by Elin Peer
Erika sat with her shoulders pulled up and her head down. Mila was still holding her hand when she continued, “I can’t imagine carrying a burden like that for that many years.”
“I never meant to kill Dina.”
“We know that.” Pearl sighed and looked up at Khan, who was running his hands through his hair while muttering, “This is such a fucking mess. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“You and Magni were children.”
“But after we grew up, how could you keep something like this from us?” Khan turned to Magni. “Doesn’t it make you wonder what else they kept from us?”
“What good would it have done to tell you? I was trying to protect you.”
“That’s not your fucking job.” Magni was scowling at his mother. “What is wrong with you? How can we protect this family if you’re keeping secrets from us?”
Mila gave her father a sharp look. “That’s not very helpful and it’s the wrong question to ask.”
“What is?” Magni’s voice was gruff.
“Don't ask what’s wrong with you. Ask what happened to you? Grandma was raped in front of her husband, she lived decades in fear, and all that time she did her best to protect her children from seeing what was really going on. Some would say she was brave and carried a heavy burden of pain on her shoulders to shield the people she loved.”
“How is it protecting us by keeping us in the dark? Khan and I stopped being children more than twenty years ago.”
Khan had tucked his hands under his armpits and stood with a grave expression on his face. “For years I’ve resented and hated the man I thought was my dad. If I’d known what demons he was battling, maybe I would have felt differently.”
“I did what I thought was best,” Erika defended herself. If you want to punish me, do it. I never meant to harm Dina, and that’s the truth.”
Pearl moved over to stand in front of me. “Leo, you’re a policeman. What do you say? Based on Erika’s confession to the truth of what happened to Dina, do you see a need to arrest her?”
“Leo doesn’t get to do shit without my approval. I may be crippled but he still ranks under me.”
Pearl stood strong and looked back over her shoulder at Magni. “No one should be above the law.”
“He’s not sending my mom to prison. That’s for damn sure.”
“No, I hope we can all agree that sending Erika to prison won’t help anything.” Pearl met my eyes. “But what does the law say?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but was overpowered by Erika’s outburst, “People will call me a murderer no matter what.” Her shoulders bobbed again and she sniffled.
“If what you’re saying is true, Erika, and you didn’t push Dina out the window, then I’m not seeing any reason to arrest you at this point. This all happened more than thirty years ago but there’s no statute of limitation on murder, so I have to ask you, Erika, did you have anything to do with the killing of Henry and his friend?”
“No. Marcus didn’t share that sort of thing with me.”
“So, you weren’t aware of any plans to kill Dina’s husband or his friend?”
“No.”
“In that case, I’ll conclude that the killing of Henry and his friend were orchestrated by Marcus and not you. What about the nine hundred thousand dollars? Did you take part in stealing that from Henry and Dina?”
Erika dried her tears away. “No. I didn’t even know how much financial trouble we were in until Dina began calling me. Marcus didn’t want me to worry.”
I gave Raven a sideways glance. “I’d say that with Marcus being deceased, there’s no reason to investigate this case further. What do you think?”
Raven gave a solemn nod. “I agree. Dina’s death was an accident and the two murders were the responsibility of Marcus. Let’s close this case.”
Mila crouched down to hug Erika. “Did you hear that? You’re not going to jail.”
“It doesn’t matter. If Khan tells what happened, everyone will say that I killed my own daughter. People are ruthless and small-minded.”
Laura bit her lip. “You’re right about that, Erika. But we’ll know the truth and if anyone asks, we’ll tell them it was an accident, and that you were trying to protect your family. Most Northlanders will understand that.”
Erika stared at Laura. “You think so?”
In a fluent movement, Laura sat down on the edge of Magni’s bed and pulled one leg under her. “Don’t expect Motlanders to understand, though. They judge Magni and Khan for killing people who were plotting to overthrow us. Remember when Mr. Zobel and the others were executed for treason back in the thirties? The council made a big deal about it being barbaric and a violation of basic human rights.”
“I remember.”
“But we Northlanders never judged them for it because we knew Khan and Magni were doing it to keep us all safe.”
“Laura, you’re not helping. No one should have to kill anyone.” Pearl rubbed her face. “I can’t even imagine the burden on your souls.”
“My soul is fine.”
“Is it, Magni?” Pearl stared at him. “And is this kind of life what you want for your sons?”
Magni looked at Solo, who had kept in his seat the whole time. “It’s a man’s duty to be a fierce protector of his country and family. I wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone who broke through that door and threatened my kin, and I expect my sons to do the same. We don’t kill for joy, we kill for honor and to protect the ones we love.”
Solo gave Magni a nod as a silent promise that he could count on him.
Khan nodded. “Yes, I agree. Now, Pearl, Mila, and Laura, would you take our mother to her room? Magni and I have a decision to make.”
Solo, Raven, and I began exiting the room too when Khan stopped me with a hand to my shoulder. “Leo, can I have a word?”
“Of course.”
He pulled me to the side. “Answer me honestly. Knowing the truth, would you still want me as your ruler?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely.”
