Kenzies glanced at the notebook in her hand. “Preliminary interviews with witnesses at the scene indicate that Carl Grossman, listed as a member of your pack, launched an unprovoked attack on a civilian, ignored the attempts of Century’s security to deescalate the situation, and instigated a brawl culminating in his transformation in a crowded public place, and seriously injuring at least one guard.”
Wisner didn’t even glance her way. His eyes remained on Gunn. “Well? I’m waiting.”
Kenzies bristled, but apart from drawing in a reflexive breath, said nothing.
Gunn’s eyes narrowed. “Preliminary interviews with witnesses at the scene indicate that your fucking wolf attacked a civilian, blew off security, transformed in a manner dangerous to civilians, and knocked out a guard.”
Wisner crossed his arms. “I find that hard to believe. What proof do you have?” His eyes lingered on Ben and Nate and he sneered. “I doubt the veracity of these so-called witnesses—”
“In addition to the civilian he harassed and his friends, Department Seven is currently taking statements from the bar staff, and between twenty to thirty of the civilians who stuck around. They all agree on the facts of the situation, Councilor,” Kenzies reported. “And that is that your wolf acted entirely inappropriately.”
Wisner frowned.
“I don’t have the fucking patience for another round of musical whispers,” Gunn said. “You heard her.”
“I’d like to know what action you intend to take, Councilor Wisner.” Denise had her hands on her hips. “You’ve been very vocal about keeping the city safe from supernatural threats. What happens when the threat is caused by your pack? And don’t deny your wolf was responsible. My staff are reviewing the security footage as we speak.” She indicated a camera above their heads. “The camera doesn’t lie.”
Wisner made a stiff bow. “Carl was part of a team of wolves I assigned to go door-to-door through the club district, looking for sightings of the rogue werewolf currently threatening the city. It is deeply regrettable that he found himself involved in an altercation in the course of his search. I regard the locating and securing of the rogue werewolf as paramount to the safety of the city.”
“And the safety and security of my staff and customers is paramount to me,” Denise said.
“Naturally, your guard will be compensated—”
Denise wasn’t deterred. “I demand a public apology, Wisner.”
“The matter is still under investigation.” Wisner tugged his jacket straight. “Although, I do concede that before he was sent to canvas Century, Carl should have been better briefed on what is appropriate behavior for your establishment—”
“Appropriate behavior for anywhere!” Ben felt Nate tense as Aki pushed his way into the circle. Department Seven had patched him up when they’d taken his statement, so he had a bandage on one cheek. He waved an angry finger at Wisner. “I know you’ve got license to do what you like within your own pack, but that doesn’t give you the right to force it on other people! Keep your creepy Neanderthal beliefs to yourself.”
Gunn chuckled. “Sounds like someone wants to make a statement.”
“I have so many statements—”
Wisner snarled viciously.
Aki froze, as if the fact that he was face-to-face with a second werewolf had just registered.
Nate stepped forward, silently putting his hand on Aki’s shoulder. “Pretty sure that intimidating a witness is a big ‘No.’”
Wisner’s eyes rested on Nate speculatively. “You’re the man responsible for Carl’s unconscious condition.”
Ben felt a thrill of horror at Wisner’s appraisal of Nate. “Actually, Carl is responsible for Carl’s unconscious condition, Councilor.” Wisner turned his gaze on him, and Ben forced himself to continue. “It’s extremely lucky Nate was here. If he hadn’t stopped him, Carl might have severely injured a civilian, or worse.”
Wisner frowned, but before he could voice his thoughts, Denise spoke.
“Severely injure a civilian or worse. That’s hardly likely to inspire confidence in the city’s head of security, is it?”
Wisner’s nostrils flared. “I'll review the incident. If I consider Carl at fault, he won't leave the pack compound until he’s been sufficiently educated on the inappropriateness of his behavior.” He glanced to Gunn. “I’ll leave it to you to deal with these miscreants.”
His words were met by an immediate outcry. “I resent the dismissal of my staff as miscreants—” Denise started.
Aki was just as upset. “And what about his punishment? He attacked me—what if I want to press charges?”
