Wolf On the Job

by Amanda M. Lee

  That made two of us. Although ... . “There were rumors when he started his ascent years ago that he did it through illegal means,” I offered, shifting Sami slightly as she rested her head on my shoulder. She was legitimately bone tired and ready to pass out. “I didn’t keep up on him. I didn’t care. After what happened with ... well, you know. I never looked back.” There was no need to rehash an old fight. I made a clear choice when I decided to get Zoe back. I never deviated from my track, and I wasn’t sorry I worked so hard to reclaim what mattered most.

  “You didn’t pay attention,” Zoe surmised, her eyes on Sami as I rocked her. She looked concerned. “He’s involved in this. He’s up to his nose. He ratted out Franklin’s ties to Granger, but I’m not sure why.”

  For the first time since entering the clearing, Shirleen spoke up. “He did it because Ralph had ties to a group of long-haul truckers from his former job. He managed them for a local outfit.”

  “That’s true,” Maggie offered helpfully. “He did have those ties. But I can’t imagine Ralph purposely helping with this. It sounds so ... unlike him.”

  “What if he thought he was going to lose Granger?” I asked.

  “He didn’t know.” Maggie sounded certain, but her expression told a different tale. “I’m sure he didn’t. I mean ... it would’ve crushed him to find out.”

  “Maybe that’s why he didn’t say something to you,” Zoe suggested, thoughtful. “He probably didn’t want it confirmed. He already loved Granger. Just because they didn’t have a genetic link didn’t mean he was willing to lose him.”

  “He’s mine,” Franklin snapped, causing Granger to cringe.

  “Children aren’t property,” I chided. “You have to learn to love them on their level. You have to be willing to give of yourself.”

  “Who came out here to keep them safe?” Franklin challenged. “That was me.”

  “Safety and love are two different things.” I kept my voice low. “I can tell you right now that yelling in front of a child who just lost the only father he has ever known is a bad idea. He needs time to accept what’s happening.”

  Franklin opened his mouth to argue and then snapped it shut, sliding a sidelong look in Granger’s direction. “Right. Um ... right.”

  “What’s Cavendish’s tie to this?” Zoe demanded of Shirleen, her hand raised in case Al decided to rush her. The annoyed biker was starting to regroup and looked as if he was about to make the dumbest decision of his life.

  “He gets us product,” Shirleen replied.

  “Shut up,” Al growled. “No one said you could talk.”

  “I said she could talk,” Zoe countered. “I’m in control here.”

  “No, you’re not.” Al was either stupid or a glutton for punishment. I couldn’t decide which. “You’re not in control. Women are never in control. Just because your husband allows you to run off at the mouth, that doesn’t mean I am.”

  Zoe looked to me, her expression unreadable. I knew what she was thinking.

  “Get the rest of the information out of him first,” I supplied. “We need to make sure if we’re going to take down Cavendish.”

  She looked almost disappointed.

  “Then you can fry him alive,” I offered, grinning.

  She brightened considerably. “Great!” Instead of focusing on Al, she turned to Shirleen. Obviously she knew that would drive Al bonkers, but she didn’t care. “How long has Cavendish been supplying product?”

  Shirleen shrugged. “I don’t know. At least five years.”

  “How does it work?” I asked.

  “It’s simple,” she replied. “He trucks in product once a week. Ralph got us in with one of the trucking companies, and they distribute the product around the state. Everyone gets a small piece of the pie ... although Cavendish’s slice is bigger than everyone else’s combined.”

  “I don’t get it.” Zoe turned to me. “I thought the council members were rich.”

  “Some are,” I said. “The thing is, it’s a game of politics. You need money to run. He ran hard and fast, never really building his wealth before making the run. He obviously needed an influx of cash.”

  “He won’t be able to keep his position, will he? What he’s doing isn’t allowed in wolf circles, is it?”

  “Running drugs is not allowed.” I was certain of that. “I don’t know what his punishment will be, though. It could be just a slap on the wrist.”

  Zoe’s expression told me she had no intention of letting him walk with a minor punishment. We had other things to deal with first. “Take Sami and Granger out of here,” she instructed. “Take Shirleen, too. She helped. She’s free to go.”

  I licked my lips, uncertain. “Don’t you want me to stay with you? I mean ... just in case.”

  She shook her head. “No. I want you to take Sami out of here.”

  As if on cue, Sami lifted her head. “Is it time for ice cream?”

  I chuckled. “I told you that ice cream was out of the question because you’re in trouble.”

  “But ... it’s been a terrible day,” she wheedled, batting her eyes. “I just want a little to make me feel better.”

  I was on the verge of giving in. She knew it. Zoe knew it. Most importantly, I knew it. When I looked to my wife for help, she merely smiled.

  “Get her ice cream,” she instructed.

