Smoke and Sid took a seat in front of the desk across from Rebecca. The mousy little blonde had shortened her hair, and she’d added a few pounds to her little frame as well. She’d been nothing but nasty since Smoke came through the door. She slumped into her chair, crossed her legs, and kicked her foot like an edgy person. “You two are quite the pair. We pull strings to pay you and now you question our intentions.”
“Your intentions?” Sid looked like she was about to come out of her chair and pound the little woman. “You took Titus to a secret facility owned by the Drake! What are we doing any of this for? I want to see what happens to these people after we catch them.”
“You don’t have the right to see anything!” The tendons in Rebecca’s neck were strained. “You were paid to capture the man, and that’s what you did. What we do with them is not your business. That’s our business!”
Sidney’s eyes lit up. With a coy smile on her face, she calmly said to Rebecca, “You said them.”
Rebecca looked like she had swallowed her foot. Stammering, she said, “I meant him.”
No she hadn’t. Smoke could tell. Cyrus and Rebecca had been playing dumb all along. They knew a lot more than they were letting on. He caught Cyrus rolling his eyes just as she said it, too.
“At some point,” Smoke said to Cyrus, “you’re going to have to come clean with us. We do what we do to put these monsters away. We’re better off putting them down than turning them in if they’re being let go.”
“We can get someone else to do what you two do, and for less money.” Rebecca crossed her arms over her chest and continued kicking her leg. “Please excuse yourselves.”
“You really are one little head case, aren’t you,” Sid said. “You two really deserve each other. Bonnie and Clyde.”
Rebecca fired back. “And who are you two supposed to be, Boris and Natasha?”
Smoke let out a little laugh and started speaking with a Russian accent. “I am invincible! Why does she talk to us like this for? I don’t understand, Natasha. Little woman is rude. Nasty like bad vodka.”
In a husky woman’s voice, Sid replied, “I don’t know, Boris. Maybe because she’s so short and stupid. Look at her. A puny rabid chipmunk.”
Red faced, Rebecca came out of her chair.
“Rebecca, Stop!” Cyrus cried out.
It was too late. Sid had the little woman on the floor with her arm twisted behind her. “Just give me a reason to break it, you mouthy little—”
“Sid, please!” Cyrus pleaded. “She’s been out of whack since she found out she’s pregnant.”
Smoke swiveled around in his chair, looking at Rebecca. “Out of wedlock. Shame, shame. Are you going to be a daddy?”
Stiff necked, Cyrus replied, “I don’t know. She won’t say.”
Sid released her. “Fine, but I’ve had enough of this. From now on, if we want answers, we’ll just get them on our own. Let’s go, Smoke.”
“Everybody just hold on.” Cyrus resumed his seat with a furrowed brow. “Fort Carroll is a prison. Or rather a holding facility. All of these shifters that you catch are taken there for processing. As for what happens after that, I don’t know.”
“You’re an idiot, Cyrus,” Rebecca said. She rubbed her wrist and glared at Sid. “They don’t have the need to know any of this.”
“Maybe not, but they deserve to know. Geez, you really need to work out your issues, Rebecca. I’ve never seen even a pregnant woman who was so mean before.”
Rebecca’s eyes watered up, and her face sagged. “I hate you, Cyrus.” She rushed out of the room.
Cyrus threw his arms up. “I just keep rolling. Every hour it’s a different personality with her, and I can’t let that stand in the way of me saying what I need to say. Back to Fort Carroll. Look, I haven’t been there. All I know is that’s where the Black Slate captives go. And I had to find that out on my own. Actually, agent Johnnie Wok told me. As for the Drake owning it, that’s news to me. I’ve just been following orders.”
“Has anyone besides Senator Wilhelm been on your back about all this?” Sid asked.
“No. That’s plenty. If another one of those blustering Senate suits comes in here, my head will explode.” Cyrus took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Man, I’ve got a headache.”
Smoke asked, “So what’s your next step? Who do you call?”
