Deadly Design

by Brandy L Rivers

  “Aren’t you worried that whoever is gunning for you will find you in Seattle?”

  “Not at Shenanigans. Makes sense elitist mages put Tarek up to this. They don’t wander that part of Seattle because it’s contaminated by werewolves, fae, druids, and all manner of Others they choose to avoid.”

  Monique laughed. “True. I hadn’t thought of that. But Consuela may come sniffing around there, looking for you.”

  “We’ll have warning. Once we get somewhere, I’ll call Cassandra and Alistair to me. They’ll ensure Consuela is busy elsewhere.”

  “You’re going to have your ghosts lie to her ghosts?” Another giggle escaped.

  “Got a better idea?”

  “No. Though I’m trying to understand. What do you have against her?”

  He shook his head. “I’m trying to figure out what’s off about her before I get to know her too well. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad she came to help, but I’m wondering what her end game is. Aren’t you?”

  “Now that you’re worried, yeah. But I’ve known her for years. I’ve seen her help ghosts. She warned me against seeking my mother but did it anyway. She could do a lot of things she doesn’t. So what if she showed off today. Perhaps she hadn’t thought of a better way to deal with everything.”

  “Maybe. Look, I’m not saying she’s evil. I don’t expect the worst of her, but her methods are definitely not my own. So yeah, I’m being cautious until I understand her.”

  “How do you start understanding if you don’t give her a chance?” Monique countered.

  “Damn it, right now, I have other things on my mind.”

  “Fine.” She huffed, then smirked. “So you’ll have your ghosts lie to hers?”

  “For now. I want a little more time until we cross her path again. I know, tomorrow at noon. I would have preferred after this mess was over.”

  “Fair enough.” Smiling, she changed the topic. “Cassandra was always drawn to you. And Alistair, I can’t blame him for having a crush.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I don’t know why. I’ve never done anything to lead him on.”

  “Yeah, but you’re a good guy who takes care of everyone. You probably helped him find peace, and now he doesn’t want to leave. It’s why I could never totally let you go.”

  “Could have fooled me,” Erik muttered.

  She took his hand. “How do I make you believe?”

  That was a priceless question. He didn’t have a clear answer to it.

  “Wipe away the last forty-two years?” He snorted. “And you can’t do that.”

  She let out a sigh as she pulled over on the side of the road. “Contact your people. May as well enjoy ourselves tonight.”

  Erik stepped out of the car and moved away. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he said, “Cassandra, Alistair, I need your help.”

  Within seconds Alistair appeared with a ridiculous grin. Erik’s head cocked. “What’s that look for?”

  “Found a friend.”

  “Who?”

  “Everaud Bordeaux—”

  “Shit, the brother. Did he follow you?”

  Alistair shook his head. “Unfortunately, he had to report back to Consuela.”

  “Phew, okay. Can you steer him in the wrong direction? Rather, would you? Keep him busy, tell him anything but where we’re going.”

  He smiled. “Where are you going?”

  Erik’s brow arched.

  Cassandra appeared next to Alistair and giggled. “I think Alistair may leave you alone now.”

  Erik rubbed his head as Monique walked to them with an amused smirk. “This is Alistair?”

  “Alistair, meet Monique, officially. Monique, Alistair. And you already met Cassandra.”

  “A pleasure,” Monique answered, her eyes sparkling.

  Alistair turned to Erik. “She can see us?”

  “It’s new,” Erik explained.

  Alistair’s head cocked to the side. “Interesting.”

  “Is that a problem?” Erik asked.

  “No. Probably should watch what I say around her.”

  Monique nodded, the smile falling. “Let me guess, you whined because he wants me?”

  “And you treat him like dirt,” Alistair answered automatically without a thought.

  “My own stupidity and desperation to take my heart back, but he’s always held it tight.”

  Erik’s gaze slowly swung to Monique. Maybe they had hope after all.

  She slipped her fingers through his. “I won’t fight what I feel anymore. I love you.”

  Alistair sighed. “At least I found someone to distract me now that he’ll stop moping around.”

  One corner of Monique’s mouth twitched. “That so?”

  “Maybe,” Erik grumbled. “Anyway, there was a point to calling you both. Please, if anyone asks, don’t tell them we’re in Seattle. Tell them we went anywhere but there.”

  Alistair nodded, a smirk on his face. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep him busy.” With that he disappeared.

  Cassandra rolled her eyes. “I won’t say a word. And I’ll see if I can find out more about Everaud. There’s something different about the ghost. Like, he’s still tethered to his body, sort of like someone only practicing astral projection, but he’s definitely dead.”

  Erik’s eyes rounded. “That sounds like she’s trapped him in his body. And if she’s a couple hundred years old…shit.” He paced away.

  “What does that mean?”

  “Depends. He can leave his body and do her bidding, so not a ghoul, and not a zombie because they decay no matter how strong you are.”

  “Unless she sacrifices to it,” Cassandra pointed out.

  “Don’t get too close,” Erik warned. “If she has that kind of power, there’s no telling what she’ll do to you or Alistair.”

  “I won’t, but if she’s out, I could sneak in.”

