by Erin R Flynn
Ahhh, so it was from when we’d had the judge rule our heightened sense of smell could sniff out cocaine. Clearly that “journalist” was dealing with any of the facts and not just gossip to get clicks and attention. Still, it seemed to put him on Jeremy’s enemy list for going after me with lies while citing how many pounds of cocaine we’d taken off the streets since then.
And not just in Chicago. That ruling was holding up across the country so the non-human division of the FBI was able to use it if needed as reasonable cause for cocaine busts as well. And assholes were hating on me for it. Seriously?
I moved on to the next issue he took and it was more of the same. It seemed Jeremy Baig was my biggest fan and maybe a bit in love with me. But respected my relationships as there was a picture of me with Dain and he listed Dain’s attributes and that he seemed to treat me well.
“Get pictures of all of this,” I told Jennings as I moved along. There were stacks of files that looked older and for some reason my gut told me I wanted to see what was there. I wasn’t sure why, but I just did.
It was the fifth file I knew why. My heart hurt even worse at what I found.
“Sera, what is it?” Carter demanded.
“He kept trying,” I whispered, closing the file. “He paid to go to outside shrinks and there wasn’t anything wrong with him and his psych evaluations should be clean. They still turned him down. They didn’t give a shit. They just judged his history.”
“Or they saw something that clearly was there,” Emilio argued, gesturing around the room.
“Was it then or did they help do this?” I snapped, shaking the file at him. “Five different independent shrinks said he had no flags that should keep him out of the police academy. If he’d gone to another city it probably wouldn’t have but he wanted to help here. They flagged him because they assumed he would resent them because CPD failed him when his bad foster parents didn’t end up in jail.”
“You’re taking this personally,” Emilio muttered, grabbing the file from me.
“I think it is pretty fucking personal,” I seethed, waving to another board full of pictures. I glanced at yet another one and shook my head. “Jennings, you can process the room. Make sure you get all of it.”
“Of course, Chief.”
“What are you thinking, Sera?” Carter asked gently.
“That I need to thank Jason,” I rasped as I headed for the door.
“Jason? Why?” he demanded, following after me. “Jason Roberson? What does he have to do with this?”
I walked out into the hallway and down it a bit, leaning against a wall and letting out a shaky breath before gesturing to the apartment we’d just left. “Because without Jason that could have been me.” I shook my head when he went to argue. “A few different pushes, a few trips the wrong way, and not on the path I took, and that could have been me.”
“Maybe. Maybe, but I still don’t get what that has to do with Jason.”
“Everything,” I admitted. I sighed and ran my hand over my face. “I was having a rough time in ROTC and seriously considering leaving. I was thinking of just finishing my degree and coming back to Chicago to be a cop. I thought maybe I could do more as CPD and not have to deal with the Navy’s bullshit and who knew what else. Jason talked me out of it.
“He said the military was more in need of numbers and people than police academies and overlooked backgrounds more often. I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand what he was trying to tell me then. I didn’t understand how my shitty childhood would ever be a flag because it wasn’t my fault so why would it be. But he told me that the Navy was the right path and from there I had all the doors open to me.
“He was right. He set me on the path I needed to get here. Without Jason knowing the way things were, knowing the system and the way the game was played before I even had a clue there was a game to play, I’m Jeremy just wanting to do good and getting turned down for bullshit reasons and labeled a psych problem because of my past. So yeah, I think I owe Jason a big damn thank-you I never realized.”
“I could see that,” he agreed after a moment.
I nodded. “When this is done, call him for me?”
“Of course. What am I saying?”
“What I just said,” I answered after a moment. “And that all isn’t forgiven but I won’t let him ever become Jeremy and get swallowed by the darkness either. He’ll know what that means. If he needs a reminder or place to feel home, tell him the pack apartments will always be open to him.” I nodded when he gave me a shocked look. “Apparently I wouldn’t have been Alpha to do all of it without him.”
I didn’t wait for him to argue or object, turning and heading for the exit. I’d had enough for the day. The current threat against Chicago was handled and even if there was still a mess to clean up, there always would be and we’d take care of that too.
There were other threats against us and for now, that would be tomorrow’s problem as I was sure Andrew Murray wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But he would have to wait. My damn shoulder still ached and I was hungry from healing that fast.
The bomb didn’t go off and that was a win. Even if everyone didn’t come out alive and my heart hurt at the end of this case again.
No one ever said this job was easy, but the job was mine.
23
Jeremy Baig was splashed all over every paper and news outlet Chicago had. As was always the case, someone leaked way too much information. My money was on someone with CPD to throw some of the stink off of them and onto me. Pictures from inside of his apartment showing his obsession with me were some of the focus.
I wasn’t—and certainly the FBI wasn’t—amused when several reporters called him my sidekick. That really wasn’t funny on several levels and I made that clear when I answered questions during a press conference.
