Page 64

I asked, “Tip from whom?” He asked, “Isn’t that the question? Information has been funneled to your dad, me, your Hackura Uncles, your grandpa, and even your Uncle Aiden. More so in the last year and half, almost two years, than ever before.”

I asked, “Who is doing it?” He said, “I think it’s the same person.

” I jolted, “How? Is it coming from the same place?” He admitted, “No. They are doing it how I would. It’s coming from different locations all over the world.

I’ve tracked them back and it’s not someone hiding in a central location.

I actually wrote a paper almost ten years ago about this. ”

I said, “Then it’s someone who knows a Fairy, Demon, or Hackura.” EJ argued, “A Hackura would just tell us.” I pointed out, “Telling our Uncles, Grandpa…” I trailed off, “Wait, what about the women of the family?” He stood and shut his door quickly.

He told us both, “You didn’t hear it from me but all the women in the family have gotten information too.

” I asked, “Why didn’t we hear that from you?

” EJ said, “Because mom has gone off and killed people without telling people who her source is. All of them have.” I shrugged because I didn’t give a shit about bad people dying.

Also, they clearly told Uncle Gunner. So, someone knew.

I said, “Not to mention the people coming off the buses.” Uncle Gunner said, “Your mom has gotten several coordinates herself. The worst of what we’ve seen ALWAYS goes to your mom.” I reasoned, “Someone knows us well.” Which grated since we didn’t know them.

I asked, “Who could copy you so well?” He snorted, “If I knew that, I’d know who it was. They have my attention that’s for sure.” I asked, “What has been given to Uncle Aiden?” He said, “I’m sure that’s something you should ask him.” He wouldn’t tell me, but I had a dead Uncle who just might.

I questioned, “Does this go as far as Uncle Lief?” Uncle Gunner snorted, “Yeah, it does. He’s gotten a few tips and thinks it’s hilarious.” I knew where I was going then. I nodded to my brother who sat down to talk to Uncle Gunner more.

I popped to Uncle Lief’s house. He greeted, “Alexander, what a surprise.” I admitted, “My day has been somewhat of an anomaly. I came to ask about the tips you’ve been given.” He grinned, “And what interesting tips they are. You know they originate in places I cultivated sources.”

I replied, “I did not know that.” He chuckled, “Everyone’s do. Giving the appearance that they are different people.” I prodded, “But you don’t think so.” He winked, “I know it’s the same person. The language of the messages are the same. I argue it’s similar to a message we got four years ago.”

I asked, “What about?” He grinned, “Good question. I’ve been told it’s crazy and not possible, but this old crazy man thinks it just might be. I’d bet your mother would agree.” He should tell her then. I snorted, “Since when do you talk in riddles?”

He grinned answering, “When you get to be my age you have to make your own fun, nephew. If I could prove it, you’d be my first call.” I clarified, “Me?” He nodded. I questioned, “Of all people, I’m who you’d call first?” He winked.

Oden asked me, “Does he think Melanie is doing this?” She wasn’t a hacker. Oden argued, “She could be.” I retorted, “In what spare time? Even if she was, could she be good enough Uncle Gunner couldn’t nail her down?”

Even as I said it, it rang true. Melanie was a genius. She could absolutely do anything she wanted, but she was super busy with school. I had thought about it once after her accident but ultimately dismissed the idea. Oden agreed, “We are being silly.”

Uncle Lief cleared his throat, “Yes, you. Often the tips are about you.” I asked, “Me? What about me?” He shrugged, “All different types of things. Maybe look into some clean up missions we’ve done in the last year and half. See if you notice a pattern.”

I pointed out, “Uncle Bjourn would ask me to look at them if he wanted.” He chuckled, “Yes, well sometimes the younger folks don’t listen to those of us that have been around the block.” I shot back, “Maybe come around more often. You guys keep to yourselves a lot.”

He sighed, “I never thought I’d live this long without my brothers. They were both older. I was the miracle baby, you know?” I did. He was sixty years younger than Magnus. Even more so than my Grandpa Ragor.

I asked, “What was Uncle Magnus like?” No one talked about him or his family really. He laughed, “He was the one who got stuff done. He’d tell you all about the cleanups. Hell, he’d probably jump on my thoughts and come back with an answer in hours. He was such a lady’s man. Gods, I miss him.”

