by Jami Gray
His face was neutral, but his eyes burned.
Someone accidentally jostled her, bringing sound back with a pop and jerking her out of his spell. She stepped away slightly, composing her face and hiding her spinning emotions behind a blank mask.
The edge of a sardonic smile curled his lips. Silently, he offered her his arm and led her off the dance floor.
He confused her. She had no idea what the rules were to this game he was playing. Although they seemed to have reached a tentative peace on the ride here, it was hard not to remember his reactions to her dark confession. A part of her yearned to trust these overtures, but another, more hardened part wondered if he wasn’t setting her up for a humiliating fall.
Granted, her confusing emotions could make her read things into his small actions, but why her? There were tons of women, human and Kyn, who would trip over themselves to get into his bed. Raine didn’t want to ruin their working partnership, and there was no doubt sex would do just that. As long as they could work together, she didn’t want to push her luck.
She hated games and so help her, if he was playing one, she didn’t want a turn. It didn’t help that she had her own internal argument going on. Her heart wanted to see where it would lead, but logic warned there was nowhere to go.
He guided her around the room. Forcing her personal concerns to the background, she concentrated on the people around her. Before long, the music drew to a close and the crowd turned to the head of the ballroom where Jonah Talbot stood with a microphone in hand. His commanding presence seemed to encompass the room. As his voice filled the room, he proved that charisma was just a human form of glamour.
Gavin and Raine listened as he thanked everyone for coming out to support the Talbot Foundation. He went through the normal rounds of acknowledgement and then moved on to the sales pitch. “You all know Talbot Foundation has many arms, but there is one in particular I would like to discuss with you tonight.” His face was alight with excitement as he continued, “Our research arm has been working tirelessly to help find a way to eradicate various birth defects and common diseases. Recently, we may have stumbled upon a breakthrough.”
The hush filling the ballroom was deafening.
“We may have found a unique DNA strand, which so far has proven immune to most infectious di-eases. We are working on duplicating this strand to cr-ate necessary antibodies to help in the fight against various illnesses.”
Hushed exclamations and muted conversations ebbed through the room like ocean waves. Raine tightened her hand on Gavin’s arm as dread began to fill her.
Talbot waved his arm to get everyone’s attention, not a hard feat since everyone was focused on him. The rumble of whispers died down as he continued. “Most of you don’t know this, but the Talbot Foundation has been working on this particular solution for many years. Our previous attempts to pinpoint this unique DNA sequence generally ended in failure. However, as Dr. Eden Lawson, our head of research, will explain, we may be closer than ever before.”
Eden’s smile flashed out to the audience as she took the microphone. “Thank you, Mr. Talbot. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for support tonight. I want to take a moment to publicly thank Mr. Talbot for his generous support of our research team. It’s his support which has made my job such a source of joy.” She turned her smile to Talbot standing off to the side. He smiled back.
Eden’s face took on a more serious expression as she turned back to the gathering. “My team spent years trying to track down the elusive elements found in those lucky few who seem to hold a natural immunity to some of our more serious diseases. I won’t bore you with the scientific details, but will simply say the discovery of this particular DNA strand may hold the key to unlocking those elements. We are on the edge of breaking the genetic code to find the answer to the ultimate antidote.”
Quiet filled the ballroom as Eden continued, her smile beaming, eyes bright. “For years there have been rare patients throughout the world who held a natural immunity to a variety of diseases, such as the common cold or flu, cancer, and the multitude of other debilitating illnesses. When it comes to their innate immunity, we tried to find the key setting them apart. With the discovery of this DNA strand, we feel we are on the right path to deciphering these key genetic differences. We here at Talbot Foundation are hopeful our research will be beneficial to the entire world community.”
Eden’s pale green eyes paused on Raine and Gavin, held for a moment, and then moved on. “We have been able to use volunteers to aid in the gathering of information and materials. We want to thank those patients for their sacrifices. We have a long road ahead of us, but we’re truly excited that this crucial first step has been made. Your donations tonight will help us in continuing our research toward improving the lives of future generations.”
