She needed to keep him talking, to try to figure out who he was and where she knew him from.
“You saw the photographs,” the man said. “Now put the hood on.”
“Those photographs are old. They were taken in the farmhouse.” She took a deep breath, taking a chance, risking this whole thing going wrong. “I don’t believe you have any idea where the children are.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, calling her bluff. “Are you so sure that you are willing to walk away, and not know the truth?”
“Show me a photograph of them. Not from the farmhouse, but from wherever they are now,” she demanded.
“I don’t have any.” Cynthia was certain this was the truth. She was also certain he didn’t have any photographs because he had no idea where they were. For Cynthia, this was good and bad news. It was good that the children were out of this man’s grasp, but bad because it meant they might be dead after all.
But he’d said they’d slipped through his men’s fingers. Not Cracol’s fingers. So this man was higher up the food chain. Had he taken over from Cracol? Or was he Cracol’s boss? Connor, the father of her children, had once talked about there being a Mr. Big, someone to whom Cracol answered, but that had been during one of his rambling conversations when he’d drunk too much whiskey in a bid to blot out everything he’d seen, everything he knew.
What had he said? A name. Not the name of the big boss, but the name of an informant. Hansel. Like Hansel and Gretel. But what was his last name? Cynthia tried to conjure up the image of Connor. She needed to swallow down all the pain that came with memories of her first love and remember what he’d said. Hansel had come to him and offered to help. He was an informant, and Connor knew it was a made-up name, a pseudonym to keep his true identity a secret.
Hansel Salvador. That was it.
This Hansel Salvador had given Connor times and dates. Those times and dates had gotten the father of her children killed.
“I know you,” Cynthia spoke slowly and deliberately. “I know who you are. I know you don’t have the children. You lost them. Your men let them go. It’s over for you.”
“You have nothing on me,” the man said simply. “There is nothing to connect me to any of this. It’s all in your mind.”
“Too late for denials,” Cynthia told him. “The very fact that you are here and know about those photographs at the farmhouse.” And she had one more piece of evidence, one she’d stored for a long, long time.
“But if you don’t make it out of the forest, who is there to tell the story?” the man asked as he came closer to her. “There is no cell phone coverage here and if you are wearing a wire, it will never be found, just like your body will never be found. This is a large forest. Things get lost here.”
“Why did you ask me to meet you here?” Cynthia asked, stepping back into the center of the clearing. “To kill me?”
“Since we both know you are not getting out of here alive, and I’m told you came alone, I’ll share my thoughts with you.” Hansel stepped into the clearing. She could see his face clearly now, his graying hair, his face with deep wrinkles. He was old, too old to be running around in the forest in search of revenge.
But here he was. Thinking he could scare her with his threats.
“I’m listening.” She held out her arms as if offering him a chance to explain.
“A few years ago, a man tried to bring down one of my more unique businesses. I had to put a stop to him. And I did.” The old man smiled as he walked toward her, his gait not as stiff as she’d supposed for a man his age.
“You killed Connor.” It was a statement of fact he did not deny.
“And I thought that was the end of it. My empire grew, my influence widened. And then...” He unfolded his hands and looked her square in the eye. “You.”
“Me.”
“Yes, a woman.” He wagged his finger at her. “I admit I did not see you coming.”
“But I did come, didn’t I? I came and took what was yours and now you want to take what is mine.” She put her hands on her hips. “Is that your plan? To take my children?”
Hansel wagged his finger at her. “No, no, no. I’m done with children.”
“So what?” Cynthia heard the eagle cry above her head but didn’t look up. Hansel stepped forward, oblivious to the danger he was in. Unless he drew a gun and shot her... She didn’t flinch from this thought. She doubted he was ready to kill her just yet, and when he did, he was going to go for something much more creative. He was that type.
“So, I want you to think of your poor orphaned children and consider if it was really worth it. I want you to die knowing that they will be alone in this world for the rest of their lives. That their mom was killed by the same person who took their daddy from them before they even got to know him.” Hansel’s voice rose in pitch as he looked to his right. But the man with the hood was gone.
The surprise registered on his face.
“Lost something?” Cynthia asked vehemently.
Hansel put his hand in his pocket, but before he could pull out a weapon, Hunter crashed out of the trees and punched him in the face, knocking him out cold.
“That’s one way to make an entrance,” Cynthia stated coolly.
Hunter cocked his head to one side. “I thought so.”
Cynthia sagged forward, her energy depleted as the enormity of what might have happened hit her. Hunter checked to see if Hansel was unconscious before heading over to his mate and scooping her up in his arms. “Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close, as if he were her anchor in a stormy sea. “He wanted to kill me as revenge. He wanted my last thoughts to be regret for going after him and leaving my children alone.”
“I know.” He kissed her cheek. “It’s all over now.”
“Where is the other guy?” Cynthia asked.
“Guy took him out just as that guy stepped into the clearing.” Hunter stood up and pulled Cynthia to her feet, “It’s okay, it’s over.”
“No, it’s not,” she told him. “Hansel said the children escaped.”
