Page 140 of Primal God

Alessandro says, “You know, I think I liked it better when you didn’t show up.”

But he’s smiling.

“Into a new era,” I reply. “That’s where we’re headed. No matter what.”

We return to the meeting hall, where the meeting is called to order with Brooks, the Face of the Defiant God Brotherhood, leading the way.

“Tonight, a special meeting has been called. Alastor Wolfe. Are you present?”

People look around the room, but I don’t see him.

Alessandro calls out, “Has anyone seen Wolfe?”

Someone answers, “He left.”

Unease churns deep in my gut. Why did he leave? And where did he go?

Another voice asks, “What has Wolfe done?”

I say, “Wolfe put a hit out on my son.”

João steps forward with Adam and Yemi Montgomery at his side.

Yemi says, “It’s come to my attention that Alastor Wolfe lied to me and my son. I’ve come to file a complaint against him and to let the Brotherhood know that we had nothing to do with his plan to kil João Santos.” He turns to me. “The only thing I can offer is my word and what Wolfe told me. He wanted your son removed from the picture to weaken you.”

My chest is tight. That piece of shit…

I ask, “And what does your son have to say?”

Adam steps forward. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, Elite Member Santos. The biggest is not standing up to my father. I have no desire to marry Lilith Wolfe, and I have no desire to be in the Brotherhood.”

“It wouldn’t matter even if you wanted to marry her.” I lean forward. “She ismywife. You will refer to her as Mrs. Santos from here on out.”

“I wish you both a happy marriage.” His throat bobs as he swallows. “Alastor Wolfe is a dangerous man. He confessed to me he killed his own brother when his brother discovered his secret.”

There are murmurs throughout the room. Lilith’s father was never very active in the Brotherhood. Not that I can recall, at least. But to know Alastor killed him… Well, that’s grounds on its own for removal from the Brotherhood.

“What was the secret?”

Adam says, “He wouldn’t say.”

Grant says, “Elite Member Santos, you said you have proof that Wolfe was trying to kill your son and fellow member, João Santos. What proof do you have?”

“I received an email with my son’s itinerary in it while he was in Brazil. After further investigation, I discovered that not only was Wolfe having my son followed, but that he had hired someone to kill him. The only reason my son is alive is because of a tip I received.”

Alessandro asks, “And who was the tip from?”

“From the same man who killed DeLeon and Smith.” I turn to face the members of the Brotherhood. “I don’t trust this tip. I think this man is playing with us like prey. We’re not fucking prey. We’re the Defiant God Brotherhood. We’ve tried doing things the old way, but now I suggest we try something new.”

Irons calls out, “And that would be?”

“That we help each other. The man killing Elite Members will eventually start looking at other Brotherhood members. He knows things. Things only another member would know.” I pause. “We need to find him before he takes us out, one by one.”

York calls out, “What does this have to do with Wolfe?”

“I believe Wolfe is working with the killer. We find Wolfe, and we get answers.”

Irons is the first to speak. “Well, this ought to be interesting.”

---