Chapter 19

"Anything yet?" Afet asked as she anxiously paced the floor of Nora's room.

"Close," Nora said, her eyes glued on the computer screen.

"We've come very far," the fey tried to remain positive.

Afet turned to look at Arsenio, "We know their mother was born in New Orleans. The eldest daughter, Viola, was killed in a car accident."

"It wasn't a car accident," Arsenio rolled his eyes. "Zeus threw his lightning bolt at her while she was driving."

"You can't really write that in a police report," Afet shook her head.

"Okay, fine. Car accident."

"Now for the youngest," Afet looked over to Nora.

"Valentina," Nora said.

"Yes, yes," Arsenio nodded. "She's been missing."

"But I found her," Nora drummed her finger patiently as she waited for the screen to load. "She went missing right after her sister was killed. The last time she used her cards or cellphone was inside a cell phone store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin."

"How does that help us?" Arsenio looked at the screen.

"Because people are dumb," Nora muttered. "It's like they've never watched any spy movies. Valentina last used her card at 3:30 P.M inside the store. From the store surveillance camera you can see there was only one other customer in there around the same time."

Afet and Arsenio moved closer as Nora turned her screen around to show them the video.

"This lady right here," Nora pointed to a mother with a young child. "She was looking at a Niko camera and she left with a big bag. Around the same time the store authorized another payment."

"Valentina's?" Afet asked.

"Yep."

"What did she buy?"

"A burner cell phone."

"Now do you know that?" Arsenio asked.

"Because ten minutes after she left a new cell phone signal pinged off the nearest cell tower," Nora said. "And her purchase amount was the exact price for a burner cell phone. Tax included."

Arsenio and Afet looked at each other, a little hesitant to feel any breath of relief.

"The last thing you want to do if you want to vanish is use your debit card!" Nora shook her head. "Use cash people! It can't be traced!"

"Can we find her through the phone now?" Afet asked.

"I'm already on it," Nora said. "Valentina has been using the phone nonstop and she used the number to file for a new bank card. Violet Wakeman."

"She changed her identity," Arsenio said.

"Yes," Nora nodded. "But she sucks at staying hidden. I'm just waiting for her to use her card again so I can get her location."

"I'll tell Nico to stay ready."

"Wait, what? No, why him?" Nora frowned.

"You can't go after Valentina on your own," Arsenio frowned.

"Is she even dangerous?" Nora asked. "Why don't I go and talk to her? Explain to her what is happening here. Tell her who she is and why her sister was killed."

"And if he doesn't listen?"

"Then....." Nora shrugged. "Not much we can do about that. I will not aid you in kidnapping."

"Nico is going with you," Arsenio ignored everything Nora had just said.

"That is really unnecessary," Nora protested.

"Nora, please," Afet sighed. "It's not safe to go alone."

"I can't believe you're saying this too," Nora shook her head. "And I won't be alone. I'll go with someone."

"Who?" Arsenio asked.

"I'll go with Hayden."

"The jinn?" Arsenio frowned. "At least take your fey with you. Not the jinn.

If you only knew, old man, Nora thought to herself staring at the screen.

As Afet and Arsenio began to chatter about Nico and Nora, the girl opened her-mind link to Hayden. She figured it would be a good idea to check in with him first before volunteering him for any adventure she was about to go on.

Hayden?

Yes, Shona?

Shona? Nora arched her brow.

Sitting at his desk in the office he once shared with Nora, Hayden smiled, staring at the file in front of him as he listened to Nora's voice.

It's a term of endearment, he replied back.

What does it mean?

Hayden pondered for a few, Literally? It means gold. But I like to think of it as darling.

Darling...Nora tried out the word.

Are you blushing? Hayden teased.

No.

Liar.

What are you doing?

I'm at work, Hayden sighed, leaning his head abc and pinching his eyes.

Busy?

Kind of, Hayden said. Why? Is everything okay?

I think I found the vestal.

That's great! Hayden sat up. What happens now?

We're going to go meet her, Nora said. I was wondering if you wanted to come along with me...

Hayden suddenly felt his mind split in half. He shut his eyes and groaned as the file stared back at him from his desk.

I'm sorry...He said, feeling crappy. I really want to come with you but Ares just dropped off an urgent case. I need to take care of this today.

That's okay, Nora said.

Can you wait? We can go tomorrow morning. First thing.

We can't....Hayden could feel Nora frowning.

I'm sorry, love.

It's okay, really.

Please tell me you're not going alone, Hayden pinched the bridge of his nose. Someone will be with you right? One of those guardians? Arsenio?

