Veil of Lies

by Nicky Charles

  From the look Mel gave the other woman, Lucy was pretty sure Mel had reservations about Jenna Lewis as well and more than coffee making was going to happen.

  Whatever.

  At this point she was so confused she didn’t really care. Armand had been arrested, wild animals were roaming around, someone had broken into Ryne’s house… She headed upstairs only too willing to let someone else be in charge.

  As soon as Lucy was out of sight, Melody grabbed Jenna by the arm and dragged her into the kitchen, well out of earshot.

  “Now what the hell is going on? Who are you really, why are you here and how do you know about us?”

  “One question at a time, please.” Jenna leaned against the kitchen counter, arms folded and answered the questions in succinct terms. “I’ve no idea what’s going on. I work for Lycan Link, I’m actually a pack-raised human. Tonight, I was supposed to be doing my last check on Daniel before submitting my final report. Captain Fielding had arranged for a chopper to drop me off on the widow’s walk—”

  “A chopper landed on my roof?” She was momentarily distracted by the news.

  “No, not on the roof. It hovered low and I fast-roped down.”

  “Fast-roped?”

  “Fast-roping is a cross between rappelling and a fireman’s pole. You need leather gloves with—”

  “Never mind, it’s not important.” Mel shook her head. “Do you have any idea what’s going to happen to Armand and Daniel?”

  Jenna pulled out her phone. “I’ll contact my handler and see if he can shed some light on what’s happening.”

  Mel made coffee and searched the freezer for cookies left over from the bake-off, while shamelessly eavesdropping on Jenna’s conversation. From the sound of it, Fielding was going to investigate and report back, but the name Higgins had been spoken rather loudly and was accompanied by cursing.

  When Jenna ended the call, she looked at Mel, one brow cocked. “Did you hear all that?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Mel didn’t even attempt to apologize, since she wasn’t in the least bit sorry.

  “Excellent. It saves me explaining all over again.” Jenna took a cup out of the cupboard, making herself at home.

  Mel watched for a moment and then gave a begrudging smile and took out the milk and sugar. “So, what do you propose we tell Lucy? She already saw Armand shift tonight. I pawned that off as her being overtired, but Baker wasn’t watching his words at all. He called Armand a bear.”

  “And mentioned the word ‘pack’ and ‘Enforcer’. What an idiot.” Jenna shook her head as she fixed herself a cup of coffee. “I might have to add an addendum to my report mentioning his carelessness.”

  “It will serve him right if he gets a reprimand.”

  “And whoever gave him his orders.”

  “Yeah.” Mel gave an emphatic nod as she sat down, cradling her cup of coffee. Jenna did the same, a temporary truce between them as they assumed the role of a DC, brainstorming possible explanations for the night’s events that would keep Lucy in the dark as to the existence of shifters.

  Reno blinked blearily and fumbled for the alarm clock beside his bed. Two in the morning? Too early for the alarm. He’d been in the middle of a dream—a great dream about Brandi and himself—when something had woken him. He rubbed his eyes, his sleep-befuddled mind trying to identify the source of the disturbance.

  The noise sounded again and he groaned. Someone at the door. He rolled out of bed, pulled on a pair of sweats and stumbled down the hall. He’d only been home a few hours having just flown in from Chicago where he’d been attending a wedding and visiting his friend, Damien.

  “Keep your pants on, I’m coming.” He grumbled as he gave his head a shake to clear his vision, then checked the peephole in the door. Fielding? What the hell was he doing here at this time of night?

  He opened the door. “Captain? What’s up?”

  Fielding brushed past him and immediately began talking. “Remember that case with the memory stick and stolen codes?”

  He yawned and scrubbed his hand over his face, trying to get his synapses firing. “Yeah. That was back last summer, wasn’t it?” Damn, he needed coffee. Maybe there was some left in the pot from the previous night. Another yawn escaped him, and he shuffled to the kitchen.

