Chapter Twelve

Jasper

I was staying in a wreck of a motel in southern Oklahoma, in some small town I couldn't even remember the name of. The kind of place someone with no purpose in life or plans for the future might choose. I had been here a week acting like I'd given up on living and spent my time staring at the TV although I had no idea what was on. If something didn't happen soon I thought I might actually give up the will to live and then I heard a knock.

I hadn't locked the door, why should I? So, I just called out "Come in."

If this turned out to be the cleaner I might just jump in my car and leave, this fleapit of a motel, this town, and Darius. Let him think of another plan. Find another patsy.

I hid my relief when I recognized the huge black-suited man who walked in from Darius description. It was Santiago, a one time Volturi enforcer who now worked exclusively for Caius. He was followed by another man, much shorter and older carrying a large black case slung over his shoulder.

I watched as they shut the door behind them and while Santiago frowned at my lack of reaction he took up position by the door as if to ensure I didn't try to leave.

I gestured for the other to be seated but as I occupied the only chair in the room, he was forced to perch on the edge of the bed.

"Major Whitlock?"

"Who's asking?"

He tried to smile which sat strangely on a face that was used to frowning by the look of it.

"My name will mean nothing to you, the person I represent however will."

"I still like to know who I'm talking to."

"You can call me Mr Anthony. I am here representing Caius Volturi. I'm sure you recognize that name."

"I do. What I don't understand is why you are here. If Caius Volturi wishes to speak to me he knows where I am. Let him come in person."

"That I'm afraid is impossible, however, he would like to speak to you face to face which is why I have here a satellite video link which will enable you to discuss the topic at hand."

"What topic?"

He was busy unpacking the case and tapping on a keyboard inside. The top part of the case contained a computer screen and when he was satisfied he had a connection he turned the case around to face me.

The blond-haired vampire whose face stared out at me was familiar from the oil painting that hung in Carlisle's study.

"Major Whitlock. Please excuse my mode of contact but I am presently unable to be with you in person."

"I've had stranger conversations."

He nodded, his eyes boring into me then at the little he could see of my surroundings. I could tell he wasn't impressed and that suited me.

"So, to what do I owe this honor? Or do the Volturi meet and greet like this often?"

I balanced boredom and interest in my tone, not wanting to make things too easy for him.

He smiled as if my words actually amused him.

"Actually, it was you in particular that I wanted to speak to. I understand you are no longer a part of the Cullen family?"

"News travels fast, but it's no secret."

"No, but it seems you are at a loose end."

I shrugged, looking around.

"I'm just relaxing before I look around for something to do."

He glanced behind me at the flickering TV screen and nodded.

"So I see. I would never have taken you for a daytime TV addict, Major."

"Days of our lives? My all-time favorite."

He looked at me sceptically then decided I was being flippant and smiled.

"Well. As I say I wanted to speak to you about a possible business transaction."

"OK. I've seen this episode before anyhow."

I turned the TV off and threw the remote down, feigning disinterest.

"I have a proposition for you, Major."

"Really? I wouldn't have thought I was your type."

Santiago smiled fleetingly at this, but Caius chose to ignore my sarcasm and continued.

"Yes. I have a… small problem and I think you are just the person to help me solve it."

"Me? Why me? Don't the Volturi have their own enforcers?"

I glanced from Caius to Santiago, but he was busy studying the opposite wall. I did, however, detect amusement in his emotions and I warmed a little to him. He might be Caius unofficial enforcer but that didn't mean he had to like the guy. Meanwhile, Mr Anthony appeared to be reading a paperback he had fished out of his pocket.

"As you pointed out the Volturi do have their own enforcers, but they have their official duties and this particular problem entails a little circumspection."

I smiled, well I guess that was one way of putting it!

"Is that double-speak for some under the table dealings? Not really my scene I'm afraid. Besides, I'm busy. Find someone else."

He smiled, not concerned by my comment.

"I would think you would be grateful for the offer of work. Something to keep you occupied, unless that is you already signed on with Maria again perhaps? After all, finding work can be very difficult for someone with your particular set of skills."

