“And what if I hadn’t come along?”
“Saul and I would have completed the transaction. I’d then have tailed him to the docks, and Saul would have been followed through international waters. Wherever he heads, it can’t be far from here as he’s never gone that long. Once he pulled into a port, the boat would have been seized and the potential donor freed.”
“There are so many ways that could have gone sour that I can’t even begin to count them.”
“There’s always risk involved.”
“Risk? It could have turned into a suicide mission.”
“I don’t always like what I do, what I have to do.” Dante tightened his lips, his face looking old and drawn. “For the good of all isn’t necessarily pretty. I’ll likely rot in Hell when I die.”
Stone grunted not denying Dante’s supposition. At times he felt that way himself. What he’d just learned was starting to make sense. Sort of. “How long have you been doing this?”
“Working undercover as professional scum?” He shrugged. “For so long that I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
Tina eased the thin sheet off her body and sat up. She was feeling markedly better and a short walk seemed like a good idea. Anna had insisted she continue to rest but the girl had left the infirmary to get more water. As a general rule, Tina tried to avoid having witnesses around when she attempted something potentially foolish. Humiliation was so much easier to take when no one knew about it.
She slid her legs over the edge of the bed and wiggled her toes. So far so good. All parts were functioning. Next step was standing up. That too was successfully executed; no pain or numbness coming from her leg. The wooden floor was rough under her bare feet but she saw no shoes in the vicinity. If she were a competent witch like Gwyneth she’d be able to conjure some up. Since that wasn’t likely to work she’d assume the planks were old enough that loose slivers had worn off years ago and wouldn’t be an issue.
Gwyneth. Had anyone contacted her? And what about her fellow vacationers? They must be frantic and assuming the worst. She frowned and hoped Gwyneth hadn’t cancelled the lease on her apartment and given her things away. The older witch could be very pragmatic at times. And what if her position at Club Mystique been filled already? It was only a part time job but she needed that money.
Tina made a mental note to talk to Stone as soon as he returned. She needed to place a phone call to let everyone know she was okay and there was no need for a funeral just yet. Darn it, being considered dead when you weren’t could seriously mess up your life.
Ever so carefully, she took a step, hands extended in case her legs gave out on her. One step, two steps. Hey, she was walking! A grin spread over her face. The shifter blood she’d ingested seemed to be speeding up her healing. There must be some residual effect; tiny bits absorbed into her body, perhaps strengthening her immune system on a more permanent basis. It couldn’t be normal to walk with this much ease after being sick for a week and having surgery to remove a bullet.
Sunlight streamed in through a nearby window and she made her way to it, wondering what this place she found herself in looked like.
The sight wasn’t that inspiring. A high, sturdy wall topped with barbed wire surrounded the area and armed guards were stationed at the gate. Not exactly a friendly looking welcoming committee for anyone who approached but she supposed it was necessary. Inside the wall there were a few old buildings badly in need of painting, a small garden area and a fenced-in pasture with a cow and chickens. A clothesline with well-worn shirts and pants of all sizes was strung between two of the buildings and a dilapidated jeep covered in dust and rust was parked to one side.
There was no grass. No playground equipment. A lone soccer ball, lopsided with a ripped leather covering sat near rickety looking wooden steps. Even the curtains that framed the window, by which she was standing, were threadbare. It was a shame they had to live like this.
From one of the buildings she could hear the sound of children chanting their lessons, an occasional bout of laughter punctuating whatever they were saying. The clucking of the chickens drifted on the air and somewhere a woman was singing, the tune accompanied by the sloshing of water as if she were washing clothing in a basin. There was a peaceful happiness to the place despite the obvious paucity of funds. It was quiet in contrast to the busyness of Chicago where horns honked, trains rattled by and a multitude of people jostled each other on the sidewalks.
A vehicle approached and she wondered who might be arriving. The person’s identity must have been known for there was barely a pause before the gates swung open and a Hummer pulled in. It stopped in front of one of the buildings and a nun stepped out. She was covered almost entirely from head to toe in black, only her face showing, yet when she walked there was something decidedly un-nun-like about her. Maybe it was the set of her shoulders or the sway of her hips but Tina immediately frowned, a feeling of distrust filling her.
“What are you doing?” Anna’s voice sounded behind her and she turned quickly only to gasp as her leg protested the sudden movement. She grasped the edge of a nearby table and Anna came hurrying towards her.
“You shouldn’t be up! You could have pulled out your stitches. If you are hurt Sister will not be happy that her hard work has been ruined!”
“Sorry. I was just seeing what I could do.” Tina gave an apologetic smile and allowed Anna to help her back to bed.
“If you need to get up, ask for help. I can steady you or get you a cane.” Anna fussed with the blankets and pillows.
“Who just arrived?” Tina looked towards the window.
Anna glanced outside. “Oh, that’s Sister Denise from the Brotherhood of Virtue. She comes every now and then to see if we need anything like medicine or food. She’s very concerned with our health.”
“Wow, that’s really great.”