  “That’s the case I’m talking about. They’ve arrested the bear and the hacker that were involved.”

  “Arrested?” He turned, the cold coffee sloshing dangerously near the edge of the pot. “Why?”

  “That’s what I said when I got a call from one of my operatives in Stump River.”

  “Operatives in Stump River?” He quirked a brow, then changed his mind and shook his head. It was too late—or too early depending on your point of view—to get sidetracked on what was likely a complicated situation. “No, don’t tell me.”

  “I wasn’t going to.” The captain nodded towards the coffee pot. “Is there enough in there for two?”

  Reno eyed the cold sludgy brew. “Yeah.” He nuked two mugs of it while the captain brought him up to speed.

  “Remember how Higgins sent out that bullshit news release saying there’d been a security breach, not serious but ‘in an excess of precaution’ access codes were being changed?”

  Reno nodded.

  “Well, he had a burr up his ass about arresting some of those involved. He wanted to let everyone know we actively pursued that matter and were on top of things.”

  “So? Higgins is gone now. Packed up and left with no warning.” Reno removed the mugs from the microwave. “Good riddance as far as I’m concerned.”

  “Yeah, well he left a mess behind; half finished projects, shady finances, his own personal squad of Enforcers carrying out orders that never should have been issued.” He shook his head. “Apparently one of those orders included bringing in the bear and the hacker.”

  “Why? They weren’t involved except in the most peripheral sense. If anything, they helped by making us aware the codes were stolen in the first place.”

  “Exactly. Higgins was an idiot.” The captain nodded and took a sip from his mug. “This is good coffee by the way.”

  Reno tasted his own coffee and made a face. Even by his standards, it was old and barely drinkable. “How the hell did Higgins ever get to be director anyway? He was totally unqualified for the job.”

  “No idea. He probably put up a good front, made friends with the right people on the Council of Elders, did his best to be seen in the right places.”

  “All of which means nothing. He was a pencil pusher. He never worked in the trenches. He was never an Alpha.”

  “Initially, the director was more of a figurehead, a spokesman. Over time the definition changed and more power was assigned to the position.” Fielding leaned back in his chair.

  “Over time? You mean during Higgins’ time.” Reno took another sip of the vile brew in his mug.

  “Yep. I’ve been doing some research.” Fielding took another drink. “A lot of subtle changes happened during his time. Clauses were added to laws, bills rushed past High Council. I think he was consolidating his power.” Fielding shook his head. “Everyone trusted the front Higgins presented and assumed he was doing what was best for Lycan Link. If they’d taken the time and effort to dig deeper, they’d have realized all was not as it seemed.”

  “People are complacent. They don’t want to get involved.”

  “Yep. But that’s a topic for another time. Right now, we need to make sure two innocent men aren’t thrown in detention.”

  “What do you want me to do?” Reno went to take another drink, frowned at the contents of the cup and set it aside.

  “Contact the pack in Stump River and assure them we’re on this and then get a hold of any pack Alphas you know who have some influence. Tell them the facts. We need to put pressure on High Council, give them the correct version of what went on, not the cock and bull story Higgins probably told.”

  “Kane Sinclair will be the best man for the job
. His opinion carries a lot of weight. He actually asked to be taken off the candidate list for a position on High Council.”

  “I remember that. Created quite a buzz. High Council was impressed…once they got over having their noses put out of joint. No one had ever refused the honour before!” The captain finished his coffee in one gulp and stood up. “I’m going back to headquarters to see if there’s anything I can do to get the charges dropped.”

  Reno nodded and, after the captain left, wandered into the kitchen. “Might as well make a fresh pot of coffee,” he muttered to himself. “I won’t be getting any more sleep tonight.”

  Lucy sat at the kitchen table in Ryne’s house, Mel on one side of her, Jenna on the other. She must be dreaming. Or they were crazy. Or maybe both. There was no way the man she loved, the man she’d had sex with, had created a child with, was an animal. A bear, no less!