Someone will be with me, Nora said. Don't worry. Afet won't let me leave alone.

I owe that woman so much.

Maybe someday you can repay her for babysitting me, Nora laughed.

I will, Hayden smiled, feeling his insides melt from her laughter.

I'll let you go back to work, Nora said.

No, Hayden shook his head. I don't want to work. I want to spend the whole day talking to you.

Then, I'll go back to work, Nora said.

No, Hayden refused to close his mind-link. Stay.

I love you.

And I love you, Hayden smiled. I miss looking up and seeing you at your desk. It's too quiet in this office.

Once all this is over, I'll come back to work, Nora said. Tell Ezno to count his days.

The grin on Hayden's face spread like a ray of light in a dark room, I can't wait to fuck you on my desk.

Hayden!

What? Hayden laughed. Tell me you don't want me to do that.

No....Nora said. I mean yes......I.....I don't know!

Hayden laughed at how Nora's heart hammered through their link. He knew her breathing had labored and her thighs were probably tightly pressed together. That beautiful shade of rose on her cheeks made him hard just thinking about her.

I think I'll change the dress code when you come back to work, Hayden said. Just skirts and high heels.

Then I'm not coming to work.

Fine by me, Hayden teased. I'll just see you at home.

Okay.

Think it through, Hayden said. My desk....us all alone. Late nights working in the office. I'll even give you a raise.

Now we're talking, Nora laughed. How much were you thinking?

We can negotiate the next time I see you, Hayden said. I'm sure you can convince me to match any demand.

Are you sure? Nora asked. What if I ask to be paid more than you make?

Take it all, Hayden chuckled. All of it is yours.

Yeah, yeah, Nora rolled her eyes. I have to go now.

Okay, Hayden sighed. Please, be careful. Have your link open the whole time. Stay with the guardians. And do not try anything crazy. Call me as soon as you feel anything isn't right.

I'll behave, Nora promised. And you be careful with what you have going on too.

Hmm, I'll try, Hayden looked down at the file.

Is it....are you....

Yes, Hayden said, confirming what Nora was trying to ask.

Please be safe, Nora said.

I always am, love.

I love you.

I love you so much.

And with that Hayden felt Nora slip out of the link and return to whatever she was doing.

He sat up and quickly scanned through the file before texting Enzo to pack all the necessary materials.

Ares, Hayden called ot the god as he read the file.

What's up, kid? Ares asked.

I don't see anything here that makes her a threat, Hayden said, re-reading the file. She just looks like a regular junkie.

The file came from Zeus, Ares said. I don't even know what's in it.

Is he sending me after one of his demigods again? Hayden clicked his tongue. Because I won't do that. 

I swear, this man has no shame, Ares sighed. Check for me before you pull the trigger? If it's another demigod like last time, just call me in. I'll handle it Zeus. 

Got it, Hayden said. And this has to be done by tonight?

That's what the top man said, Ares said.

I'll handle it, Hayden thanked the god and closed his mind-link.

He rose from his seat and reached for Nora's silver watch on his desk. Picking it up, he pulled open his drawer and picked up the box of bullets. Just as he was about to take a handful, the door to his office opened and Birdie rushed in.

"Sorry," the girl froze, half way in. "I should have knocked."

"That's fine," Hayden said, quietly putting the box of bullets back.

"You're not going to yell at me?" Birdie arched her brow.

"No..." Hayden frowned. "I don't yell at you."

"Are you feeling okay?" Birdie stared.

"I feel fine. Why?"

"You're very calm," Birdie observed. "It's a bit unsettling."

"Why are you here, Birdie?" Hayden rolled his eyes. "Get on with it."

"I came to give you this," Birdie talked towards her brother's desk and pulled out a box from her backpack. "It's Nora's. Return it for me?"

"What is it?" Hayden asked curiously.

"A dagger," Birdie said. "She had it on her last night when I changed her."

Hayden took the box and lifted the cover. The light in the room caught the glass dagger and sparkled like Cinderella's glass slippers.

"What's this?" Birdie asked, reading the file on Hayden's desk as he checked out the dagger. "Who's Violet Wakeman?"

"Stop being so nosy," Hayden flipped the file close.

"Ooooo, I'm gonna tell Nora."

"Tell her what?"

"That you're stalking other girls," Birdie laughed.

"Go back to class, bird head."

"She really thought you and Elsa were a thing."

Hayden sighed, "Yeah, I know."

"You're welcome," Birdie smiled.

"For what exactly?"

"For saving your love life," Birdie said as if it was obvious. "Nora was going to leave without seeing you last night. I stopped her and convinced her there was nothing going on between you and Elsa."

