Animal Attraction

by Patricia Rosemoor

  “Of course you will. I’m not doing this to keep you from her. It’s this place.” She looked around her quarters which didn’t even have a window. Pop could create a spell to fix that for her, but whatever she saw outside the window wouldn’t be real. “Living in this atmosphere isn’t good for a child.”

  “It was good enough for you and your brother.”

  “Nik and I survived. I want Maeve to thrive. I want her to know her father’s world as well as ours. And you know not all of the Kindred would be happy to have her in their midst.”

  “If anyone threatens my grandchild—”

  “Pop, stop! That’s what I don’t want. I want to give her a life of peace.”

  Something she and Nik knew nothing about. The Kindred were divided into factions with different ideas of what was important. They could get violent over disagreements. Even their parents warred with each other about nearly everything. She wondered if Luc’s mother was the reason they were in constant turmoil or if Pop’s abiding love for Elizabeth was the result of his unhappy marriage.

  As if her father had latched onto those thoughts, he asked, “What does Beatrix have to say about it?”

  “I haven’t told Mother. As long as I still do my job, I doubt she’ll give it a second thought.”

  Pop didn’t argue with that. “If you’re set on it, then, I won’t stop you.”

  He stuffed the bronzed chip in his pocket and turned to leave, but she went after him and grabbed his shoulder. “Please, Pop.”

  Whipping around, his expression dark and a little frightening, his silver-streaked dark hair practically bristling, he asked, “Please what?”

  Ignoring the anger that pulsed from him, she threw her arms around his neck. “Try to understand that I have to do this for my daughter. I love you, Pop. That isn’t going to change. And Maeve will love you, too.”

  For a long moment, she thought he wouldn’t respond, that he would let her leave The Ark with this breach between them. Then his arms surrounded her and he softened and held her tight and rubbed her back as he had years ago when she was a child who’d needed reassurance after being snubbed by some human girls she’d tried to make friends with.

  “I don’t understand,” he said gruffly, “but I’ll try.”

  “Thanks, Pop.”

  Whatever else Cezar Lazare might be, he was a father who loved all three of his children, would always protect them, and would do anything—well, within his idea of reason—to see that they were happy.

  When he left, Nuala sniffled and blinked the moisture from her eyes. She needed to get serious about this packing business before something changed her mind about grabbing hold of what, until now, had simply been a daydream.

  *

  “We can’t let whoever is responsible for Alderman Booker’s death get away without consequence. He was a good man, but mistaken in his idea of trying to make peace between the gangs in his area by providing jobs. That didn’t break up gang activity.”

  Alderman Alec Peterson was speaking directly to the people watching this televised press conference and Ethan was waiting to hear anything new about the murder that the alderman had gotten under the radar.

  “What does gang activity have to do with Alderman Booker’s death?” a reporter asked. “The ME said a wolf hybrid attacked him.”

  “Yes, illegal in this state. Who would own such an animal? Some gang member who makes money on dog fights or uses one to intimidate innocent citizens. Booker probably found out about it and paid with his life.”

  Alec Peterson sounded like a preacher firing up to give his audience a sermon.

  “It’s time the Chicago Police Department did its job!”

  Groaning, Ethan muted the sound on the television.

  “Hey, I was watching that!” Isabeau said from where she perched on the edge of a desk.

  “Alec Peterson is simply furthering his platform,” Ethan said. “He called this press conference so he could use Booker’s death to get himself some press.”

  “Lincoln Park is in his ward.”

  “True. But Peterson’s mission has always been to have his wealthy constituents think he’s the best man to keep them protected from the dangerous elements. That the police are incompetent and can’t do the job. It’s the way he gets clients for his law practice. And the way he wins all his elections.”

  “Other than alderman?”

  “He started with class president.” Noting Isabeau’s doubtful expression, he said, “We went to the same high school. Peterson was a couple of years behind me.” Peterson had been in the same class as Ethan’s brother Mike. They’d been friends until Peterson didn’t have enough time for Mike while pursuing what he called his campaign to shape his future. Ethan got that Alec didn’t want to be poor all his life, but Peterson’s method left him cold. “He’s basically singing the same song he did back in high school.”

  “I would think you’d be happy that someone in power is determined to curb the amount of violence in this city.”

  “Yeah, you’d think.” Maybe he shouldn’t be so skeptical. “Maybe I don’t like the fact that he’s always pointing a finger at the department.”

  Ethan sat before the case files stacked on his desk. The only case he wanted to work on was Booker’s murder. He was relieved the autopsy didn’t show anything questionable in the results. So why couldn’t he be happy about that? Despite the fact that the fur identified the animal that killed the alderman as a wolf hybrid, that the do-rag indicated the killer could indeed be a member of a gang, Ethan’s Spidey senses about Kindred involvement wouldn’t settle down.

  The thought reminded him Nuala had just moved into Shade’s old place.

  Though she hadn’t recognized the photo of Booker, she’d said he looked familiar. Maybe he should find out why.

