“Hello, handsome,” a familiar voice said from behind Jude.
“Bertha!” Jude cried out. She was standing behind him with her arms open. For a second, Jude thought she was a mirage, but when he walked into her arms and hugged her, he knew Bertha was as real as he was. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I’ve been here with you the whole time.” Bertha pulled back and looked Jude over. “Time is short. Cope has a plan to get you out of here. He’s pretty sure it will work, but I’m not going to make promises we can’t keep. We’re doing everything we can to bring you home, Jude.”
“Is Cope okay? Are the kids? Ronan and Fitz?” Jude’s head was spinning. He knew Bertha wouldn’t be able to stay visible for long and he needed to get himself together so he could understand the plan.
“Everyone is fine. They’re all worried sick, but are working hard to find you. Crow and I are doing what we can too, but I’m losing the power I need to stay visible. I’ll be here with you all the way.”
Jude nodded. He hugged Bertha again. “If the worst happens, tell Cope and the kids I love them.”
“Tell them yourself.” Bertha gave Jude a squeeze. “Toodles!”
Feeling much more optimistic about his future, Jude got back to work with the lock. He was going to break out of this damned cage no matter what. He had a family and a future waiting for him at home.
17
Cope
Cope was still reeling from the second ransom message. Tennyson had been able to sense that Jerry had plans for Jude that didn’t include setting him free. He’d given himself a minute or two to be in his feelings, but after that, he’d been all business. There was only one way to get to Jude before it was too late. It was time to break out his cauldron and the Devereaux grimoire.
He’d been explaining his plan to Ronan and Fitz, when Everly walked into the kitchen. ““I’m coming with you, Uncle Cope,” Everly said. “I can help.”
Ronan looked like he was ready to object, but Cope shook his head. “My little garden witch is ready to spread her wings and fly.”
“I was ready to fly over the summer, but someone clipped my wings.” Everly shot Ronan a dirty look.
“Why am I always the bad guy for wanting to keep you safe?” Ronan laughed. “I know how hard you worked in the garden all summer. You can go with Cope to work on the spell, but when it comes to finding Jude, you’re staying home.”
Everly’s eyes darkened. She obviously didn’t like what Ronan was saying. “I can help, Daddy.”
Ronan knelt down in front of his daughter. “I know you can, honey. This man who has Jude isn’t in his right mind, which makes him dangerous. It’s hard enough knowing my best friend is in his clutches. I won’t survive if something happens to you. You can be on speakerphone and help any way you can from here.”
Everly frowned. “I love Uncle Jude so much, Dad. He’s been my best friend from the day I was born. I have to save him. He would do the same for me.”
Cope knew Everly was right, but he still didn’t want Everly anywhere near Jerry.
“Here I am!” Bertha announced materializing in the kitchen. “I just saw Jude and Jerry is planning to…” she trailed off, her eyes on Everly.
“Jerry is gonna leave Uncle Jude in the cage to starve to death,” Everly said. She turned back to Ronan. “This is why I need to help. Please let me help, Dad.”
Ronan looked overwhelmed by the choice in front of him. “Fitz, can you guarantee her safety?”
“Yeah, we’ll stay in a car down the street. Does that work for you, Everly?” Fitz asked, with a grin on his face.
“It will have to do. I’m tiny but mighty, remember?” Everly reached a hand out to Cope. “Let’s get cooking.”
Cope took Everly’s hand and headed into the living room. They grabbed their coats and slipped them on.
“You’re gonna find my Dad, right?” Wolf asked.
“I’ll do everything I can, Woofie.” Everly hugged her friend.
“We all will,” Cope agreed. He zipped his jacket and opened the front door. He was thankful Everly didn’t make any promises she couldn’t keep. Ten had taught his daughter well. He quickly made his way down the steps and across the street, thankful that Ronan had kept up with removing the snow from their stoops and sidewalks.
The house was cold when Cope opened his front door. He’d turned the heat down before he’d left the day before. The curtains in the living room and kitchen were drawn and the house had a gloomy, unlived in look to it. “I’m gonna gather everything we need.”
“We’ll get the altar ready,” Ten said, heading for the kitchen.