"I think I convinced her," Hayden said.

"But I stopped her from leaving."

"She wouldn't have left," Hayden snorted, to which Birdie raised a skeptical brow. "Okay, maybe...."

"Thank you, Birdie," Birdie smiled. "Why, you're welcome Hayden."

Hayden laughed at his sister's theatrics, "Thank you."

"I want something in return."

"No," Hayden protested. "Get out of here."

"But I saved your love life!" Birdie dug her feet in. "Without me, you'd still be crying like a sad puppy."

"I did not cry."

"I want......" Birdie tapped her chin and thought about what she could ask for.

"Birdie, I really have to go," Hayden said, checking the time.

He picked up the file along with the box in which Nora's dagger sat and walked around the table to where his sister stood.

"Think about what you want and I'll get it," Hayden said, quickly pressing a kiss to the girl's silver hair.

"Really?" Birdie looked shocked.

"You act like I never get you anything," Hayden rolled his eyes.

"No, but it usually takes days of begging and pleading."

"What can I say?" Hayden paused at the door and winked. "You saved my love life."

Seeing the smile on his sister's face pulled up Hayden's already good mood. He could feel Nora's presence through the link as he made his way over to the weapons vault beside Clare's office. He made plans to get Birdie something special to show how much he really appreciated her. Handing the dagger over to Enzo, Hayden quickly packed his small duffle bag and made his way over to the hall to open a portal.

"Is Nora coming over for dinner tonight?" Birdie stuck her head out of Hayden's office.

"Yes," Hayden said. "Now, get out of my office. Close the door on your way out."

He knew Birdie wouldn't listen as he stepped through the portal and appeared in the rainy state of Washington. The bone chilling air slammed against his body as he adjusted the baseball cap on his head and made his way towards the woods in front of him. Pushing his hands into his pocket, Hayden looked around to make sure no one could see him through the spell he had just casted.

Being very careful to not give away his positioning. Hayden settled himself on top of a hill in the dense wood. He pulled out the sniper rifle from its box and prepared the stand. Once he was sure he had a good grip, he looked through the viewfinder and focused on the small cabin at the edge of the lake.

A light rain began to fall in the silent forest of dark evergreens. Hayden could hear his every breath as he waited for Violet Wakeman to walk out of her house. He prepared himself to wait for hours, remembering Ares' words to be patient for the perfect kill. But as he laid, looking through the viewfinder, his heart started to hammer and twist with anxiety.

Hayden frowned, wondering why he was suddenly feeling so overwhelmed when someone stomped out of the front door of the cabin. His finger immediately landed on the trigger, ready to pull as soon as he confirmed it was Violet Wakeman.

The wooden porch, the thick trees and the rain all conspired to make Hayden's life miserable. He channeled all his attention into the small viewfinder, willing the figure to turn around. He could only see parts of messy dark hair and a hand gripping the railing. The front door opened once more and another figure walked out.

"What are we going to do now?" Hayden's ears picked up when a man's voice came from the porch.

"I....I don't know."

Hayden froze as the very familiar voice answered back.

He lifted his head to see if he could get a better look without the viewfinder.

What the fuck? Hayden thought to himself, feeling confused.

"It's like every path we go down gets blocked and just turns this train wreck towards you and me," the man said.

Hayden's eyes narrowed.

"We can still take her back!"

"Nora, no."

Hayden moved his eyes back to the viewfinder and sure enough, there she was.

Seeing Nora standing on the porch made Hayden's blood chill. She turned away from the guy beside her and took a step forward, putting her directly in the center of Hayden's viewfinder.

Hayden felt his stomach twist and his hand slip away from the trigger. He was frozen, too shocked to see her standing in the line of fire to even call out to her through their link or throw down the rifle.

"Maybe everyone is right," the guy stepped forward, coming up to stand right behind Nora. "Maybe you and I should settle down and start a family."

In a flash, Hayden's ice cold blood became boiling lava. The muscles in his jaw clenched as he slightly moved the rifle to put the guy in the center.

Who was this fucker?

"It's not that simple," Nora shook her head, stepping back. "I can't just forget everything and settle down with you."

The sick feeling in Hayden's stomach began to rise. His head started to spin as he stared at Nora, feeling a thundering pressure in his chest that he swore would be the end of him.

"Nora, listen to me," as Hayden watched in rage, the boy reached out and took Nora's hand.

Tell him to take his hand off of you or I'll empty my gun in his thick skull in three seconds.

Nora's head snapped up. She looked around in alarm as she yanked her hand back.