  “I know this is a shock,” Mel reached out and patted her hand, “but it’s all true.”

  “We debated about telling you—very few humans know the truth—however Melody assured me you were trustworthy and would keep our secret.”

  “Our secret.” She looked at the women on either side of her. “Are you telling me you’re both bears, too?”

  “No.” Mel shook her head. “I’m actually a wolf, or a Lycan as we prefer to be called.”

  “And I’m a human, just like you.” Jenna added. “But I was raised in a wolf pack when my mother married a Lycan.”

  “Wolves? Bears?” Lucy gave a strained laugh. “It’s like I’m in the middle of a box of animal crackers! Where are the cows and elephants and giraffes?”

  “Only the predatory shifters remain to the best of our knowledge.” Jenna replied, her face completely serious.

  “Right.” Lucy inched away from crazy person number one, which brought her closer to crazy person number two, aka Mel.

  Maybe they were on drugs? She’d been away for a while and sometimes people got involved in bad stuff. They needed help, counselling, except she wasn’t qualified for that yet. For a moment she felt like telling them to stay right there and she’d be back in a couple of years with her degree. It was a ridiculous thought but ridiculous seemed to be the theme of the night.

  On a more sensible note, her first duty was to her son. She needed to get Caleb away from here.

  She eased her chair back. “Well, it’s been real fun visiting with both of you, but I need to head on my way. Great cookies, by the way.”

  They both reached out, each grabbing one of her arms.

  “You can’t leave.”

  “Armand would never forgive us if we let you go.”

  Oh crap, she was trapped! What had she done in another life that deserved this much bad Karma? And Caleb, he was just a baby! She had to stay calm, find a way to escape. Her heart was pounding and she tried to remember to breathe slowly.

  “Lucy, I can tell we’re freaking you out, and I really didn’t mean to do that.” Mel stood up. “But I can prove to you we’re not crazy.”

  “By turning into a bear?”

  “No, she’s a wolf.” Jenna corrected. “Armand is the bear. Remember?”

  Mel nodded, fingering the buttons on her shirt. “But I’m only a half so I have some limitations. I can’t change form with my clothes on.”

  Lucy felt her eyes widen. Mel was going to strip in front of her? They’d been friends but not that close. Or was she some kind of exhibitionist?

  “I’m just going to step into the pantry, if you don’t mind.” Mel gave an awkward smile. “I’m still not into stripping down in front of others.”

  “Sure. Take your time.” She gave a cheery smile and waved her on her way. With Mel out of the way, there’d just be Jenna to tackle. Maybe she could overpower the woman and—

  “Would you like another cookie?” Jenna passed her the plate as if nothing wacko was going on. “Or more coffee?”

  “Coffee? That would be wonderful.” If Jenna stepped away to make more, it might give enough time to bolt for the stairs. She’d barricade herself and Caleb in the room, call 911 and…

  A soft yip interrupted her thoughts and she turned to see a pretty, light brown wolf trotting out of the pantry, head held high and tail wagging.

  Oh. My. Gosh!

  Chapter 38

  Armand sat in a detention room, arms crossed, outwardly as calm and steady as a mountain. The fact that his shirt was covered in dried blood and his ribs still ached from the antenna tower falling on him was of no importance. Physical discomfort was nothing compared to his internal turmoil. He needed to get back home, explain his words to Lucy and repair the damage to their relationship. Would she understand he’d been trying to protect her and the baby? Hopefully, Melody was doing damage control in his absence so when he returned they could finally have their happy reunion.

  If we return, his bear muttered. So far, they have not brought formal charges against us, but that does not mean they won’t.

  True. His jaw clenched and he consciously forced it to relax.

  There’d been no chance to speak with Ryne during the flight as they’d been surrounded by Enforcers and, within the walls of Lycan Link, he sensed a lack of privacy. However, if charges were indeed brought, he needed Ryne to send Lucy back to Chicago or some other safe location so their connection was minimized. He didn’t want Lycan Link deciding Lucy knew more than she should.

