Enemy Within (Moira Ashe Book 1)

It was still midday. Moira adorned her newly cleaned garments and left with Lincoln to meet with Commander Murphy. After she had finished her meal, Moira had instructed a guard to deliver a message to the guard commander requesting a meeting. Lincoln fell in behind Moira as she navigated the streets of Quinn.

Moira hadn’t told him exactly what she was planning, but he was used to being in the dark about her activities by this point, despite how much that irritated him. He trusted her at least to tell him what she needed him to do before he needed to do it, and that would have to be enough for now. But he was thankful that she brought him along for the meeting with Murphy, even though he was pretty sure she would have preferred to go alone, but she wasn’t making a good case for him to stay past tonight.

When they arrived at the barracks Commander Murphy was waiting to meet them.

“Good evening, Ms Ashe and Mr Clarke,” the commander greeted them as they neared the front gate.

Moira replied. “Did you get my message?”

The commander of the guard nodded. “Yes, I did, and I can assure you I’m very interested to hear your proposal.” Murphy turned to face the building. “We’ll talk in my office.”

The distance to Murphy’s office was short. The room was located near the front of the building on the second floor. When they entered, Murphy took a seat behind his desk and motioned for Moira and Lincoln to sit in the two chairs in front of it. As they sat down, Murphy spoke, “So what are you wanting to tell me?”

“The werewolf is coming from the city’s sewers.”

Moira’s statement instantly grabbed both the attention of the commander and Lincoln.

“How do you know this?” the commander asked.

“I was able to track them last night,” Moira replied.

“Damn it. It would take forever to find them down there, even with all the guards in the town.” Murphy balled his fist on his desk.

“And in such close quarters, it would be suicide to send anyone into those tunnels,” Moira said. “But, I think I have a solution.”

Murphy leaned forward. “I’m listening.”

Moira began explaining her plan. “There are two ways in and out of those tunnels. I suggest a large show of force at the west entrance to keep him from leaving from that direction. The beast will then emerge out the east exit, where I will be waiting for it.” Moira paused and corrected herself as she looked at Lincoln. “Where Lincoln and I will be waiting to ambush them.”

Murphy leaned back in his chair again. “And why don’t I just post guards at both exits?”

Moira shook her head. “That would just guarantee that they would stay in the sewer. And I don’t have to tell you what would happen if it found a smuggler’s tunnel into someone’s house down there.”

Murphy stared towards the street as his thick brows dipped, and he began to rub his chin.

Lincoln chimed into the conversation. “Why aren’t they using those tunnels already instead of attacking the guard?”

Moira turned to him and shrugged. “I’m not sure, but the tunnels are hard to find, and he’s been having luck with the guards already.” She turned to Murphy. “Sorry.”

Murphy frowned. “I’m sorry too. I’ve lost too many men to this thing.” He grabbed a plain box and placed it on his desk. “That’s why I had these made this morning.” He opened the box.

Inside were a few silver balls.

Upon seeing the bullets, Moira gasped and quickly shut the box. “Quinn agreed, no silver!”

Lincoln looked wide-eyed between Moira and the box.

Murphy’s voice began to rise as his face reddened. “I know that you convinced Ryan that they weren’t worth it, but I’m not going to let the price outweigh the lives of my men!”

Moira tensed. “How many did you make?”

Murphy took the box and returned it to his desk. “About two dozen. And I’ve put in a request for some hounds.”

“I understand that you need to protect your people, but let me handle this. Stop production and stop that request.”

Murphy crossed his arms. “I’m not sending my men out there unprotected.”

Moira pleaded. “Then don’t! Give the bullets to the men guarding the west entrance and keep the patrols behind the walls.”

Murphy sat and thought about Moira’s proposition. He eventually sighed and shook his head. “I don’t like the idea, but if you can promise me my men will be kept safe. I’ll do it … at least for now.” Murphy slammed his fist on his desk. “But I swear—if a single man is hurt because of this, I’ll see you hang.”

“You have my word.” Moira nodded her head as she stood unfazed by the sudden outburst. “Have your men ready by tonight, and leave the rest to me.” She made for the door while Lincoln stood to follow her out.

Moira paused as the commander grumbled, “Good luck … to the both of you.”

“No bullets, and no dogs!”

“Yeah … Yeah … Don’t push your luck.” Murphy waved them off as they left to prepare.