Aviere struggled against Sanderson’s thick fingers around her wrist. Hot breath panted against her ear as a gun clicked behind her. “I love how you both think you have a choice. Now, put the damn gun down before I use Aviere as a human shield, Travis. She doesn’t have to die to get my point across.”
The split-second distraction let Aviere claw Sanderson’s cheek with her free hand. Thick fingers tightened, and she swiped again, going for his pointy chin. Copper tinted the air before Sanderson released her, growling when he cupped his cheek.
She lowered herself to the ground and crouched, pressing a gloved hand against the concrete. Thin lips tightened together, and she closed her eyes and held her breath, waiting for her thumping pulse to stop hammering in her ears. The blood in the air triggered her shifter half, spiking the heady rush and urge to hunt.
No. Not now. Calm down, Vi. Sanderson wants to rile you. Don’t let him.
Slowly, Aviere raised her head, baring her teeth at Travis. “Stop shooting everything. You won’t make an effective bodyguard if you run out of bullets. I have no use for—”
She stopped in the middle of clicking and flurried movements, eyes zooming in on his hands. In fifteen seconds, the empty magazine dropped, emptied, and a fresh reload magazine slammed into Travis’ gun. Then he shoved the empty magazine in the other coat pocket.
“I’ve got two more in my pockets, Mye. Stop worrying about me.”
Aviere whistled. “Impressive, agent. Maybe you’re not quite so useless, after all. Try getting your reload time to single seconds and I’ll be inclined to take you seriously.”
“I forgot about your poisoned claws, hellcat,” Sanderson grumbled, wiping his face with a dark handkerchief. “My damn face is going numb.” He tapped his cheek before crossing his arms over his broad chest. “But don’t lose your temper because I’m stating the truth, Aviere.”
“Lowell, I worked for the Underground most of my life.” Aviere’s voice fluctuated while fighting her animistic urges. “I admit, my background’s colorful. I lost my husband’s territory years ago in grief. Now, I couldn’t stop Eisen’s death before stopping the person icing the upper hierarchy. But I planned to get them myself for copying my old methods, Lowell.”
“Of course you were,” Sanderson said, rolling his golden brown eyes. “That’s why two hitmen are contracted to kill you.”
Two? Aviere shook long bangs from her eyes and rose, rising on one knee. Damn. Someone really wants the hierarchy eliminated.
“However, someone petitioned for you to work with us before the first hitman was contracted,” Sanderson admitted, moving to sit in a faux leather chair. Once comfortable behind the mahogany desk, the intense man stretched an arm over his shoulder. “But I’m aware Eisen allowed you to street race to fund her territory. God knows you followed your mother in that regard.”
“You son of a bitch,” she whispered, sprinting to Sanderson’s desk. “You destroyed my livelihood with your stupid—”
A bullet rang in the large room and Aviere stopped, mid-leap over the desk.
I swear to God—
Blue eyes widened when her knee collided with the wood. She winced before holding the injured joint.
“Mye, don’t act like an animal,” Travis said, spitting on the floor. “It’s almost like dealing with a feral cat. I can’t understand it, considering you were so collected in lockup.”
Aviere backed away and removed her glasses, biting her lower lip as she put them in her pocket. “Funny you guessed a cat, agent.” Bright, feline eyes regarded the mage, pupils narrowing into slits before retracting to normal. “Most guess werewolf, bear, or ferret.”
Fear emanated from Travis’ stinging scent before she noticed his pursed lips and cold chill. “I hate cats.”
“I don’t blame her for being pissy, Travis.” A manila folder slid halfway down Sanderson’s desk. “Mye’s out of money, so she can’t pursue her stupid dream. Her reputation’s too tarnished to continue her family business, which means she can’t pay her bills.”
“No thanks to you,” Aviere answered in a clipped tone. “I have other avenues of making money.” She flounced into a cushioned office chair in front of the desk. “I don’t like relying on Maurice or Limere, that’s all.”
“Sir, she killed Eisen and those kids,” Travis objected, standing next to Aviere. “She deserves life in prison.”