Where are you? She asked, her heart pounding in her chest so loud, she would barely hear Hayden as he replied through their link.

I'm here, Hayden said. Tell him to step back or I'll blow him up.

Hayden, no! Nora pushed Nico into the cabin. Stop it.

Hayden dropped his rifle and jumped to his feet. He pulled out the gun he had tucked into his belt and flashed through the woods to appear on the porch beside Nora.

Startled by his sudden appearance, Nora jumped in fright, letting out a small yelp. Nico threw his arm in front of her protectively as he stared at Hayden's glowing silver eyes.

"Get the fuck away from her," Hayden glared at Nico with great annoyance as he pulled Nora to his side. "Who are you? What is your name?"

"Hayden, stop," Nora gripped his arm, her eyes flickering to the gun in his hand. "Stop it."

"Who the fuck are you?" Nico asked, pulling out a glass dagger.

"Boys, boys," a woman with long black hair and a hand knit quilt around her shoulder stepped out of the cabin.

Hayden's gaze flickered to her momentarily before going back to Nico.

"My, my," the woman giggled. "Is this the life I missed out on?"

Hayden suddenly raised his gun and aimed it directly toward the woman's forehead.

"Violet Wakeman?" He asked.

"No!" Nora tried to pull Hayden's arm down. "Stop! She's a vestal!"

"What?" Hayden asked, holding the gun steady with both his hands.

"Her real name is Valentina," Nora rushed to explain. "She's the vestal I was looking for."

"Are you sure Hayden asked.

"Yes, I'm sure!"

"She's the new file I got this morning," Hayden said. "Her name is on the chopping block."

"What?" Nora shrieked. "No! Why?"

"Maybe because she's a demon now," Nico said from where he stood.

"Excuse me?" Hayden turned.

"She was never purified," Nora said, still holding Hayden's arm to make sure he wasn't going to fire. "She's possessed."

"That's offensive," Violet said.

"It's the truth!" Nora snapped. "Valentine is gone! You killed her and took over her body!"

"And soon I'll take over your pretty little body," the woman's eyes began to swirl.

"Not so fast," Hayden pushed her back with the gun on her forehead.

"Nora is purified," Nico said. "You can't possess her."

"I can try," Violet smiled.

"I've had enough of this," Hayden said as he lowered the gun and flickered his hand.

A wave of energy radiated out of his hand, causing both Nico and Violet to drop to the floor. Nora jumped back and looked up at the half jinn in alarm.

"What did you do?" She asked.

"A slumber spell," Hayden said, stepping towards her. "Come here. Let me hold you."

Nora barely had any time to react as Hayden pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her thick hair. His heart slammed against his ribs so hard it made Nora grow worried. She tried to pull back to look at him, but Hayden wouldn't let her budge. His heavy breathing landed on her shoulder, making her shiver.

"Hayden," Nora gripped his arms. "What's wrong?"

"Give me a second," the body tightened his hold around her.

Nora could feel her feet starting to hover over the floor as the light rain became a heavy downpour. She slid her hands up Hayden's arms and looped them around his neck.

"Are you okay?" She asked when he didn't speak.

"No," Hayden said.

"What's wrong?"

"I almost shot you."

Nora felt her stomach drop to her feet, "What..."

"My target was Violet," Hayden pulled back just enough to look at Nora's face. "I was waiting for her to come outside when you suddenly appeared in the center of my viewfinder."

Nora didn't know what to say as she watched the fear, anxiety, and panic swim in Hayden's beautiful eyes.

"I'm right here," Nora touched the edge of his face. "I'm safe. You're holding me."

"That doesn't stop the images of what could have happened running through my mind," Hayden shook his head.

"Look at me," Nora pushed closer. "Look at me, please."

Hayden still for a second. His gaze bored into Nora's before he dropped his mouth to her's and began to kiss her desperately, crushing Nora's lips and pushing her head towards him.

"Shit," Hayden let out a deep breath, his lips still on Nora. "What the fuck are you doing out here? And who is this idiot with you?"

"I told you," Nora pulled back. "I found the vestal."

"And they sent you with this guy?"

"He's a guardian," Nora said. "Arsenio's son."

"Why is he touching you?" Hayden asked. "What does he want? Why is he talking about settling down with you?"

"We shouldn't be having this conversation here like this."

"Don't say that," Hayden's face soured. "You saying that means it's going to be a bad conversation that I'm not going to like."

"What are you doing here?" Nora asked.

"I got Violet's file this morning," Hayden said. "Ares said it was urgent."

"Why is Ares after Violet?"

