Without conscious thought, he staggered into the kitchen, working by rote to make himself a cup of honeysuckle tea. Staring out the window, he pictured Knox, Lane, and all the other members of the PAF, out there, fighting. He hissed in a breath at the prospect of some of them not making it home. He never heard of the ferals taking hostages, and he wondered if this was the start of something so much bigger? As citizens, not just of Corent, but the para world, there was so much they didn’t know, that was hidden from them. Was it a good thing? Who knew. If the citizens of Corent knew just how active the ferals were, there would be a lot more panic. Yet, if they did, they would surely be able to defend themselves easier, to be prepared. He didn’t envy those who had to make the decisions about what to tell the general population, that was for sure.
His heart ached for his sister, knowing she went through this every time Lane went away. As if he’d summoned her, his phone rang with her distinctive ringtone. “Sis, are you doing alright, do you need me?” No matter how much he was worried about Knox, his sister needed him to be the strong one.
“It breaks my damn heart every time he goes, Charlie. How can I keep doing this?”
“Because you love him. That’s how you keep doing this. Because you need him, and you can’t imagine life without him in it.”
“But it hurts.”
“I know.”
“I never know, if when I say goodbye, it’s the last time I’ll ever speak to him.” Her voice was on the edge of breaking.
“The sad thing is, truthfully, we never know if any goodbye, if any conversation will be the last one we ever have with someone. You need to love him with all your heart, show him how much you love him. If you can’t be strong for him, you need to pretend. It breaks his heart to leave you, that’s obvious, but this is who he is. The only alternative is to walk away, Sis.”
“What are you suggesting?” Her voice was lethal, but Charlie ignored it.
“If you’re struggling to cope with him going away, then you need to walk away from your mating, set you both free, no matter how much you love each other.”
“No! I’ll do no such damn thing. I love Lane with all my heart.” Her vehemence poured through the line.
“Then you know what you need to do, Sis. You need to pull up your big girl panties and deal with this. You need to show him you can cope. Show him that you’re strong enough to deal with this. He doesn’t need to be worrying about you while he’s out there, and I’m sorry to say it, but while he’s out there potentially fighting for his life. He needs to have his focus fully on that. Not worrying about how things are at home.”
Evie was silent for a moment. When her voice came back through the line, it was ragged. “You’re right.”
“I know.”
“Don’t be an ass.”
“You love me anyway,” he teased.
“I really do, you know that?”
“I know, Sis. And I know it’s hard on you. But you’re stronger, so much stronger than you think you are. Hang onto that. Don’t ever give up on that strength. That being said, I won’t think you’re weak if you need me to come over and help.”
“No, besides, I know from Matt’s text that Knox was going to meet you there. You need time to yourself, time with him.”
“He was here.” Charlie sighed.
“Was?” Evie picked up on his choice of words immediately.
“He’s been called in.”
“What do you mean, he’s been called in?”
“I mean, he’s ex-PAF. He and several others have been called in to help guard the extraction route. They want to make sure there is no chance of ambush by the ferals and want to get everyone back as quickly as possible.”
“Holy shit, Charlie!” Evie’s voice came out as a squeak. “Were you even going to bother telling me?”
“No. I didn’t want you to worry about why so many were being called in, but then I realized that you would prefer to know that so many people were there to make sure that your mate got back okay. That they all come home.”
“This is… I honestly don’t know what to say.”
“What can any of us say?” Charlie pursed his lips as he watched an owl fly through the night in the darkness of his backyard.
“I’m so torn. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled they’re making sure there’s a safe route out, but the fact they think it’s needed…”
Her words trailed off, and Charlie got it. He’d never heard of them doing such a thing before.
“Then there’s the fact they’ve called in some reserves. I know Knox has this bad-ass rep from when he was in the PAF, but come on, Charlie, this is seriously fucked up. He’s been out a while, and yet they’ve still called him in. I’m scared. Scared for Lane, scared for Knox, his brothers, and everyone else out with them.”
“Oh, shit.” Charlie’s eyes went wide.
“What is it?”
“Cora, Knox’s sister. She’s going to be on her own. If Knox has been called in, you can bet all the brothers are there as well.”
“Call her. Ask if she wants to stay with you, or me, for that matter. She shouldn’t be on her own. Do it now and call me back.”
“Will do.” Charlie cut the call off and immediately dialed Cora’s number.
“Hello?” The voice that answered was both wary and slightly shaky.
“Cora? It’s Charlie.”
“He’s not here.”
“No, I know. I’m guessing they were all called in. Are you by yourself?”
“Yes.” He could hear so many emotions in her voice he struggled to pinpoint just one.
“Lane’s gone too. I wondered if you wanted to either stay with me, or my sister has offered you a place at hers. There are the babies to consider if you go there, but both offers are open.”
“Really?” Cora’s breath whooshed down the line. “I’m used to them going, but Knox is always here when the others are away. This is… I’ve never dealt with them all being gone at the same time, you know? I’ve always thought I was independent, but the minute they are all gone, I realize how much I need them.”