“Well, considering Mr. Baig was shot dead by the CPD officer who illegally sold him explosives and other evidence from other cases he had access to, I think we’re focused on the wrong part of the story here,” I said firmly, shocking everyone silent. “We found the evidence in Mr. Baig’s apartment along with proof of other corrupt officials and officers in Chicago. So no, he wasn’t my sidekick as we’d never even met before the other day.”
“You sound awfully defensive of him though, Chief Thomas,” a reporter called out. “Especially for someone who was clearly so mentally ill.”
I leaned on the podium and gave the guy a nasty glare. “First of all, I don’t come down hard on people who are mentally ill. I come down hard on criminals who choose to hurt people or commit crimes while of sound mind. There is a difference. Second, Jeremy Baig was not always mentally ill, as stated by the five separate and independent psychiatrists who did extensive profiles on him.
“We have a bit of a chicken-egg situation here. He was repeatedly told he failed the psych profile and mentally unfit to be admitted to the police academy while knowing he was absolutely able. I’m defensive because we had similar childhoods and I’m ridiculously grateful that the United States Navy has a much more accepting nature and open mind about a person’s history.
“My recruiter knew of my past and made sure to sit in on a few sessions while I spoke with a college counselor and psychiatrist to make sure my PTSD and triggers were manageable. In other words, they didn’t write me off, nor did the FBI, because I had a crap childhood. That could mess up anyone and yet he kept trying and finding corruption while being told he was the mental case.
“So yes, I think he had help pushing him down that road that led to this tragedy instead of a much, much better story. He was intelligent and had a promising future if someone had simply taken the time to see him and given him a real chance. And now he’s dead because a corrupt cop tried to silence him before Mr. Baig could tell of his crimes. Why aren’t you upset?”
Needless to say, the press conference didn’t last much longer. The FBI wasn’t happy how I handled it; however, I did give them a backhanded compliment that they w
ere more accepting and understanding over the CPD. So they ran with that. The Navy did as well.
Glad they took their bow because I didn’t regret giving it. Not when I fully believed they deserved it for giving me a chance when I saw how other people wouldn’t have.
The Russian government is denying everything. I mean every-fucking-thing. They don’t know the guys we have in custody that shot Brian or were involved even though they confessed. They didn’t order the hit and would never do something so stupid as to hurt an FBI agent when we have such a good relationship.
What world are they living in that they can say that with a straight face?
So that’s going to be going on a long time. I doubt we’ll get a resolution or any sort of justice or answer. The answer for now is Brian and I aren’t going near Russia, the president’s orders even.
Yeah, no shit.
There’s more to this because they mentioned Eugene by name so now that he’s popped his head up publicly and they know he’s alive… That can’t be good. It seems most thought he was dead or the humans at least didn’t know he was working with the shifter council. That’s broken what little peace there was left with the humans and supes in Russia and now every paranormal wants out of there.
Which is a great payday for Alpha Oleg. Or so he thinks. Grigori Alexeev is actually working that angle with Zeno and Councilwoman Haton. There’s going to be a money trail and a whole bunch of fun there. I wish I could get more involved but I’m sure there will be some hacking that won’t be completely sanctioned by the US government so better I stay out of it.
Still, I’m so, so heartbroken Oleg will get screwed in the end.
Yeah, sure I am.
The YouTuber guest thing turned out to be a huge hit. Like exceptionally huge, and several did multiple pieces about building a menu with guest chefs and all we were doing that was crazy cool. Noah gave them in-depth tours and behind the scenes looks at how the coven runs the hotels to dispel a lot of the crazy rumors how vampire businesses run. So we have some good PR for the moment.
We also launched our YouTube channel after talking among our leaders and getting the approval for the parts with the FBI. I knew full well the director thought I would look like such a blonde idiot that he wanted me to be laughed at. Except it was the first video we put up and it got over a million hits within twenty-four hours. People love it and want more.
We’re buying up land for solar and wind farms under private hidden corps so people don’t start shit because supes are doing it more than bitching about clean energy. If nothing else, they’re another place to hide like pack lands should problems every blow up or shit hit the fan. I think planning like that is best.
People call me paranoid but Carter calls them stupid for not taking it more seriously. Yeah, I agree.
Hestia and Linus were shocked about their new housing developments but it’s all done and done. Linus hit his goals as well so I was glad I jumped ahead. Hey, it was great progress and I was glad two of the packs that were mine were doing so well. I mean, of course New York and Newark were with Melicent handling them.
Now if I could just fucking figure out Sioux Falls, but yeah, maybe next year since that was right around the corner.
Dain also handled the professor that talked down to the kids of the pack in college, showing that we were, in fact, going forward with the plan. According to Ashley, my fairy lover spent over an hour lecturing the jerk about how shortsighted and limited he was mentally to not see such a detailed and well-tailored proposal and how much it saved the pack in billable lawyer hours.
But I guess I missed out on some fun. Oh well. I enjoyed the highlights.
