Grave Debt

by T. G. Ayer

I smiled. “She’ll be fine. She’s more riled up with being forced to stay in bed.” Then I gave an evil grin.

  After our chat at the coffee shop, Grams and I had made a quick trip to the haberdashery across the road and had returned with a gift for Mom to pass the time. She wasn’t at all pleased with the package or with the explicit instructions that she’d only be cleared as healthy once the needlework had been completed.

  I could still hear Mom’s horrified shriek of “You got me a bloody cross-stitch!!” in my ears and--

  “And where did you just go?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow. Then his eyes narrowed. “What did you do?”

  I smirked. “Not a thing, big brother. I’ve just been making sure our patient upstairs is behaving herself.”

  Iain guffawed. “That was you? The crossing stitches thing with the purple horses?” When I bit my lip and nodded, trying hard not to laugh, he shook his head. “Oh you’re going to pay for that one.”

  “Nope,” I shook my head. “Well, yes. But I’m not going down alone. That was a joint effort but, to be fair, the cross-stitch was my idea.”

  Iain chuckled as he gave me a look that was a blend of fondness and weariness--the quintessential emotional reaction of brothers to their sisters. “So, where are you off to? I caught the last bit about cross-veil travel.”

  “I have to go talk to Logan. Saleem needs help. Life or death thing. We’re getting an extraction team together.” I tilted my head and studied Iain’s face, well aware that he too had served his time as an intelligence operative for Sentinel. “Think you can lend a hand?”

  Iain paused and looked over my shoulder at Lily and Baz who’d remained inside the living room. “They going?” I nodded. “Darcy?”

  “What do you think?”

  Iain huffed, then nodded. “Okay, let me clear the decks as well as I can. I’ll try my best but I can’t promise. And even if I do go, there’s a good chance I’d have to come back early if there’s an emergency.”

  “Geez, Iain, you sound so official and important.”

  Iain made face. “It’s what it is. Alpha isn’t your average job.”

  I paused as I studied his face. “So what’s the council going to do about Wade and Trapper? They being held accountable?”

  I most certainly hoped so.

  Iain nodded. “Most definitely. They’ll serve their time. And the addendum Marsden and his cronies put through has been repealed. We’re in the process of electing a new committee.”

  “Most of the old guard standing down?” I asked, somewhat satisfied, although justice was tasting a little lukewarm and bland.

  “Yeah, they are. Whether they want to or not.”

  “And me?” I asked, holding my breath. I was a murderer after all, even if an unintentional one.

  Iain smiled. “You’ve had a lot of very passionate vocal support. Justin’s done enough already to ensure you’re absolved of the crime. All my efforts have only boosted those he’s made.”

  I bit the inside of my lip at the mention of Justin. His proposal still hung in the air between us, and I had yet to give him his answer. “I hope he’s not lobbying on my behalf with marriage in mind.”

  Iain winced. “Geez, Kai. You really aren't the most tactful woman around.” He let out a sigh and reached for his coffee. “And no, he isn’t. He told me as much. He’s just doing what’s right, so you just give the guy a break, okay?”

  My eyes narrowed. “He told you he proposed?”

  Iain nodded. “He’s my best friend, Kai. Of course he did.”

  “Ugh, this is so awkward.” I folded my arms, not sure what to do with myself.

  But Iain patted me on the shoulder. “Not awkward, kid. Logan’s a great guy...dragon....king. Whatever. As far as I can tell, you’ll choose the right man. I’ve got no dog in the race, despite my affection for Justin. So may the best man win,” Iain said before he stuffed the remains of his muffin into his mouth and disappeared down the hall to his study.

  Baz and Lily had left, too, so I hurried upstairs to my bedroom. If Dad thought I was going to let him check me out, he had another think coming.

  Ailuros only knew that the last thing I could afford right now was to have Dad do a full medical on me. What he’d find out would just be a huge obstacle to saving Saleem.

  When the djinn was free, then I’d get Dad to give me the once-over.

  And what if, by that time, it’s too late.

