by Vella Day
“That’s one reason to think the Changelings are behind this.”
“I agree,” Jackson said.
“This robber opens the door, shoots Will point blank, and then grabs the vehicle’s keys. He then rushes to the back and unlocks the door.”
“So?” Jackson asked.
“Take a look at this other robber,” Devon said.
Jackson replayed the last scene. “They all are dressed in black, and they all are wearing masks.”
“That third man has really long legs.” His mind shot to Vinea.
“What are you saying? Do you recognize him? With their bulky jackets and masks, I don’t see how you could.”
Devon waved a hand. For a moment, he wondered if the third robber could be Vinea. She was tall enough to be a man, and that person had a distinctive gait, but he couldn’t be sure if that was how Vinea walked. Too often she wore heels. “It’s nothing. Did you learn anything about the men we can use to find them?”
“I measured their bodies and compared them to the height of the armored van. I was able to calculate their heights, but that’s all.”
“It might be enough once we have suspects.”
Jackson turned up the sound. “Here comes the sheriff’s department. The thieves must have practiced what would happen if the cops showed up. They each grab two bags and then run back to the vehicle and leave. No hesitation or squabbling about wanting to take more.”
“So basically we have squat,” Devon said.
Jackson nodded. “If you didn’t see anything, then I’ll have to admit we’re at a dead end.”
“There doesn’t seem to be any witnesses either. It was almost as if the thieves had someone clear the sidewalks right before the crash. While the accident happened just outside of downtown, I would have thought someone would be around.”
Jackson held up a hand. “No one might have been on the sidewalk, but possibly someone inside that office building saw something. Maybe you can question the building occupants while I ask some of our Clansmen to discreetly ask around. Hopefully, someone heard some scuttlebutt about a heist.”
“We can only hope.”
*
Vinea was pleased that she’d timed her arrival to when Brother Jacob’s plane touched down on the tarmac. She couldn’t chance that he’d go to his meeting first and then head to his hotel. If she missed the exchange, she’d be screwed. Regardless of what he was purchasing, she wanted to get a hold of some of that stolen money. If she could prove it came from the armored car robbery, then Devon and his team could go after Brother Jacob.
Never having been in the Los Angeles airport before, she was overwhelmed by the chaos. People were swarming the gateways then jamming into buses to take them here and there. Not wanting to lose sight of Brother Jacob, she hovered above him but refused to ride in one of those trams. She’d meet him on the other end.
He was only carrying a large briefcase, so maybe he needed to stop at the baggage claim area. When he rushed outside without stopping, she declared him the lightest packer she’d ever known. Brother Jacob hailed a cab, and then Vinea snuck into the front seat just as his ride took off. She’d never ridden in a car in her invisible state before, and she rather liked it. The only issue would be if part of her appeared and the driver saw her; he’d crash for sure.
After fifteen minutes in heavy traffic, Vinea began to worry she might become visible sooner than she’d like. When she felt her body trying to regain its form, she quickly flew out of the cab. A moment later, she found herself behind a building in her fully human form. Damn.
She looked around and sighed a breath of relief that no one was around to see her. The problem with this invisibility stuff was that she had no idea how long she had to wait before turning invisible again. Losing so many of her powers sure sucked.
Not wanting to have come all this way and not witness the exchange, she nodded and prayed. Thankfully, she was once more on her way. This time, she flew above the line of cars and taxis, believing she was safer in the sky. However, a new problem arose. Which of the hundreds of cars was Brother Jacob in?
Eventually, she had to fly low in order to search each car for him. Finally, she spotted the right one. When that taxi exited the highway she was happy, because Brother Jacob would be easier to track.
Twenty minutes later, the cab pulled in front of some loading docks, and Brother Jacob exited. He spoke with the driver and then headed into a warehouse. Given that the driver remained, Jacob must not have believed the exchange would take long. With his briefcase in hand, he strode inside. Let the fun begin! It was time to see what this man was buying.
Vinea entered the large, dark warehouse before Brother Jacob did. The air was stale, and the vast room was filled with shipping containers. Whatever Brother Jacob was buying probably wasn’t legal, or he would have insisted meeting in an office building or at his hotel room. Then again, in case of a double-cross, Brother Jacob might need to shift. A warehouse would then be perfect.
“Hello?” called Brother Jacob, his voice echoing in the vast space.
A short, thick man stepped out from behind a container. “Did you bring the money?”
While Vinea didn’t watch much television, she had sat through a few detective shows with EmmaLee, and this sounded like a script from one of them.
Brother Jacob held up his suitcase. “Yes, may I see the sardonyx?”
Aha! So she’d guessed right. The man also had a briefcase. He opened it up, and inside was a large red stone, about six inches in length and two inches in diameter. It was huge. No wonder it cost so much. Brother Jacob extracted a bag from his case and then handed it to the man.
If this had happened in the dark realm, about ten armed men would have rushed out and killed Brother Jacob as well as the man selling the stone, taking both the money and the sardonyx. Humans seemed to be a lot more trusting. Just in case the man had a small army nearby, she surveyed the warehouse. Sure enough, two men with guns were hidden near the rear.