  Chapter Seven

  Though Nuala could simply sift to the Lakeview apartment with all her belongings—just think herself there and she would be there instantly—she drove instead. She had to get used to doing things the human way. When she arrived, Skye did her best to make her feel welcome by helping her bring in her belongings before turning over the keys and retreating upstairs. Now with the gloom of evening filling the room, Nuala sat in the leather chair Shade had favored, as if that would give her some link to her child’s father. Nothing. No connection. She’d been certain once she was alone in the apartment, she would cry for him. Her throat felt uncomfortable. She could hardly swallow. But her eyes remained dry.

  Never having mourned anyone before—no one else she cared for had ever died—she had no idea if this was normal. With no experience of the grieving process, how could she know?

  The emotions that had turned her world upside down when Shade had left this one had settled into something less visceral. Melancholy rather than heartbreak. Her memories were fading even as she came to terms with facing a future alone. A fluttering in her swollen belly reminded her that she might not have Shade, but she would have his daughter.

  Through Maeve, Shade would always be with her.

  The sound of the doorbell made her start. Her smile faded. Tempted to ignore the intrusive buzzer, she grimaced when it sounded again, awkwardly pushing her out of her chair and to the door. Though she concentrated, she couldn’t get a handle on the identity of the person on the other side. The third ring made her swing the door inward only to find Ethan Grainger leaning in, his arm propped on the lintel above the opening.

  “Of course it would be you.”

  He grinned, making her stomach clench, and said, “Nice to see you, too.”

  Seeing him unexpectedly like this threw her off for a moment. He practically filled the doorway with a well-built body and an attitude that sent a warning skittering up her spine. Again, she couldn’t read him, and Skye wasn’t here this time, so it must have something to do with the building itself. Maybe Skye or Shade had conjured up some kind of protection spell.

  “Skye is upstairs.” Nuala started to swing shut the door.

>   Ethan put his hand out to stop it. “I’m not here to see Skye.”

  The implication being he was here to see her.

  You forgot something you had to do, so you need to leave right now.

  Instead of making his excuses, he asked, “Aren’t you curious as to why I’m here?”

  Frustrated that she couldn’t influence him, she said, “I don’t need your help!”

  “But I need yours.”

  From his stance, macho and determined, the smile slipping from his lips, he radiated a masculinity that set her on edge. Her mouth went dry and her pulse flickered. What was wrong with her? She couldn’t be attracted to him! She felt totally off-kilter. The way he was staring at her made her think about grabbing onto his arm, picturing a place she wanted to leave him and they would be there. And then she could return home alone. But she was trying to learn what it would be like to be human for her child’s sake, so she held herself in check.

  Sighing, Nuala backed off. “Come in.”

  Ethan stepped in and glanced at her swollen belly before passing into the living room without comment.

  She felt compelled to say “I wasn’t expecting company.”

  “This isn’t a social call. I’m here on business.”

  “Police business?” When he nodded, she asked, “The man murdered in the park? I’ve seen the news. He was killed by a wolf hybrid, probably owned by a gang member. No Kindred involved.”

  “Maybe not directly in his death. But instinct tells me that it does have something to do with your father’s business.”

  Nuala sat in Shade’s chair. “Then talk to him about it.”

  “Seriously?”

  Knowing Pop wouldn’t give Ethan the time of day unless it was to his advantage, Nuala said, “Luc, then.”

  “Luc is already working on it with his security team.”

  He indicated the seat opposite her, apparently wanting to make himself comfortable. To take up her time. Truthfully, Nuala wanted to hear what he had to say, so she nodded, and Ethan sat in the chair opposite her.

  “What do you want from me?” she asked.

  “There’s that casino chip from The Ark one of the forensic guys found. You have a personal role with customers.”

  “Not with this one. I never gave Alderman Booker the executive tour.”

  “But you said he looked familiar,” Ethan reminded her.

  “I might have seen him on the news.”

  “You watch the news?” He seemed surprised.

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You do live in a different world.”

  She looked around. “Not anymore.” Though she’d only been in the apartment for less than an hour, her world already felt different. She could breathe easier.

  “You’re cutting ties with the Kindred?”

  “I didn’t say that.” She would never cut ties with her family. Not even with her mother, though her mother probably wouldn’t notice if she did. “I still have a job.”

  “Until the baby is born,” Ethan said.

  Nuala gaped at him. That sounded like an order. “What gave you the mistaken idea that I would quit?”

  “It seemed like the thing to do. For Maeve.”

  Nuala flew out of her chair. “Don’t try putting a guilt trip on me—”

  “Is it working?”

  “I’m making changes, trying new things out.”

  “Then try to be helpful,” he said, getting to his feet. “I’m trying to find another murderer.”

  She frowned. “I don’t know what you expect of me.”

  “Just look at this photo again and concentrate.” He pulled out his cell phone. “Try to remember where you’ve seen Alderman Booker before.”

  “All right. Give it to me.”

  She reached for the cell but at first touch they fumbled the transfer and nearly dropped the phone. They both grabbed for it, hands entangling, his shoulder pressed against her. He was big and warm and made the breath catch in her throat. She froze… and then Ethan let go.

