The Order of Brigid's Cross - The Wild Hunt (Book 1): The Wild Hunt

by Terri Reid

  “Have you noticed that you’re forgetting things lately?” Pete asked. “Like you can’t remember why you were standing up next to your desk or why you are suddenly in the break room?”

  Adrian paused for a moment and then slowly shook his head. “Yeah. Yeah, that seems to be happening a lot lately,” he admitted. “I thought it was just work stress.”

  “How about having the feeling that you’re losing time?” Sean inserted. “Like you look up at the clock and wonder where the time went.”

  “Yeah, that’s been happening a lot too,” Adrian said. “But I don’t dwell on it. I mean, that’s normal, right?”

  “Was it normal a couple of months ago?” Pete asked.

  “No,” Adrian said softly, his jaw tensing. “No it wasn’t.” He looked over and met Sean’s eyes. “Irish, I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all. What’s going on? What’s happening to me?”

  “You’re being played,” Sean replied. “Someone’s messing with your mind.”

  “Like Manchurian candidate or sleeper agent stuff?” Adrian asked.

  Sean nodded. “Yeah, something like that,” he said. “But from what I understand, these guys are real good at what they do.”

  “How do I get this to stop?” Adrian asked.

  “I’m not the guy who can help you, but I know one who can. Do you trust me?” Sean asked.

  Adrian shrugged. “Yeah, well, it seems like you’re the only one I really trust,” he said.

  “Yeah, so leave your cruiser here, and let’s take a ride, okay?” Sean asked.

  “Yeah, okay,” he said, pulling out his cell phone. “Can I make a call first?”

  “No!” shouted Pete and Sean at the same time.

  Adrian looked at the phone in his hand and dropped it on the table as if it had suddenly stung him. Then he looked up at Sean and Pete. “Why doesn’t one of you take my phone,” he said, “just so I don’t do anything stupid.”

  Pete reached across the picked it up. “I’d like to make a list of incoming and outgoing calls if you don’t mind,” he said.

  Adrian shook his head. “No, I don’t mind,” he replied. “I think it’d be good for all of us to figure this out.”

  Chapter Fifty

  Gillian looked up from the microscope in front of her on the stainless steel table in the large laboratory located on the first floor of the old church. She sighed softly and absently pushed her long, auburn hair away from her face. She knew she needed to focus on the project in front of her, but she had too many thoughts rushing through her mind to concentrate. She turned her head slightly, secretly watching Ian working at the next table, and another soft sigh escaped her lips. He was such a paradox: the mind of a genius in the body of an athlete and all that wrapped around a person who genuinely cared about others. No wonder she was madly, hopelessly in love with him.

  Rolling her chair soundlessly back, she stood and quietly stole across the room to stand behind him. Slipping her arms around his waist, she leaned against him, breathing in his unique, male scent.

  “Well, hello there,” Ian murmured, his face still pressed close to the microscope. “I’ll be with you in just a moment.”

  She watched him adjust the setting on the microscope, his long, masculine fingers slowly stroking the metal dials until he was satisfied, and she felt a corresponding shiver in her body.

  “Cold?” he asked, still concentrating on the specimen under the glass.

  She grinned and shook her head against his back. “No, not at all,” she replied.

  Finally, he lifted his head and turned around in her embrace, pulling her even closer. “And to what do I owe this wonderful distraction?” he asked, looking down at her upturned face.

  She inhaled deeply and then smiled at him. “Nothing, except I love you,” she said.

  Watching her face, examining every nuance, like the researcher he was, she was not surprised to see the doubt in his eyes. But the initial doubt was replaced by a soft smile and a smoldering heat in his eyes. “Oh, and I love you is nothing, is it?” he whispered as he slowly lowered his head towards her. “Perhaps I need to remind you how something it really is.”

  His lips brushed against hers gently at first, teasing and tasting her. She quivered in his arms, and her lips parted slightly. He slipped his hands up to cradle her head and angled his head to take full advantage of her mouth, pouring his feelings into the passion of the kiss. Her world tilted, and her heart raced as her body responded to him. As a scientific researcher she realized that her body was reacting normally to sexual stimulus, but as a woman she realized that it was only one man, this man, who could cause her to have this kind of reaction.

