She lifted her eyebrows. “I told you that I need you. Why would I leave?”
Stopping in front of a mirror, he finished the knot. “So you say. It just seems too good to be true, Emma.”
He watched her reflection as she approached, distrust in his eyes. She stopped and held his gaze in the mirror. “I’ve told you why. I’m not going to try to convince you otherwise. But you of all people know the lengths that I will go to, to protect and save our son.”
His eyes softened, his skepticism fading. Could he really care about Jake? She thought he’d faked it before, but now she wondered.
He’s a politician, Emma, she told herself. His job is to convince people to believe him. But Jake was his son. Was it so farfetched to think he cared about him?
“Alex…” she hesitated, unsure she really wanted to know the answers to the questions she was about to ask.
He turned toward her, waiting with a patient expression.
“If I hadn’t been hiding the last three years… I mean…If Aiden hadn’t interfered…”
Alex sighed. “I wanted to be part of his life, Emma. In spite of his conception. But even if Aiden hadn’t interfered, I wouldn’t have contacted you. Because of his conception.”
Could she really believe that? She lifted her chin, hardening her gaze. “That’s not the impression you gave me in South Dakota.”
Indecision clouded his eyes. “It was all a game. I suppose it still is. A game of power and control. You were simply a part of it. But that was then.”
Her back stiffened. “And now?”
“And now my priorities have changed.” He turned from her toward the door.
She put her hand on her jutted out hip. “Yeah, the speech you’re about make proves how much they’ve changed. Instead of finding your son, you’re campaigning for your father.”
Alex stopped, his shoulders slouching before he spun halfway around. “If you doubt me, Emma, you’re free to leave.” He waved to the door. “The men outside this room are there to protect you, not keep you prisoner.” Sighing, he shook his head then stared into her face. “I’ll be gone several hours. If you want to work with me, stay. If not, then leave. No hard feelings.”
He walked out of the room before she had a chance to answer, not that she knew what to say. Was it really that simple? She wasn’t naïve enough to believe it was. The closer they got to the end of this thing, the higher the stakes became. Alex knew she’d joined with Will. If he thought killing her could kill Will, it might be worth his effort. So why hadn’t he tried it yet?
The real question was: Could she still follow through with Will’s plan? While she understood Will’s reasoning, she wasn’t sure she could actually do it. What if Alex really would help her get Jake back? What if there was some strategy Will hadn’t thought of?
She sat in a chair, looking out the window at the St. Louis arch, the sun reflecting off the metallic structure. She needed to remember her primary goal. To save Jake. Everything and everyone else came second. Even Will, as much as it pained her to admit it. And if she really could count on Alex’s motives, she couldn’t dismiss his help.
This was a decision she couldn’t make lightly. Will was the trained expert. She had to trust him, as hard as it was to do. He loved her and loved Jake by default. He was on her side and perhaps she didn’t agree with his methods, but she had to trust them anyway. Still, she’d just had a civil conversation with the man she planned to help murder. If that didn’t make her a cold-hearted bitch, she didn’t know what did.
The fact was that she was going to have to perform many evil acts before this all was over. Emma would pay whatever it cost her to insure Jake and Will survived. She’d worry about the redemption of her soul later.
***
Will had gone largely unnoticed by the hotel guests and staff for the last two hours, and that worried him. Sure, he’d been stopped by Alex’s security team a couple of times, especially after the damage at the swimming pool was discovered. Will could have kicked himself for losing control. The deeper they dug into this mess, the more important self-control became.
Thankfully, the security team didn’t seem suspicious of a lowly maintenance worker. They’d matched the name on his stolen name tag to their lists and let him pass. If they had patted him down, they wouldn’t have found any weapons, but an inspection of his toolbox would have been a different matter. He had determined that the Secret Service was nowhere in the vicinity, an oddity unless he took into account the fact Alex had secrets he didn’t want leaked to the voting citizens. The fact that his father came off looking like a hero, with his campaign providing their own security and saving tax dollars, was a bonus.
The fundraiser dinner was being held in the hotel’s ballroom. Five hundred bodies filled the space, all waiting for Alex Warren to give a mesmerizing speech. Will didn’t have access to the ballroom, but he got close enough to the entrance to see Alex get off the elevator and walk toward the doors.
A crowd of people stood in front of Will. Girls called out Alex’s name. Will could see why. He was the first to admit that Alex had movie-star looks and charisma—even without his elemental powers, he could charm anyone. If only he’d tried to use that charm six years ago. Will was sure Emma wouldn’t have fallen for it, but it might have made her life just a little easier.
Alex paused less than six feet away, his eyes shifting to the crowd. Will stayed in the back, lowering his face and moving behind a tall man. The security team tightened around Alex, and he leaned into one of the guard’s ear before resuming his trek to the ballroom.
Had Alex known Will was there? Will decided not to press his luck and headed to the stairwell, passing a couple of security men at the entrance. They gave him a glance, but otherwise ignored him, which Will took as a good sign. He couldn’t imagine them letting him walk free if Alex knew he was here. But Alex might realize that it would be more difficult to contain Will now and want to handle it himself.