  I shook my head, avoiding the voice that whispered that I was being reckless. I had other things to worry about.

  And my health wasn’t one of them.

  Chapter 28

  The weight of the portal key in my jacket pocket was enough to shorten my stride, to slow my purposeful steps and transform them into a flurry of skipped beats, where doubt traced its insidious fingers through my confidence.

  The ride over to the Elite HQ had been short--I’d taken Logan’s bike again, given that he wouldn't be needing it in the near future--and I’d just toed the stand in place and removed my helmet. I swung off the seat and hiked my backpack up before making a beeline for the back entrance of the Elite HQ.

  I’d at last been given an access pass for long-term parking at the rear of the building, which had turned out to be a graveled lot surrounded by neatly trimmed brilliant green lawns and a stretch of garages that likely held the agency’s little fleet of limos.

  Bike parked and keys logged at the Rear Entrance Security station, I made my through the house to the front hall, my mind nowhere near agency responsibilities.

  I’d been so certain that Logan simply had to be included in Saleem’s retrieval that I hadn’t stopped to consider whether I was doing it more because I owed it to Logan, or because I was merely acting out of the selfish need to not be alone in the mission. And yes, Logan had said he wanted to be included when we went to save the djinn’s ass, but I had to wonder if I would be putting Logan in a difficult position. He’d only just returned home, and knowing what he likely faced, the expansive duties that he’d be burdened with now that he and Sienna had returned to rule, I had to consider that possibility that Logan may not want to take time out from his duties to go to Mithras. Or worse, what if he had no choice in the matter? Things were never as easy as it appeared to be from the outside.

  And that was my current position in relation to Logan’s life.

  I was on the outside.

  And Logan would have responsibilities, obligations. Running the military of an entire realm? That’s a slight step up from paranormal special investigator.

  Should he decline to join their team, would I really be in a position to judge him for it? My stomach tightened, clawed fingers curling into a painful fist, searing my spirit with pain even at entertaining the possible aftermath of his possible refusal.

  I took a slow breath and swept back the curtain of pain, impatient with my instinctively emotional response to something which was yet to happen.

  I rolled my shoulders and shook my head, an admonition to the inner weakness that had snuck past my defenses to rear its ugly head.

  There was little point in exploring a disappointment that had not yet occurred, no matter how likely Logan’s refusal may be.

  And, whatever he ended up deciding, I knew all too well that any decision he makes, neither choice would be any more difficult than the alternative.

  Tara would likely tell me not to borrow trouble; I already had enough to keep me busy for the rest of my existence. A smile slipped from my lips as I thought about Tara. Did she have any knowledge of Grams’ history or family? And if she did, would she have told me? Plus The Queen of the Fae had been radio silent for a while now, one of my many concerns that were currently sitting on the backburner for when I had a moment to think my options through.

  That backburner is certainly getting crowded.

  Other than Logan--and Tara going incommunicado--I had another more sobering problem to consider. As this trip to Drakys was being made without my father's confirmation that I was w
ell enough to travel across the Veil, I had snuck out of the house within a few minutes of my conversation with Iain without letting anyone know that I was leaving.

  The whole sneaking out in the dark of night--daylight I mean--avoiding the squeaky stairs and evading any visitors to the kitchen, had almost ended up in my sitting on the hall carpet, crying until I had no more tears left.

  How hilarious that I’d been reduced to sneaking out like a disobedient teenager when I was no longer a minor, when the responsibilities lying on my own shoulders were those of an adult alpha and a mythical persona come to life, a fifth of a whole, charged with saving the DarkWorld.

  And neither alpha duties nor Niamh responsibilities drew the kind of fear from me that I felt when considering my lies to Corin Odel.

  If I were to be honest, the man was likely worse to face than the Ancients, worse even than being framed for murder by the Walker Council and almost dying in the process.