Khan’s tongue ran along the edge of his front teeth. “And if I held a democratic election, would you think less of me?”
I shifted my balance and scratched my neck. “Knowing that you’re pressed against a wall, I get that you’ll have to make a ballsy move, but democracy… I don’t know, Lord. That’s a hard pill to swallow.”
“Yeah. My critics will have an easy time making me look weak.”
“At least you’ll have the support of all the women who moved here. They all admire Pearl and love the idea of democracy. You would have their vote.”
“The women can’t win me an election alone.”
“What the hell are you two whispering about?” Magni called from his bed in a low voice. “I thought you wanted to discuss this with me.”
We both turned to Magni. “I wanted to know if Leo would vote for me despite what he heard today.”
“And?” Magni asked. “Would you?”
“It’s hard to imagine anyone can challenge Khan’s level of connections and expertise. We may all despise the man who sired him, but Lord Wolf has been gone for more than forty years now and the results you’ve created as a ruler are impressive.”
“Is that a yes?” Magni asked.
“Yes, I would vote for Khan and you to stay in power. I may not agree with everything you do, but I see the progress and the way our country prospers.”
Khan picked up the picture of Nikolai Wolf again. “I hate how much I look like him.”
“Give me that picture.” Magni only lifted his arm a little when he reached for it. “Nah, you don’t have the same nose or mouth. I’m still not convinced that he’s your dad. We should have a test made.”
“I guarantee you that Marcus had a test done already.”
“It doesn’t matter, Khan. We are brothers. Always!”
Khan sat down on the edge of the bed next to Magni’s hip and the two men linked their hands together in a masculine, rough way.
“Are you ready to risk it all?”
Magni hesitated and then he gave a weak smile. “You’re really serious about having an election?”
“I know it’s crazy but Pearl has been talking about this since I met her, and the idea of the Northlands being a democracy doesn’t offend me like it once did. Things wouldn’t change much if you and I are still in power, but we would have been chosen to lead by the people. Not just our dad, but the people, Magni.”
Magni shook his head. “I can’t believe we’re even contemplating it. That’s fucking crazy! Yet, a small part of me kind of likes what Laura said.”
“About the beach?”
“About saying screw you all.”
Khan sat with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Yeah, but you did that once, remember?”
“I went to Alaska. That’s different from a warm beach.”
“Our country suffered during your absence, and none of us want to surrender power. We are too patriotic for that.” With a deep inhalation, Khan leaned his head back and brushed his hand up and down his throat. “I wonder what would happen if we allowed our critics to speak up. All the shitheads who constantly work in the shadows, criticizing what we do. They have no idea about the burden of leadership.”
I kept quiet, not sure why the brothers had allowed me to stay.
Magni coughed. “There hasn’t been an election in the history of the Northlands, and I can tell you for sure that our father would be rolling in his grave if he heard us talking about democracy.”
Khan shrugged. “Our situation is different from every ruling family before us. They never had a place to retreat to in case they lost an election, but with Pearl’s connections to the Motherlands, it doesn’t have to be a matter of power or death.” He pointed out the window. “If the fuckers are dumb enough to pick someone else, we can go live in the sun. And even if that happens, I predict it won’t take long before they call and beg us to come back.”
Magni groaned. “Or we could just eliminate all threats like we usually do.”
I took a step back.
“Relax, Leo. I’m not talking about you and Raven. It’s that neighbor of Henry that I don’t trust.”
Khan closed his eyes for a second. “But the thought of winning an election, though. It would be satisfying.”
Magni groaned. “Sounds like you’re going to follow Pearl’s suggestion then?”
The brothers had serious expressions on their faces and their eyes locked. “The question is will we follow her suggestion? You know I can’t do it alone.”
Magni snorted and raised his amputated arm. “I’m not going to be much help to you. Not like this. If anything, I’ll make you look weak.”
“No, you won’t!” It burst out of me.
They turned their heads like they’d forgotten I was there.
“You saved my life in that crash, Magni, and I’ll tell that story to any journalist who will listen.”
His face was impassive. “It doesn’t matter how many lives I’ve saved. All our people will see is a weakling and a has-been.” Again, Magni closed his eyes and it was clear he was drained from the talking.
Khan drew a heavy sigh. “Leo, I’ll talk to you later.”
I left the room to find Raven and Solo sitting on the staircase further down the hallway, waiting for me.
“What did Khan want to talk to you about?” Raven got up and brushed the back of her pants.
“He had some questions.”
Solo rose to his full height too and next to Raven, he looked gigantic. “About what?”
“About this whole election thing.”
Solo wrinkled his forehead. “Since when does Khan care what anyone thinks but Magni and Pearl? And why did he want to talk to you about it and not me?”
“Because you’re family; he knows he has your vote. I’m an outsider; he wanted to know if I would vote for him.”
“Ahh. That makes sense.” Solo scratched his head and looked down at his wristband. “I have to get back to Willow. She’s called me three times already.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine, but apparently Nora is whiney and has a fever.” Solo raised his arm and we bumped shoulders in a manly hug. “Keep me updated, will ya?”
