Danny bit her lip. John opened his mouth to speak, then stopped.
Valentine continued. “She gave it to me, to give to you. It was a birthday present.”
“Someone gave her a broken present?”
“It wasn’t broken when she got it. It was broken when she was being brave. And ever since then, Prancer — that’s her name — has had a little bit of magic inside. If you hold on to her, when things get really bad, and wish … your wish can come true.”
Adalia reached for the pony. “Her name is Prancer?”
“Yep.”
“Thank you.” She gave him another hug, getting some paint on his shirt. “I’ll take care of her.”
Valentine walked outside to where Carlisle was leaning on the balcony railing. Danny followed him, John a few steps behind. Valentine also leaned against the railing, shoulders hunched.
Danny slowly reached out, her hand touching his arm. “What happened?”
“They were there.” Valentine stared out over the valley. “They knew I was coming.” His hand covered hers. She could feel the heat in it.
“They?” Carlisle looked at him sideways. “Same as the station?”
“Looked like it.”
John spoke from behind them. “I didn’t see shit. Val comes running up to the car, all I hear is sirens. He wanted me to floor it.”
“Did you?”
“Do I look retarded?”
Danny considered him. “A little.”
He gave her the finger. “I drove out nice and steady. There were a lot of cops on their way there.”
“Any white vans?” Carlisle was staring back out over the valley. The view up here was great. Danny loved living here; it was quiet, free of the usual detritus of the city.
“White vans?”
“Is there an echo? Yeah, white vans.”
“Jesus. It’s pick-on-John day.” John leaned against the side of the house. “I wasn’t looking for white vans. Could have been. I don’t know.”
“Every day is pick-on-John day.” Danny looked at Carlisle. “What’s the significance of white vans?”
“Tradesmen.” Carlisle nodded down into the valley. “See down there, if we watch the road for a while? We’ll see twenty white vans in as many minutes.”
Valentine nodded. “I get it. Ordinary. Hiding in plain sight.”
“It’s how I’d do it. When they busted up the station they used white vans. The van at the Elephant Blues was white. Most commonly sold van color in the world.” Carlisle breathed in, wincing. “God damn. I can’t believe those fuckers shot me.”
“What now?” Danny sighed. “I’m guessing you didn’t get your tests.”
“I got my tests. I wish that was all.”
“What do you mean?” She searched his face. “What happened?”
“I…” Valentine faltered. “I’ll tell you later. For now, I … I’d really like to get Adalia somewhere safe.”
“We were going out in a bit. We were just waiting for Carlisle to get more mobile.”
“I’m mobile. I’m up. I just need more coffee.” Carlisle gestured to the house. “Drugs are knocking me on my ass.”
“Okay.” Val thought for a moment. “I need to get a few things. From my place.”
“No.” Carlisle shook her head.
“What do you mean, ‘No?’” Valentine tugged at his jeans. “I’m only packing the one pair of underwear here.”
“Your house won’t help you. The news.” Carlisle shrugged. “There was a fire. Apparently you died inside.”
“Wh…” Valentine looked at Carlisle, then back to the house. “What?”
“They’re cleaning up, Everard.” Carlisle’s face turned grim. She rested her weight on her elbows. “No loose ends.”
“I’ve got to go check. Baitain … my cleaner—”
“I remember.”
“You remember?”
“We interviewed her. When we were looking for you.”
“She would have been cleaning today.”
“Don’t sweat it. You burned to your death last night. It was very sad.”
“Christ. I mean—”
“What?”
“They found a body?”
“Yeah.”
“Whose body?”
“I don’t know.” Carlisle stood up, arching her back. “It’s the news. It’s not forensics.”
“But … did they kill someone?”
“Seriously?” Carlisle looked at Valentine. “I doubt it. There’s been enough bodies left lying around that one won’t be missed. Not for a while.”
“Jesus.” John coughed out a little laugh. “I didn’t ever dream I’d be having a conversation like this.”