  A sound from the room next door let him know Daniel was on the move again, circling the small space, looking for a means of escape. The young man had rattled the air vent grate several times but had been unsuccessful in removing it, which was a good thing. If Daniel made a break for it, Lycan Link would hunt him down, or so the counsel assigned to them—a man named Ricardo Machado—had said.

  The wolf is young and reckless, his bear said.

  He nodded in agreement.

  There is a chance we will be set free. Then we can start a life with our mate and cub.

  It’s a strong incentive to not do something stupid, he concurred.

  If they try to lock us up…

  Then we will react.

  We are one bear against perhaps a hundred wolves.

  He nodded. The facility was extensive, and he’d noticed Lycans everywhere.

  Patience then. We will watch how this unfolds and wait for the right opportunity.

  A glance at his watch showed it had been hours since they’d left Stump River. After arriving, Counsel Machado had met with them and taken their statements as to what had happened. Then they’d been questioned by someone from Lycan Link, and then…nothing.

  He could hear Ryne pacing the hall outside the holding cell. The guards had tried to make him leave but had eventually backed down, Ryne’s description of what he’d do to them seeming to have worn down their commitment to the rules.

  A ringing sound drew his attention. It was followed by Ryne’s voice sounding right outside the door. Cocking his head, Armand unashamedly listened in on the conversation.

  “Kane, it’s been two hours since I called you. What took you so long to get back to me?”

  “My phone’s been ringing off the hook. There are quite a few Alphas who’ve already heard about this debacle and are up in arms, but I did manage to find out a few things.”

  “And?”

  “First of all, the ‘old geezer’ as you called him, is Ricardo Machado, one of the best counsels at Lycan Link.”

  “But he works for Lycan Link, so he’s biased.”

  “No, he operates independently of them. He’s actually won some landmark cases that went against Lycan Link. You’re lucky to have him on your side.”

  “Good to know.”

  “And based on what you’ve told me, there’s no case against your friend Armand, or Daniel unless—”

  “Unless what?”

  “Unless they kept copies of the codes for themselves.”

  “What would be the point? All the codes were changed as a precautionary measure. Higgins said as much in t
he news release.”

  “True. But it could still be deemed as being in possession of classified information and a sign of intent.”

  “Well, I’m positive Armand wouldn’t have kept a copy. And Daniel…” Ryne’s voice trailed off.

  Armand frowned. Daniel wouldn’t have kept the information, would he? Jenna had been in Daniel’s room and they’d heard her on his computer. Had she found evidence of those files and forwarded the information? While she claimed not to be involved, how trustworthy was she?

  His bear growled softly, not pleased with how the woman had deceived them.

  He shushed the animal as Ryne was speaking again.

  “Even if Daniel did have copies of the files, those Enforcers were in my territory without permission and that woman broke into my house to do the search. And, I never saw a warrant so the evidence should be inadmissible in court, shouldn’t it?”

  “That’s one of the points that has the Alphas up in arms.” Kane said. “The line between an Alpha’s territorial rights and the powers of Lycan Link have always been an area of contention. I’m sure Machado will use that to have the evidence dismissed if the case goes before High Council.”

  “High Council? Those trials can take weeks!”

  “Lycan Link will probably try to rush it through so Machado has less time to formulate a defence.”

  “Can they do that?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. Clauses have been added recently that give Lycan Link that power if they feel there is the need.” Kane sighed loudly. “It seems they’re trying to prove a point.”

  “And Daniel and Armand are going to take the fall.”

  Armand beetled his brow as the conversation drew to a close. He’d heard Ryne speak of his younger brother, Kane, and knew the man was a much respected and powerful Alpha with a sound understanding of Lycan law. And while it was good to know the counsel assigned to their case was skilled, the fact that he and Daniel might be scapegoats was worrisome. Perhaps Daniel’s search for a means of escape wasn’t quite so foolish after all.