My Darkest Shadow

Chapter 21

Quick recap: After recovering Kael from Madeline, Harper discovers that Kael suffers from the same rare bleeding disorder as Arthur, her adoptive stepfather. The condition is genetic, and Kael decides that Arthur must actually be Henry, his father. 

Harper finds herself at odds with Ava, who seems determined to interrogate Kael. Narrowly escaping a team of Interpol agents, Kael learns that Ava is truly Harper's biological mother. He tells Harper that Madeline may be working for his father who now has the diamond. Before Harper can learn more of his plans, he tells her they are headed for the embassy so she can go home...

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Weeks slid by in a numb succession. The quarters at the US Embassy were adequate yet small, and I longed for the freedom to take a taxi anywhere I wanted in the city without worrying a British official would take me in for questioning. A month had passed by the time I sat in the small office at the embassy, my long awaited flight tickets in hand.

Bridget Easton had become my personal liaison. In her late thirties, she'd been as much a friend as an empathetic representative.

Kael had told me what to say. For once, it was the truth. Missing pieces of Ava's history were released from the shadows and, I hoped, eating her alive. If she lost her position at Interpol it would be due to her own misdeeds.

Bridget leaned over the polished wood table between us, her gold cross necklace poking the base of her throat. "Ava fought, but we won. Shame we won't know the details." I waved my hand dismissively and she smiled. "I guessed you'd want to go as soon as possible. Your flight leaves this afternoon."

She offered a half smile, one I had come to recognize as a good sign. Her voice took on a lighter note. "She shouldn't have exploited her relationship with you for professional gain. I can't know everything, but," she leaned forward, the coffee on her breath reaching me, "Interpol is conducting a thorough investigation of Ms Price. There's no way she would have been assigned that smuggling case if they'd known the personal details of her association with Lord Harper."

"I wonder how she was collecting her intel before I arrived?" I tried to keep my voice casual, though my fingers couldn't help twisting a few strands of hair. One last time before leaving, I wanted to be sure Kael's cover had been maintained.

Bridget shrugged, "Who knows? Inside man, I'd guess. Maybe something fell through with that so she went to you. No surprise considering you mum's interpersonal skills." Bridget snorted, a strange sound coming from the petite brunette.

"Most important thing is that you avoid any future contact." She met my eyes evenly. "We've convinced them you're an innocent bystander in this but if you show up again, it will raise suspicions." Something in her expression told me she already had some but chose to keep them to herself.

Rather hard to keep my distance when my family is at the heart of this, I thought. I replied, "Of course. I'll be happy never to see England again. This has been a nightmare."

On the ride to the airport, part of me celebrated my departure and part of me regretted it. I leaned back in the seat, my eyes trailing over signs to short stay parking and departing terminals. The idea that Arthur could be a bad guy in all of this, orchestrating the nightmare that had started a year ago was still an enigma in my mind. He was a friend and father figure, not a criminal mastermind.

The air was warm outside the black embassy sedan. I'd arrived in spring so the sweater I wore now was too heavy for the summer weather. Travelers passed me in their yoga pants with double strollers, heading to a fun European vacation with their sippy cups and backpacks. I smiled as they passed. The expression felt foreign. Even if I'd been taken care of in the last few weeks, I'd had little to be happy about.