I reached out and squeezed his hand. He smiled at me, “I wish I was more like him. We need him. Now, with all this Fairy light sharing mojo I’ll be around even longer.”

I asked, “Don’t you want to be?” He chuckled, “I do. I love seeing the new generations and I still have my role in our family.” He advised Uncle Bjourn. He admitted, “I just miss my brothers. If your Aunt Myla goes, I’ll follow.” They’d been together so long that was understandable.

I conjured us whiskey. He chuckled, “Strongly consider digging into the files.” I nodded, “I will.” He chuckled, “Your Uncle Magnus would’ve slapped you on the back head with the files and ordered you to read them.

” That would be helpful since I didn’t even get a direction on the files other than ‘clean up.’ Which was a shit ton.

I left him and went to the gym. I was there where my squadron arrived, so I ran with them. I put them through drills before Cayden arrived. We worked on formation before I dismissed them for the day. Cayden said, “I hear you missed Cheyenne leaving?” I groaned, “Fuck. I forgot. I’m a bad friend.”

He said, “You are not. They came by unexpectedly.” They had. Normally, if they scheduled a visit, I was better about being around. I told him, “I have a lot on my mind.” He asked, “Anything you want to talk about?” I admitted, “I don’t know.”

I turned to leave then asked, “Did you hear about that chat room?” His eyes narrowed, “Yeah, I had some interesting conversations about it before they were cut off.” I asked, “With?” He answered, “A source of mine.” I asked, “How was the conversation cut off?” He replied, “By her friends.”

I jolted, “You think you know the fighter in question?” He hummed, “I don’t have any proof.” I urged, “Take Cassie and talk to your source then you’d have proof.” He inclined his head, “Maybe said source is incredibly jumpy about your family.”

I frowned, “Why?” He shrugged, “I do not know. It’s weird.” I replied, “At this point everything is weird.” Oden sighed, “I miss mate.” I did too. I wanted to go home and watch her dance. I waved to Cayden and popped to my room. I locked the door then opened my laptop.

Since Micah had put a backdoor into Jason’s computer for me, when I needed to see Melanie I could. I didn’t watch their calls because they seemed off. She was stiff and not like herself. Besides, he deserved the privacy.

When she danced though, she came alive. It was like she was a whole other person. Oden agreed, “She is. In the videos she’s stiff and robotic. Her moves are nothing like that when she dances.” I joked, “Yeah, she like two different people.”

Once I’d thought they were different people, but I was being crazy. I’d had some cookies and calmed down before I made a fool of myself telling anyone that. Oden snorted, “Yeah, we would’ve had to explain how we knew that and how we got the videos.”

I would evade because I wasn’t giving Micah up. He’d been nice enough to do this for me and I was certain he knew what, rather who, I was watching at this point.

I queued up the new video and watched Melanie dance. It took my breath away every time. I touched the screen, “She seems sad and angry.” Her movements told me she was too. I got up and followed her movements pretending we were dancing together.

Her anger came through loud and clear. I wondered if class had gone poorly that day or something. I touched the screen again saying, “I would destroy anyone who upset you.” Oden growled, “Her movements have been sad or angry a lot lately.”

To be honest, most of the dances were hauntingly heartbreaking.

It was as if she was being driven by sadness.

I told him, “You know we think she misses home.” He agreed, “Yes, but not coming home now is no longer proving a point. She’s hurting herself.

We have to do something.” I asked, “What can we do?” He growled, “Something.” I closed my eyes and rubbed my face.

I took out my phone and called Jason. He answered, “Hey, Alexander.” I greeted, “Hey, how’s your day going?

” He replied, “Fine, I guess. My call with Melanie was…” He trailed off.

I asked, “Was what?” He snorted, “Cut off. Again. I haven’t talked to her more than five minutes at a time since she left. ” Oden growled.

EJ linked, “Why are you mad?” I replied, “I’m fine.” He snorted, “Gosh, if only that was what I’d asked. You were concerned and now you’re raving pissed.” I grunted, “I’m on the phone.” He growled back but didn’t reply.

I asked, “Do you think she’s sad? I’m worried since you said she got homesick a lot.

I mean, I know we all think she’s proving a point staying away.

I just worry that she’s hurting herself more in the process.

” He sighed, “Yeah, her dances lately. Gosh, since she’s left…

they’re sorrowful.” I knew that but I couldn’t exactly say so.