“There’s more.” Carlisle sighed. “The National Guard’s been called out. At least, the TV says they’re the National Guard.”
“But you don’t think they are.” Danny looked at Carlisle, then at Valentine. “Why would they lie on TV?”
“I don’t think they meant to. Let me see here.” Carlisle held up a finger. “First, they’re all wearing black. On the TV. Sound familiar? The National Guard … well, they don’t have that kind of fashion consultant.”
“Like at the station?” Val frowned. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“Someone very connected is pulling the strings, Everard. I tried the station. The switchboard … well, it was someone I didn’t know. And I think I know everyone there.”
“Could have been a temp.” Val’s frown deepened. “I mean, there’s a lot going on there.”
“I thought so too, but on a hunch I asked for myself. I know from the news I’m already dead, right? They put me through to my partner. Vince.”
“Really?” Val’s frown eased a bit. “So you tracked him down?”
Carlisle sighed, and held up another finger. “That’s the second thing. Sure, some guy answered the phone, said he was Vince Elliot. It wasn’t Vince.”
“What did you do?” said John.
“I hung up and tried his cell.” Carlisle looked out the window.
“What did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything. Some other guy answered the phone. Said he was Vince’s son, and could he take a message.” Carlisle shrugged. “Vince doesn’t have kids.” She broke off, swallowing a few times before saying, “I … hell. I think he’s dead.”
They looked at each other in silence for a bit, then Val said, “I’m sorry, Melissa.”
Carlisle nodded absently. “I appreciate that, Everard. I … sorry.” She tried a smile. “These damn drugs. They’re making me all emotional.”
“Like a girl?” John shrugged. “I can’t tell. Really.”
Carlisle punched him in the arm, but there wasn’t a lot of enthusiasm in it. “Thanks, Miles. And by thanks, I mean fuck off.”
“Come on.” Danny tugged at Valentine’s arm. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
He followed her as she led the way through the house and into the bathroom. Danny turned the taps on the shower. The hot one was always a pain in the ass, a hair’s breadth either way was the difference between the Arctic Circle and Mordor. She pointed to the shelf of towels. “Clean ones are up there. Help yourself to soap. But don’t touch those.” She pointed a couple bottles in a rack under the shower head.
“Why?” Valentine turned his head to the side. “Poison?”
Danny smiled. “Just very expensive. Girl stuff.”
“Oh. Right.” He looked around. “I guess this bathroom’s a bit girly, isn’t it?”
“What do you mean?”
“The pink inflatable sea horse is a bit of a giveaway.”
“That’s Adalia’s!” She slapped him on the arm. “Christ. Look, get yourself scrubbed. I’ll see you in a bit.” She turned to the door.
“Don’t…”
Danny paused. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t go.” Valentine looked at his feet. “I don’t want…” He stopped. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“What is it?” Danny took a step closer to him. She put a hand on his arm.
“I…” He looked around the room. “Do my eyes look normal to you?”
“What?” She took a half step back and looked him in the eye. “Sure.”
“Not like an evil yellow?”
“Did they give you drugs at the doctor’s?”
“I’m being serious.”
The smile fell from her face. “Your eyes look like eyes. My God. What happened today?”
“I don’t want to … can we talk about it later?” He reached out and touched her face. “I don’t want to be alone right now.”
Kissing him was the most natural thing in the world. Danny kicked behind her to shut the door as the steam of the shower filled the room.
Valentine looked down at her, his eyes searching her face. “You okay with this? You want this?”
“I’ve wanted it since I met you.” She kissed him again, her hand running over his chest.
“I guess I do need to get cleaned up.” He pulled off his shirt, paint marks on the front. “I’ll need a new shirt.”
“We’ll find you something.” Her blouse joined his shirt on the ground. “I’m sure there’s something around here from one of my many lovers.”
“Christ, I’ve been in a queue?”