“Yes, she’s even talking about finding some of the children homes in America.” Anna smiled. “It will be a great opportunity for whoever is lucky enough to be chosen.
Sister Bernita had agreed to meet Sister Denise in the dining hall. For some reason, she was loath to let the other woman into any of the areas where the children were gathered. There was something about the woman that put her on edge, a certain look or a tone of voice. Nothing she could exactly put a finger on, just a general feeling.
It was uncharitable of her, of course. Sister Denise and Brother Dan had been nothing but kind since they’d begun sponsoring the orphanage, offering food and medicine, clothing and even the possibility of adoption. The children had never been healthier, either. Maybe it was jealousy. After all, those two had provided more than she had ever been able to.
She resolved to hide her unworthy feelings and greeted the woman with as much warmth as she could muster.
“Sister Denise, it’s good to see you again.” They shook hands and Bernita couldn’t help but notice how manicured the other nun’s hands were in comparison to her own work-worn ones.
“I apologize for my long absence. Other orphanages that we sponsor have kept me busy.”
“The work that you do for these children is truly wonderful.” Sister Bernita led the way to one of the tables.
“Thank you. I hope you and the children have been well. Is everyone healthy?”
“Yes. Only a few of the children from the village have a nasty cold.”
Sister Denise frowned. “I hope you’ve kept them well away from our group. We wouldn’t want any of them to become ill.”
“If anyone was contagious they’d be kept isolated.”
“Excellent.” Sister Denise nodded in approval. “I have exciting news for you. There are several prospective families who wish to adopt some of the children.”
“Really?” Sister Bernita wasn’t sure what to say. She should be thrilled. In poor countries such as this, the chances of an orphan being adopted were slim. However, the idea created a knot in her stomach.
“Yes. We’ll need to fill out paperwork, of course
. Make the transfer of custody completely legal.”
Legal. That should have made her feel better but the knot in her stomach grew. Perhaps it was because she was so attached to the youngsters. They were, after all, like her own. “And when would this happen?”
“As soon as possible. As I said, there are several families waiting.”
“I’d want to meet the families first, of course. Give the children time to get to know them.” Sister Bernita leaned back in her seat, her voice firm. She wouldn’t budge on that point.
“Hmm…” Sister Denise made a moue. “I’m not sure if that can be arranged. We usually take the children with us. Given that there are several families interested, the chances of a child being completely rejected are slim. And the cost of flying the families here would mean we have less money for food and medicine.”
“Surely the prospective families would pay their own way?”
“Adoption is an expensive process. We try to cut corners so that those who really want a child can access one regardless of economic status.”
It seemed reasonable and yet she found herself shaking her head. “I’ll need to think about this.”
Sister Denise arched a brow. “When we agreed to sponsor you, we told you adoption was one of our goals. To give these children a new life, a chance to make a difference in the world.”
“You did and I agreed. I’m not saying no, just requesting a little extra time.”
The other nun tightened her mouth but slowly nodded. “I’ll be back tomorrow. I hope you make the right decision. One that is in the best interest of the children, not one that stems from your affection for them.”
Sister Bernita stood up. “I will pray for guidance.” She gestured towards the door. “Can I see you out?” If her own tone was less than pleasant she didn’t care. The other woman’s insinuation that she was acting selfishly rankled.
“No need. I know the way.” Sister Denise pushed back her chair. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Chapter 19
Dante stopped the jeep. “We’re a few miles from the orphanage. I’ll let you out here.”
“Where are you going?” Stone looked at Dante suspiciously, still not completely believing they were essentially on the same side.
“I have to meet Dee. She was at the orphanage today. We’re making arrangements with Saul for a couple of the children. He says he has buyers lined up.”
“There is no fucking way I’m letting you or Dee anywhere near those kids.”
“We need to get beyond Saul in the trafficking web. Those kids will be our ticket. Everything possible will be done to keep them safe.”
“If you try to remove even one of them from the orphanage, I will kill you. I don’t care which side of the law you’re working on.”
“But—”
“Revise your plan. Why does it have to be organs from children?”
“That’s what Dee is specializing in. Organs from kids are harder to come by so the profit is larger. People are willing to pay ridiculous sums to get organs for their dying children.”
“What if you approach Saul with an adult ‘donor’. Would he possibly take the bait?”
“That’s what I was trying to do when you barged in yesterday. I’d successfully negotiated several organ sales—”
“With willing donors?”
Dante scowled. “Interrupting is rude. Has no one ever told you that?”
“Stealing organs is worse.”
“We do our best to ensure everyone makes it out alive but collateral damage is to be expected.”
“If you start to spout any drivel about some people being expendable, I’ll knock all your teeth out, Dante. Every life is equally important.”
Dante opened his mouth and then closed it. He cleared his throat and then continued. “As I was saying, Saul has a high level of trust in me, in the Brothers of Virtue. I’d finally dared to use a ringer and then you arrived and ruined everything.”
Stone grunted. He wouldn’t apologize.