  But, despite my awareness of the line I was crossing, the last thing I needed was to be delayed with my father's nagging. Nagging which would turn decidedly worse when he finally did discover the reason I was avoiding his medical probing. Now I clenched my fingers to still the tremors, balling my fists so that I could at least pretend there was nothing wrong, pretend that I hadn't been on the verge of passing out on numerous occasions in the last few days, pretend that I hadn’t had a grand total of three seizures since I’d returned home after the shadowmen debacle. Whatever power the shadowmen had used on me had left a residual effect on my body, resulting in strange tremors in my limbs as well as blurred vision light-headedness and weakness in my limbs.

  Or perhaps those were merely the result of those strokes you've been having. There had been a good reason I had been sitting on the living room floor when Mel had come by. I had taken to remaining seated wherever possible to avoid any of my attacks being witnessed by my family. I’d managed to avoid their attention so far but I didn't believe for a second that I’d get away with it for too much longer. I tugged the strap on my satchel higher on my shoulder as I entered the front hall of the Elite HQ and searched the living room for any sign of High Councilman Horner. I'd messaged him before leaving home with my request for a jumper to transport me to Drakys. Of course, Horner had been more than happy to help and had assured me that he'd have transport available as soon as I arrived. But the living room was empty, much like the reception desk in the hall and I found myself pacing the carpet for a few minutes before I heard the sound of footsteps along the hall. I spun on my heel and found myself staring at a very surprised Darcy. "Hey. What are you doing here?" asked the mindmelder, forehead creasing as she came to a stop in front of me. I hesitated before answering, well aware that whatever answer I gave Darcy may find its way to the ears of my family.

  Or maybe try trusting her?

  I cleared my throat and shrugged. "I have an errand to run and I needed to speak to Horner. Have you seen him?" I asked her friend lightly, hoping Darcy would accept this was my business.

  But Darcy tilted get head and frowned at me, eyes narrow and suspicious. "What errand is this that needed to be done so quickly? You have barely even recovered from your ordeal and you're running errands? Has your father checked you out to give you the okay for normal activities like work and errands?" Her eyes were still narrowed as she fell silent.

  I scowled and avoided the mindmelder’s eyes. "When did you turn into my mother?"

  Darcy shook her head. "There moment you became evasive which tells me that you are up to no good."

  And she didn’t even need to read my mind.

  Chapter 29

  After Darcy left the living room, I sank into the sofa and left out a deep sigh. I'd been so close to revealing the truth to Darcy. Just something about the woman encouraged me to confide in her, funny how the mindmelder didn't even need to delve into my mind for me to be on the verge of spilling the real truth to her.

