“Okay, douchebags, your time is up!” Shapiro charged into the interview room with his partner trailing him. “That’s enough chitchat. We’ve got to have a talk of our own with Papan.”
“Not without me you’re not.” Saul stood and turned to face the cop. “You might have personal aspirations of grandeur, but you can’t legally speak to or harass my client without me being present.” He moved closer and lowered his voice. “I know what you’re doing, and you’re not going to force him into a corner so he’ll say something incriminating. Jason Papan is innocent of all these ridiculous charges.”
Shapiro laughed. “We don’t have to do anything to prove his guilt. He’s done that all by himself.”
“You don’t have anything concrete to prove he murdered anyone.”
“Oh no? We’ve got the gun used to execute the councilors, and it’s registered to him. It’s also got his prints all over it.”
“You’re bluffing. There’s no way a ballistics report has been returned yet.”
“I don’t need a report to know he did it,” Shapiro spat.
“I’m sure you’ll soon find that your assumption is wrong.”
“Whatever you reckon, Sear. We’re searching his place as we speak—”
“You didn’t show me a warrant for his domicile.”
“I didn’t show you, but Papan saw it before you got here.”
Papan shook his head.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“It means you better kiss your lover goodbye because you’re not going to see him for a very long time. He won’t even qualify for conjugal visits.”
“We’ll apply for bail,” I said. I would put the money together.
“That won’t happen for a few days,” Shapiro said with an ugly leer.
“You should be ashamed of yourself,” I said.
He slammed both hands onto the table and leaned into me. “I’m following the law, freak. He shot four people in cold blood and left three of them dead inside a building for days! No one gets away with that on my watch.”
“Goddammit Shapiro, I didn’t do this!” Papan jumped out of his chair and was on the detective in seconds. He shoved him against the wall, pressing his forearm tightly beneath Shapiro’s chin, applying pressure.
“You’re assaulting an officer,” Shapiro said breathlessly.
Papan tightened his grip.
I rushed across the room but stopped when I spotted Papan’s eyes burning amber. Cream-colored fur sprouted along his arm, even his face appeared more angular. Papan was struggling to keep the wolf at bay. I could see the sweat dripping from the tips of his hair and down his temples. The shift was already in progress.
“Jason,” Saul warned. “Keep it together.”
“Papan,” I added.
A growl tore out of his mouth.
Shapiro winced. “What the fuck is going on? Get this asshole off me!”
“Papan, look at me,” I said, stepping close enough to place a hand on his furry forearm. All the muscles tensed beneath my touch but he turned his head. “Let him go, we don’t want this to escalate any further. Please.”
He looked deep into my eyes but didn’t move, so I wasn’t sure if I was getting through.
“Please.”
Papan didn’t look away until the amber receded from his irises and was replaced by green. He released the detective but didn’t step away. “I didn’t kill those people and you know it.”
“All I know is that there’s always been something off about you, and the councilors didn’t like your girlfriend. It doesn’t take a genius to put everything together.” Shapiro rubbed his throat while glaring at Papan.
“Someone framed me.”
“Sure they did.”
Several officers charged into the interview room and rammed Papan against the wall, away from Shapiro.
Burns stood back, watching with a frown. “Show’s over. It’s time for lawyer and girlfriend to get the hell out,” he said.
“Not if you’re questioning him further,” Saul said with a shake of his head.
Burns sighed. “We’re not going to question him without his lawyer present.”
“That’s not what your partner is saying.”
“It’s what I’m saying,” Burns said. “Now go, we’re all going.”
I reached for Papan but the police officers blocked my advance.
“Let him be,” Shapiro spat. “Didn’t you slut it up enough already?”
Fury clenched inside me and the tattoo blazed along my skin. If Saul hadn’t chosen that moment to take my hand and lead me out the door and into the corridor, I would’ve done something I would later regret. I’m glad he did because causing Papan more trouble wasn’t an option.
I looked back, over my shoulder and met Papan’s gaze only a second before the door was slammed in my face. My hands were shaking so much I could feel my shoulders tremble.
“Hey, don’t lose it, okay?” Saul wrapped an arm around my shoulders and led me to the reception area. He helped me into one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs and took my tattooed hand. “Listen, he’s going to be okay. I’m going to have a word with someone for a sec. I have to make sure what Burns said was right. They can’t legally press him for more information without me there. Can you wait here for me?”
I wanted to nod, to speak to him because he was trying to help. But the words and actions wouldn’t come. I felt cold inside, hollow.
“Sierra, look at me.”
Somehow, I managed to move my head and met his blue eyes.
“Will you wait until I get back?”
I forced myself to nod. Where was I going to go?
He stood. “You look exhausted.”
I’m not exhausted, I’m pissed off, I wanted to yell at him. Instead, I stared at my hands as he approached the front desk. Better to trace the tattoo than risk attracting the attention of the spirits loitering around the waiting area. Their wispy cold bodies beckoned for me to notice. But I couldn’t, there were too many spirit zones, and if I didn’t ignore all of them I’d get dragged in.