“If I killed them, would I ask you to sit next to me?” Aviere countered, gesturing to the seat next to him. “Besides, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to kill you and you’re still alive. Even that sniveling moron you’re with is still kicking—as much as I’d like to slip Agent Neuro a cyanide capsule.”
She snorted when Travis lowered himself slowly, noticing white knuckles as he gripped the gun.
“Besides, I’m trained to look for certain kinds of death, due to the nature of my business, Travis. I’m sure you can appreciate a fellow professional considering your line of work. Now, to business.” Aviere crossed a leg, waggling it a few times before directing her attention at Sanderson. “Lowell, I want to work with someone else.”
“No.”
“My perpetually stoned brother can interrogate better than these two agents,” Aviere explained, pulling her glasses out of her pocket and cleaning them. “Hell, even Maurice could and he’s normal, compared to Limere and me.”
“Aviere, Travis is good at his job, no matter his… quirks.” Sanderson cleared his throat. “Besides, I paid good money to place Travis as a hitman. The poor fool responsible for the killings thinks Travis will bring you to him, not me. Apparently, he wants to witness your death first hand.”
“Not surprising, considering what I do,” she said, still scrubbing the lenses with her fringed top.
“Mye, you’re not as good as you claim.”
Aviere held the side of her glasses and narrowed her eyes in Travis’ direction. “Excuse me?”
“You didn’t escape. Damn well tried, but you tripped on the stairs when you almost escaped. If you weren’t guilty, you wouldn’t run.”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake!” she swore. “I asked for a bloody ten-minute phone call and you refused to honor it.”
“You poisoned me with hemlock,” Travis stressed. “Enough reason to deny your request, Mye.”
Quiet snickering silenced their argument.
“This arrangement’s certainly entertaining, you two. But Mye didn’t kill Eisen, Travis. The white lie motivated you, though—something I see so rarely these days. But I didn’t expect extra effort at trying to hide her away from me. Surprising.”
Good thing I’m not the only one Lowell’s toying with, Aviere thought, sniffing when the scent of aftershave sharpened slightly. Another emotional change. Travis isn’t enjoying this, either.
“Sir, she’s a heartless killer.”
“No worse than you, Travis. But she can lure you to your kill. Vinny McSeeten’s evaded my trackers and Aviere’s the last person who’s seen him.”
Oh boy. Aviere fingered the silver chain of her peridot necklace, pleased her claws retracted. If Vinny’s behind this, then he wants me to work for him. Certainly makes sense, considering he’s luring me with copycat murders. She placed her glasses on the bridge of her nose, adjusting them until they were straight. Vinny’ll pay for ruining my reputation and getting me involved with Lowell Sanderson again.
“Sir, you told me to bring her in for the murder of Edith Eisen and Trenabour, whoever the hell he is.”
“You went against those orders, too.” Sanderson leaned into the desk and folded his hands into a steeple. “Now, when was the last time you saw McSeeten, Aviere?”
“A few months ago, when he agreed to sponsor my racing costs.” The peridot necklace warmed against her gloved hand, but didn’t stop Aviere’s legs from quivering.
“I see.”
“But I’m not working with another goddamn mage.” One finger lifted after Aviere’s sentence. “Limere’s bad enough, and he’s almost mast
ered his abilities, Lowell.”
Travis nodded. “I agree, sir. Peters is going to lose his shit if he hears Mye’s working with us.”
She held her abdomen when she shifted in the chair. “And there’s the other reason. Hearing Agent Neuro’s voice is like hearing nails rake against a chalkboard.”
“Tough shit. Stop whining and find McSeeten. Bring him in—dead or alive.” The chair creaked when Sanderson shifted position. “Travis, go get whatever she needs and make sure she doesn’t die.”
The agent stiffened as he rose from the chair. “Sir, I don’t work with criminals.”
“My god, it’s like two hated rivals on a first date.” Sanderson put on golden, rectangular glasses and glanced at a report in the folder. “But she’s no different than you, Travis. How many people have you killed off duty trying to—”
“Finding Lyssa’s killer is different, sir.” The respectable tone barely lingered and Aviere’s ear twitched at the wavering tone in Travis’ voice. “The law didn’t give her justice.”