Wisner permitted himself a slight smile. “That is unfortunate for you.” He walked out, making a point of forcing the security team to move aside to let him pass.
“What does he mean?” Aki said. “He can’t stop me from pressing charges, can he?”
“Werewolves fall under a gray area in the law,” Kenzies explained. She was just as tense as anyone else. More, Ben realized. The presence of Wisner must send her own lupine instincts into overdrive, while the man’s insolent behavior tested her professionally. “They’re bound by the rules set down by their pack leader, not those of the city. But their pack leader is responsible for making sure that no member of his pack breaks the rules. When a crime is committed, as long as it can’t be demonstrated that the pack leader ordered it, punishment is left in the hands of the pack.”
“That is bullshit! That is the most bullshit thing I have heard tonight!”
Denise put a hand on his arm, and Aki subsided angrily. “I agree with Mr. Fujino. The steps that Councilor Wisner is likely to take do not reassure me to the safety of my club. I demand action, Officer Gunn.”
“Kenzies is our lupine expert.” Gunn nodded to his deputy. “She can discuss your options with you. In the meantime, I’d like a word with Nate and Ben.”
Ben swallowed. “Of course.” His voice sounded stiff. He followed Gunn reluctantly across the club to one of the table booths on the ground floor. Hopefully Gunn doesn’t read too much into that—what am I thinking? Gunn already knows. As a lemur, Gunn was tuned in to negative emotion.
As Nate sat down beside him, he felt for Ben’s hand, squeezing it under the table.
Ben felt a rush of gratitude. At least this time, he wasn’t facing Gunn’s interrogation alone.
“So, Nate.” Gunn leaned an elbow on the table, casually putting his feet up on the seat on his side of the booth. “Fighting werewolves, huh? That’s really keeping a low profile.”
“I didn’t realize he was a werewolf at the time,” Nate protested.
“And when you did?” Gunn looked at him. “From all accounts, you didn’t seem reluctant to throw your weight around.”
“What was I supposed to do, let Aki get hurt?” Nate leaned forward. “He’s just human!”
“And you, on the other hand, aren’t.” Gunn tilted his head. “Out of curiosity, how did you manage to stand up to a fully transformed werewolf? They’re supposedly unstoppable.”
“You don’t have to answer that question,” Ben said.
Nate hesitated.
Gunn shot Ben a look of dislike. “Using magic of any kind in a public space is a serious offense, Nate.”
“You don’t know he used magic,” Ben said. “His strength could be inherent.”
Gunn sat up, giving Ben a flat look. “I find that difficult to believe.”
“Nate is an unknown,” Ben said. “No one knows how his powers work. So before you throw out accusations of magic use, maybe you should gather more facts.”
Gunn snorted.
Beside Ben, Nate suddenly started. “Ow!” He rubbed his shin, staring at Gunn. “Did you kick me?”
“Inherent strength my ass.” Gunn folded his arms. “I’m going to have to make a note of this on your file. Probably recommend further counseling. Maybe even a spot of community labor.”
“I can’t believe you kicked me.”
“That’s not p
roof,” Ben said. “And you know it. What’s the point of harassing Nate anyway? You know Wisner’s wolf was behind this.”
“The point is that totally normal people do not wrestle werewolves.”
Ben froze. Gunn couldn’t know—could he? Department Seven works closely with the Registry—but no, it hasn’t even been a day since my hearing! There’s no way—
“But you know I’m not…totally normal.” Nate frowned.
“Yeah. I know. But it’s not a good idea to advertise that fact in front of pricks like Wisner.” Gunn felt in his bomber jacket for his packet of cigarettes. “Take it from me, Nate. The guy is itching to make an example out of someone. You want to keep your head down.”
Ben felt cold. If Gunn shared his fears, the situation had to be serious.
“Show up to community service, and do an exemplary job. Avoid all further contact with any werewolves. If you see Wisner or his goons, call me, and get the fuck out of there. You got that?”
Nate nodded, frowning. “What’s going on? Is this because of the rogue wolf?”
“The brat’s certainly not helping. But the tide is changing.” Gunn twirled a cigarette in his fingers. “Wisner’s looking to make New Camden a pack concern, and he might just pull it off.”