At the moment, Will needed to concentrate on how to get onto the twenty-first floor with as little incident as possible. Emma knew about two men at the door. Will had to figure out how many more there were and where were they located.
Emma, is there any way you can get a count of the security men outside Alex’s room? Go out and get a bucket of ice or something?
I can do better than that.
What are you going to do?
Take a walk.
***
Emma was going stir-crazy sitting around the hotel room so she was happy to have an excuse to get out. Alex had told her that she was free to go, which in theory meant she could wander the hotel. When she opened the door to the hall, two men turned to face her.
“I’m going to get some fresh air.”
“If you could wait a moment, miss, we’ll call someone to go with you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Mr. Warren insists that someone accompany you when you go out. For your protection.”
More likely to watch her and see what she did, but she had no intention of doing anything suspicious. She gave them a look of helplessness. “Are you sure that it’s not any trouble?”
The guard relaxed. “It’s no trouble at all. It will take a few moments to get someone up here. We’ll let you know when he arrives.”
“Thank you.” She considered leaving anyway, but she wanted Alex to trust her. That meant accepting his protection.
Several minutes later the door opened, and the guard poked his head in the crack. “Excuse me, Miss Thompson. Mr. Warren says he needs to speak to you as soon as possible. Unfortunately, he’s unable to get away. We have two men to escort you downstairs to see him.”
Her heart jolted into her ribcage. Had they found Will? Did they find it suspicious that she wanted to walk around? “All right.” To her irritation, her voice trembled.
“Right this way.”
She picked up her purse and headed into the hallway. Two new men waited for her, another by the open e
levator. She laughed nervously. “You overestimate my need for protection.”
The two men fell into step next to her. “Mr. Warren insists, miss.”
So they kept saying. What if Alex found out her and Will’s plan and he was taking her downstairs because it would be easier to dispose of her there?
Will? They’re moving me.
Moving you where?
Downstairs. They sent two men to take me to Alex.
He’s in the ballroom. I just saw him go in about thirty minutes ago. Are they taking you to the fundraiser?
I don’t know.
I don’t like this. Where are you now?
In the elevator, going down.
I’m headed down now. If they’re really taking you to Alex, you’re headed to the second floor.
The two button lit up overhead, and the doors slid open. The men led her into a large lobby-type area filled with people who stood behind a padded rope.
The words Fundraiser Dinner above an arrow emblazoned a sign, pointing down the hall. Maybe they really were taking her to see Alex. But why? They hadn’t caught Will and she couldn’t think of a single reason, good or bad, that Alex would drag her down here. Surely he didn’t want her known by the media.
They led her down a side hall and stopped in front of a door with a plaque reading Magnolia Room on the side, then ushered her inside. Other than rows of chairs facing the front, the room was empty. There was another door on the back wall.
Always know your exits, Will had told her once. She hoped she wouldn’t need to run.
One of the guards left the room, but the other closed the door and stood in the doorway. “If you want to take a seat, Mr. Warren will be right with you.”
Emma paced instead. She knew it made her look weak and nervous, but after everything she’d been through, she was past the point of caring.
Will, I’m in the Magnolia Room. Down the hall from the ballroom.
I’m in the stairwell on my way.
I have men guarding me. Stay back.
I’ll be close by if you need me.
Okay.
Several minutes passed before the door opened. She half-expected Will, but Alex slipped through the opening instead.
“Leave us,” he grunted. The guard brushed past Alex and he shut the door behind him.
Alex’s face was pale and his hands shook. “Emma, I think you need to sit down.”
Her breath caught and she forced out, “Why?”
He gestured to the chair. “Please.”
Emma? Will had sensed her fear.
What could make Alex so nervous? Something that he thought would upset her too? “Oh, God. Jake.” Her legs gave out and she sank onto a chair.
Alex sat next to her, worry in his eyes. “It’s not what you think. He’s safe, but I’m worried he won’t be safe for long.”
A metallic taste coated her tongue. “What? How do you know?”
His gaze held hers. “They attacked another city about an hour ago.”
She shook her head. “No.”
He grimaced. “This one had more damage. The death count is much higher.”
Oh, God. “How many?”
“Little Rock had a couple of hundred fatalities.” He paused. “Today’s incident looks like it might be a thousand. Or more.”
Jake had been forced to participate in killing a thousand people. Nausea rolled in her stomach.
Emma, I’m coming now.
No. Wait.
“Are you okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“Just give me a moment.”
Alex stood and poured a glass of water from a pitcher on the table.
Emma rubbed her forehead. “Don’t you have to get back to your dinner?”
“Not yet.” He took a sip, watching her.
She took a deep breath and her stomach settled. “What city was it this time?”
Alex set his glass on the table. “Jackson. Jackson, Mississippi.”
The blood rushed from her head. “What? Are you sure?”