The combination of Travis’ vibrating voice, powerful scent, and raised body heat made Aviere scrutinize the agent with furrowed eyebrows. Hmm. Maybe he does use discretion. Even with a skewed moral compass, I might be able to use him.
“Whatever. Just get Aviere what she needs and hunt the guy down. Don’t worry about expenses; everything will be covered.”
Aviere snickered. “That includes Jet, Lowell. I want my car back.”
“It’s illegal,” Travis declared. “I can’t get—”
“Find a way, Travis.” Sanderson’s light pink lips spread in a delicate grin. “I have some use for you, after all. Keeping the Ferrari will make your working relationship turbulent.”
Aviere waggled a finger. “They confiscated my stuff, so I need a few things, too.”
“Mye, we should go,” Travis warned softly. “He’ll—”
A black oxide knife with a neon sheath impaled the finished surface, protruding from the middle of the manila folder. Cold golden eyes regarded Aviere as Sanderson loomed over the desk, dropping her faux leather purse on top. “Here’s your shit. Get whatever else you need and take Travis with you.”
Aviere endured the fluttering heartbeat and fought dizziness and nausea as she closed the gap between her and Sanderson. “Two more things. Then I’ll go.”
She sensed the twinge of anxiety from her new partner and softened her expression when she met Travis’ squinted hazel eyes. Taking a deep breath, Aviere widened her stance, locking her legs when she slammed her boots into the ground. Both palms rested against the desk as she straightened and pushed herself up, staring into intense golden eyes.
Lowell, you jeopardized my mission. You owe me and will tell me how to find my husband, goddammit.
“Oh, hellcat. You’re the spitting image of your mother.” The devious smile widened. “Before you demand your family’s safety, they’ll involve themselves in their own time. I have no need to acquire Limere or Maurice—useless as that lout is.”
“Not exactly what I was thinking, but appreciated, Lowell.” Aviere lifted her chin, matching the hateful smile. “You know what I want.”
“Mye, stop,” Travis pleaded, tugging her arm. “You’re just pissing Sanderson off. I don’t need a dead partner within twenty-four hours.”
Sanderson’s lips parted, revealing pearly white teeth. “Fine. I’ll help you find Gunther and put you back in good standing to continue the family business. If I understand it right, he was working on an important investigation when he disappeared. Hell, I’ll even let you do the racing bullshit, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my work.”
Bingo. She straightened and backed away. My source was right. Something finally went my way.
“Good. Then I get to choose my sponsor.”
Sanderson tossed his glasses next to his knife. “Ugh, whatever. Just get the damn job done. Now, get out before I forget why I kept you alive, Aviere Mye.”
Fatigue replaced the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sluggishly, she shouldered her purse and pulled her phone out of her side pocket, frowning at all the missed calls. “Alright. I’ll call when I find something, Lowell.”
“By the way, you have seven days. Make sure you’re within ten miles of each other at all times. I suggest either dealing with teleportation or teaching Travis how to drive. You don’t want your driving hand to blow off, do you?”
“You son of a bitch,” she said, clenching her teeth.
“It’s a nicer sentence than locking you up in a science lab, Aviere. Jesus, I don’t know why Myra let you live. Must be a horrid existence with your handicap.”
Red tinted the corners of her vision, but she hurried out of the room, sprinting down the hall before Travis caught up with her again.
Goddammit, Ma—this has been one shitty day. You never mentioned hollow victories growing up. I should be happy, but my heart aches inside.
Tears blurred Aviere’s vision by the time she exited the corridor, greeted with a warm breeze from the balcony. Fragmented thoughts struggled to piece themselves together. She forced herself to breathe deep, relishing the fresh air while she stopped panting. After a few gulps of air, Aviere fought to swallow the painful limp in the back of her throat.
Footsteps clambered behind her, but she slumped against the sliding glass door, trying to connect her thoughts. Teardrops dried against her lenses, but Aviere focused on her bloody fingertips.
