Witch Hunter Trilogy Box Set by K S Marsden

Author:K S Marsden [Marsden, K S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-four

Hunter did not sleep that night. His limbs were still filled with the restless energy of his grief. Which meant that he had dug a grave in the early hours of the morning, and by dawn, his team held a tearful burial.

Sergeant O’Hara stood with them to pay his respects.

Hunter stood there, unable to process any thought or feeling. Alannah clung to Maria’s arm, her face streaked with tears, whereas Maria seemed to be experiencing the same numbness that was affecting Hunter. Ian stood next to Maria, his hand on her shoulder; he looked over to Hunter, the older man uncertain for once, of what to do.

Hunter let out a rattling breath and eventually moved away from the graveside, his legs just about working, though they felt like lead. He motioned for O’Hara to join him.

“We need to get moving. Send the men and women back to Manchester the mundane way. Also, can you organise an investigation into this – no one knew that we were here, save the Mayor. I want to know if she is implicated, or someone in her office has betrayed us. If it is possible, take our fallen back to their families.”

“Yes sir.” O’Hara answered automatically, then hesitated. “Sir, this does not have to be done now, if you need-”

“Sergeant. I-” Hunter interrupted, but stopped, looking back to his team that still huddled by the grave. It was impossible to think that James simply wouldn’t be there anymore. It didn’t make sense. But at least he was buried in his hometown. It’s what he would have wanted. Now there was the monumental task of telling his family. Hunter’s insides froze at the mere thought of the emotions and distress that he would be causing good people. People that had always welcomed him and treated Hunter as an extended part of the family.

“Sergeant, can you please inform James’ uncle and aunt – I can provide you with an address, they don’t live far from here.”

Sergeant O’Hara frowned, obviously not comfortable being the bearer of bad news, and probably wondering why the best friend did not take the message.

Hunter saw the look and winced. “I cannot go, I cannot be the one to tell them. You have to understand; I am the one that dragged James into this world. Without me, he would have lived a normal, boringly safe life. It- it’s my fault.”

Hunter took a deep breath and moved away from O’Hara. He drifted closer to his team again. He had to get them back to Manchester, get them out of his charge and custody, so he could be selfish and grieve.

*****

“Where are we?” Alannah asked, confusion in her weary voice.

It was dark, the weak sunlight blocked by drapes.

Hunter took a deep breath; the very air was familiar and comforting. He easily navigated the chairs and low table and pulled back the heavy curtains.

“Astley Manor.” He murmured, then shook his head. “Sorry, I wasn’t concentrating.”

Alannah moved closer to him, slipping her delicate hand into his. “It’s ok.

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