“And you believe him?” Hunter nodded, not arguing with her. “Let’s get the police out to the farmhouse and get these two arrested. Then we can focus on finding the children...” he hesitated. “But you know there is a chance they simply got lost in the forest and didn’t make it.”
“I do. Of course, I do. But there is also a chance they did make it, and that they are still out there waiting for someone to bring them home.”
And if that duty belonged to anyone, it belonged to Cynthia. She could not walk away. Not now.
Chapter Eighteen – Hunter
“Nothing has changed, we still have the same goal as when we arrived in the forest this morning,” Guy said as they left the local police station where they had all given statements and watched the formal arrests of Hansel and his accomplice, both of whom refused to give their real names.
“I agree,” Hunter wanted to find the children, not only because it was the right thing to do, but also because Cynthia needed closure on this whole episode of her life. Hansel’s admission that Connor had been killed because of the questions he was asking about his business did not sit well with Cynthia. Her pinched features and creased forehead told him of the tension building inside her.
“We should all get a good night’s sleep and then start fresh in the morning,” Liam suggested.
“You’re right.” Cynthia’s disappointment was obvious. “We all need to eat and then sleep.”
“Hey, in the morning, first thing we’ll be back in the forest trying to hunt those children down. If they are out there, we’ll find them.” Hunter’s assurance did little to alter Cynthia’s mood. Her exhaustion was evident. “Listen, why don’t we find a hotel and order in?”
“I’m okay. We can go and grab something to eat first,” Cynthia insisted.
“A hotel and take-out sounds perfect to me,” Guy said. “I’d love a hot shower before we eat.”
“That’s settled then. We’ll get a couple of rooms, eat and sleep, and be up early in the morning.” Liam looked up and down the street. “The sheriff said there was a good clean hotel this way.”
“Come on, let’s get in the truck and drive there,” Hunter said. “We can unload all our gear and then repack it tomorrow before we leave.”
“Good thinking.” Guy pulled open the rear door of the truck and got in, Liam followed.
“Are you doing this for me?” Cynthia asked quietly. “If you guys want to go and get something to eat at a restaurant and have a beer, I’m okay on my own.”
“I’m not leaving you alone. Not tonight. Too much has happened, too much emotional stuff.” He stroked her cheek and then pulled her into his arms. “If you need to talk, I’m here for you.”
“With that jealous streak of yours, I’m not sure me talking about my first love is appropriate or fair,” she answered.
“Hey, it’s part of who you are. I’m here for you. Honestly, I’m man enough to take it.” His fingers slid under her chin and he tilted her face up so she had to look at him. “Don’t ever think I won’t listen. And I’m not jealous of Connor. I’m proud of what he did, and he made two incredible children with you.” Hunter dropped a kiss on her lips.
“I’m a lucky woman. To have one amazing man in your life is a blessing, to have two makes me feel a little greedy.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “Thank you. For yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
“All of the tomorrows,” he reminded her.
“All of the tomorrows.” She ran her hand down his chest, fire trailing her fingers. “Now, let’s go eat.”
Hunter chuckled as he pulled open the door to the truck and helped her inside. She settled herself in the seat and pulled on the seatbelt, her face pale as she stared out of the window at the street ahead. He wanted to gather her into his arms and tell her everything would be okay. But for everything to be okay they needed to find the children and he couldn’t promise her that.
If he were honest, he doubted they would find the children. If what Hansel said was true, the children had escaped into the forest, with no food and no water. Since no one had reported finding four children, it was doubtful they had made it out of the forest. Could they have survived this long in the forest? Were they out there right now, half-starved, or worse?
He didn’t want to think about worse.
“There it is, the Hunter’s Rest,” Liam said, pointing to a sign outside the hotel. “It was made for you, Hunter.”
“As long as one of those beds is made for me, that’s okay.” Hunter turned into the parking lot and stopped in a spot close to the hotel. The lights from inside the hotel shone out like a welcoming beacon. “It looks cozy.”
“Since when do you like cozy?” Guy asked. “You must be getting old.”
“Not old. Mature,” Hunter answered. “I have a mate and children to think of now.”
“Rub it in, why don’t you?” Guy asked as he opened the truck door and got out.
“One day, you’ll find your mate,” Liam told him. “If not, we’ll always find a place at the table for you, won’t we, Hunter?”
“What’s your mate like, Liam?” Cynthia asked, she seemed to have snapped out of her melancholy mood on the short drive to the hotel.
“Perfect,” Liam declared. “She’s everything I could have asked for in a mate.”
“They all say that,” Guy said with a wink.
“It’s nice that you’ve found the right woman, Liam.” Cynthia linked arms with Guy. “And I am convinced fate has the right woman for you just around the corner.”
As they walked into the hotel, Hunter was convinced that Guy looked around the corner as if hoping his mate would be there. “One day,” Guy said with a sigh.
“Hello.” The man behind the desk smiled warmly, he looked as warm and cozy as the hotel, with twinkling blue eyes and haired tinged silver at the temples.
“Two rooms, please,” Guy asked. “Two singles and a double.”
Hunter glanced at Cynthia, not sure if she wanted to share a bed with him. But she didn’t seem fazed by it and she must’ve realized the double bed was for them. “I’ll go grab the bags,” Hunter said once they knew the hotel had rooms for them.