After waiting a beat, Dante continued. “To answer your original question, it doesn’t have to be a child. Saul would accept an adult but since I don’t have another one lined up—”
“Use me then. Cut Dee and the children out of the equation. Truss me up like a turkey and take me to Saul.”
Dante cocked his head. “It’s a possibility.”
“We can always try. And I’m capable of taking care of myself should things go sour and your people don’t intercept Saul.”
“Let me think about it, consider all the ramifications. I’ll contact you once I’ve made up my mind.”
Stone gave him his phone number. “I’ll expect to hear from you asap.”
“I’ll have to get away from Dee. Call Saul. It won’t be for a few hours.”
“Just remember that if you or Dee try to take kids from that orphanage there will be a bloodbath.”
“And if we don’t stop this trafficking ring, you might have saved this group of children but others will die in their stead.”
Tina looked up from the meal she was eating, a restlessness filling her. She felt twitchy, uncomfortable, the need for…something…driving all thought of food away.
She pushed the tray away and stood up. The walking stick Anna had given her earlier was near the bed and she grabbed it even though she was sure she didn’t really need it. Her leg was feeling stronger with each passing hour.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Sister Bernita entered the infirmary.
“A short walk. I’m feeling cooped up.”
“Your leg won’t heal if you continue to overuse it.”
“Isn’t fresh air supposed to be good for patients?”
Sister Bernita shook her head. “You remind me of the children thinking up a dozen excuses as to why they should have their own way.”
“Is it working?”
“Well… I suppose a very short walk might not overtax you. However, I’ll go with you just in case.”
The two women were exiting the building when someone entered the gates.
“Elijah!”
“Mr. Stone!”
They both spoke at once upon recognizing the man walking towards them. His long stride was rapidly closing the distance between them.
Tina abandoned the walking stick and took two hurried steps forward only to be swept up in Stone’s arms.
He held her gently, one arm around her waist, his hand cradling the back of her head as she pressed her face to the crook of his neck. The restlessness inside her eased, a sense of homecoming filling her.
“I missed you.” She whispered against him, inhaling his scent.
He eased her away. His eyes took in her features, his hand slid to cup her cheek and then he leaned down to kiss her softly. “I missed you, too.”
“Just in time, Mr. Stone. The gates will be locked soon.”
They both turned, suddenly realizing they had an audience. Sister Bernita was watching them, a wistful smile on her face.
“Sister.” Stone ducked his head in acknowledgement, not removing his arms from Tina.
“I take it you will be spending the night?” The nun’s gaze shifted between Stone and Tina.
“If you have room for me.”
“The cot in the office at the front of the infirmary is yours if you wish.” She gave Tina a small smile. “You have your bed in the back, of course.”
“Of course.” Tina slipped from Stone’s arms, feeling guilty.
“I’ll check the dressing on your leg before I turn in for the night.” Sister nodded towards the medical building. “Another five minutes of walking is all the strain your leg can probably manage.”
“I’m sure she’s a fast healer and her leg will be fine.” Stone commented.
“Then I can assume you will be checking her leg and reporting any signs of infection to me?” Sister cocked her head.
“Definitely,” Stone nodded. “I will examine her thoroughly.”
Tina barely held
back a gasp. Sister raised one eyebrow but made no comment.
Once the nun was out of earshot, Tina smacked Stone in the stomach. "How could you say such a thing in front of her?”
“It’s the truth.”
“I know but…” Tina pursed her lips and shook her head. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“I’m sure I can come up with some suggestions.” Stone put a guiding hand on her back. “Come on, the sun is starting to set. We need to get inside and Sister Bernita is right; you shouldn’t overtax yourself.”
“That’s not what you were hinting at a minute ago.”
“Don’t worry. I’m going to take very good care of you.”
Stone trailed his finger over Christina’s thigh, circling the area where the bullet wound had once been. Now that the bullet had been removed, she was healing quickly. The flesh was still pink but the skin had almost completely knitted together, there being minimum need for the stitches that still remained.
“That’s amazing.” Christina was propped up in his cot, staring down at her leg. “Not even forty-eight hours since surgery but you’d think it had been a week or more.”
“Healing quickly is a shifter trait.”
“I knew that but to actually see it, experience it. Wow.” She shook her head. “I wonder how long I’ll have super healing abilities.”
Stone left his examination of her leg and moved to sit beside her. “I’ve no idea. Maybe a few weeks, maybe forever. We’ll have to make some inquiries when we get back to the States.”
“Mmm.” Christina made a small noise that let him know her interest was waning in the topic. She was rubbing her knuckles over his chin. “I like you with stubble.”
He leaned forwards and rubbed his chin against her cheek causing her to giggle.
“That tickles,” she protested.
Stone repeated the gesture and she squirmed.
The cot gave a threatening creak and both froze.
“I think you better get up, Eli. This bed wasn’t made for two.”
He stood and glared at the cot. “My plans for tonight do not include us sleeping separately.” After a moment of frowning, he gave a decisive nod. “Get up.”