Page 73 of Forbidden Moon
“No need to apologize. I’m proud of you for taking him down and for your quick thinking. I’ll pass this along to Lou and let him use the department’s resources. My wolf is itching to strike back, but we don’t know who our enemy is yet. Meanwhile, why don’t you go on home and rest? You’ve been through enough for one day and...”
Robyn bristled. Sitting around while her packmates were in danger? Not happening!
“I’m fine, Ben, and Artem needs help in the Surveillance Hub. I don’t want us to miss something and leave one of our people exposed and alone.”
Ben raised an eyebrow, though he shouldn’t have been surprised by her refusal to be wrapped in cotton. In truth, she’d impressed him with her determination and resourcefulness.
“OK, Robyn. I’m just glad you’re all right. Make sure you and Artem get something to eat before you lose track of time. I’ll be around if you need anything.”
Robyn hurried off, eager to get started and give her mind something else to focus on. Ben met Lou in the hallway on their way to the Tactical Center, where Oscar and Caleb were waiting. Considering Lou was on duty and couldn’t stay long, Ben handed over the assailant’s information with a satisfied growl. Lou looked it over and then passed it to Oscar.
“The shit-stain’s name is Neal Glaser. It turns out our Robyn is resourceful as well as intelligent and gutsy. She raided his wallet before you got to the office. Maybe it will tell us something useful. What do you know about the three we caught this morning?”
Lou answered, wishing he had something significant to report.
“Security managed to disarm and apprehend them before they got very far. Four of the team scented a group of deer nearby, shifted into wolf form, and chased them in the right direction. The intruders were almost trampled, but it was enough of a distraction to relieve them of their weapons without seeing anything they shouldn’t.
“We didn’t get much out of them. We overheard one of the guys call the tall redhead “John”, but that’s it. None of them were carrying ID, and we impounded the vehicle they arrived in. It turned out not to have a plate, registration, or insurance. The office is tracking down the VIN to see if we can figure out who owned it last, and we’ve put a trace on their weapons. All three have clammed up and are behind bars until we confirm their identity and write up the charges. I’ll let you know when something breaks. I hate to say it, but I’m afraid this pattern of harassment is only the beginning.”
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WALTER CHECKED THEarrival and departure board when he entered Chicago’s O’Hare airport. The connecting flight appeared to be on time, with a ninety-minute layover. Good. He could stretch his legs and get a bite to eat. With his bags checked all the way through, he had only a small carry-on to lug around.
He took his time heading for concourse “C”, eyeing the various dining options on the way. Airport food, like hospital fare, shared a similar reputation—avoid at all costs. Walter ignored the danger and chose a decent-looking burger joint that also boasted some healthier menu options. He settled in with his meal, watching an intriguing parade of humanity pass by. What would they say if he were to tell them he planned to visit a community filled with wolf shifters?
He snickered at the thought, knowing his sanity would be seriously questioned. There were times he wished he could share his knowledge of these wonderful people, particularly with his wife and family. Now that he’d discharged his duty and delivered the journals to their rightful owner, the generations-long secret would die with him. Nevertheless, he planned to ask Jack about the possibility of passing on the torch—with only a slight break in tradition.
He loved his son, Matthew, but the man couldn’t be entrusted with such delicate information. Gray, his daughter’s only child, was made of different stuff. Named after his many-times great grandfather, Gray Feather, the boy seemed imbued with the spirit of his ancestors; serious, disciplined, trustworthy, and eager to learn. He’d recently turned eighteen and started working for the museum in time for the trip to Gladstone. Walter wanted Jack to meet Gray before rendering an opinion on his idea to include the young man in their grand secret.
Walter’s ruminations carried him through the meal, leaving only the dregs of his coffee. He’d been looking forward to this trip for months—anxious to see his dear friends again, put faces with names, ask questions, and get a feel for the place. It pained him knowing Gladstone was currently under duress, threatened by unknowns who wished them harm.
Ever-practical, Jack saw no reason to put off the trip for another time. It might be Walter’s only opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of a unique and treasured people very few were privileged to know. A glance at the clock told him he’d soon begin the last leg of his journey, and he couldn’t wait.
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MEANWHILE...
Due to the security situation, Jonah couldn’t show RJ some of his favorite spots. Instead, he took him on a tour of the central compound, stopping to chat with whoever happened to be crossing their path—which turned out to be an unusually large number of people for a Tuesday afternoon. Jonah didn’t mind at all, pleased to introduce RJ to each of them as his mate. The first time, RJ gave him such a sweet smile it took Jonah’s breath away.
As they passed the challenge circle, RJ inquired as to its purpose. Jonah had to think fast.
“Oh... the, uh, children like to play games here and in the meadow when they need fresh air and sunshine. No need to worry about running into trees or poison ivy.”
A few paces further on, RJ asked about the building with the large red cross.
“Oh, that’s the infirmary. The rest of the building is Donna and Lou’s home. She has a medical practice in town, two doors down from the LRC, but likes having a place here to treat people and deliver babies. As a group, we aren’t big on going to clinics or hospitals.”
Jonah squeezed Rascal’s hand as they neared the Eastside Apartments and the four cabin-style homes under construction around them. He pointed to one in particular and led RJ closer.
“This one is mine. It’s only about half-finished, but I can show you around.”
Two people hammered away on the roof, and RJ did a double-take when he noticed one of them was a lovely young woman. She smiled and waved before picking up another bundle of shingles. Jonah laughed.
“That’s Abigail. She’s mated to Ben’s chef, and they have a sweet little boy named Perry. When we go through the pac... uh, the main building over there, I’ll introduce you to Cody.”
Jonah led RJ inside the partially-finished structure, pointing out the rooms and various features he’d requested. RJ seemed impressed.
“I like this, Jo. Plenty of space and a great layout, too. It’ll be quite different than your mobile home. Cozier, I imagine. I can almost picture you in front of the fireplace with a book and a cup of hot chocolate.”