“Cora, you’re an amazing young woman, feeling like this doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t mean you can’t look after yourself. Those brothers of yours would never leave you alone if they didn’t think you could cope, no matter what their bosses ordered. Knox, even wanting to protect your brothers’ backs, would still have refused to go if he thought one of them needed to be here for you. Your brothers trust you, have faith in you, Cora. Never forget that.”
“Are you sure I can stay with one of you? This house is so big and quiet without them.”
“Now that is something I can easily see. They are a larger than life, noisy bunch.”
Cora giggled. “You don’t know the half of it.”
“So where would you rather stay? If it’s with my sister, I promise I won’t be offended. Girl time might be good for you after being surrounded by all your brothers. Besides, I know she’d be more than happy to have the company.”
“Are you sure she wouldn’t mind?”
“I’m sure. She’s waiting on me calling her back to tell her what’s going on. Frankly, if you’d have said no, I think she would have enlisted me to come and get you. She’s pushy when she wants to be.” Charlie scowled, even though no one could see him.
“I’d love to stay with her. Thank you.” Cora already sounded happier.
“Do you want me to come and get you, take you over there?”
“You don’t mind?”
“Not in the slightest. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
As soon as Charlie hung up, he called his sister as he locked up. This was something he could do for Knox and his brothers. Not knowing if Knox would have his phone on him still, he sent a quick text.
Picking up your sister. She’s going to stay with Evie while you’re all away. Stay safe. C XO
You are incredible. See you soon. Think of me. XO
When do I never? As much as Ch
arlie wanted to reply, he knew it wasn’t fair to keep Knox talking. The last thing he needed was for Charlie to distract him.
Understandably, Cora was quiet on the tram ride over to his sister’s house. It was hard enough worrying about one family member, but to have to worry about your entire family? He’d meant what he’d said earlier, Cora was incredible and strong.
As soon as they walked up the path, Evie opened her arms wide and pulled Cora into them. “We can help each other through this.”
Cora clung onto Evie, soaking up the maternal support. It would be good for her to have that; in a family dominated by big and strong men, having that female support would help Cora to no end.
“Charlie, you’re dead on your feet,” Evie chided.
Charlie hadn’t realized he was swaying.
“Get home and sleep. Are you sure you’re okay to open up in the morning?” Evie looked him over with a combination of maternal worry and critical assessment.
“I’ll be fine. Besides, you have the babies to look after. Just promise me, the minute you hear anything, anything at all, then let me know,” Charlie pleaded.
“We will,” Evie assured him.
Cora spun around and grabbed hold of Charlie, holding him tight. “Thank you. I’m thrilled Knox is so taken with you. I can see why he is. You’re perfect for him.”
Charlie flushed but stayed silent. He gave both women a gentle kiss on the forehead and walked back down the path. Now the ladies were safe and together, he needed to process everything he was going through. That was not going to be easy.
Chapter Fourteen
Lying in his recliner on his balcony, comforter wrapped around him, hands holding onto a soothing mug of tea, Charlie stared out into the early morning sky. The stars were still out, and he found himself wondering if Knox was staring up at the same stars, thinking of him. Was he safe? Injured? D… no, he couldn’t even think that word. What about Lane, Knox’s brothers, all the other PAF members? The last few days had been hell, but he’d made sure to keep himself busy. The hardest times were now, when the world was quiet, and it was just him, a lack of sleep, and his thoughts. Part of him was scared at the depth of his feelings for Knox, but as Mama Alice always said, sometimes mates just knew, even if their human counterparts didn’t always accept it. Could that really be what he was feeling? He blew out a breath, watching it fog in the frigid air. Who knew? The only thing on his mind was getting Knox back. Getting them all back safe and sound. With a sigh, he put his mug down, gave up trying to get to sleep, and got up. He might as well start his day early.
Three and a half days of silence. Eighty-odd hours of hearing nothing. A day and a half past the time Knox thought they’d be home. His temper was frayed, his nerves ragged, but he stayed strong for Cora, Evie, and the kittlings. They all needed him far more than he needed to allow himself to break down in worry. He’d forced Evie to stay at home with Cora and the babies. Danny, Faith, and Jasper were all missing their daddy, and concentrating on them would be good for all five of them as they waited. Sure, it left him with too much time to think. Yet, he needed to steel himself for whatever news would come their way. Goddess forbid it were sad news, he would need to be the rock the women could cling to through the confusion. He could only hope that anything forthcoming was good.
He looked around the shop, just as Casper, the vampire, walked through the door. Casper had come from the blood bank with a cooler full of bags of synthetic blood. The vampire hadn’t been what Charlie had expected after their phone calls. For a guy who had been stoic on the phone, he was incredibly smiley when he got there.
“I heard you ‘Vant to dwink my bwood!’” Casper’s words were highly exaggerated, and he was waggling his eyebrows.
Charlie burst out laughing. “Casper?”
“In the flesh, my dear. My, my, aren’t you a delicious and tasty morsel. I could just imagine snacking on you…” His eyebrow twitched as if he was waiting to see how Charlie would react.
“Are we talking my blood, my lips, or…”
“Oh, I like you!” Casper dropped the cooler on the counter and held out his hand. “Casper Vickaris at your service.”