That bastard. Lowell won’t tell me everything in one piece. I’m sure after this assignment’s complete, he’ll feed me just enough to keep me complacent. Then his true colors will show.
The footsteps stopped and Travis’ scent announced his presence. The familiar scent warmed her, despite the smell of harsh chemicals. She drooped her shoulders and pressed her legs to her chest. Eventually, she hugged her knees, resting her chin against creamy flesh.
What are you really planning, Lowell? You need us for something, but it won’t be easy to find out, will it?
“Finally, Mye,” the agent heaved, pausing for a deep breath. “Stop running away from me.”
Aviere raised her head, staring at Travis’ sweaty face. She tried hardening her expression, but the mask she used abandoned her. Vacant eyes rested on the man while she willed herself to focus. “Give me a minute, Travis. I’m always tense after dealing with Lowell.”
“Sanderson’s good at that. I suppose you’re not much different than me.”
She flinched when Travis’ scent sharpened, carried with his movements. Aviere met his warm hazel eyes, staring when he knelt to her level. Quickly, she pinched her nose, wiping the snot from her momentary breakdown.
“Back up. I swear, every shifter within three miles will find you just by your pungent, cheap aftershave.”
“Better masked than my real scent,” Travis answered, resting on the tips of his feet. “I need you to collect yourself first, Mye.”
“Look, I shouldn’t have let Lowell pushed my buttons.”
“What a name,” her partner mused. “Someone hated that bastard from birth.”
“Lowell’s—well. Sanderson’s guilty of a lot of things.” The words trailed off, and she watched the crescent moon trying to shine through the cloudy sky. “I didn’t expect him to tell me my husband looked into Ma for me, that’s all. He confirmed their disappearances weren’t accidents, but he could’ve tried to soften the blow. Bastard.”
Aviere gasped when calloused hands cupped her face. “Can’t imagine you would. Death shakes us in different ways, Mye. But I thought he was going to kill you when you stood up to him.”
“I have something he wants, Travis. But Sanderson can’t get it without my cooperation.”
The warm hand comforted her, almost lulling her to sleep in her exhausted state. “And what’s that, Mye?”
“Well—”
“Argh, damn it! Hold on, Mye!”
She snapped half-lidded eyes open and watched Travis latch a hand to his left ear. Pain radiat
ed through his scent as Travis got to his feet. “What is it, Travis?”
“It’s Peters,” Travis said with a groan. “Let me take this. The earpiece finally got through. Sanderson probably jammed the damn thing during the meeting.”
She caught muttered responses, but focused on the moon, watching the dark clouds passing through the sky. Memories of her loved ones washed over her, slowly draining her remaining strength. The muffled conversation and long-forgotten memories created a peaceful atmosphere.
Aviere blinked slowly, her eyelids drooping as her hand spasmed.
“Mye, your brothers are at your apartment, waiting for you. We need to get going.”
The statement startled her, and her lower leg twitched as her eyes finally closed. Weary limbs relaxed before Travis began shaking her tired body.
Aviere cracked one eye open sleepily. “I’ll deal with them in the morning, after a few hours of sleep.”
“Jesus, get up. I’m not carrying you again.”
“I’m a cat. We nap.” She forced herself to open the other eye when Travis pulled a heavy arm. “Look, just a few hours. Then we’ll go back to my place. If Lim and Reese are waiting for me, I doubt they’ll be axed by morning.”
“What about me, Mye? Someone has to watch you. Besides, it is almost morning.”
She smiled, resting her head against Travis’ shoulder. “Stay. In fact, come with me after I wake up. But you won’t get a welcome reception party. Cats are territorial.”
“I’m not going to a home full of shifters—especially cats.” Watching Travis shiver at the mere mention of her species made her giggle. “It’s not funny, Mye. Cats are devious shits. It explains so much about you.”
“Lim’s not a shifter,” Aviere murmured, closing her eyes. “He’s like you. Sanderson was right about my experience with the lot of you. Besides, if you want to find Vinny McSeeten, we have to let the hitman come after me, first. So, we’ll go back to the apartment in the morning.”
“What kind of cat is your brother?”
Turbulence: Book One in The Renegades Saga Page 5