Loud applause filled the room at the end of her speech.
Raine’s mind whirled at this new development. She didn’t hear the rest of Talbot’s speech, but watched Eden move off to the side of the gathering, shaking hands with various individuals. The redhead worked her way toward the Cawleys. The general’s posture was board-stiff, making Raine wonder if he and the good doctor had an uneasy relationship. Eden pulled the general away from his wife and the two began a conversation.
Raine made sure to watch without appearing to stare. Cawley did not look happy with whatever Eden was saying. They seemed to have a brief argument before the general said something and Eden nodded. A few more exchanges and then they parted ways.
Gavin had been silent, watching as well. Did he have the same questions she did? What exactly did a head of research have that could be so important to a military leader? Eden’s speech triggered several of Raine’s internal alarms. Those so-called “patients” had to be Kyn. From the beginning, those humans in the know had marveled at how immune the Kyn races were to human illnesses.
Where on earth did Eden find her “volunteers”? The Kyn community generally steered clear of such things. Could she be behind the drug company trying to gather Kyn for its drug trials? Worry nipped on the heels of that thought. What exactly had Eden’s team discovered in the unique DNA strand? Raine wasn’t buying the altruistic line being spouted at tonight’s gathering.
If she heeded her own line of paranoia, she could easily see how research done on the Kyn would benefit a military organization. If humans could recreate the powers the Kyn inherently held, they could strengthen and fine-tune them to what they wanted. The natural immunity the Kyn held to blood born and infectious diseases, was countered by their low birth rate, their intolerance to iron and, for some, to silver.
Add in Cawley’s probe on Taliesin housing a bunch of Kyn warriors, and her sick feeling grew stronger. What if the human military wanted their own special secret weapon? What if, as had happened fifteen years ago, the humans were once again trying to play creator, except this time they may have succeeded? What if they were already able to change a human to hold some of the best traits of a Kyn, without the weaknesses?
Her face paled as she acknowledged how dangerous such a being could be and how high the price would be for its creation.
She leaned into Gavin, trying not to let the terrifying images playing in her mind reflect on her face. She wrestled back the nightmares seething deep within her, images she carried since she was fifteen.
Gavin looked down, his eyes blazing out of an unemotional mask, revealing he made his own unhappy conclusions. She wanted to leave immediately and report to Mulcahy. However, looking past Gavin’s shoulder she saw Jonah Talbot heading toward them.
Her fingers dug into Gavin’s arm and she forced her mouth into a welcoming smile. Under her breath she warned Gavin, “Talbot’s heading our way.”
A deep breath shuddered through Gavin’s tall frame. When she glanced back at him, his face had dropped back into character. He took her cold hand in his, rubbing his thumb slightly over the top of her hand reassuringly, and turned to face Talbot.
Talbot’s smile was wid
e and excited. Raine couldn’t figure out how he was able to hide his inner monster so well. “Thank you for staying, and I’m sorry I took so long to track you back down.”
“You’re a busy man, Mr. Talbot,” Gavin answered. “Such gatherings require a great deal of time and effort.”
Talbot chuckled softly. “That they do, a necessary evil.”
She kept her voice light and airy, a difficult feat when she wanted to take her blade and plunge it deep into the man’s heart. “That was a quite an announcement you and Dr. Lawson made. Congratulations on your discoveries. You must be so proud.”
Talbot’s mouth twisted into a wry grimace. “Not so much proud as relieved. I considered closing down the research branch a few years ago, before I brought Eden on board. She’s brilliant and turned the department around dramatically.”
“Shutting it down?” Raine prompted. This was an interesting twist.