“Emma, it’s all over the news. My security team came in to tell me and I had them bring you down since I couldn’t get away for very long. I wanted you to hear it from me first.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
“I already told you that I want to work with you on this. You need to trust me. Maybe this is one way of me proving it.” He leaned toward her. “I’ve sent men out to see if they can track Raphael and Jake to their next location.”
Raphael was leaving a trail in neon lights. Could it really be so easy? “I know where to find Jake.”
“Emma, they’ve left Jackson. Raphael has no intention of getting caught.”
She shook her head. “No, not Jackson.” Should she tell him? “I know what they’re doing, but what I don’t understand is how Raphael would know. Jake wouldn’t know. He was too little to pay attention, and I purposely kept some of the names of the places we lived from him.”
“Emma. What the hell are you talking about?”
The room spun and she lifted her hand to her forehead. “They’re destroying cities I lived in. They started with Little Rock. I lived there when the Cavallo first showed up. Then we moved to Jackson.”
Alex rubbed the back of his neck. “You think they’re following a pattern. Why?”
“I have no idea. To distract us? Maybe they are trying to keep Will and me from preparing for the end.”
His body tensed and he lowered his voice. “I thought you weren’t with Will.”
“How would they know that? You didn’t.”
“Well, good job on their part. However, I don’t think Raphael is orchestrating this. He’s not smart enough.”
“You can’t be saying Jake would—”
Alex looked grim. “No. Not Jake. Aiden.”
“Aiden?” Would Aiden really work with Raphael? “Why?” She had no doubt that Raphael would agree to whatever Aiden wanted. But the fact that they dragged Jake into this sickened her.
“You think they are going to the cities you lived in starting from the beginning when you went on the run? In order?”
“Yes.”
He gazed down at her for several seconds. “Isn’t it obvious? They want you to come to them.”
Her pulse thrummed in her temples. “I don’t understand. Why?”
He sat down in front of her again. “You said it yourself. Maybe they’re trying to interfere with you and Will. But we’ll have the element of surprise. They won’t expect the two of us.”
“You’ll help me?” Her disbelief drenched her words.
Alex’s face softened. “Emma, he’s my son too. Now tell me where they’re going next so I can have my men make the arrangements. We’ll leave as soon as I’m finished here.”
“What about your schedule?”
He stood and waved a hand. “Let me worry about that. Where are we going, Emma?”
She hesitated. While it seemed like insanity to trust Alex, she couldn’t deny he was convincing.
The door opened. “Mr. Warren, you need to get back.”
“Emma. I have to go,” Alex pleaded.
He said he’d help. Three against two were better odds, right? Even if Will would never agree to work with Alex, and Alex would be furious when he found out Emma lied about Will. But the most important thing was Jake.
“Emma.” He stood at the door, his eyes imploring.
“Shreveport. They’re going to Shreveport.”
Chapter Seventeen
Emma, what the fuck is going on? Will shouted toward her. He was about to burst into the room, whether Emma wanted him to or not.
The door to the Magnolia Room opened and Alex exited, then walked toward the ballroom.
I know where Jake is.
Will paused. Alex knows? That’s why he wanted to talk to you?
No. He told me Jake and Raphael destroyed part of Jackson, Mississippi this afternoon.
Will held his breath. Another city? So soon? Marcu
s had to be right about their motives, and the timing of the attacks suggested urgency. Emma, by the time we get there, he’ll be gone.
I know. Raphael’s targeting cities I lived in with Jake while I was on the run. In order.
You’re saying that you know where they’re going next?
Shreveport. We need to go now.
What to do with this information? Alex was so close that Will couldn’t back off now. Especially if Alex really trusted Emma. Will might not have this opportunity again until the end, and they couldn’t afford to leave Alex alive that long. Getting to Shreveport would take eight to ten hours. Raphael probably wouldn’t stage another attack until tomorrow. They had time. No. Not yet.
He felt her confusion, then her fury. No?
We need to finish what we started.
Let’s be clear, Will. You and I have two very different objectives at the moment. You’ve known mine since the day we met. I came here to find out where Jake is and now I know. Alex wants to help and I want to let him. Three of us stand a better chance of saving Jake than two.
Will leaned against a wall and closed his eyes. Shit, Marcus had been right.
Her anger poured through their connection, prickling at his nerves. What the hell was he going to do? There was no way he would agree to work with Alex. Will came here to kill him and he wouldn’t leave until he’d accomplished that task. But she’d never agree to any of it, so he’d have to keep her in the dark. You said Alex wants to help you get Jake?
Her irritation faded. Yes.
Did he say what he wants to do?
He says as soon as he finishes his fundraiser, he plans to go to Shreveport.
And he wants to take you with him.
Yes. He thinks I left you.
Then stay with him for now. Emma was going to be furious once she realized what he was planning. He hoped he could make her see this was the rational course of action. Marcus was right. Emma was thinking with her heart when they needed to be using their heads.
You want me to go with Alex to Shreveport?
Hell, no, he didn’t want that. He’d never let it get that far, but he couldn’t tell her that now. I need to figure this out. For now, unless you’re in danger, stay with Alex.
Redemption (The Chosen #4) Page 17