“You’re not going to light that cigarette I presume, Gunn.” Denise stood over their table.
Gunn paused in the act of reaching for his lighter. “I’m in the middle of an interview.”
“Wasting our valuable time, you mean.” Denise’s hands rested on her hips. “Your subordinates have already interviewed Nathan. As the wolf has been removed from the club, and you tell us there is no chance of prosecution, I fail to see what point there is to prolonging this interview.”
Gunn stood slowly, drawing himself up to meet her gaze. “You’re in a hurry to get us out of here. Afraid of what we might find if we stick around?”
Denise raised her jaw. “Century has nothing to hide from Department Seven. In fact, if you’d like to stick around, I can offer you the staff discount.”
“Very generous.” Gunn leered, leaning against the booth. “And which member of the staff would that discount apply for? I’m hoping management is included.”
From the way Nate tensed beside him, and the silence in the club, Ben was braced for something far worse than Denise’s smile. It was sharp and dangerous, drawn tight like a whip. She stepped forward, her fingers trailing across Gunn’s chin, gently stroking his stubble. “You couldn’t afford me, Gunn. I’d take all you have and more. And you—” She dropped her hand.
Gunn, leaning into her touch, overbalanced. He stumbled, clumsily.
Denise’s smile was satisfaction personified. “You have nothing left to lose.” She turned her gaze on Nate. “Nathan, if you wouldn’t mind joining us in the break room. I’d like to refresh your memory of our employee safety measures.”
Nate stood.
Ben watched them go. People drew back as Denise stalked through the club, Nate trailing behind her. She collected Aki and the remaining staff members not already involved in the debriefing the security team was having in a corner. He felt like he’d had a narrow escape—
Gunn sighed. “That is a woman worth losing your soul to.”
Ben shot him a look. “You don’t have a soul to lose.”
Gunn glanced at him with pure dislike, but before he could act on it, Kenzies appeared at his elbow.
“We done, boss?” She gestured to the Department Seven staff milling behind them. “Only we’re none of us getting overtime to watch you get shot down.”
Gunn’s snarl was reflexive. “Move out. And Ben?” His hand fell on Ben’s arm. “Mind stepping outside a moment? I want a word.”
NEW CAMDEN WAS still wide awake, even at this time of night. Century’s lights flickered overhead, the neon hum just audible beneath the sound of music and voices from neighboring clubs.
Ben wrapped his arms around himself. How many of Century’s patrons promptly took cover in other clubs? For many of them, witnessing an altercation with a werewolf would not be enough to throw them off their groove. He felt a sudden appreciation for New Camden’s resilience.
Gunn took a deep and noisy pull of his cigarette. “That’s better.”
Ben’s nose twitched. “For you, maybe.”
Gunn snorted. “When I picked it up, everyone was doing it. Doctors recommended it for patients. To calm the nerves. You should try it.”
“Pass.” Ben spoke carefully, avoiding breathing in through his nose.
“Sure? You seem plenty nervous tonight.”
Ben stayed still. He’s just guessing. Probing for a reaction. He risked a quick swipe of his tongue over his teeth. The fangs were gone. “Your imagination is getting overtime.”
“It and everyone else in the department. Everyone’s got extra shifts, tracking down Wisner’s lost puppy—on top of everything else we got to do. And that’s not all. You know, the Registry wants us to do its work for it, too.”
Ben froze. This was bad. “People wanting you to do your job. Yeah, that does sound rough.”
Gunn drew a crumpled letter from his pocket. As he smoothed it out, Ben caught a glimpse of the Registry’s letterhead—and his own name. “It’s an interesting request. I’m to fill out an appraisal of one Bennet Hawick, and indicate whether I would support his application for humanity.”
“You must get requests for security appraisals all the time.” Ben took a deep breath and immediately regretted it. The smoke made his eyes tear and hung uncomfortably to the back of his throat. “I’m sure you’re too much of a professional to allow any personal vendettas to sway your opinion.”
Gunn chuckled. “First time anyone’s accused me of being professional. But as a seasoned officer, I got to admit tackling a transformed werewolf does not strike me as the actions of a”—he glanced at the letter—“well-adjusted citizen to me.”