I allowed him to see that he now had my attention. Yeah, you got it right, Caius. Poor Major Psycho is struggling to fit in now he hasn't got a reason to slaughter the innocent wholesale.

"You look surprised, Major. Please, do you think we would allow anyone with a reputation like yours to wander the earth unmonitored?"

"Well, I decided against that particular folly."

Then I let him see he had piqued my curiosity.

"What exactly is it that you wanted me to do?"

His smile broadened, he thought he'd hooked me and was now about to reel me in.

"Ah, I knew you couldn't resist hearing more. I am aware that you have a certain talent for finding people."

I raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"A tracker? If you're looking for one of those surely Demetri is your man? I understand he's excellent."

"He is, but I need someone to act, shall we say, under the radar. This is a rather sensitive personal matter."

I allowed myself a knowing smile.

"Personal? You mean you don't want Aro to find out what you're doing? That could prove dangerous for someone like me. What if he found out? Is this someone you're looking for being hunted by the Volturi too?"

He shook his head decisively.

"No. This is purely a private matter as I say. The person in question is no threat to the Volturi. Besides, there is no reason why Aro should ever discover what you are doing, or may do, for me. All I need is for you to find this group's whereabouts and make it vanish."

"That's all? It sounds kinda boring."

"Well, I thought you had left all that behind in Mexico? If you are still available for a little more then even better. I will, of course, make it worth your while and you will not be alone. Santiago will be accompanying you."

I glanced over at the big guy again then shrugged.

"You think I need a babysitter? Or is it that don't you trust me?"

"I trust no one, Major. It's safer that way. Besides, Santiago has the most up to date information we have been able to collect and he may be useful to you."

"Useful? You mean like a gopher?"

Santiago grunted, a response at last!

"Look on him as more of a friend with money and resources."

"Well, I guess if it's going to pay well I might as well hear the whole story, but I warn you if I discover you lie to me in any detail then I'm out and if you try anything funny I might feel I ought to let the Volturi know just what you are up to. Do we understand each other?"

Caius frowned, but I could see that my words had been no more than he expected. I was being open and upfront with him. Now let's see just how honest he was going to be with me in return.

Caius

I had been pondering what to tell the Major ever since deciding to approach him. The whole truth was out of the question, my less than honorable past wasn't something I cared to become public knowledge. I had been young and impetuous, drunk with power, and too naive to understand that even those in power can be vulnerable.

I did not doubt that what I had done was unwise, foolhardy even, but I had paid a steep price for my sins over the centuries. I was so close to shutting the door on the whole unsavory business in Egypt, but I needed his help to track down the final piece of the puzzle. I had tried to push aside the witch's warning but no one with any sense of self-preservation closed their ears to the words of a powerful seer.

If not for her cursed husband Darius, time would be on my side. He had heard her words and I knew even now, after all these centuries he was still looking for the engine of my destruction. Why couldn't he have been like most newborns? Dead within months? Or better still a wise old vampire who put the past behind them and looked only forward?

Realizing I had fallen into a reverie I pulled myself back to the present and began to weave the fiction I had created especially for my present audience.

"You may not be aware, but several nomads in the United States have disappeared over the past three years."

He shrugged.

"Nomads kill each other, that's the nature of the beast. It's nothing to worry about."

"It is when those who could be suspected of the killings are disappearing themselves, including some I believe to be friends of yours."

"Really? And who would that be?"

"Matthew and Amber."

Jasper

Now he had my attention despite myself and I frowned, sitting forward. If he was going to hook me, he'd picked a pretty good opening gambit. Was this true? Peter hadn't mentioned it when I spoke to him and neither had Darius. Had the latter been keeping things from me? If so, he was about to get a rude awakening. I didn't like being lied to or misinformed, which was even worse.

"Matthew has disappeared?"

"Yes, along with around twenty other nomads dotted all around the country. We suspect a group of hunters is operating here and if so, they are very good at what they do. I have sent hunting parties out but after some initial success none have subsequently been able to get close to the killers."