“I’d give you a hand, but I don’t think I have the energy to lift anything,” Cynthia admitted. “I just need to eat, shower, and sleep.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll get them.” Liam followed Hunter outside.
“I’m ordering room service and getting an early night,” Hunter told Liam. “I don’t think Cynthia will keep her eyes open for more than another hour. She’s exhausted.”
“Yes, we’re going to get food and then sleep. We need to be back on the road early tomorrow.” Hunter opened up the back of the truck and hauled out the first of the backpacks. “We’re taking them all in, right?”
“Yes, Guy said he wanted to sort through them, take out what we might not need.” Liam put his hand on Hunter’s shoulder and added, “He’s going to call in a few favors.”
“For what?” Hunter asked, turning his full attention on Liam.
“He’s going to spend the evening making phone calls and getting a few more shifters to come down here and give us a hand.” Liam’s face turned serious. “We both know those kids have been out there too long to survive. Unless they have survival skills or any kind of bushcraft skills, it doesn’t look good. We need to find them fast and that is a big forest.”
“That would be amazing. I know how much this means to Cynthia. I’m convinced a part of her will die inside if we fail.” Hunter looked down at the ground, fighting a tide of panic in his chest. “I don’t want to lose her to this. Today we saved her from Hansel. If those kids are dead and we could have prevented it, she won’t forgive herself.”
“We’ll do whatever we can. You know that and she does, too.” Liam picked up a couple of the backpacks. “It’ll be okay. I have a good feeling about it all.”
“I’ll have a better feeling about it all once I’ve eaten,” Hunter confessed.
“Come on. You get that mate of yours to your room, feed her and then make sure she sleeps.” Liam went back into the hotel and Hunter followed, but not before he took one last look over his shoulder toward the forest in the distance. He wished he could send his senses out far enough to locate them.
“Tomorrow is going to be a hard day.” Hunter grabbed the last of the suitcases and followed Liam back inside.
Guy was signing the hotel register and paying for the rooms on a credit card. “I’ll bill this to the business,” he said easily as he smiled at the receptionist, took the receipt and the room keys and headed to the elevator, with the other three following behind.
“Thanks,” Cynthia said. “I can repay you.”
“Not necessary.” Guy handed her one of the keys. “This is not your sole responsibility, we all have a share in the outcome now.”
“Thank you. All of you. I know there is no payday at the end of this for any of you. I appreciate you giving up your time.” She smiled, but her eyes filled with tears, which she quickly scrubbed away.
“We’re here because we want to be, because this is the right thing to do,” Liam assured her. He slipped his arm around Cynthia’s shoulders and gave her a hug. “You’ve done so much for the children. It’s the least we can do to be here as backup.”
“You’re going to make me cry even more,” Cynthia told Liam, as she hugged him right back.
For the first time, Hunter didn’t feel that pang of jealousy that made him want to rip someone’s head off. The mating bond was still strong, in fact, it was stronger than ever. But he no longer questioned whether Cynthia felt the same way. He trusted the mating bond in the same way he trusted his shifter senses.
“We’re room twelve,” Guy held up his key.
“And we’re room eighteen.” C
ynthia hugged Guy and Liam. “Goodnight, and thank you.”
“Have a good rest.” Guy’s eyes filled with sympathy for Cynthia. “None of this is your fault.”
She pressed her lips together. “I know. But my brain can’t help going through all the different scenarios that might have made the outcome different.”
“We have no control over what has happened,” Guy told her sagely. “All we can do is look to the future and make it the best one we possibly can.”
She nodded and turned away from the two men and walked along the corridor to room eighteen.
“We’ll take the backpacks,” Guy offered. “Just keep the essentials you need.”
“Here you go.” Hunter passed the backpacks to Guy. “Keep me updated with whatever you arrange.”
Guy’s eyes flickered to Liam’s. “Liam told you I want to call in as much help as possible.”
“Yes. I think it’s the best plan of action. The more eyes and ears out there, the better.” Hunter nodded his thanks and then turned around to follow his mate to their room.
“This looks glorious.” Cynthia turned around and flopped down on the bed, closing her eyes as she spread out her arms, her fingers running over the cotton quilt, which was decorated with soft green leaves to reflect the nearby forest.
“Why don’t you go shower and I’ll order in some food?” Hunter asked.
“I don’t think I can move.” Cynthia cranked open one eye and looked at him. “I think I could sleep for a week.” However, she pushed herself up on one elbow and then rolled up to a sitting position.
“What do you want to order in?” Hunter asked, getting his phone out of his pocket and scanning the nearby take-outs. “Pizza?”
“Oh, yes. Pizza sounds amazing, and some fries.” She licked her lips, already tasting the food.
He chuckled. “I’ll order it now. Go shower.”
“Yes, boss.” She slid off the bed and came toward him.
Hunter raised an eyebrow. “The shower is that way.” He moistened his lips, watching her move, wanting to taste her more than the pizza he was about to order.
As she stood right close to him, she bent her knees and reached for her suitcase. “But my clean clothes are here.”
Protector Bear (Bear Creek Protectors Book 4) Page 14