  “I don’t think this is how punishment is supposed to work,” I grumbled. “She’s supposed to be grounded.”

  “Yeah, well, we can ground her after the ice cream.”

  “And people say I’m the softie.” I gave Al’s group a wide berth and motioned with my head for Shirleen to join us. She looked conflicted, but she was obviously a survivor, because she fell into step with me.

  “What is going on?” Al asked, furious. “Shirleen, you get your ass back here. We’re going to have a long talk about your big mouth. I just have to handle the blonde first and then it will be your turn.”

  The blonde in question was my wife. On a normal day, nothing could drag me from her side even though she was capable of taking care of herself. I knew why she sent me away, though. She didn’t want Sami to see.

  One day — and maybe not far in the future — Sami would have to kill to protect herself. For now, she could mostly remain a child. That’s what we both wanted for her.

  So, even though I didn’t want to be separated from my wife I kept to the code. “We’ll be at the school waiting for you. Don’t take too long.”

  “I won’t.” Zoe flashed a smile that didn’t make it all the way to her eyes. “I’m going to want an ice cream cone, too.”

  “I think we all will.”

  I did my best to keep my face forward as I carried Sami out of the woods. Granger was anchored between Maggie and Franklin, reunification with his mother loosening his lips. They had a long way to go as a family, but something told me they would be fine.

  Shirleen looked lost and forlorn. She sniffled when she heard a few cries in the distance, recognition that Zoe was ending her way of life briefly flashing over her features. She didn’t say anything, and I wasn’t sure how far I should push her. Finally, I gave in to my urges.

  “You’ve been given a second chance.” I kept my voice low. “Remember what my wife can do. Even if she’s not around, I can inflict my own brand of damage. What you and Al had going is not allowed, not in this area or near my child.”

  “I’m well aware,” she gritted out. “I don’t intend to make that mistake again.”

  “Good.” I shifted Sami so her head rested on my other shoulder and I could see the lines of Shirleen’s tense face. “Don’t go looking for Cavendish either. After I get my family ice cream I will be handling that situation. If you warn him ... .”

  “I won’t warn him,” she said hurriedly, her voice cracking. “Trust me. All I care about is getting away from this place. You’ll never see me again.”

  “See that I don’t. Although ... if you want to spread the word about what will
happen if your compatriots keep shipping meth out of this location, that would be appreciated.”

  “Consider it done.”

  HOURS LATER, ZOE FOUND ME on the couch, remote control in hand as I watched Sports Center. The house was quiet, the security system engaged, and Sami was amusing herself in her room. I didn’t know if she was asleep or reading, but she wanted quiet time with Zoe before tuning out for the night, so my wife acquiesced and went with her.

  “How is she?” I asked, making room on the couch for Zoe so she could snuggle close. I grabbed the blanket from the back and wrapped it around her. Wolves run hot, but my wife is always plagued by cold feet.

  “She’s okay.” Zoe automatically rested her head in the hollow between my neck and chest. “She’s confused. She said she doesn’t understand what happened, but she’s certain she used magic. We’re going to have to start watching her. I don’t think she’s ready to manifest on a grand scale just yet ... but it’s coming.”

  I happened to agree, although the thought didn’t make me happy. “She’s a strong and graceful girl. Er, well, sometimes. That taunting thing she did from the treehouse is right out of your playbook.”

  Zoe snickered. “She has a bit of both of us in her.”

  “I guess.” I kissed her forehead. “I talked to my father, by the way. Cavendish has been taken in for questioning. He denies all the charges – although, oddly enough, he doesn’t deny telling Ralph that Franklin was coming for Granger. But that’s something for the council to worry about – and I’ve already warned my father he’s not welcome here. If he tries to invade our space ... .” I didn’t know how to finish.

  “We’ll handle it.” Zoe was blasé, unbothered by the lingering threat. “I’m not afraid of him.”

  “You haven’t met him.”

  “No,” she agreed. “You understand wolf politics better than I do, that’s for sure. I very much doubt he will come back and pick a fight, though. No matter what Shirleen said, I’m guessing she hung around long enough to deliver a message before retreating.”

  “I made it clear that’s what we wanted.” I smoothed Zoe’s hair and snuggled her close. “My father sent a team out to the clearing to clean up. He said everything was pretty much destroyed when he went out there. Apparently you did a thorough job.”

  “I’m nothing if not thorough,” she agreed, causing me to chuckle.

  Sami picked that moment to emerge from her bedroom. She wore fuzzy sleep pants and a T-shirt, and I had no doubt she would sleep a solid ten hours to recover from the day. Still, something was obviously on her mind.

  “What is it, sweetie?”

  Sami glanced between us for a moment and then focused on Zoe. “How come Granger has a new dad?”