  He shook his head. “No. Not worth it. The body would be in New Orleans, probably enshrined. Would explain why spirits flee from her.”

  Her brow arched. “In that case, I’ll stay away, and I’ll see if I can’t convince Alistair to do the same. That boy…” Cassandra shook her head. “If I can remain undetected, I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  “Thank you. Hopefully Consuela is too busy digging up dirt on me to bother with either of you.”

  “I’ll find you if anything happens.” Cassandra left.

  Monique grabbed his shoulder, turning him to face her. “You worried?”

  “Yeah, I am. Alistair is like family. That annoying little cousin who looks up to you. Cassandra is like a sister.”

  She smiled. “See, you’re a good guy. Now let’s get to Seattle.”

  “Hopefully we can find some answers before they find someone else to actually succeed in a set-up.”

  “Would the Council buy it when they already know someone is trying?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe if they did it where normal humans got involved. There’s no telling what they may attempt.”

  “Stop worrying. We’ll figure this out.”

  Chapter 25

  Consuela entered In 2 Deep and walked to the bar, scanning the room. A variety of Others. More so than in New Orleans. She’d heard the rumors, but never believed there were places more accepting of Others than the city she called home.

  Everyone in Edenton seemed to stick together. No one would offer even a hint of where Erik may have gone. The ghosts stayed away.

  Later, after she went back to the B&B, she’d summon whoever she could and see if she couldn’t force some answers out of the dead. They were less likely to resist.

  The bartender’s eyes narrowed as she walked her way. She flipped her pale blond hair over her shoulder and offered a tight smile. “Can I help you?”

  “Can you make a Berry Deadly?”

  Nodding, she laughed. “Interesting choice.”

  Consuela took a seat at the bar and leaned f
orward. “Know anything about where Erik Mortale is hiding out?”

  She snorted. “Other than he’s with Monique, no. Can’t say I’m surprised. It was only a matter of time.” She tapped her head. “I’ve seen them together since the moment I met Monique. Honestly, I figured it would happen sooner.”

  Intrigued, Consuela asked, “What are you?”

  “Clairvoyant. Werewolf. The name’s Jess.” She slid the drink across the bar and brushed her fingers.

  She took her hand back and fell still.

  “Dare I ask what you see?”

  Jess sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “How do you know I saw anything?”

  Consuela snorted. “Your kind always do. Always interesting to see how I’m judged by whatever snippet you catch.”

  She shook her head. “Not judging someone I don’t understand.”

  “Now that is interesting. I haven’t met a clairvoyant who didn’t.”

  Jess shrugged. “In a town like this, you can’t judge until you have more details. Seems you mean well, but your choices…I don’t understand.”

  Consuela sat back and sipped her drink. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “And, I’m Consuela.” She didn’t offer her hand. Most clairvoyants who saw through touch didn’t like touching strangers.

  “Can I ask what your interest in Erik is?”

  “You could say professional. We share similar talents, and I’m always curious how other Deathcallers work their magic. There aren’t many documents left detailing what we can do or how. We were hunted for far too long.”

  “People tend to fear what they don’t understand,” Jess answered.

  “True enough. I’d rather seek understanding.”

  * * * *

  Robert sat between Tremaine and Liz. Tremaine pulled him back against his chest. He turned, putting his feet next to Liz.

  Smiling, she set her book aside and pulled one leg, then the other into her lap. He flexed his toes, caressing her small baby bump as she began to massage his insteps.

  “Don’t need to do that,” Robert murmured.

  Tremaine huffed, his hands going to Robert’s shoulders to ease the tension. “What’s bothering you? It’s clear you’re stressed.”

  “Ever hear of Consuela Bordeaux?”

  “I’ve met her. Interesting woman. Last I knew, she was teetering on the edge of disaster.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Too powerful and not enough sense. She’s holding onto revenge that should have ended ages ago.”

  Robert sighed, glancing back to meet Tremaine’s gaze. “She’s a Crimson Witch. We watched her absorb blood right into her skin.”

  “That doesn’t make her evil,” Tremaine pointed out. “Though beings more deadly than ghosts follow her around. That’s where the issue lies.”

  Robert sighed. “We don’t suspect her of committing any crime. But if what you say is true, and something darker than a spirit worms it’s way in while she’s in the Silver Council we may have a real problem on our hands.”

  “Hopefully Erik can help her.”

  “Maybe. I have another possible problem.”

  “What’s that?” Liz asked.

  “Erik put in for a transfer. He finally got tired of waiting for Monique to give him another chance. Only, she’s fighting for him.”

  Liz grinned. “About damned time.”

  “I don’t know. Erik doesn’t seem to buy Monique’s change of heart.”

  “He will,” Liz murmured.

  “You don’t think it’s too late?”

  Light danced through her hazel eyes. “No. We managed to pull through.”

  “Forty-two years, that’s a long time,” Robert answered.

  “You managed twenty-one,” Liz fired back, then shrugged. “Besides, Erik had been fighting for her a long time. He didn’t start questioning if he was wasting his time until recently. She can still convince him she needs him.”

  “Hope so. Seems stupid to let his profession keep them apart.”

