Page 49 of Enchanted Hero
“Mr. Stone, we need to talk.”
“It’s not a good time.” Steel backed Alexander’s tone. For a man comfortable in every situation, he was tense now.
The detective opened a notebook. “Make time.”
“We need your cooperation.” The scientist stepped forward, his features inscrutable, as he observed Alexander with the scrutiny only a man of science commanded. “Tell us everything you know about the supernatural creature.”
CHAPTER 9
Alexander had faced many formidable foes. Rogue enchanters, unscrupulous business moguls, dirty politicians. They’d challenged him, tested his abilities, even fought in magical duels, but nothing could compare to this. Never had the risk of exposure been so great.
Now they’d ambushed him right in front of Everleigh.
What had she seen during the tornado? What would she reveal? Just because she hadn’t said anything before didn’t mean she couldn’t be convinced.
He shielded his concern, gave a measured smile. “Is this a joke?”
Agent Andrews moved closer. “Do I look like the kind of man who jokes?”
Not even a little. Yet he wouldn’t be intimidated by the man’s daunting presence, or his position. Although he was a big man, Alexander wasbigger. “Not really, but accusing me of knowing a supernatural creature is far-fetched, wouldn’t you say?”
Agent Andrews shook his head. “Not considering the evidence.”
“The evidence?” Alexander lightened his expression. “You mean grainy cell phone video shot through a torrential thunderstorm? Or the witnesses who’d been sipping Chardonnay the whole night? I’m not sure their accounts would hold up in a court of law.”
“They don’t need to convince a judge,” Agent Andrews returned. “The possibility is enough to warrant an investigation.”
“We just want the truth.” Dr. Garrison regarded Alexander. “Discover what happened. If someone – or something – is out there, we need to know.”
What would they say if they realized they were talking to thatsomething? “Video and eyewitness accounts don’t preclude it from being a hoax. As a scientist and government agent, do you truly believe in supernatural beings?”
The denial, which would have been swift and unwavering weeks ago, didn’t come. “Just because we’re investigating something out of the ordinary doesn’t mean it’s a hoax.” Dr. Garrison’s voice was quiet yet firm. “I may be a scientist, but I don’t profess to know everything about the universe. Do you, Mr. Stone?”
Alexander set his jaw. “Of course not. I just look for the most realistic explanation. There have been thousands of hoaxes over the years, some very believable, yet no validated reports of an actual supernatural being. So no, I don’t believe one visited my cocktail party.”
“Are you sure you haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary?”
He was out of the ordinary.“Other than a mutual fund going a seriously different direction than I predicted, there’s been nothing but normal in my life. I didn’t actually see the tornado. As I told you before, the storm knocked out my security cameras. The video on the Internet was extremely low quality and taken through a storm. It could’ve easily been shadows.”
Neither man appeared particularly convinced.
“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to end this–”
“What would the government do to him?”
He exhaled slowly. He’d almost gotten rid of the officials before they questioned Everleigh. Now she had their full attention.
“Good afternoon, ma’am.” Agent Andrews’ expression transformed from sharp disappointment to stark interest. “I’m Agent Andrews, and this is Dr. Garrison.”
Not good.He had to regain control of the situation. “And this is Ms. Everleigh Lacey, owner of New Age Treasures, which Stone Holdings just acquired. We were in the middle of a business meeting. If you’ll excuse us, we’ll get back to it.”
Neither man took the hint. “The lady asked a question,” Agent Andrews replied smugly.
Everleigh looked back and forth between the two officials. “The man saved a woman from the tornado. Even if he is some sort of supernatural being, he’s also a hero. What are you going to do if you catch him?”
“We don’t want to hurt him,” Dr. Garrison responded sincerely. “That’s not our intention at all. We just want to discover who he is and how he did those things. If there really is a man with powers, it would change everything we know about science and humans.”
Alexander tightened. No matter the scientist’s intentions, many people would have an opinion on what should be done about – and to – him. He would be detained, trapped,studied. If they discovered the truth, life as he knew it would be over.