  The kiss gentled, and his embraced loosened as he rained light kisses around her face. “Ah, Gillian, darling,” he whispered. “You are my life.”

  He rested his forehead on hers and held her for a moment. “My heart would stop beating without you,” he said.

  She slipped her hand up and rested it against his chest. “Aye, I know how you feel,” she replied softly.

  “So, why do I see fear in your eyes?” he questioned gently.

  She looked up, surprised, and then smiled wryly. “And do you read minds as well, Professor?”

  He smiled down at her and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Only on rare occasions,” he teased, and then his face sobered. “Tell me.”

  “This,” she said, waving her arms for emphasis. “All of this. I had no idea things would be so dangerous when I brought you into this. I thought it would be interesting research. I thought we’d be studying another aspect of paranormal activity. I thought… I thought.” Her voice broke, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “If something were to happen to you because I invited…”

  He placed a finger over her lips and shook his head. “Nothing is going to happen to me,” he said. “And you didn’t invite me in. I invited myself.”

  “But you had no idea what you’d be facing,” she said. “When I chose this path in Ireland I set things in motion.”

  “No, darling, ‘twas fate, that’s all,” he replied. “Sean and Em set this path a long time ago, a path they’ve been traveling together for years whether they knew it or not. And we’ve been pulled down the path with them because this is where we’re supposed to be. It’s no coincidence that I accepted the fellowship with the University of Chicago and you were hired by Trinity.”

  Laying her head against his chest, finding comfort in the solid beat of his heart, she thought about his words for a few moments. “We’re supposed to be here?” she finally whispered.

  “Aye,” he replied, kissing the top of her head. “And perhaps this course was decided before we were even born. We are part of this darling, and that should give you comfort. We are in the right place at the right time. We are meant to win.”

  She looked up at him, wanting to believe his words. “I’m afraid,” she finally admitted.

  “And you’d be foolish not to be,” he replied. “But we’ve so much going for us, we have to win.”

  “You mean our love?” she asked.

  “Well, actually I was referring to my brains and boyish good looks,” he teased, placing a quick kiss on her forehead. “But, aye, love’s a good thing, too.”

  She slapped her hand against his chest, and he laughed. “You are such an eejit,” she laughed softly. “But you’re right. Love’s a good thing, too.”

  “Aye,” he said, his eyes turning from teasing to smoldering once again. “And perhaps we need to get a little more of that good thing.”

  He started to lower his head again when the door to the lab opened.

  “Ah, um, well, excuse me,” Father Jack said, coughing into his hand and turning to face away from the embracing couple. “I apologize for interrupting.”

  Ian and Gillian stepped away from each other. “Ah, no problem Father,” Ian said. “What can I do for you?”

  “Well, actually, I was hoping Gillian could assist me with some of the p
rotection ideas I have for the front of the church,” he said. “But I don’t want to interrupt your…” he paused for an uncomfortable moment, “work.”

  Ian chuckled. “Actually, your timing is nearly perfect,” he said, sending Gillian a quick wink. “I think we’ve created an application that is going to help us discern glamour. I just have to test it out, and I’ll probably need Em for that.”

  “You’ve figured it out?” Gillian asked, surprised.

  He smiled at her. “Aye, and I would have mentioned it,” he said, “but we got a little distracted. It needs but a few tweaks and I’ll be ready to test it.”

  Blushing, Gillian turned from Ian and towards Father Jack. “I would be happy to help you, Father,” she said. “It seems I have become a distraction.”

  “A delightful one,” Ian added.

  Father Jack laughed and nodded. “Well, then, let me take you away from here, and we’ll let Ian continue his work.”

  Gillian turned back to Ian for a moment. “I love you,” she mouthed.

  Ian placed his hand over his heart and nodded, watching her until she left the room. “You are my heart,” he whispered softly to the empty room. “And I vow with my life that I won’t let anything hurt you.”

