Page 82 of Live To Tell

“Sawyer wouldn’t be involved in something that’d threaten his only son,” says Ethan.

“His only son, huh?” Deacon gives Ethan a tight smile.

“What does that mean?” Leif finally speaks. He’s smaller in here, not only physically, but the environment engulfs everything about him, his fear and confusion bringing up a wall I recognize from the day I died.

“The Sawyers have another child?” asks Ethan, and frowns. “No. We’d know this.”

“Yes,” I add. “That’s a fairly obvious part of any investigation into the man and his family.”

“Not his wife’s kid.”

“Then who’s this alleged child?” asks Ethan.

“I reckon a witch since they’re trying to off Kai.” Roderick shows his large teeth.

“Look at the contract to see who’s set to inherit the land from Christopher Sawyer,” says Roderick gruffly. “His firstborn. If the firstborn dies, the next in the family line takes over. He has no other kids ‘officially’. I reckon the witches have one waiting in the wings. If witches get hold of this land, there’s no way we could stay.”

“This can’t be true,” says Ethan. “We would know.”

“Someone might be keeping his secrets for a price,” puts in another. “Won’t look good if the perfect man who stands for human morality and earns respect from the town has kids all over the place. He had a reputation.”

Blackmail?

Roderick looks to his colleagues, who nod. “I’m only telling you this so you can look in the right direction. Your friend Sawyer likely has more than one kid by different mothers.”

“Why have you never told us all this?” demands Ethan. “Explain.”

“Because we don’t want attention drawing to the fact we know. When those deeds come back to us—which they will—heirs from the elders who signed will take back this land. Permanently. You think it’s a coincidence Rory, Trent, and Viggo have gone? They’re descendants. Now we’re left with one to protect our legacy. Our land.” He jabs a finger at Leif. “The kid’s father was a descendent of an elder who signed.” Leif’s whole body goes rigid. “We need his bloodline, even half-blood. They’ve already taken out the others!”

Viggo. Rory. Trent.

Targets.

“Then why didn’t the witches kill Leif the night Wesley died?” I ask, and Leif chokes.

“The witches don’t know who Leif is yet. They’re positive the packs wouldn’t allow an important heir to wander around unprotected, or allow others to attack him,” says Roderick. “There’re a few half-shifters around, like there are witches with human blood diluting their legacies; Leif isn’t unusual.”

“Well,” I snap. “They’ll know soon, especially now you’ve planted this in Leif’s mind!”

“You asked for the truth,” growls back Roderick and jerks his chin at Leif. “See why we want you back now? You’re not safe out there and needed here.”

“I’m not a shifter,” he says weakly. “I’ve no signs of shifting. At all. I would by now.”

“Still got our blood, boy,” he says gruffly. “Still an heir.”

“No.” Leif shakes his head. “No,” he repeats. “I’ve nothing to do with this. I don’t want anything to do with this. None of this situation is my life. That’s what we came here to say.” He looks wildly at Ethan. “Right?”

“Elder blood changes that, Leif,” says Ethan. “Things aren’t as simple now, but I’ll do everything I can.”

“No.” Leif slides from the bench and stands. “My life isn’t here or with any shifter. I’ve a human life.”

“You’ll have no life once the witches discover who you are,” sneers Roderick. “Is that what you want?”

I look up to Leif as his hand slips from mine, the same sick feeling washing over me as I can see on his pale face. “I’m sorry, but none of this is true or makes sense,” I retort and stand. “These are stories.”

“I hear you pride yourself as a detective as well as a necromancer,” says Deacon. “Looks like you’ve a lot to find.”

Ethan stands and places both hands on the table. “You have this all wrong about Sawyer and Leif. Dorian’s council would know. There’s no secret kid.”

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