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“Because the Captain said you had to come with me when Jenks could not.” I chuckle, remembering how ticked off the captain was when Baby Doc told her Basil Jenks was being treated for hypothermia and would remain in the medical center for the next eight to twelve hours to ensure he has no lasting effects.
“Right. Captain’s orders. And you couldn’t just let me wander the shops while you go meet this mysterious whistle blower?”
“And allow you to disobey a direct order? Zara, what kind of friend would I be if I did that?”
We laugh, and she wraps an arm around my shoulders as we walk. “True. And what kind of friend would I be if I left you alone to meet some strange man in a secluded park in Alaska?”
“I’ll treat you to a warm Klondike Doughboy on the way back to the ship to say thanks.”
“Oh, yum. Extra cinnamon on mine, please.”
As we reach the agreed-upon spot—a secluded bench partially hidden by a canopy of trees—our laughter abruptly stops.
A hooded figure stands next to the bench, his back to us. He turns slowly as we approach; the hood casting his face in deep shadow.
“You came.” His voice is low and gravelly. No introduction. Straight to business. “Which of you is Marin?”
Zara steps ahead of me, moving closer to him, her stance protective. “She is Cordelia Marin. I am Zara. And you are?”
The man glances around, ensuring no one else is nearby. “Call me Serpico. Ardan believes shifter DNA is the key to unlocking immortality. He’ll stop at nothing to get it.”
My stomach clenches at the words. I force myself to stay calm, to keep my voice steady. “How do you know this?”
He pulls back the hood slightly, revealing sharp eyes that glint with urgency. “I was part of his team. I’ve seen what he’s capable of.”
“Do you still work for Ardan? Why help us?”
A flicker of intense distaste crosses his face. “I didn’t sign up for the inhumanity. He’s mad. I think certifiably insane. And he’s crossing lines no one should cross. I won’t be a party to it any longer.” His body shakes as his expression hardens into fear. “I left four days ago and have been running ever since. I’m going north, vanishing into the backcountry. So, ask your questions now. It’s your only chance.”
Zara shoots me a look, her eyes wide with alarm.
“How is he using Shifter DNA? We’re have missing crewmen. Do you know anything about them?
The informant leans closer, voice dropping to a whisper. “He has your people and has started his experiments using them. If he succeeds... it will be more than your people at risk. What he wants is immortality, and he’s willing to destroy the entire shifter race to find it.”
Fear and disbelief gnaw at me, but I push both back and straighten my spine, literally and figuratively. “Where is he conducting these experiments?” My mind races with possibilities and there’s no time to waste on doubt or fear now.
His eyes never stop moving, continually glancing around. The man may be certifiable himself and is clearly paranoid, although likely with good reason. “There’s a hidden facility near Glacier Bay. It’s heavily guarded. Your people are there.”
“Thank you.” I meet their gaze. “Is there truly no way to reach you after today? Lives are at stake.”
He looks directly at me for the first time, evaluating and thinking before coming to a decision. “Take this package.” He pulls out a stuffed manilla envelope and a pen, jotting down an email address on the envelope flap.
“What’s in the envelope?”
“All the evidence I’ve gathered. If I am able, I will check this email account. No promises. I won’t compromise my life for yours. I wish you good luck and hope I’ve given you enough to stop that bastard Ardan. He scares the shit out of me more than coming face-to-face with a dozen hungry Kodiak bears.”
The informant nods once, picks up his backpack, and turns away, walking across the bridge leading to the Upper Dewey Lake Trail and his entrance into the vast backcountry of Alaska.
Zara grabs my arm as we start walking back towards the ship. “What now?”
I take a deep breath, feeling the enormity of our task ahead, but knowing there’s no turning back.
“We get this info back to the Captain and Basil Jenks. They have the connections to use this intelligence and stop Arden. Then we gather our allies and get ready to face him head-on.”
Chapter Twelve
Basil Jenks
