he is innocent until proven guilty.”
Fenrick looked as though he was about to open his mouth to protest. The expression he received from the Queen was more than enough for him to remain silent. Sloan realized it was a petty victory over the man, yet she found herself hard pressed not to smile.