#Chapter 169 – Mobilizing the Forces

“Don’t give Alvin any details, please,” Evelyn says, considering her request that Ian contact his twin. “Just…tell him we’re okay?”

Ian nods, closing his eyes and concentrating, a little frown on his face. Evelyn waits patiently, trying to keep even her breathing quiet, working hard not to interrupt.

A few minutes later, Ian opens his eyes, continuing to frown. “It’s…harder,” he says, thinking it over. “Even harder than when we were far away. I guess it is grandpapa telling me not to. But it’s still there – like talking to him underwater. We can send images and feelings, but…not words anymore.”

Evelyn nods, biting her lip. Not that Ian talking to Alvin was an important part of her strategy but…well. It’s another resource not at their disposal.

“I send him a picture of you, just like this,” Ian says, putting out a finger to touch her face, indicating the blanket pulled up over their heads, “so he sees us now, but he won’t know where we are.”

Evelyn bites her lip at that. “Did he…did he see my black eye?”

“Oh,” Ian says, frowning, as if he just thought of it. “Yes, I’m sorry. That was part of the image, but I don’t really notice it anymore.”

Evelyn nods, accepting it. “It’s okay,” she says, giving him a smile.

“I also told him that we love him.” Ian says seriously, and Evelyn’s smile broadens.

“That was good of you,” she says. “I want him to know, every day, that I love him so much.”

“He sent a message back,” Ian says. “He says…he says he loves you too. And so does daddy. And that he’s sorry and is trying very hard to find you.”

Evelyn bites her lip at this, closing her eyes, trying to keep the pain off of her face.

She wants to believe it. So, so much.

At the dinner table, Alvin suddenly drops his fork.

Victor’s attention is immediately on him, though it takes Rafe and Bridgette a minute to notice that something is going on.

Alvin closes his eyes, almost holding his breath in concentration. Rafe opens his mouth to ask what’s happening, but Victor holds up his hand, a plea for silence.

A few minutes later, Alvin opens his eyes, taking a deep breath.

“I’m talking to Ian,” he says quietly, his face tired. “But it is…harder. There is something in the way, blocking us.”

“Do you have any idea what it is?” Victor asks, “or any idea where they are?”

sending me a picture, right now,” he says,

holds his breath, waiting for Alvin to continue, but Alvin just concentrates. After a moment, Victor can’t

lip. “She is happy,” he says, “but…she has a bruise on her

his eyes narrowing in determination. Whoever hurt her – he’s going

his eyes again.

moment passes, everyone at the table

is just telling me that they

hesitating. “Can

It is harder – I don’t know what is happening

nods. “Whatever you can do. But please, tell them that we love them too. That I’m

later, picks up his fork and starts eating again. Everyone at

chewing his pot roast. “What?” he

you…send it?” Bridgette

says with a big smile and a shrug. “I think he got

slumps back in his chair, worried and relieved at once. It was good to know that she was safe, happy – but god damnit, where was

sent you. Do you have

lip and looks away and Victor knows, instantly,

attention on his son. “Please. Tell me what you

the food around on his plate with his fork.

a pause at the table before Rafe speaks. “Well,” he says. “Did Ian tell

eyes at his

anyway,”

Slowly, Alvin nods.

his logic faulty but, perhaps, technically true. “Ian

again but

“You know I’m not going to do anything bad with the information. I just want to help

mommy doesn’t

stomach. He starts to

bedroom. And the blanket that mommy had over her head in the picture?” Alvin

Victor nods once.

“It’s the same as

Victor says, his voice

Alvin nods, conflicted about his choice

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