“I’ve already made the calls. One to the Black Slate handlers and another one to Wilhelm. Lucky for me I haven’t heard back from either one of them yet,” Cyrus said.
“So what’s next?” Sid asked. “Are we supposed to just wait around for another call about the Black Slate?”
“You got paid. Go spend your money.” Cyrus put his glasses back on, and his eyes drifted toward the door. The disheartened look on his face couldn’t be about anything other than what he was feeling for Rebecca. “I’ll be in touch.”
CHAPTER 38
Smoke and Sid were back at her apartment at Angel Brook, packing. It was the next morning, and the sun was up and gleaming in her bedroom window. In the background, the television was on and the smell was of fresh coffee brewing. She was in jeans and a black-and-grey Steelers T-shirt, folding up clothes into neat stacks on her bed. She grabbed a suitcase out of the closet, set it on the bed, and unzipped it. Stack by stack, she set her clothes in the suitcase.
Taking more clothes out of her closet, Smoke said, “So, you want to take everything?”
“You’re wondering where we’re going to put it all, aren’t you.”
“Ah, no, not at all. We’ll make room for it. We can always build an add-on if we have to.” He held up a long maroon evening gown. “Wow, this is nice. We definitely have room for this.”
“You don’t have to worry. Most of the extra stuff I’ll take to Mom and Dad’s. But we’ll certainly take that if you want to.” She walked over to Smoke, took the dress, and kissed him. “Have you ever had a roommate before?”
“I’ve had roommates, but they were always men.”
With the playfulness of a vixen in her eyes, she said, “Well isn’t that a shame. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Smoke watched her go into the bathroom and emerge moments later with the fine dress slipped over her lovely figure. The maroon and black mixed together enhanced her alluring qualities.
“You know, before we pack everything up, I think we should make a few memories of the old place together.” Her eyes slid over his body and onto her bed. “What do you think?”
Smoke shoved everything off the bed, saying, “I’ve been thinking the same thing all morning.” He scooped her up in his arms, and she let out a squeal. He dropped her on the bed and climbed over her. Looking into her eyes, he said, “You’re so beautiful.”
She ran her fingers through the hair over his ears. “And you’re amazing, but don’t you ever toss my clothes off the bed again.”
“As you wish.”
***
Later that day, they’d finished up most of the packing in Sid’s apartment. She walked a box down the steps into the parking lot, where Smoke waited by Guppy’s van they’d borrowed. She said to Smoke, “I’m just doing this to keep me busy. Get my mind off things. We haven’t talked much about what went down in Cyrus’s office, but I’m curious to know where your mind is on that.”
Smoke took the box from her and stuck it in the van. “I’ve kinda enjoyed not talking about that, but you know me pretty well by now. Where do you think my mind is on that?”
“You want to explore Fort Carroll and see what’s going on.”
He nodded.
“You know, I’m also thinking that Wilhelm is the X factor in all of this. He’s the Drake’s pawn or something bigger, maybe even a knight. What if that guy becomes president and our entire government is being run by a bunch of clones and shifters?” Sid shivered. “Who’s going to be able to control them then?”
“I think you’re right about Wilhelm. I’m starting to think maybe Wilhelm really isn’t Wilhelm. Mayb
e he’s something else. He could have been a shifter all along. Terrifying, isn’t it?”
She picked a box up off the ground. “As if the government weren’t terrifying enough already. Can you imagine it being even worse?”
“I can.”
“Of course you can. Listen to me, John, I don’t want you venturing into Fort Carroll without me. I know you want answers. I want answers too, but I can’t get it out of my head that you’re going to turn into the ultimate frog man and swim over there as soon as I close my eyes and fall asleep.”
Parting his hands in a peaceful gesture, he said, “I’ll make it quick.”
“So you were planning on leaving me.”
“No,” he said, “but I have been running through a plan of action about fifty times in my mind. Sid, I need to know what’s going on. We’ve taken these monsters down, and I need to make sure they stay down. Too many people suffer because of them.”