"He's not," Hayden frowned. "The file came from Zeus."

Nora's face paled.

"Zeus sent you..." her voice shook slightly.

Hayden felt the tightness in his chest increase as Nora's eyes lowered to the gun on the floor.

"If you're thinking that Zeus is going to send me after you, then you can get that thought out right now and burn it in hell," Hayden said.

Nora shook her head, her eyes on the woman laying on the floor, "No....I...."

"What is it?" Hayden asked, not liking the way Nora's eyes clouded.

"What if she was not possessed?" Nora looked up.

"What do you mean?"

"What if she was just a regular vestal....like me," Nora's throat felt tight with emotions. "What if I wasn't here and she wasn't possessed and you shot her?"

Hayden's jaw tenses, "The same thoughts are running through my head."

"You would have killed an innocent woman," Nora felt faint.

Hearing her speak the through running through Hayden's mind was like a slap across the face. He flinched, his hands shutting into fists as Nora's eyes waters, staring at Violet.

"I'm sorry," Hayden said. "I know you don't want to hear that. But I am. I should have done a more thorough check before coming here."

Hayden tried to reach for Nora's hands but she flinched, making him grow still.

"Nora?" He called to her, his heart once again racing in his chest. "You said you understood what I did and why I did it."

"Yes, when you kill bad, evil people!" Nora's eyes snapped up. "Valentina never did anything wrong in her whole life. Zeus killed her sister. She's been on the run for god knows how long and then she got possessed and wiped out of existence!"

Hayden pulled his hand back.

"Hayden, do you understand what happened here?" Nora asked. "Do you see what you were about to do?"

"I see it," Hayden said. "I do."

"Did you ever check any of the people who's files you received?" The tears in Nora's eyes began to spill. "Or did Ares and Zeus say they were bad so you just killed them."

Hayden did not have an answer for her. The muscle in his jaw twitched as he stood frozen, watching the tears in Nora's eyes.

"I.... I have to go," Nora said, her breathing uneven.

"No, Nora. Wiat."

"I have to tell Afet we didn't find a vestal," Nora's hands began to shake slightly.

"We need to talk," Hayden reached out and took her cold hand. "Please, know that I would never willingly harm anyone if there was any doubt in my mind that they were innocent."

"I believe you," Nora looked up slowly. "I just.....I'm a little taken back."

"I don't blame you," Hayden confessed.

"Can you...." Nora looked at Nico. "Can you wake him up?"

"You still haven't told me what the hell he was going on about."

"Please, not now," Nora shook her head. "I'll explain everything tonight."

"You're still coming tonight?"

"Yes," Nora looked up. "I said I would....why do you look surprised?"

"I just...." Hayden shook his head. "I don't know why I assumed you wouldn't come after today."

Hayden knew that was a big fat lie. He knew exactly why the fear of Nora not coming to see him had gripped his soul. Every time they took a step forward, Nora would jump a step backward. She was a pro at sabotaging her own life and convincing herself she didn't want Hayden. And Hayden.....he just stood holding his breath for her to shake her head and say she changed her mind.

"I'll be there," Nora pushed her hair out of her face. "I need to go give the news to Afet and Udara."

"Okay," Hayden nodded.

He took a small step back and raised his hand. Nora watched as Nico slowly began to stir out of his slumber. Her eyes flickered to Hayden. He looked as if he wanted to say something but instead he took another step back and opened his mind-link.

I'll take care of Violet, he said. Do you need a portal?

Nora shook her head as Nico jumped up and looked around in alarm.

"What happened?" He asked, stepping closer to Nora protectively, his eyes on Hayden.

Hayden, don't, Nora said, watching the way Hayden's hand balled into fists.

With great difficulty, Hayden watched Nora take Nico's hand and lead him towards the portal she had summoned with her gold ring. She began to explain to him what had happened in a low voice as her eyes moved over her shoulder towards Hayden standing on the porch.

Hayden gave her a small nod as she stepped into the Portal, leaving him all alone with Violet on the floor. He stood frozen for a few minutes before picking up his gun and lowering the barrel to the woman's temple.

Biting down, Hayden pulled the trigger at close range and watched the blood pour down the sides of Violet's face. He flickered his hand and put the woman inside the cabin before setting the place on fire and stepping away.

Enzo, Hayden opened his mind-link as he stood by the lake watching the cabin be devoured by the flames.

Yes?

Pull out all the files from all my previous cases, Hayden said. Have them ready by this afternoon.

Are you looking for anything in particular, sir?

Yes, Hayden said. I need to know who they were and what I did. 

What will happen? Do you think Nora should be upset?