  Chapter Fifty-one

  “Oh good. Sean. Gillian’s up with Father Jack securing the front of the building,” Ian said as Sean entered the laboratory. “I have something I want…” He stopped when he saw Adrian follow Sean into the room with Pete close behind. “Well,” he continued, “I didn’t know we were having company.”

  “Ian, perfect, just the guy I was looking for,” Sean said. “I need your help. This is my friend Adrian.”

  Ian folded his arms across his chest, nodded mutely and waited for more information. He recognized the name as the fellow who’d been setting Sean up and putting Jamal in danger. He already didn’t like the man, and he was certain he didn’t trust him.

  “We think someone’s been messing with his mind,” Sean continued, “and I’d like you to take a peek.”

  Cocking his head to one side, Ian studied Adrian for another moment. “And why would you be thinking someone’s messing with your mind?” Ian asked skeptically.

  “I don’t know that someone has,” Adrian replied defensively. “It was Sean’s idea.”

  Ian’s eyes narrowed. “Aye, and was it Sean’s idea to meet with you or was it yours?” he asked.

  “It was Adrian’s,” Sean replied. “Why?”

  “And if I were trying to see how involved Sean was in the Order of Brigid’s Cross what better way than to appeal to his sense of loyalty and friendship,” Ian said. “And get yourself into the church as a friend, although you’re naught but a spy.”

  Pete rolled forward. “Wait. Wait just a minute here,” he said. “Adrian actually seems to be confused about what has been happening, and he called Sean to talk about me. I don’t think it’s a set up.”

  Ian shook his head, still not convinced. “And how hard would it be for those against us to know that you and Sean were here together this morning?” Ian asked. “If they’ve been watching your apartment and been following you?”

  Eyes widening, Pete glanced at Sean. “You know, I hadn’t even thought of that,” he replied. “Sean what do you think?”

  Sean looked at his former partner. “I’ve got to know, Adrian,” he asked, his tone sober. “Were you asked to meet with me so you could get into the church and learn more about what we are doing?”

  Adrian’s quick shifting of his eyes downward caused Sean to curse softly and shake his head. “Dude, I trusted you,” he said.

  Adrian met Sean’s eyes. “You don’t get it,” he said. “You don’t understand the plan here, Sean. We are going to be able to get rid of the gangs. We are going to eliminate the drive-by shootings. We’re going to be able to stop the drug wars. We’re going to let people live in neighborhoods where they can sit on their front porches and visit with each other without fear. This is a good thing.”

  Closing his eyes in weariness for a moment, Sean slowly shook his head. “No, Adrian, you don’t understand,” he said. “That’s not how we do things. We are not the judge and jury. We only enforce the laws. When we forget that, we’re screwed.” He grabbed Adrian’s shoulders. “Don’t you get it? You’re an accomplice to murder! You murdered those kids in cold blood.”

  Brushing Sean’s arms away, Adrian shook his head and stepped back. “No! No! You don’t understand,” he argued. “The Hunt, they only kill people who are corrupt. People who have already killed. People who have evil in their hearts. So, it’s all good, Sean. It’s all good.”

  “Adrian,” Pete interrupted softly. “They tried to kill Sean.”

  Adrian stopped. “What?” He shook his head. “No. They can’t do that. They can’t kill someone who’s good.”

  “Someone’s been feeding you a line,” Sean said. “And you bought it, hook, line and sinker.”

  “No, it’s worse than that,” Ian said, moving forward towards Adrian and studying his eyes. “You had the right of it. He’s under the influence of another.”

  “What?” Sean said, shifting his gaze from Adrian to Ian. “I thought you said he was a spy?” Then he looked back at Adrian. “And he admitted he was a spy.”

  Nodding, Ian didn’t reply to Sean but continued to study Adrian. “So, Adrian, would you like me to take you to the place we keep all of our secrets?” he asked.

  Adrian smiled and nodded. “Yeah, that would be nice.”