More paranormals want to come to Chicago or be under my umbrella—and not just from Russia. For now they’re still going through Greece as refugees, but we’ve taken in so many that we need another round of reorganizing and giving people a chance to move up.
Or really, showing them that those at the top will be staying at the top. So we’re going to have some more dominance fights at the casino and do them even bigger this time for New Year’s. And yes, I’ll be fighting this time. More expo fights, but we all agree it’s needed to show I’m not all talk or like the wolf elder ran his mouth about, that I’m still in power because of who backs me.
I’m so counting the days until that douche visits Melicent and gets himself dead. Really, I wish I was going to be there to witness it.
Brian’s family took his spanking pretty well once he talked with them about the optics and it kept us all safe. Jimmy also quit his job and took one with the Dorcuses’ global corporation, auditing resorts and helping with pack investments. He’s also going to be helping Dain with all my assets that Alena took possession of.
It’s not like I’m going to do it.
The Haverses are taking a nice extended vacation touring and exploring the resorts to get out of the line of fire. No one had to talk Grammy Havers into it once we promised we’d do video chats with Topher, and she’s looking forward to getting to see how Eva and Alena really live in Greece. I think she’s curious to see how Brian’s future will be even after she’s gone.
I think it doesn’t really matter how they live as that won’t ever be us, but I understand that curiousness of it.
And apparently we have a yacht parked on the waterfront that’s a mating gift from Alena and Zeno instead of the castle they wanted to get us. Yeah, like an actual fucking castle like Eva bought them. Right, so I really was adopted into royalty, no reason to freak out.
Of course I freaked the fuck out. It seemed to amuse the shit out of Melicent and the sister I have yet to meet and have only spoken to on the phone a few times. Melicent is trying to get us together but she is hesitant with me as she was closer with Bernard than Melicent was. Melicent begs me to be patient with her. It took us meeting and seeing the truth of Bernard to understand.
I get it. Well, not really as I never had siblings before Topher, but I get I can’t understand the pain and loss. If that makes sense.
Enzo snuck out of Chicago and into Greece at some point because Eva informed me she felt him and then Giannis Barlos suddenly accepted that Christos and not Theon infected Brian. And so did a lot of other people. So not only did he make good on our deal, he did better on it and cleaned up more than that one spill so there wouldn’t be waves later.
Great, so he wants to make sure I ask him for help again. Or he wants something he’s planning on asking for later. Or he’s hoping I’ll be just as dangerous. I’m not sure which is worse.
I’m not sure I have the energy to worry about it after this last case and everything else on my plate.
The next APA event has been decided for the third week of January in Vegas hosted by Laila… And we’ll be driving. No more fucking flying. I just can’t right now. It’s not that far of a drive and fuck it. Seriously, just fuck it. We can caravan down there and get work done on the way and others can fly out to meet us.
I still have to handle things with Axel and Reagan and I’m excited and scared to. Phobie says that’s normal but best to just get it over with. Not sure if that’s practical or maybe she needs to get laid to remember that sex is fun and not scratching an actual itch. She was less than thrilled when I told her that.
Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.
The first part of Brian’s education and rewriting the story trip is going well. From what he’s told me at least, but if I know Laila, she’s putting him through his paces and torturing him in a way I wouldn’t. It amuses me as much as it worries me he’ll start a mess I’ll have to clean up.
Or walk away from me. Dain’s keeping a close eye on it all as he still has friends at court. He assures me Brian’s doing well. He promises his love for me is stronger than his low bar for bullshit.
I hope so because I’m doing my best to forgive him when he brought all of this into our lives. That might not be fair, as it was coming no matter what, but he did give them the door to walk through.
Andrew Mur
ray and the director won’t go away. This isn’t just a battle we’ve gained some ground on. This is a war brewing that goes far beyond them. We’ve made progress for paranormals and supes across the country—across the world with what’s being done in Iran and Greece.
And there are many who can’t stomach we be treated as people. I saw it all in Andrew’s mind that battle plans are being drawn and alliances formed. A war is coming and if we’re not ready, we’re all going to be in deep, deep shit that none of us will be safe from.
The End
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Erin
Seraphine After Dark
“You sure about this?” I asked Carter.
“Yeah, I’m really sure,” he chuckled as he lowered his forehead to mine. He took my hand and moved it over his groin, letting me feel how hard he was. “I want this, Sera. Fuck, I so want this.”
I glanced around the party and entertainment floor the apartment building had. “I know I said whatever you wanted, but really, did you need to make it into an event?” I rolled my eyes as I looked at the loaded up kitchen. “It’s catered, for fuck’s sake.”
“I was a bit overzealous,” he admitted with a half shrug. “I wanted them to see how amazing of a Mistress you are. You’re scared to do this but you’ll do it not for the normal vampire games or to use it against me. You’re doing this because I want to and as a reward. I want them to see that side of you and know it’s not a weakness, but your strength, your heart we all cherish as they should.”