  I would have to keep a tighter grip on myself if I wanted to make it across the Veil before someone from my family stopped me just before I jumped through the portal. I bounced my knee up and down, checked the time five times then boosted to my feet and began to pace across the carpet wondering where in Ailuros name my requested jumper had gotten to. Just when I’d had almost given up and had been five seconds from sending a text to Mel, Larsson strode into the room a lukewarm smile on his face. “Hey,” I said wondering, curious now as the usually cheerful jumper gave me such a subdued reception. “Everything okay?” I asked, a little tense now as I studied his face. Larsson gave a quick shake of his head and lifted his hand in the air as if to negate the tension that seemed to flow of his body. “All good, Kai. Sorry, just a few things happening at the same time is all. Nothing I can't handle.” I paused at the realization that my request for a jumper may well have inconvenienced a mission in progress and I cursed myself for being so self-involved that I hadn't even consider how my sudden request would have impacted other Elite agents. “I'm sorry. if this is a bad time I can come back later,” I said, giving him a smile. Larsson shook his head and gave a dry laugh. “No, I'm just a little of balance because Ash decided to ground your transport until she can come down and speak to you. Something about a sensitive request.” He made air-quotes as he spoke the phrase, then rolled his eyes. “Oh,” was all I managed to utter before the subject of the conversation scurried into the room, her eyes scanning the space as though she'd expected me to have already left despite her instructions to Larsson. “You're here, thank goodness,” Ash said as she rushed over, a small plastic bag in her hand. Larsson scowled. “Where did you expect her to be? You just told me to tell her to wait for you,” he said sharply, eyes flashing with irritation. Ash grinned at the redheaded jumper and shook her head. “Sorry I held you up, okay? Look, I'll make it up to you. How about I cook you that lamb vindaloo you like?” she said, her eyes sparkling with fond amusement. Larsson tilted his head, studied her face for a moment as though he wasn't quite sure if are was serious, then nodded and said, “Add garlic roti and you have a deal.” Ash let out a low groan. “Ugh, you know I suck at making decent roti.” “No. You make more than decent roti. You only suck at making them round. And I don't know what the big deal is anyway. They end up inside you stomach anyway so you don't need to be so darned OCD about it.” Larsson smirked and I had to hide a smile. Seemed he'd gotten what he wanted out of the deal and I made a mental note to check back with Ash how her dinner with Larsson had turned out. Though something told me their relationship was anything but romantic. The doc smiled and shook her head. “If I didn't know any better, I would say you maneuvered me into this deal just because of that greedy gut of yours.” Larsson didn't reply, although the smirk on his face made me wonder if Ash wasn't more correct than she even realised. She turned to me now and held out the bag, giving me little choice but to take it. Inside were a handful of plastic bags, gloves and tweezers, and a few airtight tubes for degradable samples. It appeared to be specimen-collection kit. “You want me to grab specimens of something while I'm in Drakys?” I asked, frowning as I stared inside the bag, though I suspected what she was after. Ash cleared her throat. “Yes. Larsson was supposed to have conveyed this information to Logan before he left, but it appears he forgot to tell Logan because in the end, the two pair of dragon royals had no need of a jumper.” Ash was glaring at Larsson as though it was his fault. Larsson raised his hands, his shoulders and eyebrows rising in question. “Can I help it if it slipped my mind? They changed plans on me, when I got there.” I scowled at the thought of Logan and Siennas departure then stiffened. “Wait, what? How did they go if they didn't use a jumper?” I asked, glancing from Larsson to Ash and back again. “Mendenhall is the closest portal? Don't tell me they flew there themselves? Aren't there laws against revealing ourselves to the normals? Or dragons have glamor right?” I slapped my forehead, mind awhirl with dragon-facts. Ash snickered. “They may well have as long as they used their glamor to hide themselves. Although, I wasn't aware of Log
an having broken his wings in as yet.” I felt silent at the mention of Logan wings, well aware that I had even less knowledge of what was going on in Logan’s life than Ash did--a position that didn't sit at all well with me.

  I forced a smile onto my face, determined to ensure that my personal concerns remained exactly that, and shook the bag. “What samples are you after? Black lily?”

  Ash brightened at my question. “Yup. I need a couple more samples of the flower. I've also added in the vials for you to collect samples of the water in the river, and at least one other spot that’s not contaminated. I have the instructions in the bag for you.”

  It cracked me up the way Ash ordered me around with that sweet, almost innocent smile, but I tried not to giggle. “You want samples from the trees nearby? I saw a few that appeared to have been poisoned. Dead branches, shriveled leaves, bark giving of this strange colored goo.”

  Ash nodded at my suggestion. Yes, please that would be great. I need the soil samples from the river banks and the surrounding area as well as clean samples from maybe a mile or so away. The more samples I have the easier it will be for me to do the assessment on helping rehabilitate the area.”

  I nodded and tucked the forensics kit inside my backpack before gripping the strap and glancing at Larsson who had been looking on with keen interest at the mention of samples and poisons. I gave Ash a quick nod. “Anything else?”

  An shook her head and then clapped her hands. “Nope, I'm all done here. Larsson, she's all yours. Safe trip you two.” With that Ash turned on her heel and hurried for the door but when I called to her stopped and turned to me, a question in her eye.

  “Sorry, I need a small favor,” I said, glancing briefly at Larsson.

  “Sure. Anything. Text me before you leave and it’ll be in you inbox upstairs when you get back.”

  I flushed with guilt and smiled. “Thanks so much.”

  Ash waved and hurried out into the hall, her reply of “Anytime for you, Kai,” and the rapid tapping of her shoes on the wood floor echoing as she disappeared upstairs to her lab.