“Shut up and kiss me again.”
So he did. It was wonderful.
• • •
Danny was toweling off her hair in the lounge. John looked at her. “He must have been real dirty.”
“Don’t.” Danny eyeballed him.
“Don’t what? I’m happy for you.”
“It was just a shower.”
“I’ve had a lot of showers. There’s long showers, short showers. But with two people? It’s never just a shower.” John chuckled. “Speaking of which, I could use one … but only if you two are finished. I hope you didn’t use all the hot water.”
“Help yourself.” Danny smiled in spite of herself. “We’ll probably be gone when you’re out.”
“Gone where?” Carlisle came back in off the balcony.
“We’re going to drop Adalia off with a friend of mine.”
“You trust her?”
“You don’t have kids do you?”
“No.” Carlisle shrugged. “Never really been the right time for it.”
“If you had a kid, you wouldn’t drop her anywhere you weren’t sure she’d be safe.”
“Fair enough.” Carlisle nodded down towards the bathroom, a slight smile tugging at her mouth. “I take it, ah, the shower’s free?”
“Don’t think I won’t smack an injured woman.”
“I’ve got first dibs.” John threw himself on the couch. “Assuming there’s any hot water left.”
“Christ.” Carlisle shuffled into the kitchen. “I’ll put on some coffee.”
Valentine walked out wearing a tartan shirt. “Seriously?”
“It’s Ralph Lauren.” Danny looked him up and down. “Try not to get shit all over it.”
“Hey.” Carlisle’s voice came out of the kitchen. “Want some company?”
“You’re in no position to go anywhere.” Valentine adjusted the collar of his shirt. “Damn, the last guy who owned this was a midget.”
“God … Christ.” Something clattered into the sink. “You’re probably right. I can’t even stir sugar in like a real human. Just be careful.” Carlisle came back out of the kitchen, carrying two cups. She handed one to John. “Watch out.”
“Yeah.” Danny nodded. “White vans, got it.”
Carlisle nodded. “Get going. I’m going to make some calls.”
“Still haven’t found your partner?” Valentine kept fiddling with his collar.
“No.” Carlisle shook her head. “I’m not trying … I’m not going to call him anymore. I need to find out who these assholes are who keep shooting at my friends.” She winced. “And me.”
John sipped his coffee. “This is terrible.” He sipped again, making a face. “Put Val back in the kitchen. He can make a decent brew.”
“I’m licensed for firearms use.”
“Great coffee.” John took a big slurp. “Some of the best.”
Danny took Valentine’s hand. “Let’s go.”
“Sure.” He tugged at his collar again. “Maybe on the way back we can get me a new shirt.”
They walked out to the car, Adalia in tow. She had a small backpack of clothes, and carried a single toy. Prancer. Danny bundled Adalia into the backseat of her car.
Her daughter looked up at her. “How long will I be staying with Mandy?”
Danny made sure her belt was clipped in. “I thought you liked Mandy.”
“I like Mandy. But I like Valentine too. He’s nice.” She held up the pony.
Valentine climbed into the passenger seat, turning to look back at them. “You can talk to Prancer. Tell her stuff you’d tell me.”
Danny got into the driver’s seat. “That’s right sweetie. And we’ll call you all the time.”
“I know.” Adalia pouted. “It’s not as fun though.”
Val looked out onto the street. “No white vans.”
“No white vans.” Danny put the car into drive, and pulled away from her house.
A few moments later, a black town car pulled out from the curb and followed them. They didn’t notice — it wasn’t a white van.
• • •
“Thank you so much for this, Mandy.” Danny hugged her friend. “It means a lot.”
Mandy looked at Valentine out of the corner of her eye. He was settling Adalia in; they were talking about something. “So I see.”
Danny smacked Mandy on the arm. “Hands off. It’s not a tag and release program.”
Mandy gave a mock sigh. “So sad.” She hefted Adalia’s bag. “Anything I need to know about?”