  “Oh, well ... .” Zoe shifted, uncomfortable. “Sometimes there are mistakes ... or people get confused. Granger simply has two dads. One was his biological father. One was a different sort of father, who is now gone. That doesn’t mean his other father didn’t love him.”

  “Do I have two dads?”

  I shook my head. “You, my dear, have only me. I hope you’re okay with that.”

  To my surprise, she looked relieved. “I am. I don’t want another Dad.”

  “They why did you ask?” Zoe queried. “Don’t you think we would’ve told you if that were the case?”

  “No one told Granger.”

  “You’re not Granger ... and we’re not Granger’s parents. We’re your parents.”

  “I know.” Sami pursed her lips. “I’m glad I don’t have another dad. I kind of like the one I already have.”

  I smiled as warmth spread through me. “I feel the same way.”

  “Although, it would’ve been cool to get double the presents at Christmas,” she noted, causing Zoe to stifle a laugh. “Maybe I’ll make two Christmas lists this year just to be on the safe side. You know ... just in case.”

  I sighed. “I think one Christmas list will be enough.”

  “You never know.” Sami waved and then darted toward her room. “I’m going to start right now.”

  “It’s September,” I called after her, but she ignored me as she pounded up the steps. Slowly, very slowly, I turned to face my wife. “She gets that from you.”

  Zoe’s chuckle was flirty. “Yes, well, I might make two lists this year, too.”

  “Oddly enough, because I know what’s going to be on your lists I’m fine with that.”

  “I knew you would be.”

  “I’m good like that,” I agreed. “Now, give me a kiss and tell me about what happened in the clearing. You know it gets me going when you turn badass. I always imagine you dressed as Wonder Woman when it happens.”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

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  About the Author

  I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read my novels. I have a particular brand of humor that isn’t for everyone – and I know that.

  If you liked the book, please take a few minutes and leave a review. An independent author does it all on their own, and the reviews are helpful. I understand that my characters aren’t for everyone, though. There’s a lot of snark and sarcasm in my world – and I know some people don’t like that.

  Special thanks go out to Heidi Bitsoli and Phil VanHulle for correcting the (numerous) errors that creep into a work of fiction.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  For more information:

  author@amandamlee.net

  Books by Amanda M. Lee

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  Who, What, Where, When, Die

  If it Bleeds, it Leads

  Buried Leads

  Shot Off The Presses

  The Preditorial Page

  Misquoted & Demoted

  Headlines & Deadlines

  Misprints & Mistakes

  Bylines & Skylines

  Off the Record

  Unwritten & Underwater

  Extra! Extra! Dead All About It

  A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Mystery

  Any Witch Way You Can

  Every Witch Way But Wicked

  Witching You Were Here

  Witching on a Star

  Something to Witch About

  Witch Me Luck

  Life’s a Witch

  Charms & Witchdemeanors

  The Trouble With Witches

  Murder Most Witchy

  A Witch Before Dying

  A Breath of Witchy Air

  Witch, Interrupted

  A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short

  Careful What You Witch For

  Wicked Brew

  On a Witch and a Prayer

  You Only Witch Once

  The Christmas Witch

  Bewitched

  A Solstice Celebration

  Witchdependence Day

  Happy Witchgiving

  Merry Witchmas

  Four-Leaf Clover

  Thistle While You Work

  Landon Calling

  I Dream of Twila

  How Aunt Tillie Stole Christmas

  A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy

  Witchy Tales

  A Witch In Time

  Make A Witch

  A Witchmas Carol

  All My Witches

  Close Encounters of the Witchy Kind

  An Aisling Grimlock Mystery

  Grim Tidings

  Grim Offerings

  Grim Discovery

  Grim Reunion

  Grim Expectations

 
; Grim Holiday

  Grim Rising

  Grim Tempest

  Grimlock Family Shorts

  Grim Like Me

  Grim & The City

  Now & Grim

  Grim & Bear It

  Death Gate Grim Reapers

  Only the Lonely

  A Mystic Caravan Mystery

  Freaky Days

  Freaky Lies

  Freaky Hearts

  Freaky Games

  Freaky Places

  Freaky Rites

  A Charlie Rhodes Cozy Mystery

  The Bigfoot Blunder

  The Chupacabra Catastrophe

  The Werewolf Whoops

  A Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery

  Witchin’ USA

  Witch Out of Water

  Covenant College

  Awakening

  Whispering

  Conjuring

  Waxing & Waning

  Graduating

  Living Covenant Trilogy

  Rising Covenant

  Dark Covenant

  Eternal Covenant

  Dying Covenant Trilogy

  Haunted Covenant

  Desperate Covenant

  Everlasting Covenant

  Elemental Witches of Eternal Springs

  Bat Out Of Spell

  Spell on Earth

  Hotter Than Spell

  Spell or High Water