I bit my bottom lip, grateful for the meditating exercises Oren insisted I practice. I’d been improving enough to stay focused without astral projecting.
“Sierra, hey, I just heard what happened.”
I glanced up just as Gareth sat beside me. He was dressed in his police uniform, even had his hat and utility vest on. Actually, he looked like he’d just gotten in.
“Are you all right?” He pressed a hand over mine and quickly removed it. “I rushed to your office block as soon as I heard, but you weren’t there and no one would tell me where you were. I even called nearby hospitals.” He focused on the seat. “I was worried about you.”
“I—I’m fine,” I lied.
“Are you sure?” He frowned and his eyes softened. “You don’t look fine.”
“I’m not sure how much more crap I can take.” My life consisted of one huge problem after another. Hecate Ritual or not, I wasn’t sure how much more I could deal with.
“Sierra, you’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. If anyone can overcome so many impossible obstacles, it’s you.” A small smile teased his full lips. “Besides, you have a lot of good people willing to help.”
I nodded, and couldn’t help but wonder if Oren and Willow had heard about what happened to my office building. If they had, would they want to see the damage for themselves? I hoped not. Not with that asshole Duff nearby. I needed to let them know I was okay, but couldn’t summon the energy to call.
“Who are you waiting to see?” Gareth asked softly.
I cleared my throat so I could push the words out. “I’m waiting for Saul.” I sucked in a quick breath. “Papan’s been arrested for murder.”
“I know.” His hazel eyes widened. “Who did he
supposedly murder?”
I almost laughed, because while Papan wasn’t responsible for this, he had killed someone—his own brother. Hell, I’d killed two people the same night. “They’re saying he shot the four councilors.”
Gareth shook his head. “But that’s not possible.”
“You try telling that asshole, Shapiro.”
“Shapiro’s leading the case?”
I nodded.
“Shit, that’s not good. He’s got it in for Jason and will do everything within his power to push this investigation in the direction of guilty.”
“Isn’t that against the law?”
“Not if he has enough evidence.” Gareth stood. “I’m going to poke around a bit and see what I can find out. I’ll call you if anything helpful pops up, okay?”
I looked at him, grateful for his kindness and willingness to help even though things between Papan and him weren’t exactly friendly. “Sure, thanks. I appreciate you helping Papan, even though—”
“I’ve already told you, I want you to be happy,” he said. “And Jason makes you happy.” He narrowed his eyes. “I also dislike Shapiro very much, so it’s a win-win situation.”
I smiled and he left me sitting alone on the plastic chairs, once again determined to keep the cold spots from sucking me in. Come on, Saul. Hurry up.
As if in answer, Saul reappeared and held out a hand. “What’s wrong?”
“Too many ghosts in this place,” I said, taking his offered hand. As soon as I did I felt a lot better, as if some of the sadness and burden washed out of me and into the demon. It felt like the comforting touch of a sibling.
“Let’s go.”
I took one step at a time, concentrating on every move but paused just before stepping past the automatic doors. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead.
“What’s wrong now?”
I waited another breathless second to see if they would do it again, but they didn’t. I’d actually thought Mace might drop in and make this situation worse. “Nothing,” I said.
We made it outside and I was disappointed to see that although the rain had stopped, it was dark. I was really anticipating the start of daylight savings next week. I could use longer days and shorter nights. It might not guarantee safety, but it would give me peace of mind.
Every time I passed by a light pole in the parking lot, it flickered and made a sizzling sound but when I turned to look, it would stop. “Where’s your van?” I couldn’t spot any vans in the lot. When Saul stopped in front of a sleek black BMW, I said, “This is yours?”
“It sure is.”
“I thought you only had vans.”
“I own a variety of vans and cars. The M3 is my professional vehicle.”
I shook my head. “Still can’t believe you’re a lawyer.”
“Demons can’t be lawyers?”
I snickered. “Actually, if they were going to be any profession, that would probably be my first guess. But you made it sound like you hunt with Lavie and rescue helpless demon-kind for a living.”
“That’s a purpose, not making a living.” He jumped into the car and as I sat down beside him he added, “Being a lawyer isn’t that different from helping demons.”
I strapped on the seatbelt and leaned into the snug, leather seat. I could easily take a nap inside the warm comfort of this car. “It must pay well.”
“Sometimes it does.” He started the engine and turned to glance my way. “Listen, I know you’re tired, but would you mind if we stopped at Monster Coffee Break for a few minutes? I’d really like to speak to Sheila.”
“Yeah, okay.” I closed my eyes and wished I could get out of these clothes first.
Saul revved the engine and reversed out of the parking space. When he stopped at the lights, he eyed me suspiciously. “Are you going to be okay dressed in that coat and nothing else?”
“I hope you can’t see through the coat.”