“Will do.”
As he descended the stairs two steps at a time, Raven gave me a hopeful smile. “So, do you think there’s going to be an election?”
“They’re discussing it right now. Come on.” I took her hand and began my way down the stairs. “I need to find a drink. This meeting had me sweating through my shirt.”
“I know. Geez, Leo, when Magni said they would have to eliminate all threats and asked if they could trust us, I thought you were going to pull a gun or something.”
“Yeah, that was a tense moment for sure.” I squeezed her hand tighter. “I’m grateful it ended the way it did.”
Raven was quiet and didn’t look as relieved as I felt.
“What’s wrong? Why are you quiet?”
“Is it wrong that I’m slightly disappointed that it was just an accident? I was so sure that Dina was murdered.”
We were at the bottom of the stairs when I stopped and turned to her. “You did good, Raven. You gathered evidence and found answers. That’s good work.” With Raven on the first step, she was almost my height. Her beautiful smile made me grin back at her. “I shouldn’t have said that. You’re going to be overconfident from now on, aren’t you?”
Wrapping her arms around my neck, she pulled me closer and kissed me. “That’s right. I’m so confident that I’m going to make a strong claim.”
“Oh yeah?”
She nodded with a smile. “Remember how I told you I would be the best lover you ever had?”
“Uh-huh.” I gave her a cheeky grin. “And you lived up to the hype. You’re definitely the best lover I’ve ever had.”
Raven tilted her head with a cute smile. “What if I told you that I’ll also be the best wife you’ve ever had?”
My grin morphed into a look of surprise. “Wife? Did you say wife? What the hell, Raven, did you just… did you just agree to marry me?” Her smile was blinding me and it was a good thing she had her hands around my neck, or I might have lifted from the ground with all the butterflies that were swirling around in my stomach.
“It’s just that if the Northlands become a democracy more women are going to want to live here, and I saw you first.”
My eyebrows furrowed closely together. “What does democracy have to do with us marrying? I don’t follow.”
With a firm grip on my collar, Raven pulled me in and spoke in a low sexy voice. “You are mine and I’m not sharing. Don’t think I’ve forgotten how Gennie looked at you. Marrying you is just a matter of closing the deal before the competition gets here.”
“Hmm…” Narrowing my eyes, I let my hand slide down to the small of her back and pulled her close against me. “You’re crazy if you think there’s any woman in the Motherlands who can compete with you.”
“You haven’t seen how many pretty women live there.”
“You’re right. I haven’t. But unlike those women, you are fearless, funny, and not afraid to stand up to me when I get too bossy.” I kissed her. “I would pick you any day, Raven.”
We were almost nose to nose, and she had a teasing smile on her lips when she released her tight grip on my collar. “Okay, well, in that case. Forget about the wedding.”
I realized my colossal mistake and hurried to correct it. “No, I mean, I can’t imagine wanting another woman, but you’re obviously right; I haven’t seen them so I can’t really know for sure. I completely get why that would make you insecure. We should definitely marry and ease your fears.”
We laughed together and Raven gave a sweet sigh when I wrapped her in my arms and whispered in her ear, “The sooner the better. I want all of you, don’t you ever forget that.”
The sound of running steps burst our bubble, and we looked up to see Khan come down wit
h a determined expression on his face.
“Did you make a decision, Lord?”
“We did. I need to speak to Pearl and start preparations. It’s time to be strategic.” He hurried past us.
Raven raised her eyebrows. “Is it just me, or did he look excited?”
“No, I got that vibe too. I think it’s the part about being strategic and winning over someone else that excites him. I’ll bet he and Pearl will stay up half the night and plan the road to victory.”
“Let’s hope they’ll succeed.”
“Yeah, but I doubt it. The older generation wouldn’t be forgiving when Khan tells them that he’s not the rightful heir. That sort of thing matters to them and most of them hated Lord Wolf. Plus, they already think Khan lets Pearl have too much influence.”
“But don’t they see all the good things that are happening?”
“Sure, but if you’re talking about the influx of women, then it’s the younger generation who is benefiting. Ultimately none of us want to be included in the Motherlands and lose our sovereignty. We’re the last free men.”
Raven raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, I know that old motto.”
“It’s not just a motto, Raven, it’s what’s in our hearts.” My chest lifted as I sucked in air. “Khan might find that he has more critics than he thought. There’s always going to be cowards who would normally whisper in the shadows and whose only agenda is to cause trouble. Now those cowards will feel empowered to inflame the Northlands with hateful rhetoric causing riots and fights.”
My brave woman squared her shoulders. “Then it’s a good thing that we police officers are there to control things.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. We still need to make an officer out of you. You’re not even halfway there, and now that you’re marrying me, I doubt they’ll let me work as your boss.”
Raven narrowed her eyes. “Then we won’t tell them.”
With a firm grip on her hips, I lifted her from the first step down on the floor and gave her an amused smile.
“What’s so funny?”
“That you think I can keep being married to you a secret.”
“But I don’t want another boss.”