“Just keep loading boxes, okay?”
Sid’s expression was one of concern and worry, and he could empathize with that. Loving another person could be a dangerous thing. Evil would use it against you. Everywhere they went, Smoke was on high alert, watching and listening for the enemies that might try to take Sid away from him again. He had to protect her, but the funny thing was—she was trying to protect him.
“Once we finish up, maybe we should have a sit-down with the gang,” he suggested.
“The gang?”
“You know who I mean.”
Sid fanned away a bumble bee. “No. Are you talking about the Apple Dumpling Gang?”
“Hah-hah. No, but I like it. Come on, let’s finish up and go. We need to get you settled into your new home.” He lifted another box into the van. “I will say this. I’m glad you don’t have that much to pack. Kinda surprising for such a pretty woman. You have more guns and ammo than anything else. Well, that and a nice selection of feminine underwear.”
“You can call them panties. It’s okay, we’re married now. It would even be okay if we weren’t, John Boy.”
“I’m old fashioned. I just don’t want to say any words that might get me worked up.”
“Panties? That word excites you?”
“You saying it does.”
“Are you wanting to make my bed again?”
Smoke shrugged.
Taking him by the hand, she started back up the steps to the apartment.
Nearby, a throat cleared. “Such a lovely day, isn’t it?”
A tall, slender man with flowing white hair stood on the sidewalk holding a black umbrella against the sun. It was Vormus.
CHAPTER 39
The deep-purple suit Vormus wore looked brand new, but the style was at least two centuries old. The top hat he wore was even worse. Smoke said the first thing that came to mind. “Well, it looks like Willie Wonka is back out of the chocolate factory.”
“Willie who?” Vormus said.
A woman approached him on the sidewalk at a quick pace as if he would step aside. He didn’t. She dropped off the edge of the sidewalk and scuttled along at a quicker pace and started calling a number on her phone.
Vormus raised an eyebrow. “Am I going to have to stand out here all day? It’s rather uncomfortable.”
“Why would we want you to be comfortable?” Smoke said.
“Pleasant surroundings will make my news more fetching to your ears. After all, you want answers, and I have them.”
Smoke and Sid looked at each other, and she said, “We aren’t looking for any answers.”
“Of course you are. Listen to me,” Vormus said. “I know what the Drake has plans for, and you should want to know too, seeing how your family is involved in all of this. Please, just let us speak of this somewhere alone.” He stretched his fingers out into the sun. There was a sizzling and cracking of skin. “I’m not at my full strength in the daylight. You clearly hold the advantage.”
“Morning glory, come on up then.” Sid gave Smoke a shrug.
He jogged down the steps and slipped behind Vormus, who proceeded to follow Sid up the steps and into the apartment. Closing them inside, Smoke pulled his gun on Vormus.
Sid did the same and said, “Talk.”
Taking note of his surroundings and closing his black parasol, Vormus said, “This certainly is a modest little place. What will you do with all of this delightful furniture? Will it find a home in that Goodwill place?”
“Just sit down,” Sid said. “And keep your hands where I can see them.”
Edging closer to the sofa, Vormus sneered at it. “I hope you aren’t implying that you think I would steal any of your dime-store decorations. That’s awfully insulting to me.”
“Just talk,” Smoke said.
“Oh, I’d be happy to, man of many short words.” Vormus sat down like he was about to sit on a pile of manure, then shifted in the seat. “It’s not horribly bad. So, where were we?”
Sid stood behind the kitchen counter that overlooked the small living room. “You were about to tell us why you’re here.”
“Aren’t you going to offer me some tea or coffee? Not that pod stuff. A finely percolated French roast will do just fine. Or some Earl Grey tea, but that’s not as common among you commoners.”
“It’s all packed up. Now out with it, Vormus. What the hell do you want?” Sid said.
Vormus’s air of superiority started to sag. His slender shoulders slumped, and he said, “I want your help.”
Smoke and Sid burst out laughing.
