Forbidden Legacy (10 page)

Michael looked up at the knock at his door.

“Come in.”

Harrison walked in, glancing around the room. “Is he here yet?”

Michael shook his head. “No. Though I expect him any minute.”

“He didn’t give you any indication of why he wanted to see both of us? What the emergency is?”

Michael leaned back in his chair as Harrison claimed one across from his desk. He’d received an urgent call from Jonathan this morning asking for a meeting with him and the Grand Master in Michael’s office. His friend had been suffering from a serious bout of depression since losing his wives. Michael couldn’t begin to imagine how he was carrying on after such a tragic loss.

“No. He didn’t want to get into it over the phone. He was very upset, insistent.”

Harrison frowned, and Michael was struck by the same unnerving suspicion that his best friend was harboring a secret. He’d felt that way for months, but whenever he tried to broach the subject, Harrison shut him down, claiming Michael knew everything he needed to know.

“You don’t have any clue what it might be about, do you, Harrison?”

Harrison shook his head, but there was a brief moment of hesitation that told Michael his friend was being dishonest. It didn’t sit well with him. In the past, he would have sworn Harrison confided in him about everything. Knowing Harrison was keeping something from him hurt more than he cared to admit.

“Harrison.” Michael started to ask what was going on, but he was interrupted by another knock on the door.

Harrison rose, inviting Jonathan to enter. Jonathan was aware of Harrison’s role as Grand Master. It was traditional for the established members of the society to be introduced to their leader after twenty years with the organization. By that time, members were bonded in trinities and would then assume the duty of recruiting.

“Jonathan,” Michael said as he stood and shook the man’s hand. “How are you holding up?”

Jonathan shrugged, the dark circles under his eyes answering Michael’s question. “I’m okay.”

It was a lie, but Michael let it pass as Jonathan and Harrison both sat down.

Jonathan didn’t beat around the bush. “Someone is following me.”

“What makes you say that?” Michael asked.

Jonathan rubbed his eyes, exhaustion written in every movement he made. “I don’t know. I’ve felt this way since the funeral, but I chalked it up to grief, thought it would go away.”

Harrison didn’t seem surprised by Jonathan’s confession. “Are you working on any projects at work that would cause someone to be interested in your whereabouts?”

Michael suspected the question was a deflection. Jonathan worked for the Army Corps of Engineers. He’d spent a great deal of time overseas throughout the years, designing and overseeing construction in the Middle East. While he had traveled to many hotspots during his career, he had never taken part in anything controversial or particularly dangerous.

Jonathan shook his head. “I’ve considered that, but I was promoted after my last deployment. It’s taken me some time to adjust to my new administrative role, and the truth is I’m involved in nothing right now that would be of interest to anyone.”

It sounded to Michael like that last statement applied to Jonathan as well.

Then Jonathan leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, looked very closely at Harrison. “I don’t think Janet and Sylvia’s car crash was an accident.”

Harrison frowned. “What makes you say that?”

“They’d driven on that country lane once a month for years. Janet could have taken that turn blindfolded. And I don’t understand why the car exploded on impact with the tree. It shouldn’t have done that.”

It was believed Janet and Sylvia would have survived if the car hadn’t caught fire after striking the tree. No one had considered checking into the accident because it hadn’t felt suspicious, but it appeared to Michael that Harrison was suddenly regretting that oversight.

“Jonathan—” Michael started to reassure his friend it was nothing more than an accident, but Jonathan persisted.

“I know you don’t believe me. Ravings of a grief-stricken man, right? Anything I say can be chalked up to that. It’s why I haven’t said anything. But…”

“But,” Michael prompted.

“I attend Sunday services at Mercy Lutheran Church.”

Michael reared back. “The church that burned down?”

Jonathan nodded. “I was actually supposed to serve as communion assistant this past Sunday, but I couldn’t…” He paused and Michael had to look away. Jonathan was a strong, proud man. Seeing him in so much pain was hard to face.

“You couldn’t go?” Harrison said softly.

Jonathan linked his fingers in front of him. For a moment, Michael thought his friend was trying to pull himself together, but there was something in his posture that betrayed anger—outright fury. “Some days are better than others. That morning, I just couldn’t get out of bed. I called another member of the congregation, a friend of mine, and asked him to fill in for me. He was the fatality in the fire.”

Michael released a sigh. When it rained, it poured. He wasn’t sure how much more his friend could take. “Jesus. I’m sorry, Jonathan.”

“I think that fire was set for me. A warning.”

“Warning?” Harrison asked.

Jonathan nodded. “A way to let me know I’m not safe. Anywhere.”

Michael straightened his spine. “No. That’s not true. I think this is just two very terrible coincidences happening close together.”

Jonathan set his jaw. “Why was Gunner at the church?”

Harrison’s gaze narrowed. “What are you suggesting?”

Jonathan shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just curious.”

Jonathan’s tone didn’t suggest that at all. It sounded a lot like an accusation. Did he seriously think the Trinity Masters were responsible for the death of his wives and the fire at the church?

Michael leaned forward. “You surely don’t think we had anything to do with this.”

Michael looked to Harrison for support and was surprised when his friend didn’t say anything. Then pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. Harrison’s lack of astonishment over Jonathan’s assertion about being followed. Gunner’s unexplainable presence at the church. Had Harrison sent the FBI agent there? And if so, why?

“Harrison?” Michael said, trying to force his friend’s hand.

Harrison didn’t respond at first, and then he crossed his arms. His slow response wasn’t lost on either of the other men. “I think it would be wise for this conversation to end here. Go home, Jonathan. Get some rest. Perhaps after a few nights’ sleep you’ll begin to see things more clearly.”

Michael spied pure rage on Jonathan’s face.

“Grand Master—” Jonathan started.

