Chapter 51
Des Moines, Iowa, America, 1996
Janette Findley had continued work with the team, even though she was no longer a Hunter. She lived in a large Queen Anne in Des Moines, and Aaron spoke to her several times a day as she had volunteered to work as his assistant a few years ago as things began to grow and he had found it difficult to get everything done. Being the Guardian Leader with no Hunter Leader—as none had ever been appointed—was challenging in and of itself. Recently, there’d been more and more Vampire activity, and the team continued to face recruiting challenges to keep up with the need. It was more than one man could handle on his own.
Sitting on her sofa was calming, and for a moment, Aaron leaned his head back and relaxed, something he seldom had a chance to do, particularly since Christian had perfected and installed his Intelligence Assistance Communicators in everyone’s eyes. Now, any Hunter or Guardian in the world could reach him (or anyone else) at any time. While it was great during a battle or for planning, it made turning work off nearly impossible, even with the addition of an Off button, which Aaron never felt comfortable using.
“How are things?” Janette asked, sitting next to him, a cup of tea in her hand.
“Good,” he shrugged. “As good as can be expected.”
“Are you getting any rest?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Some. We’ve been busy.”
Setting her teacup on the coffee table, she patted his knee. “There’s always work to do. Don’t burn yourself out. Take time to maintain your health. Delegate what you can. You have some worthy teammates who can handle some of the small things.”
“I know,” he agreed. “I’ve been trying to do that. It’s difficult. It would be easier if we had a Hunter Leader, but so far, no one’s stood out enough for the Hunters to organize a vote.”
“Yes, I’ve heard,” Janette replied. She was no longer a Hunter and certainly did not have an IAC in her eye, but she did keep on top of things the best she could. “Hannah is a big help, isn’t she?” Aaron nodded. Hannah was very helpful. “And Elliott has come a long way.”
Thoughts of where he’d started out with the loud-mouthed Guardian made him chuckle. Over the last decade, they’d become very good friends, and he could rely on Elliott to have his back at every turn. Elliott had also gotten to know Janette, who was a relative of Elliott’s foster mom, and they had developed a good relationship. No one could run interference or tell a lie like Elliott could. He’d been a great addition to the team.
“Christian and Jamie are steady as rocks, yes?”
“Yes, absolutely. We have several all-star Guardians. Just no Hunters that are really standing out right now.”
“It’s a different job,” she reminded him. “In some ways, it is more difficult. A Hunter is always at risk each time he or she engages in battle with the enemy.”
“I know,” Aaron nodded. “I just wish we could find a few reliable Hunters.”
“I believe you will,” she smiled. Janette cleared her throat and Aaron turned to face her, realizing there was something she wanted to say that she wasn’t getting it out. “Aaron, I have a favor to ask of you.”
Rather than reminding her that he was still working on the last one, he asked quietly. “What’s that?”
“Well, as you know, my son Elijah and his wife Liz recently had a daughter. A baby girl.”
“Yes, I know. Congratulations,” he said, forcing a smile, unable to guess what that might have to do with him.
“I know that there are both Hunters and Guardians in Shenandoah watching over the families there. It’s been a safe place for our non-Transformed family members to locate for decades. I am quite certain my family will be safe there.”
“Of course,” Aaron nodded. “There probably isn’t a safer location for your family to live in, other than headquarters itself.”
Janette smiled. “Nonetheless,” she said. “I worry about this baby. I think… something tells me… she will do great things one day, Aaron. I know, I’m her grandma. I’m supposed to think that. But this one, she’s special. Her mother’s line is good Hunter stock, and her father, well, you know where he comes from. This child could be exactly what we need to finally gain the upper hand and put the Vampires back where they belong. For good.”
He knew what she was referring to. The balance between the Passels shifted and swayed through the years, and most believed they should work together in harmony. Recently, the rogue Vampires had come to outweigh the compliants, which needed to be corrected if the Passels were to continue in their intended form. Otherwise, some people, such as Janette, believed Vampires should be annihilated altogether. “What are you asking, Janette?” Aaron asked, his blue eyes narrowing in on the aged face next to him.
“I’m saying, I want you to personally check on my granddaughter. I want you to keep an eye on her. Oh, not every day or even every month. But I want you to watch over her, ensure her safety, make sure that no harm befalls her before she has a chance to show us what she may become.”
The demands of his job were already overwhelming; however, if it was that important to Janette, he would do as she asked. “Of course,” he replied, patting her hand.
Janette let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” she said, smiling. “I know you’ll keep her safe. Someday, you can expect great things from my granddaughter. You wait and see what Cadence Josephine Findley can do.”
Aaron returned the smile, hoping she was right, but for now, he just wanted a Hunter who could do his or her job well, without complaining, or getting in the way. Whether she was the superhero her grandmother predicted or not, if Cadence could manage those few things, he’d take her.
