You only need one person to fill out paperwork. Why was he asking for Darren to go with him ? As a matter of fact, if she was already due to be released today, why would they need to fill out any paperwork ? Wait, can I stay here while you guys do that ? He suggested instead.
Gerrit quirked an eyebrow. Sure. I’ll see you in a bit. He turned and wandered back up to the front.
Darren waited until the guy was out of sight, and right when he was about to ask Sophie what she new, she suddenly grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him closer to the bars. Don’t trust him !
Who ? Gerrit ? Darren asked. Why ? What did you really see ?
It was-
Hey ! An officer then approached and noticed how Sophie was latching onto Darren. He hurried over and pried her fingers off. Stop that !
It’s okay ! Darren tried to say, but the damage was done and the officer peered suspiciously back at his aunt.
After that display, I’m not leaving you alone with her until she’s released. He stated.
Darren looked helplessly at his aunt. It’s fine. She said. They don’t have anything to keep me for more than a day anyways. I’ll talk to you then.
The rogue prepared to protest, then figured she might have a good reason for not wanting to talk in front of the officer.
Coming to an agreement, Darren left as he mulled over the situation.
All the clues indicated that whoever was taking the kids was someone they trusted. After all, no sane person would get into a rusty red car if they didn’t know the person driving it. What’s more, based on Holly’s reaction to Darren, the kids were very cautious around strangers.
At first it would make sense to suspect Liam. Everyone in the pack trusted him, plus he had the power to withdraw all search parties and act like nothing was wrong. But what if that was all it was ?
The Alpha did have a track record for avoiding bad press. What if that was his real reason for trying to contain the investigation ?
Then there was Jared’s cryptic warning.
He indicated that it was a woman. But then, why Sophie ? What would she have to gain ? Even if he was able to suspect her, he couldn’t figure out what her motive would be…
Unless all the kids had powers, just like Holly…
Realization dawned on Darren, and he stopped mid step.
That would explain why he hasn’t seen a single one of their ghosts. They weren’t being murdered, they were being trafficked.
Other packs would do anything to increase the number of Betas in their community. The more Betas they had, the more powerful their pack would seem, and grooming one from childhood would be much easier than bribing or threatening random rogues into joining. He could only imagine how much an Alpha would pay for young Betas, and it was well known that Alpha’s were more than wealthy.
He recalled how angry his aunt had been about his uncle being banned. Sophie may act obedient, but she already helped smuggle Darren out of the pack before, thus proving that she was willing to break the rules.
But then why did she tell him not to trust Gerrit ?
Were they both working together ? Did they have a falling out ? When he thought about it, he didn’t actually have any proof that Gerrit was in his room when Holly went missing. For all he knew, the guy could have snuck out his window or something.
Gerrit was also a well known member of the pack, what with being the Alpha’s son and all. Plus he had access to all the same files and documents that Liam did. He could easily manipulate the investigation from the inside.
But something still wasn’t quite adding up.
He shook his head, desperate for answers but unable to get any of them until Sophie was released. So he continued his walk towards the waiting room.
Opening the door, he bumped into the last person he expected to see.
Despite having the guys back facing him, he recognized Liam’s imposing figure instantly.
Darren blinked. Then rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing properly.
The man looked the same as he did the day he disappeared. As a matter of fact, he looked cleaner than before.
Confused, he approached the Alpha with one hand protectively over his Collar, and as he got closer, he realized the man was watching both Gerrit and Jasper sign something. Unlike usual, Liam had a soft look on his face.
The rogue reached out just as he spoke.
Maybe I sacrificed too much…
Then, Darren’s hand went straight through his form, causing his body to shimmer, then vanish.
The rogue stood, stunned, as he realized that in his surprise, he had failed to noticed how pale and transparent Liam was.
Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he face the two men and wondered just how he was going to break the news.
Darren was not looking forward to telling either man what he just learned.
Honestly, if Gerrit had anything to do with the Alpha’s death, then it wouldn’t be so bad for him. But for Jasper…
He sighed, knowing that despite their recent falling out, Jasper had considered Liam like a father.
The rogue stood hesitantly behind the two, waiting for them to take notice. When they did, they were disturbed by the rogue’s unusual sheepish behavior.
What is it ? Jasper asked.
Just as Darren opened his mouth, the doors to the station burst open and in walked a frazzled officer. He had sweat stains under the armpits of his uniform and looked like he had just run a marathon.
What’s going on ? Gerrit stepped forward, stopping the man from passing them on his way to the back.
The officer glanced between the group and the door, clearly in a hurry but not so much that he would ignore them. Jasper let the man hesitate for only a moment longer before getting impatient.
Roy ! Jasper drew the officer’s attention, and he bowed his head in submission.
We found a body in the lake.
As soon as those words left the officer’s mouth, both men were on high alert. Meanwhile Darren was unaffected since he already knew who it most likely was. As a matter of fact, he was somewhat relieved that he no longer bore the burden of telling them himself.
When ? Jasper asked urgently.
About twenty minutes ago. The man sucked in a breath, then turned sadly towards Gerrit. It’s…Alpha Liam.
A heavy silence filled the room. Once those words sank in, Gerrit brought a hand up to his mouth and backed up till he was leaning against the wall. Slowly, he sank to the floor.
As for Jasper, his expression went from alert to blank as he focused all his attention on the officer.
How ? The young Alpha swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure.
We don’t know yet. Roy explained. Even though he was found in a lake, it looks like he was hit in the head, so we’re suspecting foul play.
Where is he now ? Gerrit shot from the wall and approached the officer. I need to see !
Roy hesitated at the breach of protocol, then sighed and gestured for them to follow.
Darren was forced to tag along and witness these men slowly crumble as the reality of Liam’s death was confirmed when they took a trip to the local morgue.
He had seen enough dead bodies in his life and opted not to look, but Jasper and Gerrit insisted on making sure it wasn’t some sort of mistake. When they finally got a glimpse of the man, Gerrit reeled back and stormed out of the building.
At this point, Darren felt like the man was putting on a spectacular performance for someone who may have murdered his own father, and quite frankly wanted to doubt the accusation.
Jasper, on the other hand, was oddly calm.
The young Alpha had slapped on a poker face the instant they left the station, and had continued to wear it up till they unzipped the body bag. Even after Gerrit left, he continued to keep that unnatural calm about him.
Then Mary arrived.
The woman tumbled through the entry and was escorted by another Beta. All it took was one look before she let out the most painful wail they had ever heard.
Collapsing onto the ground besides her mate’s body, she began bawling her eyes out.