Talbot nodded and snagged a drink from another of those passing waiters. “Genetic research is costly and has more failures than successes. Before I brought Eden on, I lost my head of research, Dr. Manheim. I started to believe the department was a loss. When I hired Eden, I told her she had two years to find something or it would be finished.” He raised his glass slightly in a mock toast. “She came through, so I’m honoring my end of the bargain.”
“I’m impressed,” Gavin said.
Talbot raised a quizzical eyebrow. “With?”
Gavin’s smile held a hint of the predator beneath the clothes. “Your research team. They must be very persuasive to have been able to find such willing patients to take part in your research.”
Talbot’s face cooled a notch. “I’m aware of the stories surrounding my father and his work. I am not the man my father was, Mr. Durand.” His gaze was steady, seemingly sincere, but Raine wasn’t sure she bought it. “However,” he added, “Dr. Lawson assured me all volunteers were just that—volunteers.”
Not expecting Jonah to make such revealing statement, Raine’s mask slipped for a second.
What kind of game was he playing? Searching his face closely, she couldn’t detect any signs of the madness his father displayed. A sickening thought wormed its way into her mind. What if Jonah had nothing to do with what was going on?
Her world tilted.
“Mr. Talbot,” she said, struggling to keep her voice level, “we did not mean to offend you, but you must recognize our concerns.”
He dropped his head for a second and when he looked back up, she caught a glimpse of deep sorrow. “I know the rumors surrounding my father and his work, Ms. McCord. All I can say is as far as I am aware, that mentality no longer exists at the Talbot Foundation. I know under my father’s leadership the foundation took turns I would never support. I’ve spent most of my life trying to make up for my father’s mistakes.”
She wasn’t sure she believed him, but if she read him correctly, he meant every word he said. She wanted away from this gathering, away from Talbot and his foundation. She needed to think and she wanted to talk to Gavin.
Gavin and Talbot continued chatting for a couple of minutes. Then Talbot shook Gavin’s hand and said good night to Raine.
His gaze turned considering as he placed a kiss on her hand. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Ms. McCord. Please send my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Mulcahy for his generous donations.”
She nodded absently and wished him a good night. Gavin gently led her out of the ballroom. She said nothing as they waited for the valet to bring his car around. When they headed off into the night, she softly voiced the one question spiraling in her head. “What have they done?”
Chapter Twenty
The next morning still asking herself the same question, Raine walked into Taliesin. Hair pulled back in a ponytail, and dressed in faded jeans, boots, and a soft green sweater, she no longer looked like the magically untouchable Fey who attended last night’s function. She scanned the parking lot as she strode toward the door.
Riding up in the elevator, she found herself unconsciously stroking the silver lynx charm. She found she liked wearing Cheveyo’s gift for some reason. Besides, she could use all the comfort she could find right now.
Talbot’s frank statement regarding his father’s activities created small cracks in her deep seated belief of Talbot and his foundation. The whole ‘admit to knowing the evils of his father’—and then making it oh-so-clear he didn’t tolerate such behavior—could be a clever way to deflect suspicion.
Closing the door to her small office, she stood at the tall window, mind churning, and stared blindly at the city and wilderness intertwining into a typical Portland landscape.
If Talbot wasn’t just an evil prick who could lie better than anyone she had ever met—which was saying something—and was truly an innocent dupe in whatever scheme was going on, then who was pulling the strings in this game? Crossing her arms she leaned against the windowsill, her breath fogging the glass.
The more disturbing question that kept her tossing and turning the night before still remained. What if Jonah Talbot was exactly as he appeared? So wrapped up in her own anger and need for revenge, she never tried to look in any other direction. If she had, would she have found someone else?
Okay, she needed to start back at the beginning, taking Jonah Talbot out of the equation, and try this again. Turning toward her desk, a knock jerked her out of her thoughts. “Come in.”
The door opened and Gavin, dressed in his typical jeans and T-shirt, stepped inside, his gaze scanning the small office. There wasn’t much to it. Empty of personal pictures or touches, the warm wood tones and potted plants filling the corners and niches gave it a cozy vibe.
