Page 120 of Polestar
Bjorn leveled his stern gaze on Magnus’ team leader.“Kane.What do we have?”
“We have the suspect we’ve been seeking for over a decade in GPSA custody, thanks to your grandson and your people.”
Bjorn raised a thick gray brow.“Explain.”
Elias recounted his escape by boat and the call that brought Kane to the island.One transport helicopter went straight for the archipelago compound, while the other met with Elias and the Barentian villagers who had followed him in their fishing boats to Bear Island to ensure his safety.“As she flew us back, we saw the roving gangs engaging with the humans on this side of the channel.She refused to allow me to join them and brought me back here instead.”
“As is right,” Bjorn said.
“We’ve detained two ships, both bearing human cargo bound for the interior.Seems some of them were ready for us.They struck up a riot on our arrival.”
“I didn’t have to do much persuading,” Raya said, grinning at Magnus.“Usually, I have to convince them I’m not a delusion, but these guys were eager.”
“Naval crewmen?”Ana asked.
“Yeah.”
“Emilio and the guys.They were Antony’s men.From his ship when the accident happened.”
Kane nodded.“We will contact the Navy.”
“I want to know more about these outsiders that my daughter-in-law brought to my court.Her deception was great and deeply damaging.I know anything she confesses to will be shaded with denials and lies.She said one was her pet illusionist from her father’s court and the other a business connection, also through her father’s court.”
“As far as we’ve been able to discover, that is true.But I also believe both men were members ofThe Consortium.”
Magnus flinched as his father growled, turning away.
The Consortium.
And the human trafficking ring.
The two topics that had sundered his family.
“Wulker used his corporation to mask and grow his trafficking business.Ulla Matochkin gave him the protected base of operations he needed to function outside of international law.In your sovereign territory.”
Bjorn’s jaw worked as he listened, eyes glinting.He didn’t interrupt.
Kane continued.“As for Yvan Putinovski.”She shrugged.“My Deputy Director, Jack Maeda, has been studying the nature of the sigils used.They used Wulker’s venom to create the sigil.But until we interrogate him, I can only theorize that his motive was access to your gate.”
Bjorn went rigid, his gaze darting to the faces of Magnus’ team.
“They’re all trustworthy,” Kane assured him.
The king turned his focus to Magnus.
Magnus nodded.“We’re all dedicated to opposingThe Consortium.And protecting this gate, as well as the others.”
“Others?You’ve found them?”
“Not yet,” Kane said quickly.“We’re close to discovering the location of one, but it’s painstaking work.”The weariness in her demeanor was obvious despite her centuries of dedication.“With your permission, King Bjorn Thornsson, on behalf of the Global Paranormal Security Agency, we will remove the ships, perpetrators and all of their assets from your islands.”
“Hm,” he grunted, pursing his lips.“We will handle Ulla Matochkin ourselves.”
“Thank you.And our GPSA medics report that Aksel Matochkin is awake and free of the same sigil.We will remand him into your custody as soon as he is well enough to travel.”
Bjorn’s brows rose.“I see.Good.”
They said their goodbyes to the Barentians and made their way out to the transport helicopter, waiting to fly them to the trafficking compound.
