Chapter Four
Hunter had been driving toward the coast until another call from one of the patrol cars made him switch course to go back into the mainland again. Twice the phone rang from Asher, but Hunter ignored the calls, preferring the line to be free for the cars following them to call in case their trajectory changed.
Brant didn’t utter a word as they drove at breakneck speed and Hunter was just as silent. Although he never liked being trapped in the small metal contraptions, he had to admit that the human cop knew how to drive one. The landscape passed at such a speed, it was difficult to recognize anything, but it still wasn’t fast enough for Brant.
When they received the last call, telling them that the kidnappers’ car had turned into an unmarked dirt road, Hunter’s driving grew even more reckless, and he started talking. Telling Brant not to kill the men, that he needed them alive, so they could be interrogated, but the werelynx stayed silent in the passenger seat. He wouldn’t lie or give his word when he knew he couldn’t keep it. Kat’s safety and well-being were paramount, and he couldn’t guarantee what he would do once that was settled. The feline inside him had a thirst for blood, and even with the three men dead at his feet, it may not be enough to quench it. The only reason he wasn’t already on a rampage was the certainty that Kat was still alive and breathing, but that wasn’t enough for Brant to let any of the men live.
Hunter grew quiet once more as they approached their destination. Immediately, Brant lowered his window and started to smell the air. It was getting colder, and the lower temperature didn’t help to convey scents at all. Not in his human form at least.
The unmarked patrol cars were parked on the main road with one of the officers waiting for them. Hunter stopped on the side as they both ran toward him.
“I sent the other guys on surveillance. There’s only one house there that’s quite large. I’ve already requested to find out who owns it. SWAT is on their way, and should be here within the hour.”
Hunter took out his gun, looking at Brant. “Too long. The victim may not have that time. We need to get her out now. Advise your men.”
The other officer didn’t seem impressed. “You have no jurisdiction here, detective.”
Hunter’s look didn’t leave any room for doubt. “She’s one of mine and I protect mine in Easthallows. You can work with us or keep out of our way. Understood officer?”
The man wasn’t happy about how Hunter stretched his authority but nodded. “I have one man at the back of the house, and one on each side. We’ve only seen the three kidnappers so far and the victim, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anybody else inside.”
When Hunter looked at Brant, he knew what he was thinking. If they could get closer to the house, they would know how many people were in there.
“Stand ready. And tell your men I want the bastards alive. All of them, unless they’re a direct threat to the hostage.”
Brant knew the message was directly addressed to him, but again, he stayed silent.
Once the instructions were given, the three men made a wide circle to the left toward the house. They hadn’t walked more than twenty feet before Brant caught a whiff of Kat mixed with four distinct odors from the men inside, plus the two strangers from the bakery, although it was diluted, meaning they probably weren’t on the premises anymore.
Getting his emotions under control, he let his animal take over, shimmering just below the surface, examining the surroundings, listening for anything that could give him a clue to help prepare for the attack.
Just as the house came into view, the officer signaled that he would join his colleague on the right, leaving Brant and Hunter alone.
“How many?”
Brant took his time to be certain of his answer. “I only detect four of them plus Kat. Same with the scents.”
“I’m serious, Brant. I need them alive. Don’t kill them unless it’s to save Kat.”
“I can’t make that sort of promise.” And without waiting any longer, Brant started to make his way toward the house. Hunter stayed close, probably less for his own protection than to make sure he could keep an eye on him. Remaining within the cover of the trees, he checked the front entrance that was probably guarded. Same with the back one. For a house this size, it was the obvious entry choices. There wasn’t a side entrance, only one wide window leading to the basement. When he looked at the human cop, he saw that they both agreed.
The only problem was that they would be visible from the moment they left the trees to when they reached the house. The light that reflected on the panes of glass made it difficult to see if anyone was watching. Brant had to move until he got a clearer view.
Reassured nobody had seen them, Brant dashed out from the cover of the trees and ran, Hunter on his heels. One quick look at the basement window confirmed that it was empty. Hunter checked some more, mouthing something about an alarm, before nodding and working on the locks. It was an older house which worked in their favor. Once it was open, they both slid inside.
Immediately, Brant noticed something. Although he could still smell Kat’s presence, alive, inside the house, something was missing. The stench of her fear. It had followed her from what he could remember at the bakery as well as at Merritt’s house and inside the car. But not here. What did that mean?
Pushing that question aside, Brant preferred to focus on the fact that she was still breathing. Any other questions could be analyzed later.
Hunter was already headed to the stairs leading up. Two men murmured, and he couldn’t detect anything from the third or fourth or from Kat.
Gun drawn, the human cop took a look at him and Brant nodded. He was ready for anything if it meant his Kat would be safe. Both were careful not to make any sound as they went up. The staircase ended at a closed door. Hunter tested it to find it unlocked. Another look from him, obviously asking if he could sense anybody just outside that door.
Brant slid beside the man, closing his eyes. Without knowing the house and its layout, it was tricky. There were two people on the main floor and two others above their heads, which was probably the attic. Unless they opened the door and Brant took a whiff, it wasn’t possible to know where everybody was. However, if he had to follow his instincts and nose, Kat was probably upstairs.
They heard someone walk silently past the door, their footsteps heavy and purposeful. There were no other sounds from the attic.
When silence returned, and the house stopped creaking, Brant moved.