  Trying not to show any outward reaction, despite the way her pulse zig-zagged, she stepped back from him and looked down at the screen. It took her a moment to pull herself together. She’d expected to see the kill shot, the alderman with his throat torn out, but instead she was looking at his face while he was still alive. She narrowed her gaze on his serious expression and concentrated. He really was familiar. She’d seen him and she had the distinct feeling it hadn’t been so long ago. But when?

  Suddenly it came to her.

  “I was on the cloaked deck of the casino and trying to get to a bathroom. Morning sickness doesn’t necessarily know morning from night. I was halfway there when Nik stepped in my path and I knocked into him. He grabbed my arm to steady me. He looked angry but then asked if I was okay. Well, I wasn’t, so I just pulled away, and as I swung around him, I got a look at the man he’d been talking to—Alderman Booker wearing an impatient expression. They were having words about something. I remember their raised voices as I ran to the bathroom.”

  Blinking the memory away, she met Ethan’s intense gaze and a shiver crawled up her spine.

  “Do you remember anything else? Did you hear any part of that argument?”

  “No, nothing. I was just intent on not humiliating myself in front of dozens of people.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  She shrugged. “It had to be a couple of weeks ago, because I haven’t been sick in a while.”

  “So Cezar must have invited Booker,” Ethan mused.

  “I suppose. Or he could have used someone else’s invitation.”

  “We need to find out if he was invited… and if he was… why. I need to talk to your brother.”

  “Uh, you’re not Nik’s favorite person.”

  “Is anyone?”

  “Yes. Me.” The way Ethan was staring at her put Nuala on edge. “What? You want me to find out?”

  “You’re my only lead.” He stepped closer and put out a hand to touch her. “We could—”

  His warmth made Nuala swallow hard. Panicking, she thought of the cloaked deck of the casino.

  *

  Ethan started when Nuala disappeared in the blink of an eye. And then got royally pissed. She’d left him in her apartment without saying a word. Where the hell had she gone off to? Hopefully, the casino. He’d been about to suggest they face Nik together when she’d flickered out.

  Part of him wanted to follow her, but he hated The Ark. Besides, if Nuala had Nik talking, he didn’t want to ruin things. Ethan was certain if he showed, Nik would choose not to share information “just because.”

  So he would stay away and let Nuala get what she could from her brother.

  Besides, he needed to meet with one of his snitches and then check on his mother. He wasn’t the only one who would be aware of the anniversary of Mike’s death a few days from now. Ten years and still no justice for his brother. After turning out the lights, he left the apartment, then rang Skye’s bell. It barely took her two seconds to answer via the intercom.

  “It’s Ethan. I’m leaving the apartment. Nuala already blinked herself out.”

  “She went back to The Ark?”

  “I’m assuming. I figured you would want to know so you could secure the place.”

  “Thanks, Ethan. Hey, what about the sea glass?”

  Remembering he’d had the distinct impression that Nuala had wanted him to turn around and leave, he said, “Working like a charm. If you have any other tricks up your sleeve dealing with the Kindred, don’t hesitate to share.”

  “If I find anything in the Book of Powers, I’ll let you know.”

  “Yeah, great.” More supernatural stuff he didn’t really want to know about. But if he was going to be dealing with the Kindred again, he needed every advantage.

  And then he was on his way. It was getting dark earlier now, so a perfect time for a clandestine meeting. At a stoplight, he put a call into Joseph Vasquez, better known as Diablo, a fri
nge Humboldt Lords gang member who played to whichever side best suited him. He always favored money, as long as he wouldn’t get caught. He was one of Ethan’s most reliable sources.

  Ethan heard a click and then “Que pasa?”

  “I have a job for you,” he said as the light turned green and he started off again. “Can you meet me by the park lagoon in ten minutes?”

  “On my way now.”

  Darkness fell as Ethan sped toward one of their several meeting places. He varied the locations so as not to draw unwanted attention in case someone Diablo knew saw them together.

  Humboldt Park—both neighborhood and city park—had a history of gang violence. Though the neighborhood was being gentrified, the park itself still had warnings about it being a weapon-free zone. Having grown up nearby, on the fringes of the target area, he and his brother had spent a lot of their youth in the park. A lot of time to avoid or to get into trouble.

  Mike had been murdered in back of the field house.

  Was that why this meeting place had immediately come to mind?

  Diablo was waiting for him when Ethan pulled up next to the lagoon north of the boathouse, where they were less likely to be seen. This would only take a couple of minutes. Dressed in baggy jeans, a white T-shirt and purple baseball cap turned backward, various professional and amateur tattoos decorating his arms, Diablo looked every bit the part of a Humboldt Lords gangbanger. Ethan peered around the darkened park to make sure they weren’t being watched. The only people close enough to see them were some kids messing around in the water. Not good this late. Or at any time. There seemed to be a kid drowned every year in this lagoon. But an adult stood there watching them.

  “What you got for me?” Diablo asked the moment Ethan left the car.

  “You know Alderman Booker is dead?”

  “Yeah, heard he was murdered by one of the boys.”

  Ethan wouldn’t call members of a gang boys no matter how young some of them might be. “It’s my investigation. You wouldn’t have any knowledge of his relationship with the Insane Brotherhood?”

  Diablo shuddered. “Them guys practice voodoo.”