“Charlie Taylor.” Charlie found himself smiling for the first time in days. “You’re not what I expected.”
Casper held a hand to his chest. “It’s the name, isn’t it? That and my pale skin. I see your mind ticking. Go on, say it… I’ve heard it before.”
Charlie’s nose wrinkled. “I’m not following you.”
“With my name and my skin—” he gestured to his incredibly pale flesh— “I should be a ghost. I know, I’m cursed.”
Charlie chuckled. “Is it wrong that it hadn’t even entered my mind?”
“If it didn’t, then I think I may love you,” Casper teased. “So, what did you mean, that I’m not what you expected?”
“You just seemed a lot more serious on the phone, that’s all.”
“Ah, well, the boss man was looking over my shoulder when that happened. You know what bosses can be like… ‘you have to maintain a corporate image.’” Casper rolled his eyes. “Here, though, I’m just me. Besides, I’m hoping if I win you over with my amazing charm you might dish up the dirt and the goods.”
“Dirt and goods?”
“Firstly, I want a copy of the book. I can’t wait any longer to see what happens! You have to put me out of my misery.” Casper’s face was pleading. “Secondly, I need to know who Davidson is. It’s killing me not knowing.”
“Uh, I hate to be the one to tell you this…” Charlie drawled and leaned forward conspiratorially, “But you’re already dead.”
Casper clasped his hands to his chest and let out a mock wail. “Oh! Woe is me! I’m a thing of nightmares! Someone save me from the damnation of Hell!”
“Always the same, Casper, you never change.” A man in a suit stood in the doorway.
“Forrick.” Casper’s eyes sparkled. “Good to see you again.” Casper’s eyes raked over what Charlie realized had to be Forrick, the Corent police detective, and Sam’s nephew.
“And you.” Forrick strode forward and offered Casper his hand, but the vampire pulled him in for a hug.
Charlie took in Casper’s hand hovering just over Forrick’s ass, as if he wanted to touch it. He shrugged. Whatever was going on, he was staying well out of it. He had enough on his plate.
“I’m Josie, one of this lug’s partners.” A beautiful, blue-haired fae stepped forward.
“One of his partners? How many does he have?” Charlie always thought cops came in twos.
“There’s me, his forensic partner, Ollie, his shifter partner for when they are after criminals, and then there’s Jake, his witch partner for when he’s investigating. Really, we’re a unit of four, but we still call each other partners. It’s just the way the force works.” Josie shrugged.
“I never knew there were units like that.” Charlie shook her hand.
“We’re one of two units being trialed in Corent to see if it works out. They’re trying to see if it helps speed up the process, from investigating, right through to a trial. They think it will help if each unit knows the case inside out. Mostly, it’s designed to keep the forensic techs from getting lost in a sea of reports and not always knowing what case they are meant to be at a trial for.”
“That’s a clever idea, to be fair. Is it working?”
“We think so.” Josie looked back at her partner, who was talking quietly to Casper. “Of course, the teammates leave a lot to be desired…”
“I heard that!” Forrick’s voice carried over to them.
“You were meant to!” she called back.
Sam and Alfie joined them, Sam pulling his nephew into a hug and messing up his hair.
“Uncle!” Forrick groaned. “Will you stop doing that, I’m not five anymore, for fuck’s sake!”
Sam just shrugged and did it again.
Charlie’s head was bouncing back and forth, watching all the interactions. He had a f
eeling his day was about to get crazy. He still hadn’t heard from Knox, and was guessing that he wasn’t going to make it to the event, but he’d agreed with Evie that it needed to go ahead. He would face the angry customers when it came to it. He just hoped they understood.
Looking around the room, Charlie was stunned at the transformation that had occurred. Sam and Alfie had called in some friends. Witches and wizards had been stopping by all day to get things ready. They’d transformed the outside of the shop to look like a processing center in a police station. There were areas to have your photograph taken against the window. The traditional mugshot, but with a difference. The board that normally held the booking information, would hold their name, the book release date, and the booking officer’s name would be listed as Detective Callohan. Each ‘crime’ would be listed as ‘Hitting on an officer of the law’ rather than hitting an officer.
The next booth along the window was where each ‘suspect’ could get their fingerprints magically taken and placed on a card, with the same details as the mugshot.
The last booth outside was where the visitors could pretend to be in jail, behind bars, and could again have their picture taken. The card and photographs were then given to each visitor for free, but any donations for the families of police lost in the line of duty were gratefully received. He didn’t doubt that the good people of Corent would be donating lots to the fund. There were tables set up in the courtyard which had been decorated with various twinkling red, blue and white lights. The witches and wizards had gone above and beyond in their help. He owed Sam and Alfie big time for all their support.
Walking around the shop, he marveled at the crime scene Josie, Forrick, and Casper had created. The synthetic blood made all the difference. It honestly looked like someone had been killed there. Josie had assured him it would easily clean up with a simple spell, but frankly, even if he had to spend hours scrubbing it in the morning, it would have been worth it. They hadn’t told him what details they had decided on for the crime. It was for the best, he didn’t want to be accused of giving anyone clues.
A Tale of Two Horns (Corent City Tales Book 1) Page 14