"So, you want me to locate these hunters and stop them?"

"Yes, and I am willing to give you a hand-picked group of guards and pay you for your help. Mr Anthony tells me that your present accommodation is not exactly five star."

"It suits me. Besides, if these hunters are killing vampires then why an under the table deal?"

"These hunters may include a person I would greatly like to see disappear without my brothers hearing of it. As I said. it is a personal matter.

My interest was growing, any humans who could track down and kill Matthew and his mate Amber must be very good. He was one hell of a fighter. Besides, if the human Caius was so afraid of was with them then maybe Darius was right and she was the one with the power to kill him. I was surprised he was sending me with a group though.

"Do I have any say in who I take with me on this mission? Should I choose to accept that is?"

He shook his head.

"I'm afraid not, Major. This is, as I explained, a very delicate mission and one I would rather tidy up quietly. I have a small group of associates I'm sure you will get along with."

"I prefer to work alone, or at least with people I know I can trust."

"I'm sure, but I can vouch for this group."

"And payment?"

"You can name your own price, Major."

"Then I'll wait until I see how difficult the job turns out to be."

"So you're willing to consider my offer? Good."

"Consider? I already started. I need any information you have on this group and the big ugly."

Caius frowned so I pointed to Santiago. "The big ugly."

Santiago stared at me for a moment then smiled,

"It'll be an honor, Major. I've heard a lot about you and now I'll get to see if you're as good as your reputation."

"Better, I assure you.."

Caius was unable to disguise his relief as he nodded.

"Very good. Santiago was actually one of those I had chosen. He has the file with all the information we have on this group. Remember, I want them all to disappear permanently and quietly."

I narrowed my eyes, "I got you the first time. Don't treat me like a fool, I react very badly to that."

He didn't appreciate my tone, but he needed me so he inclined his head in apology.

"No offence intended, Major. I look forward to hearing about your success very soon."

Mr Anthony looked up and pulling a thin manilla folder from inside his jacket he handed it to me.

"You were very confident I'd take this job."

Caius smiled coldly.

"I pride myself on knowing people, Major. I'll send your other companions to you tomorrow."

I took the file with a nod and Caius smiled,

"It was good doing business with you, Major. You can contact me through Santiago should the need arise."

The screen went black and Mr Anthony retrieved it shutting the case and rose to leave.

"Goodbye, Major Whitlock and good hunting."

I opened the folder and began to read as he left, ignoring Santiago who retrieved the remote and turned the TV back on flicking through the channels until he found something to interest him. Then he settled back as if he didn't have a care in the world. Glancing at the TV screen I was amused to see his choice of program, cartoons. Well, it takes all sorts!

The file was thin, but then as Caius had said, he knew very little. That's why he had needed my services. The group had been at work for some time before coming to his attention. Those he had sent to find out what was going on discovered very little. They suspected the group was small but highly organized. That somehow they were able to hide their presence from the nomads they were hunting until it was too late. There were no signs of how the nomads were killed but I guessed they were burned and the ashes disposed of so there had to be pits dug for the burning and possibly to dispose of the ashes unless of course, there was water close by. Had it been their startling success rate that had alerted him to the possibility that the person he hunted was with them? There was nothing in the file to answer that question. Was it instinct perhaps? Or was this just a wild goose chase?

I unfolded the map that was in the folder to see that several question marks dotted it. These were, according to the legend at the bottom, the last known position of nomads who had vanished along with their names. Matthew, Amber, Gerard, Jenny, Amos, Saul, Leroy, Tasha, and Frankie. Nine nomads who had simply vanished from the face of the earth.

There were also black crosses and I saw to my amazement that they marked the possible slaughter of werewolves. So, the hunters weren't too picky, they would take vampires or wolves. I couldn't see any mention of the guardians so maybe this group considered the spirit warriors to be on the side of the angels. Little did they know!