Calm! He can’t know how serious this is. Ben narrowed his eyes. “Gunn. You’re amoral, irresponsible, and prey on the negative emotions of weak, suffering, and vulnerable people. You refusing to vet me is pretty much a shining seal of approval.”
Gunn shook his head. “Compliments will get you nowhere, Benny. You want me to sign off on your clearance, I got a job for you.”
Every instinct Ben had warned him that nothing good could come of working with Gunn. But what choice do I have? “A job? What kind of a job? I’m not breaking the law—”
“You’ll be assisting Department Seven in the pursuit of a dangerous fugitive. And quite possibly, preventing another scene like the one you saw tonight.”
Ben blinked. “The rogue werewolf?”
“Yeah. Daddy wolf’s not happy that one of his pack is AWOL—sets a bad example to the rest of his tame dogs. The longer it takes us to locate the pup, the worse his temper becomes—and the more likely it is that someone is going to get hurt.”
He couldn’t disagree with Gunn there. Wisner—well, nothing about the guy suggested that he was a reasonable man. “You’re not asking me to find him are you? Because my days as an investigator are behind me.”
“I’m sure the god-fearing people of this city sleep more soundly for it. No. We don’t know where the wolf is, but we know who might. Before he turned tail, the wolf was a member of a counseling group run through Department Seven. We think the members of that group know something they’re not telling. If you infiltrate that group, you might hear something of use to us.”
Ben frowned. “You’re asking me to spy for you? I refuse.”
Gunn grinned at him. It was not a pleasant sight. “As you wish. But I’m not signing any reports until that wolf is found and secured.”
He’d been right to be afraid. “You can’t do that!”
“Can’t I?” Gunn took another pull of his cigarette. “That rogue wolf is our top priority right now. Until he’s found, it’s entirely in order for us to suspend non-urgent business such as performing security clearances. Public safety is our prior
ity, you know.”
Public safety had never been Gunn’s priority—and both of them knew it. Ben narrowed his eyes. “This is highly questionable—even for you. You can’t do this.”
“Can’t I?” Gunn dropped his cigarette butt into the street. “See you tomorrow. Nine AM sharp, Benny.”
Chapter Six
“C’MON, AKI.” NATE put his hand over the kitchen doorway, preventing Aki from squeezing past him into the kitchen. “The dog needs a walk. Look at him! He hasn’t been out since yesterday.”
“So walk him yourself.” Aki folded his arms. He was already dressed for running, with a fluorescent jacket over his shorts and singlet. “You made the ludicrous decision to adopt the thing, so it’s obviously your responsibility.”
“But I have to go to Department Seven for community service, and you’re going to the park anyway.”
“Not my problem.” Aki gave up dignity and crawled under Nate’s arm. “Anyway, I’m going to run. Not dog sit.”
Nate cast an eye at the dog. He sat hopefully, the piece of rope Nate had found, looped through his collar. “Dogs like running.” They must, right? “And this dog’s used to taking care of itself. You won’t even know he’s there.”
Aki snorted as he refilled his water bottle from the sink. “Believe me, I will know.”
The dog gave a soft whine.
“Please?” Nate said. “I did kind of save your life last night.”
Aki groaned. “You would bring that up, wouldn’t you?”
“It is a pretty big deal. I mean, a friend agrees to spot you. A true friend punches a werewolf in the face for you.”
Aki smirked. “I should not be encouraging you to punch werewolves—even if they are incredible jerks—but fine. I’ll walk your stupid dog—but only this time.”
“Thanks, Aki.” Nate looked to the dog. “Ready to go, Fluffy?”
He was already on his feet, his tail wagging happily. As Aki adjusted his headphones, the dog danced happily around him.
“We’re not calling it ‘Fluffy.’ That’s cruel and unusual.”
“Well, what would you call him?”
“An unwanted encumbrance.” Aki wiped his hand on his shorts before taking up the rope. He resisted the dog’s attempts to pull him toward the door. “I warn you. If this mutt gives me fleas, I will be exacting a heavy and painful revenge.”
Life After Humanity Page 10