Danny shook her head. “It’s probably best if you don’t.”
“You in some kind of trouble?”
Danny looked at her daughter playing with Valentine. “Some kind, yeah. I’m not sure if it’s good trouble, or bad trouble. Maybe a little of column A, a little of column B.”
Mandy laughed. “Oh girl. That’s bad trouble most definitely. Two columns of bad trouble.”
“I guess.” She reached for her purse. “You’ll need some cash—”
“You know we don’t work that way. There’ll be some other favor. Later.” She raised her eyebrows in Valentine’s direction. “It’ll be a big favor.”
“I’d prefer to pay up front. That kind of favor sounds expensive.” Danny eyed her in mock seriousness. “Do you take credit?”
“You said on the phone I shouldn’t go to work for a couple days.”
“You can manage that?”
“I got some time they owe me. You don’t want Adalia in school?”
“No.” Danny shrugged. “It’s not really very safe.”
“Since when is school not safe?”
“Since…” Danny gestured to Valentine. “Since bad trouble came knocking.”
“He in the gangs?” Mandy looked at her over her glasses. “You can cut free now.”
“It’s not like that.” Danny put her hand on Mandy’s arm. “It’s not him.”
“You come in here with two black eyes, we’ll be having this conversation again.”
“Fair enough.” Danny put her purse away. “And don’t answer the door to people you don’t know.”
“Jesus. Can I order pizza?”
“No.”
“I was joking.”
“I wasn’t.”
The silence sat between them for a bit. Mandy spoke up. “Okay, no pizza.”
“No pizza.”
Val got up from where he was talking with Adalia and came over to them. “Thanks again for this, Mandy.”
“Your girlfriend’s gonna owe me, don’t you worry.”
“Girlf… right.” Val looked back at Adalia. “Is there anything you need?”
“No. But
thank you. You two best be getting back to whatever trouble you’re in.”
“I have one question.” Val looked around the small apartment.
“You don’t like my decorator?”
“What kind of parent names their child Mandy? In this day and age, I mean — really.”
Mandy broke out laughing. “Oh, I see why you like this one, Danny. He’s just like you.”
Danny smiled. “He’s not quite as smart.”
“Hey.” Valentine pointed at his chest. “Job in computers. That’s pro levels of smart.”
Danny nodded at Mandy. “Like I said. Not quite as smart.”
Mandy chuckled. “It’s short for Mandela.”
“I…” Val adjusted his collar again. “That’s a boy’s name.”
“Only child. Black rights activist parents. Do the math. You’re apparently smart.”
“Mandy it is. Actually, there’s one thing I need.”
“What’s that?”
“You got a bigger shirt?”
“Go on. Get out of my house.” Mandy hustled them to the door.
“Don’t forget to lock it,” said Danny from the other side.
• • •
“She seems nice.” Val sat in the passenger seat next to her. “Where’d you meet her?”
“Work. She’s a short order cook.”
“That’s what her job is. But what does she do?”
Danny looked out the window of the car, then started it up. “I don’t know. She’s my friend. That’s enough.”
“Don’t forget.”
“What?” The little car was picking up speed, the streets quiet at this time.
“Shirts.”
“It’s late. Nothing will be open.”
“Ah, Christ. You’re right. Well … FUCK! STOP THE CAR!”
Danny slammed on the brakes. “What is it?”
But Valentine was already running. He’d kicked his door open before she’d come to a stop. She looked out the car as he sprinted up the street, back towards Mandy’s place. He looked back over his shoulder. “Call the police! Tell them you heard gunshots!” Then he was gone, legs pumping as he ran.
Oh no, thought Danny. My baby. My baby’s up there. She spun the wheel around hard and floored the gas. The little car’s tires scudded on the tarmac as she drove back up the street, following Val.
The Night's Champion Collection: A supernatural werewolf thriller trilogy Page 21