She snuck a quick look at the clock sitting on her desk. “Wasn’t our meeting in another fifteen?”
“It is.” He studied her carefully. “But I wanted to talk with you before we head into Mulcahy’s office.”
She waved him to one of the chairs in front of her desk. “I’m listening.”
He didn’t move, but asked, “Long night?”
She grimaced. Figured he’d notice the dusky circles under her eyes. “Couldn’t sleep.”
“Yeah, I get that,” he muttered.
Guess she wasn’t the only one tossing and turning last night. She took her chair, pulling one leg up under her.
He settled into the chair in front of the desk. “We need to figure out what’s going on here because we’re missing something.”
She sighed. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
Running his hand impatiently through his hair, he managed to dislodge the leather holding it back. He leaned down to pick up the fallen tie. “Want to talk through it with me?”
She nodded, captivated as he refastened the tie in his hair. It was so silly, but no matter what he did, it fascinated her. She dropped her gaze quickly, not wanting to be caught staring.
Hair secured, he leaned back. “Okay, so we start at the beginning. Jonah Talbot comes to Taliesin to look into the deaths of his employees. He’s waited a while to do this, so we have two possible conclusions. Either he failed in his attempt to breach Taliesin’s security and wants a way to watch how we work, up close and personal.”
“Or,” she broke in. “If he’s on the up and up, he really is concerned about his life. Maybe the last death was one too many for his peace of mind, and he wants answers.”
Gavin continued, “Either way, he turns down protection from Taliesin. Why?”
She absently played with a pencil. “Say he’s involved, protection from Taliesin would put us too close to his personal life. He could be worried about slipping up somewhere. If he’s not involved, he may not want our protection, given what he knows his father did to the Kyn. It’s not a smart to ask the fox to guard the henhouse, especially if he ended up with a guard who had an ax to grind.”
Gavin nodded. “I can see that. So our next piece is the company behind the drug research, Polleo. We can trace it back to the Talbot Foundation. We have a wizard and
a witch both approached. The wizard disappears and the witch goes into hiding.”
“Don’t forget, we got jumped outside Zarana’s.” She tapped the pencil’s eraser against the desk. “Which means our questions set off alarms somewhere.”
His smile was grim. “Right, then our trip to Polleo end in nothing more than a bunch of cryptic notes and possible traces of our wizard. Nothing definitive.”
There was one thing about their B&E adventure that still bothered her. “Don’t you think it was a tad easy getting into that lab?” When he frowned, she added, “If the lab was involved, wouldn’t it be heavily guarded?”
The frown smoothed out as he considered her point. “Very possible. Could be our tracing the finances set off some flags and they cleared out what they could.”
Yeah, maybe. “Or it could’ve been a ruse to keep us chasing our tails,” she muttered.
“Either way, the lab is a dead end.” He shifted slightly. “Which takes us to Bane Mayson’s call, saying he has information to share.”
Using her foot she rotated her chair from side to side, turn the pieces over. “And a handful of hours later he’s dead. That tells me someone’s watching us, or they were watching Bane.”
“Right.” Gavin ran a hand around the back of his neck and rubbed. “Whoever it is, they’re coordinated and fast.”
She aimed a quizzical look his way.
“We hit Portland, what? Three, maybe four hours later to find our missing wizard sliced and diced at Zarana’s. No one sees anything, no one hears anything.”
Okay, granted, that was worrisome. “Alexi said she felt something against her wards, something she didn’t recognize. It’s why she went out. She wanted to see who, or what, managed to breach them.”
“I can see that.” He rubbed a hand over his chin. “We end up at the party last night where Talbot’s head of research drops her bomb that they think they’ve found a unique, highly immune, DNA strand.” A thread of heat wound through his words and his face darkened. “I’m damn sure that DNA is Kyn, which raises another set of questions and concerns despite Dr. Lawson’s assurance her guinea pigs were volunteers.”