Harrison raised his hand, cutting him short. “Michael is correct—I also believe these two occurrences are simply a coincidence—but just in case, I don’t think it would hurt to scrutinize both your wives’ accident and the church fire. I’ll contact a couple of Trinity Masters who have the means to investigate these situations covertly.”

Michael wondered if Harrison really did intend to follow up. It was clear Jonathan didn’t believe he would. As far as Michael knew, Gunner and Price were already launching an investigation into the church fire. That much had been discussed openly in Gunner’s hospital room yesterday. Had that conversation been real? Or had they simply said those things for Michael’s benefit?

At the time, Michael couldn’t understand the Trinity Masters’ interest in the fire. Now, it was clear there were facts that weren’t being shared with him. It irritated him, rubbed against the grain.

Jonathan stood to leave. “I’ll be in touch, Grand Master.”

Michael had never heard a more genuine threat in his life, but Harrison took it in stride.

“I’ll call you if I discover anything, Jonathan. You have my word on that.”

Michael nodded his farewell, holding his tongue until Jonathan had taken his leave and he and Harrison were alone once more.

“What the hell is going on, Harrison?”

Harrison sighed. “The man is distraught and looking for someone to blame. He’s chosen the Trinity Masters. I hope that with time and rest he’ll come to see—”

Michael stood up, slamming his hand down on his desk. “Don’t. Don’t fucking tell me you’re not seriously concerned about what he said. Or that you didn’t have something to do with Gunner’s presence at the church. Something’s going on and I want to know what it is.”

Harrison clenched his jaw, his face going stony. He wasn’t going to tell him. “Michael—”

Michael’s temper flared. “I thought we were partners, Harrison.”

Harrison stood as well. “Actually, we’re not. Not yet. And I think you’re forgetting your place, Michael. I’m the Grand Master. I’m responsible for the welfare of the Trinity Masters. The decision of whether or not I choose to take you into my confidence is mine and mine alone.”

“You’re not your fucking father. You don’t have to carry all of this alone.”

Harrison’s face flushed, his own anger starting to emerge. “You act as if you question my abilities.”

Michael waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Perhaps you’ve taken Jonathan’s side in this?”

Harrison’s words pierced.

“You know I haven’t.” Then Michael forced himself to ask the question hovering in the back of his mind. “What happens if Alexis says yes? If we become a triad? Will you confide in me then?”

Harrison didn’t reply immediately, the silence telling.

“I see,” Michael said quietly.

“There are some things I need to deal with on my own.”

Michael shook his head. “I don’t agree. But clearly my opinion doesn’t matter.”

“That’s not true. Dammit, Michael. I’ve already shared far too much with you. Protecting the Trinity Masters’ privacy at all costs is the first and foremost duty of the Grand Master. I take that responsibility very seriously. If I think there’s a threat—no matter how small—I will thoroughly investigate and shut it down.”

“Our privacy?” While Jonathan had appeared angry, nothing the man had said led Michael to believe he’d reveal the Trinity Masters. Jonathan was upset, not insane. Revealing the organization was the quickest way to complete and utter ruin. Besides, Jonathan had said it himself—he’d held his tongue about his suspicions regarding the accident and the fire because no one would believe him in his grieving state. Yet Michael knew Harrison, knew his friend didn’t speak without carefully choosing his words. Harrison perceived a threat. “What’s going on?”

“Trust me, Michael. Please.”

Michael picked up a pen and tapped it against the surface of his desk. He wanted to press the issue, but Harrison had given him as much as he was going to get today. “Fine.”

Harrison glanced at his watch. “I need to return to campus. I have a meeting in an hour. Are you free tomorrow evening?”

Michael nodded, perfectly aware that Harrison was anxious to see Alexis again, to press their suit. He’d been able to think of little else since their rendezvous in the doctor’s lounge two days earlier.

“Very good. I’ll call Alexis this afternoon to see if she’ll have dinner with us.” Harrison walked to the door. Before he opened it, he turned to look at Michael. “If I need help, Michael, I will ask you.”

Michael nodded. It wasn’t exactly the answer he wanted, but for now, it would have to suffice. “I’ll see you later.”

“Goodbye.”

Michael stared at the surface of his desk for several minutes, seeing nothing. His thoughts whirled as a ball of ice formed in his chest. Harrison’s silence cut like a knife, felt like a betrayal.

He clenched a fist as the pressure built. He needed…

Needed.

He recalled Alexis’s face in the doctor’s lounge. She’d let the pain grow until she’d had to find an outlet or face falling apart. She had turned to them.

Michael picked up his phone and dialed his secretary. “Please find Dr. Jenner and have her report to my office immediately.”

He hung up, a smile emerging. He and Alexis had different definitions of immediately. She hated being summoned, so she’d make him wait. Michael glanced at his watch and then leaned back in his chair, anticipating her arrival.

Twenty-three minutes passed before he heard a knock at his door.

He wondered if she had been genuinely busy or if she’d lingered on purpose.

“Come in.”

Alexis opened the door, her face telling him instantly she didn’t appreciate having her work routine interrupted. She’d only taken two steps inside when he pointed to door.

“Close and lock it.”

She narrowed her eyes and paused. For a moment, he thought she’d refuse and storm out. Then she turned and did as he asked.

However, she didn’t bother to walk into the room. Instead, she leaned against the door. “What do you want?”

He crooked his finger at her. “Come here.”

She crossed her arms, refusing to move. “I was in the middle of treating a patient, Michael. You need to respect that. I’m not about to start jumping whenever you beckon.”

He felt the slightest twinge of guilt for his actions. He had called her for selfish reasons. “I understand that.”

Something about his tone must have given him away, let her see too much. She walked across the room and claimed one of the chairs. “What’s wrong?”