This group must be good, very fucking good. They seemed to be moving erratically, not in any set pattern so it would be difficult to predict where they might strike next. Another sheet of paper turned out to be a list of names, the names of every nomad known to be living in the United States. It wasn't huge but there were at least fifty names on it. There was also a much smaller list, just four names. Known Children of the Moon with their suspected hunting grounds. So, it was true that the Volturi in the person of Caius Volturi had almost wiped their species out.

Looking at the list of nomads already missing I noticed that except for Garrett and Amber the others were all on a Volturi watch list which meant that all were responsible for killing more than their fair share of humans or had killed recklessly at times. So, a good reason, if any were needed, to be on a human hit list. Maybe Garrett and Amber had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Studying the list carefully gave me an idea for tracing where the hunters might hit next. I studied the list of all nomads known to be active in the USA. Some I recognized, but most I didn't.

"Hey, do you know any of the names on this list?"

Santiago looked over holding out his hand for the paper and studied it carefully before handing it back.

"Not personally. What are you looking for?"

"I need to know which of these are the most problematic."

He shrugged, "Problematic to who?"

"The Volturi, humans, take your pick."

"They're marked with an asterisk."

"They're nearly all marked with a fucking asterisk, but some must be more of a worry than others."

"I can hazard a guess but you'd do better to talk to Caius again. He has access to Volturi records."

"And you don't?"

I knew he had been a member of the guard although I doubted he was able to access the Volturi files now. This was Caius' secret project.

He sighed and muted the TV.

"Let's get things out in the open, shall we? I'd rather work with you than have you looking at me constantly. I was a member of the Volturi, yes. I'm also in Caius' debt and this job is my way of paying that off. So, I don't have access to Volturi records or reinforcements. Is that going to be a problem, Major?"

"Nope, but I appreciate your candour. Do you know why Caius is really so interested in this particular individual?"

He shook his head, "I find it safer not to ask too many questions. Ignorance is bliss and safer where he's concerned. All I know is that he wants them found and destroyed very quietly."

I nodded, "OK. So, take a guess. Who do you think these hunters might target next as the biggest threat? I don't see them going after the pathetic dregs of the werewolf population when there is more dangerous prey out there."

He studied the list again and then pointed to a couple of names.

"If I were hunting the most dangerous nomads I guess I'd go for one of these two but maybe they just follow the trail of any vampire they hear about."

"Maybe."

I thought about this. Something told me that this group was going on more than luck and word of mouth. The vampires they had hit had been a real problem for humans. Maybe the wolves too, although I knew next to nothing about the Children of the Moon so I couldn't judge.

I must have been sitting in silence for quite a while because Santiago suddenly spoke up again.

"You're very quiet Major. Having second thoughts?"

I shook my head.

"No. Just deciding whether I can work with whoever Caius is sending."

He turned the volume down on the TV once more and turned to look at me, a smile playing on his lips.

"I had much the same thoughts about you. A lot of the younger guards think your reputation is inflated."

"And you?"

He pursed his lips.

"I'm not stupid. I can work out who lies and who tells the truth, and if Caius thinks you're the right man for this that's good enough for me. Actually, I've studied your story and I think it's an honor to be working under your command."

I frowned.

"You don't mind not being in control of this hunt? I thought you usually led men."

"I do, but I figure maybe I can learn something from watching you at work. It'll be interesting to see who Caius sends to join us."

"So, you don't know? Let's hope they know how to take orders."

"I'm guessing if they don't they won't be here for long. It could end up just being you and me."

"What do you think about these hunters?"

"I used to think they'd read too much Bram Stoker and fancied their chances as Van Helsings but they're good. They had to be to take out as many nomads as they have. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I guess it depends on how many of them there are and how long they've been hunting."

He nodded his agreement then went back to his cartoons while I studied the list of victims and tried to decide how a group of humans could get close enough to a vampire to take him out. The more I thought about it the more I decided that maybe Caius and Darius were right and this group did include a human with a powerful gift. Whether it was the gift that Darius was hunting for was still to be seen.