Once the items were exchanged, Brother Jacob left, slipped into his cab, and took off. Because she knew where Brother Jacob would be spending the night, she decided to follow this buyer and his newly acquired stash of cash. She wanted to get her hands on some of the money to see if it came from the robbery. Wouldn’t Devon be pleased if she showed up with the sardonyx as well as the incriminating cash!
*
Devon was quickly becoming discouraged. He’d spoken to a half dozen employees of the accounting firm whose office faced the street where the robbery had occurred. One woman heard the crash as she was returning to her office, but by the time she glanced outside, the cops had already arrived. Yes, Will’s death was a tragedy she said, but she had nothing else to add.
Throughout the discussion, he half expected Vinea to show up either at the office building or back at McKinnon and Associates. When she didn’t, he refused to name the emotion he was experiencing.
You miss her, his wolf chimed in.
I do not. I’m becoming increasingly worried because I don’t know what she’s up to.
Well, I miss her. Her scent. Her body. Her smile.
Devon had it with his animal trying to lead him down a very dangerous path.
*
The next day Devon helped Jackson look through the database that Lexi had been creating ever since her arrival. She’d done an amazing job documenting each of their cases. Anytime someone was arrested, she attached a photo and a description. Kalan or Dalton often provided her with additional information. Now, when anyone wanted to look through a list of those suspected to be a Changeling, they just needed to ask Lexi. Unfortunately, there were only a handful of men identified as belonging to that Clan. Most were the correct height, but five foot ten was average for a man. He was slowly losing faith that they would find the men who’d killed Will and injured Roger.
Devon retreated to his office, wondering if he truly could be of use in Silver Lake any longer. Connor, Kip, and Jackson seemed to be at a d
ead end too, so why should he stay around when his team in Pittsburgh could use an extra hand?
Rye had known Will and his family quite well, and he kept calling the office, asking for an update. Devon hoped something broke soon.
He was just about to find something to eat and then discuss his return to Pittsburgh with his brother when Vinea appeared in front of his desk, scaring the crap out of him. He swung his legs off the desk and jumped up. “What are you doing here? And please stop just appearing.”
She had the nerve to laugh. “You look cute when you’re taken by surprise.”
“Surprised? I’m pissed.” He slipped his hands behind his back, hoping she didn’t spot how his nails had grown just from being close to her. And her scent that smelled of lilacs? It was driving him crazy. He could almost feel the hair on his face sprouting.
Down boy, he chastised.
I’ve missed her. Haven’t you? his wolf shot back.
He didn’t respond, not needing to enter into a discussion with his horny animal.
She waved a hand and then pulled up a chair. “Devon, sit down. I have something to show you, and I think you will be pleased.”
Please do as she asks, his wolf begged. Remember, she is your mate, his wolf reminded him for the umpteenth time.
That doesn’t mean she isn’t up to something. “What do you have?” Devon attempted to soften his tone, not wanting to antagonize her further.
Vinea looped her large bag off her shoulder and dug her hand inside. When she withdrew a huge red crystal, his heart sputtered.
She handed it to him. “I believe this is sardonyx.”
Devon had never seen such a large specimen before. “Where did you get this?”
“I kind of lifted it off Brother Jacob.”
Brother Jacob? How did she know about him? Was she working with the Changelings? “I don’t understand.”
Vinea looked away for a moment, almost as if she were embarrassed. It was an expression he’d never seen her use before. “I know you didn’t believe me when I said I’ve changed.” She held up a hand, as if she recognized he was about to interrupt. “But I have. I am nothing like the lying and deceitful potential murderer I once was. Words are only words; that’s why I wanted to show you I’m here to help. What better way to do that than to steal something precious from your archenemies?”
Devon sat up straighter. He wasn’t normally this slow, but he didn’t want to jump to any conclusions, especially when it involved Vinea. “How did you know they had this?”
“I knew you wouldn’t tell me what you’re working on, so I kind of listened in the other day.”
His pulse spiked at the implication. “Listened in to what?”
She didn’t answer for a moment. “You know how I can appear and disappear, right?”
“Yes.” He could fill in the blank. “Don’t tell me you came into the conference room and eavesdropped?” His gut churned. If she were working for the Changelings, their entire operation would be compromised. The ramification of the evil stunned him. Devon stood. “Get out.”
She didn’t move. “Don’t you want to know how I got the sardonyx?” she asked.
“I thought you said one of the Changeling council members gave it to you.”
Her mouth opened. “I said no such thing. I overheard Brother Jacob on the phone making a deal about spending fifteen thousand dollars to buy something. That number sounded familiar.”
“Yes, it was close to what was stolen.” He dropped back down onto his seat. She had his full attention now. “Go on.”
“I thought perhaps he wanted to buy some sardonyx. It’s all you people ever talk about.”
“That’s because when they get a hold of some, they use it to steal powers—powers that don’t belong to them.”
Vinea huffed out a laugh. “I know what stealing means.”
“This isn’t funny, Vinea.”
“It’s not meant to be. Since I thought you wouldn’t want those people to get a hold of the stone, I followed Brother Jacob to California.”
That wasn’t what he expected her to say. “California?”