  Liz leaned back. “Yeah, I suppose.”

  Robert huffed. “Don’t tell me that was the only thing keeping you from finding me.”

  “No. But it was part of it.” She shrugged. “Now about Consuela. Should we be worried?”

  Tremaine sighed. “Probably not. Let’s hope someone can get through to her before she gets out of control.”

  Chapter 26

  Monique pulled in front of Shenanigans with a smile. “Just the two of us tonight.”

  Erik snorted. “And what about Dustin? He seems to have Monique radar. He always finds you.”

  “Yeah, but I’m with you, where I belong. He’ll figure it out sooner or later.” She sighed. “And part of that is me going where I know he’ll be so I have an excuse to drag you along.”

  Erik shook his head. “You should have told me.”

  “I know.”

  “And why him? Honestly, I don’t understand.”

  “Desperation to feel something.” She dropped her gaze. “He’s a creep, but he always backs off when someone else is around.”

  “What was the draw?” Erik asked for the first time.

  She turned to him. “Why haven’t you asked before?”

  He shrugged. “You weren’t mine. You weren’t letting me in. Figured you wouldn’t answer.”

  She licked her lips. “Was always yours, no matter what I told myself I wanted.”

  Doubt and hope played over his features. “No more pushing me away?”

  She shook her head. “No. Only pulling you to me from here on out.”

  He smiled slightly. “Let’s get in there.”

  Without waiting, Erik climbed out of the car and started for the door. She hurried to catch up, but he was inside and made his way through the crowd too fast for her. He took a seat at the bar as she stepped inside.

  Monique made her way through the crowd. She spotted Gwen, who beat her to Erik. The guitar player from Nights Embrace was with her. Last she heard, they’d moved in together, and Mike had been in the first round of training for the new DSF.

  Pushing away the old bitterness, she sidled up next to Erik and smiled at Gwen. “Good to see you, Gwen, and you too, Mike. How’s Roxy’s baby doing?”

  Erik turned to her with a raised brow but didn’t comment.

  Mike grinned. “My niece is doing great. Adorable.”

  “Think you’ll ever play another show?”

  Mike nodded. “In a month or two. Roxy’s nearly ready to take the stage again.”

  “I can hardly wait.” Monique turned to Gwen. “I just finished a dress I think you’d love. You’ll have to visit me soon.”

  Erik’s hand went around her waist, tightening. He had to be wondering what the fuck. As soon as they were alone, she planned to do better and show him.

  “Once this mess is over, I’ll be in.” Gwen directed her attention to Erik. “What the hell happened? Preston told me you were framed for something. Now Tarek’s dead and two old school mages are catatonic in the infirmary.”

  “We’re not sure of the details, other than a dark mage is involved. Seems someone wants the DSF to end.” Erik shook his head. “We’ll find and stop them.”

  “Anything you need, you got us,” Mike promised.

  “If you hear anything, let Robert or Preston know. I’m supposed to be keeping my head down. Figured most of the mages who would want to end the DSF aren’t going to want to be anywhere near here.”

  “True.” Gwen rolled her eyes. “Too many closed-minded assholes still hold rank. One of these days, that’s all going to change.”

  “Not completely,” Erik admitted, surprising Monique. “Doesn’t mean we can’t change those minds we can.”

  “Very true,” Gwen stated. “Remember, if you need anything, let me know.” She pulled Mike away.

  Monique climbed onto the stool next to Erik.

&nbs
p; “She comes into Monique’s Uniques often?” he asked.

  “Yeah. Every few weeks. She’s an impulse buyer and doesn’t always wait for me to enchant things. Sometimes, if I think she’ll get an outfit, I’ll enchant in advance, without mentioning it. She’s a good client.”

  “But you were mad at me for years for something I didn’t even do with her?” Looking away, he waved the bartender over.

  “Defense mechanism. Gave me a reason to hold you away. She never was one of the mages I bitch about. She has never made me feel like an outsider. And before you comment, I wasn’t truly mad because you wouldn’t have even been cheating had you actually been with her. But it did hurt because I thought you gave up on me that fast.”

  “Damn it, Monique. What happened to not dwelling on the past?” He leaned back in his seat. “There’s nothing I want more than to forget the last forty-two years.”

  “If I could go back I would, but I wouldn’t have learned a damned thing yet, and I’m afraid I would have made the same stupid mistake.”

  * * * *

  Yeah, and Erik would have too. He knew he hadn’t handled it well when she first left him. He was too busy being hurt to chase after her. He did his damnedest to let her go.

  He fell into work only to have that ripped away from him. Then he dove into becoming a cop and working in Edenton.

  Erik shook his head. “You need to stop. I get it. I do. Can we go back to attempting to enjoy our night? Maybe we can glean some answers.”

  “You’re going to let it go that easily?”

  “Gonna try. You’re awfully persistent. Figured if you didn’t really want me, you wouldn’t be trying so hard to convince me.”

  “Trying to convince you because I was wrong to let you go in the first place.”

  “Please, Monique, stop. Have a drink.”

  She leaned closer. “What are you having?”

  The bartender finally got to them and echoed her question.

  “Whiskey neat,” he answered.