“If there is one thing that I still envy, it is the mortals’ way of finding humor in just about everything.” Vormus tried to laugh, but only a strange cluck came forth.
“What was that?” Sid said, still laughing. “Are you about to spit up a hairball on my Goodwill sofa?”
“It was a desperate attempt to laugh,” Vormus sneered. “The sensation of joy is lost to me.” His fingers dug into the cushions, and his voice became serious. His hypnotic eyes sucked their eyes into his. “I want my mortality back, and I want you to help me!”
A brief silence fell over the room before Sid spoke up and said, “That can happen?”
“According to the record,” Vormus replied.
“What record?” Smoke wasn’t inclined to believe anything Vormus said, but the shifter did have his attention.
Sid had perked up a little too.
“Ancient texts and files the Lancasters have stashed—and it’s not all a bunch of mysticism. It’s science and chemistry too. To become a shifter, there are injections and rituals, but they can be reversed.” He sighed. “My kind doesn’t do it because it won’t be long before you die if you reverse it, but I’m ready.”
“And how are we supposed to help?” Sid said. “Why don’t you use your own people, Guermo?”
“I tried that, but all of my loyal minions are dead, and I can’t do it alone. Kane is after me. That night we fought was a close one.” Vormus took off his top hat, dusted off the top, and set it down beside him. “I wasn’t equipped to beat him then. It was a moment of inspiration.”
“Inspiration? What kind of inspiration?”
Vormus’s jaw shifted back and forth. It was clear that he was uneasy with something. A struggle was within. The cold and compassionless shifters didn’t feel anything for anyone. They were arrogant, overconfident, and proud. People were like sheep to them. No, worse. Like insects to be crushed beneath their toes. But something about Vormus was different now. There was doubt. Shame. Finally, he said, “You two.”
Sid came out from around the kitchen counter and stood beside Smoke. “Us?”
“I’ve never seen two more stubborn people in my life. The way you fought for each other. That fire in your eyes. Kane tried to break you, Sidney Smoke, but you didn’t break. They wanted John to give up, but he didn’t quit. My kind despises that. It reminds us of our past. The life we gave up selfishly that we once had.” Vormus gave them both a look of desperation. “I had what you have once and gave it up. Now I’m nothi
ng but a void that cannot be filled.”
“Forgive us for not breaking out a violin and playing a song for you,” Smoke said, “But you’re all a bunch of cold-blooded killers.”
Vormus held up his hands. “Guilty as charged. The blood on my hands is thick, and I won’t deny it. But I’d be glad to confess and finish out my life on death row just to have my mortality again.”
“And what do you have to offer us?” Sid asked.
“I know how to stop the shifters.”
CHAPTER 40
Smoke put his gun away and took a seat on one of the barstools. “Go ahead, we’re listening.”
“I’m not going to spill the beans now, as you like to say,” Vormus replied. “I need you to help me first, but I will give you some information that will make it worth your while.” He locked eyes with Sid. “Your sister and niece are in certain danger. As a matter of fact, your sister is becoming a shifter now.”
The blood ran out of Sidney’s face. “Don’t lie to me,” she said to Vormus.
“I’d like to believe that I was, but I’m not. Allison was drawn to the power the same as anyone else. Immortal beauty. External strength. It’s hard for the youth to see that everything they have been presented with is just a charade. An illusion. She’ll have regrets soon enough. It may take a few years or decades even, but the regret will be the same. Deep as a bottomless well.”
“You said, ‘becoming a shifter’? What does that mean?” Smoke asked.
“As I’ve said, there are rituals and injections that she must agree to. She’ll then pick a form that she identifies with. Me, I chose to become a vampire, more or less a charming type of horror. You’ve encountered the other beasts that the others become. Their powers blossom at night. But not all survive the process. There aren’t too many true shifters. But your sister Allison is a prime candidate, just like the both of you are.”
Smoke leaned forward. The words of Titus Tolliver filled his mind, about him and Sid being a legacy of the shifters. “Fill us in.”
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