“Yes. Brother Jacob took a plane. I kind of…well, flew there on my own, so to speak.”
As much as he wanted to ask for more details, he needed to hear what she had to say first. “Then what?”
“Long story short, I followed him to a warehouse where the exchange took place.” She stuck her hand in her purse and drew out a handful of bills. “I overheard where Brother Jacob was staying for the night, so I followed the seller instead. When he wasn’t paying attention to the wad of cash Brother Jacob gave him in exchange for the sardonyx, I helped myself to some.”
“And you’re just giving this to me?”
She blew out a breath. “Yes, so that Jackson can ask the bank to check the serial numbers.”
Holy shit, she had been listening to their plan. “Thank you.” I think.
“So do you believe me now that I’m on your side?” she asked with such innocence he wanted to say yes, but he just couldn’t.
Chapter Five
‡
If Vinea had an ulterior motive, Devon needed to find out what it was. “I guess I have to believe you,” Devon said, hoping she’d not see the lump in his throat at the lie. “You know I deal in facts. Having the sardonyx and the money proves you’ve changed.”
In truth, it proved the opposite. Had she not given the stolen goods to him, he’d have condemned her immediately. His mind raced, trying to think of all the ways she could have come into possession of the precious gem and the money and yet not be culpable.
Believe her! She’s your mate. And she’s a good person now, his wolf begged.
I’m not listening to you or my body when it comes to her. I am listening to my mind, and it is screaming for me to be cautious.
You’re making us both suffer. You want her, and you know it. We need to be with her.
Devon worked to shut him up, but when she grinned, his body went haywire. His teeth sharpened, and his bones cracked. Until he was positive she had abandoned her dark goddess ways, Devon couldn’t take what she seemed to be offering—a mate with exceptional talents.
“Great,” she said. “What else can I do to help?”
“Nothing. You’ve done more than enough. Except it would really help if you didn’t float around without my knowledge.” No telling what mess she could get into. He stood. “I’ll give this money to Jackson and then put this crystal someplace safe. We can’t let the Changelings get a hold of it.”
Vinea stood. When she licked her lips, he almost lost it. From the gleam in her eye, her plans weren’t finished, and he needed to rein her in. The best way to accomplish that was to keep her close.
Yes! His wolf rejoiced.
“What do you say we celebrate your find? Dinner tonight?” he asked. His pulse sped up as his conscience rebelled. Half of him wanted to believe her, but the other half didn’t want to be duped again.
I’m proud of you, his wolf said.
“That would be great.” Vinea’s enthusiasm seemed so genuine that he had to fight his urge to reach out and touch her. He needed to protect his heart and caution had to be his game.
“How about I pick you up at seven?” he asked.
She hesitated for a moment but then nodded. “Sure.”
When she told him where she lived, never would he have guessed a goddess would live in a trailer. He’d been to that trailer park, and it wasn’t upscale.
“Shall I walk you out?” he asked. He’d feel better once she was gone. While he’d asked her not to float about, he wasn’t convinced she’d obey.
She shook her head. “When I’m sure no unsuspecting soul can see me, I’d rather teleport. I don’t own a car, and it’s quite blustery out for walking.”
Once more she surprised him. She had no problem stealing a few vehicles in the past. Maybe she had changed.
Told ya, his wolf taunted.
As soon as Vinea left, he an
d his wolf needed to have a stern talk and get on the same damn page.
“Then I’ll see you at seven,” he said.
She smiled, and his insides stirred, as did another body part. Damn. He hated how fickle he was. His wolf desperately wanted to taste her, touch her, and be intimate with her, yet his human part was smart enough to know she wasn’t good for him.
“Tonight then,” she said. With a slight nod, Vinea was gone.
Devon leaned against his desk and ran his hand down his face, feeling like he had just been through a twilight zone.
For the next few minutes, he went over everything she’d said, looking for inconsistencies and hidden motives. He then studied the sardonyx, wondering if it was real or a cheap imitation. The only way to be sure the money Vinea gave him came from the heist was to have Jackson run the serial numbers against the ones the bank gave him, so Devon gathered the crystal and the money and headed to Jackson’s office. When he entered, his friend was totally focused on his computer screen.
“I had a visitor,” Devon announced as he placed the money and the gem on his friend’s cluttered desk.
Jackson looked up, and when he spotted the stone, his eyes went wide. “Where did that come from?”
Devon filled him in on everything Vinea had told him. “I can’t be sure if it’s real.”
“We’ll have to check it out.”
“Good. Then can you see if the serial numbers of the bills match the bank’s list?”
“Absolutely.” He picked up the first bill and typed the information into his computer. His brows rose. “Well, I’ll be damned. It is a match. And you said she lifted these from the seller?”
“Yes. Vinea only took a few so as not to tip the guy off.”
“That was actually rather smart, especially if the money hadn’t been stolen from the bank here.”
“True,” Devon said. He had to give her kudos for not being greedy.
“Do we know who this seller is?” Jackson asked.
“She didn’t say, but I don’t think she knows.”
“If this guy was able to find a gem this size, there’s no telling how much more he could locate. It could be critical to our survival to make sure he understands the type of person he’s dealing with.”