HOPE AND HENRIK.

CHAPTER 18.

"There's no better mistress than New Orleans during Mardi Gras, as long as you can stand the heat." 

"So, what exactly are you implying?" Vincent said turning to Klaus. 

"Hope hid her Mother with a cloaking spell. Someone found her. That requires a witch. "

"So that means it was one of mine? I don't think so," Vincent said shaking his head. 

"You witches always plead virtue, but if History's to be prologue, you're the most rotten of the bunch." 

"As soon as Freya told me that Hayley had gone missing, there were a dozen of us witches out there on them Streets performing locator spells, trying to find her. Because Hayley is actually a friend to us, okay? Hayley, unlike you, has earned our respect. And out of respect to her, I'm only gonna say this to you one time, Klaus, we had absolutely nothing to do with her disappearance. I promise you that." 

"A witch's promise is as slippery as snake oil and as effective. You want peace and prosperity? Prove your innocence and find her." 

"Why would the werewolves take down their own Alpha?" Lisina asked.

"That's a valid question. Perhaps one of your fellow swampmates can shed some light."  Klaus snapped at her.

"We are the victims here. A bloodsucker killed Henry just for being a hybrid." 

"No, you wolves saw the boy as an abomination, as well. Who's to say the same disgust didn't extend to Hayley? A guilty wolf could just point fingers at vampires to cover their tracks. If you didn't take her, I suggest you find out who did." Klaus demanded. 

Marcel said, "Do you really think my guys would be that stupid? They know that if they even laid a finger on Hayley, they'd be answering to me." 

"Well, was it you who ordered the vampires to antagonize the wolves and string up that hybrid boy?" Klaus demanded

"No." 

"I didn't think so. Perhaps your royal status has wilted along with your Marital prospects." Klaus sneered.

Josh butted in, "All right, all right. Easy. The vampires like Hayley... everyone does. We didn't touch her." 

"Well, I suggest you amp up your efforts to retrieve her, then. Because if my Daughter and Son are not reunited with their Mother by Sundown, then your entire Faction will face the wrath of my disappointment. Close proximity of just Two Mikaelsons turned rain to blood. Imagine what would happen if I were to turn to my Siblings for help. Our little Family reunion would cause hellfire to devour us all." Klaus threatened them.

Indistinct radio chatter fills the courtyard of the compound, as Marcel enters, "Compelling NOLA's finest, I see." 

"If that's the City's finest, then it will wither from its own mediocrity." Klaus snarled.

"Now, what are humans gonna do that the other Factions can't? "

"They have the numbers. I need eyes everywhere. Whoever did this can't hide from me. What?" Klaus barked.

"Mm. Clear eyes, focused demeanor. You know, for Klaus Mikaelson, I'd say you're acting pretty normal." 

"If you've got a point, Marcel, spit it out." 

"There's chatter you're unhinged. I'm just making sure you're not poised to do something that we'll all regret." 

"Well, if the suicidal simpletons who took my Daughter and Son's Mother return her unharmed, I won't have to do something we'll all regret, will I?"