He snorted. “I’m a demon, not Superman.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve seen you pull weapons out of thin air so I had to check.”
“Relax, I can’t,” he said, advancing when the light turned green. “All you’re missing is a fedora and you’d look like the cutest PI in the city.”
I tried to ignore the heat on my cheeks.
“You really can’t take a compliment, can you?”
I cleared my throat, trying to think of something to say that would lighten the mood. “I was wearing a fedora.” He whistled and I couldn’t stifle a giggle. “But seriously, thanks for helping Papan.”
“I’ll always be there for both of you,” he said, sparing me a quick glance. “I don’t want you to get mad with me when I tell you this, or think that I’m some kind of pervert…”
“Why would I think that?”
“I might have some of your clothes in the backseat.” He sighed. “Okay, I have to confess that I’ve had them there for several days. With you driving back and forth to the estate, I wanted to make sure you had some extra clothes.”
“You what?” I looked over the seat and—sure enough—found a pair of faded jeans, a sweater, and boots…all clothing I recognized. And if that wasn’t enough, both of my blades sat on top of the bundle. “I thought you said you’d stashed the clothes here for several days. So when did you get my blades?”
“Oh, I got those before getting here.”
“You are seriously creepy, you know that?” I was torn between being super grateful for his thoughtfulness, and totally disturbed because he’d picked out an outfit for me—from my own drawers.
“So, are you angry?”
“I should be,” I said, trying to keep my voice firm. “But right now I’m grateful I can change into some actual clothes.”
“You can’t see from here but I included some knickers—bra and socks as well.”
“Now you’re pushing it, buster.” I tried not to feel too violated. “Can you pull over so I can get changed? Preferably somewhere dark.”
Saul maneuvered the car into the driveway of a small warehouse and cut the lights.
“Thanks.” I climbed out of the front and jumped into the back. The heels came off first. I dumped them on the floor and slipped into the instant comfort of warm socks. The backseat was a little cramped, but it would do.
I had the jeans halfway up my hips when Saul said, “Is everything all right back there? Do you need some help?”
I rolled my eyes. “Just give me a few minutes.”
“Okay, okay.”
“And stop peeking,” I said when I spotted him glancing in the rearview mirror. This car might be nice to look at and even drive, but it wasn’t fit to double as a change room.
When I was sure he wasn’t watching, I pulled my jeans the rest of the way and zipped them up. The denim scratched the sensitive skin of my thigh but the bandage kept the fabric from rubbing. I finished dressing in record time and, while slipping into my boots, I called, “Almost ready.” I strapped my silver dagger inside the right ankle boot and wrapped the boline holster around my left thigh. Then I was out the door and sliding back into the passenger seat, feeling a lot more comfortable and warm.
“Now I’m ready, Mr. Creepy.”
Saul grinned and headed back onto the road.
“So, what’s Sheila?” I asked, hating the silence.
“She’s a demon.”
“Okay, what sort of demon?” If he came up with some strange and obscure name, I could ask Lavie about it later.
“She’s a retired succubus,” Saul answered, stopping at the next red light.
“They can retire?” I snuck a peek at his face, watching for a reaction and the possibility he might withhold information from me.
He tapped the steering wheel. “Well, they can’t really retire from what they are, but she takes the essence from men another way.
”
“How?”
“There’s enough sexual energy radiating around the average adult human to fuel an army of incubi and succubi.”
“Wow, you make us sound like horny peasants.”
“Most humans are,” he said with a snicker. “I mean, what were you and Jason doing this afternoon?” Saul took off when the light switched.
I decided to ask him the question that had been nagging me. “Speaking of which, why did you push Papan to tell you what we were doing in the office when you probably already knew?”
“I really didn’t know. I suspected, but didn’t know for sure.”
“So I wasn’t broadcasting?”
“Not this time.”
“Huh.” Maybe the anticipation and excitement had somehow blocked him out. I didn’t care about the reason, was just glad to have kept our privacy.
It didn’t take long for him to park across the street from the diner. There weren’t too many cars parked at this hour, but when we wandered into Monster Coffee Break, it was crowded. Now that I knew Sheila was a demon, I wondered how many patrons were supernatural beings.
“Seere!” Sheila called from behind the counter. “Long time no see. You really must come around more often, hon.” She stormed up to Saul and gave him a quick, motherly hug before turning to me. “And how are you, Sierra?”
“Good, thanks,” I said, which was a total lie. No point in getting into it.
“Sheila, do you have a minute?” Saul asked.
She wiped her hands on her apron. “Is there something wrong?”
“A friend of mine has been arrested and I need to ask you a few questions that might help with the case.”
“Oh, of course, let’s go out back.” She waved us behind the counter and into the kitchen area, which was smoky and smelled like greasy food. There were several men working the grill and stove, another was washing dishes, but none of them looked up to see who’d entered their work area.
“What did you want to know?” Sheila asked.
“You helped Sierra the night one of the SCC councilors was murdered?”
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