  “Aye, and if you’d just walk in here, into the lab area, I’ll show it to you,” he said, taking Adrian’s arm, leading him further into the room and guiding him to a chair. “Now, you just relax for a moment and I’ll clear everything with Sean.”

  He left Adrian in the chair and returned to Sean and Pete.

  “Okay, this is more than weird,” Sean said. “I feel like I just walked into another episode of the Twilight Zone. What the hell is going on with Adrian?”

  “It’s just a suspicion I have,” Ian said. “And I’ll need your help.” He started to walk back into the lab and then turned back to the men following him. “Oh, and just play along with anything I say.”

  Sean watched Ian walk back into the lab and then turned to Pete. “Here we go again.”

  They followed Ian to a supply closet in the corner of the lab. When they got close, Ian handed Sean three stainless steel trays. “Are we making cookies?” Sean asked, looking at the trays that resembled cookie sheets.

  “No. We’re not,” Ian replied, grabbing a couple more for himself. “We’re testing a theory.”

  Sean and Pete followed Ian back to Adrian. Ian placed the sheets on the stainless steel table next to them and then turned to speak with Adrian. “Are you ready?” he asked.

  Adrian nodded. “Yes, I’d like to see the secrets.”

  “Fine,” Ian said. “But first we need to make things a little more discreet in here.” He looked over to Pete and Sean. “If you two wouldn’t mind holding up the sheets to form a box of sorts around Adrian’s head.”

  Shrugging, Pete adjusted his chair so it rose up, then took two of the sheets Sean handed him and angled them to form a ninety degree angle. Sean followed Pete’s lead, but placed one sheet against the two Pete held and then one on top, leaving the front open.

  “Adrian, what is it you’d like to know?” Ian asked.

  Adrian stared at Ian and shook his head several times, as if to clear his thoughts. “What did you say?” he asked.

  “What is it you’d like to know?” Ian asked.

  “I’d like to know who the hell you are and where the hell I am,” he answered, his voice filled with apprehension.

  “Aye, I thought you might feel that way,” Ian said. “Give me a moment and I’ll be able to answer a few more of your questions.”

  He walked away from Adrian back towards the closet.

  “You want to fill us in on what’s happening?” Sean asked.

  “Sean is tha
t you?” Adrian asked.

  “Yeah, I’m the guy behind the metal curtain,” Sean replied. “Don’t worry, buddy, I’ve got your back.”

  Ian went back into the closet and came out with the headpiece from a suit of armor in his hands.

  “What the hell?” Sean asked. “Doing a little interior decorating to make it feel like home?”

  Ian grinned. “Actually, Gillian found this at an antique store and purchased it for me,” he explained. “Who knew I’d need it for something like this?”

  “Like what?” Pete asked.

  “Just a moment,” Ian said, moving back in front of Adrian and lowering the helmet onto his head. Adrian raised his eyes towards the helmet in confusion.

  “What the hell?” he asked.

  “It will all be clearer in a moment,” Ian replied. Then he fit the helmet securely to Adrain’s head. “And now we can talk.” He stepped back and leaned against the table. “Sean and Pete, you can lower the trays.”

  Adrian looked around and met Sean’s eyes. “How the hell did I get here?” he asked.

  Sean sighed. “Skinny, I think that’s the least of your problems.”

  Chapter Fifty-two

  Ian walked across the room and closed the door to the lab, locking it securely. “I don’t anticipate any problems,” he said as he clicked the bolt into its moorings. “But I would rather prefer to be safe than sorry.”

  Turning, he met Adrian’s wary and confused eyes. “Tell me, Adrian,” he started. “Do you mind if I call you Adrian?” he interrupted himself. At Adrian’s acquiescent nod, Ian continued. “What is the last thing you remember?”

  Adrian thought for a few moments. “I was at my house after work and I got a phone call,” he said. “They wanted to meet me and talk about the gang problems in Chicago.”

  “Who?” Sean asked.

  Shaking his head, Adrian clamped his eyelids together in concentration. Finally, with a sigh he opened them and looked at Sean. “I can’t remember.”

  “That’s okay,” Ian said. “It’s not important right now. What’s today’s date?”