Chapter 107

Charles’ glare turned into an open-mouthed gape. “I just can’t believe it,” he muttered. “The alphas constantly work with one another as we preside over pack structure within our cities. I can’t believe that they would allow their cities to fall into that state.”

“You honestly think that you know every single one of the alphas well enough to know that they couldn’t possibly have any involvement at all?”

Governor Allen gave Charles a very intent eye-to-eye look.

Charles sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin. And I could tell by the expression on his face that there were alphas he wouldn’t vouch for. Whether he didn’t like them or didn’t know them, I couldn’t tell. But it was obvious that he wouldn’t give his word for everyone’s behavior.

Minister Grey gave a slight nod. “That’s what we thought. That’s why we’re bringing you, an alpha, on board the task force within the governor’s office. Who better to help us get to the bottom of this? It will be easier for an alpha to investigate the other alphas without raising their suspicions.”

“That’s right,” Governor Allen added. “We don’t want to put them on guard and have them hide whatever it is that they’re doing before we can even get to it.” The governor nodded emphatically in time to each word.

“As you can see from Minister Grey’s knowledge of the situation, this is an inter-departmental operation. We want you to be near the head—”

“Near the head?” Charles arched an eyebrow when asking them this.

Minister Grey bobbed his head. “We know, as an alpha, you like to be at the head of things. But in this case, it’s better if the investigation doesn’t have a single leader. That way, if one of you should be discovered, the entire investigation doesn’t fall apart.”

Charles rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I guess that makes sense. All right. I’ll aid in your investigation.”

He turned to me and smiled lovingly. “And you can bust the story wide open. In return, any leads you get, you can share with me, right?”

I shook my head. “And violate my sources’ confidentiality? Never. But I could probably think of a way to point you in a direction that would help if I found out the information you need to know.”

Minister Grey smiled. “Integrity. I’m glad to see you have it. Because we value such ethics at the Palace Press.”

“Now, to less serious topics of discussion,” the governor said. “Did you find your lodgings comfortable?”

Charles nodded. “Yes. That’s a very nice apartment. Thank you.”

“Then it’s yours for the duration of your stay,” Governor Allen said, and then he looked at me. “I would hate to find the lady uncomfortable with your guards. I got the impression that you weren’t pleased with the last set. If at any point you don’t think you’re going to be able to work with David or Theo, feel free to let me or Minister Grey know, and we will get someone else to guard you.

“Don’t be shy,” David chimed in. “If you need to swap out, don’t forget to let them know. You won’t hurt our feelings at all. After all, this is going to be more than just a job. It’s going to be practically a partnership.”

“So far, I’m okay,” I said. “What about you, Charles?”

Charles glanced back at our two bodyguards. “I think this is an acceptable arrangement. If they get unbearable, I will let you or them know.”

“Moving on,” The governor said. “There are all sorts of small details like getting you set up through HR so you guys can begin receiving your paychecks and giving you a sign-on bonus to cover your moving and initial expenses until your paychecks begin to hit your bank account.”

“I’ve got plenty of money to cover that,” Charles countered.

“Yeah… About that…” The governor added slowly, looking a bit sheepish. “As part of you drawing back from your involvement in Rafe Media, income from those businesses won’t be available to you. Unfortunately, we’ve had to freeze all of your accounts.”

“You’ve what?” Charles snarled.

“Don’t worry,” Minister Grey rushed. “We’re not seizing any of your money permanently. You’ll get your assets back eventually. But right now, with cyber thieves and things the way they are, if you have access to your Rafe Media accounts, then bad guys and people who wish you harm can have access to you or your assets.”

“In fact,” Governor Allen bent, digging around and pulled up two phones, brand new in their boxes. “We’ll be replacing your phones with these for the time being. We’re going to pull your SIM cards out of your current phones. And I will hold on to those. They need to be completely inactive so that you are as untraceable as we can make you in this digital age.”

“But my contacts,” both Charles and I said at the same.

Minister Grey arched an eyebrow, giving each of us a serious look. “And you really think it’s a good idea to be contacting those people? Would you put them in danger?”

“You see,” Charles snapped, “This is what I haven’t been able to understand all along. I keep being told that my safety is paramount. These measures are for my own good, for my own safety. And yet, over and over, it feels like I’m the one being punished. You’ve blocked access to my phone, my bank account, my business—”

“Only temporarily,” the governor interjected in a soothing voice. “That’s why you weren’t asked to sell any of these things. You don’t have to get rid of Rafe media permanently, just not be in contact so you can’t be found so easily.”

Charles growled, and under the table, his fists clenched. The governor gave him a sympathetic gaze.

“I understand how frustrating this must be for you, Mr. Rafe. Believe me, no one here is trying to make an enemy of you or punish you in any way. Yes, your freedoms are being restricted. But what use would you have for freedom if you’re deceased? Culpepper might be in custody and behind bars, but he isn’t the only person that you’ve made an enemy of by exposing that corruption.”

The governor paused to let this sink in. “Since we can’t be sure what’s in the hearts or heads of others, we can’t lock up everyone who might ever wish you harm. So, we’ll have to do the next best thing. And until people’s tempers calm down and credible threats are weeded out, you’ll have to help us help you by staying out of arms way.”

I put a hand on Charles’ arm and gazed at the other two. “Might we have a moment alone?”

“Of course.” Governor Allen stood. “I’ll go get the packet of documents from my secretary. Dale, you can walk with me if you’d like.”

The palace administrator nodded and stood. “We’ll be back in a few minutes. If you need more time, just let us know.”

The two government officials left the room, and our bodyguards followed them quietly, shutting the door behind them.