by Autumn Dawn
"Ah. Nice to meet you.” She couldn't summon much enthusiasm.
Keilor looked at the boys. “Now that you've said hello, run over there and play with Kial and Brack. I think I see a tree you haven't climbed yet ."
Rain raised her brows as he sent her bodyguards off to play nanny. Obviously he had the authority. By the look of him he was more than capable of defending her ... or cutting off her head.
Keilor studied her for a moment. “Has Fallon mentioned what I do? My title is Master of the Hunt. I'm in charge of the Citadel's military and head of security. Jayems sent me to speak with you."
She let the shields slam down over her eyes, knowing that he'd pick up on it. “Oh?"
His eyes never left hers. “An interesting thing happened to Elder Azion today."
She let her interest show, knowing it was expected.
"What we assume are his remains were found in his rooms. We're still running tests."
Somewhat strained, she asked, “Why do you assume it's his remains? Can't you sniff it out?"
His smile was sardonic. “It's difficult to do much with a pile of dust. I'm wondering if DNA testing will find anything."
"Wow. Well, if you expect me to cry at his funeral, you'll be disappointed.” She looked away, unable to add any color to her voice.
Keilor seemed to chew on that. “We presume he was murdered. Under the circumstances, there'll be a lot of pressure to find out who did it. Officially, I have no body, no witnesses. I doubt we'll ever solve the case.” His smile was slow, admiring. “Someone did a very good job of removing an evolving threat, not only to yourself, but to Jayems and his family.” At her surprise, he added casually, “Jayems’ daughter wasn't ill—she was poisoned. While we had no proof who ordered it, we had our suspicions. There are a great many people who want what he's got.” While she digested that, he stood up. He offered her a slight bow. “Welcome to the family, Rain."
The world was a little rosier after that. Apparently the Haunt here held a different view of justice than the government back home. For once, she was actually glad to be in the Darklands. Head held high, she headed back to her home, almost in charity with the two Haunt at her side.
Fallon met her at the door. By the expression in his eyes, he knew. “You've had an interesting day."
She just stood there once he'd closed the door, waiting to see what he'd do.
He studied her a moment, then smiled and handed her a glass of liqueur. “Have a drink. There's more than one toast being made to you today."
By reflex, she took a sip, then had to ask, “You're not mad?"
He looked surprised, then reached behind her head and held her steady for a confirming kiss. “Do I look mad? You wouldn't believe how hard it is to assassinate a man like Azion.” He looked into her eyes. “He's a murderer and a child killer, Rain. Not all justice is done in the public eye, nor is it taken lightly. Someone else would have taken him down if we hadn't been beaten to it."
She took a deep breath, then swallowed more liqueur. “Death is an ugly business, Fallon."
He nodded. “Which is why you're a scientist and I'm a politician. With luck, we'll be able to keep bloodshed out of it.” From now on, remained unspoken. For just a moment, he let her see the depths of worry, and yes, anger, simmering below the surface. He was giving her slack this time, but she could see where his concern would take them the next time. Somehow, that made her feel better. He was not a man who let those he loved trip lightly into danger.
She nodded, hoping he was right, trying not to think about the rest of it. When he put his arm around her, she was more than happy to let him lead her to the garden to unwind.
There were times—right then, for instance—when she really, really loved that man.
Epilogue
Six months later
Rain took off at the sound of the shot, racing for her life. The Haunt fell behind her; one beat, two. The dirt path was smooth and even under her shoes, giving speed to her flying feet. Redemption was just ahead, the scarlet ribbon a promise of relief to her burning lungs. With a lunge, she broke through the line, slowing gradually into an easy lope, a walk, then a stop.
Fallon, now changed back to normal, finally caught up and swung her into his arms for a panting kiss. “You did it!"
She laughed breathlessly. “You're not supposed to celebrate losing, you know.” He'd talked her into running the race. There'd been lots of interest among the locals, with tales of her waterfall stunt circulating. Her bodyguards had taken a lot of heat for letting her outrun them, and she'd finally given into Fallon's cajoling and agreed to a public demonstration of her speed. She hadn't known how much she'd enjoy hearing a crowd cheer for her. It was almost as nice as knowing that Azion's supports had finally given up on solving his disappearance. No fingers had ever been pointed her way, but it was only in the last month that she'd really begun to relax about it.
The nightmare was finally over.
Fallon smirked and kissed her again, bringing her back to the moment. “Hey, at least I'm still on my feet. Look at them."
Rain looked back and saw the other eight Haunt in the race, some changed back, some not. Most were bent over, panting. One was lying in the middle of the track, spread eagled.
She laughed. “Well, you have been training with me."
Fallon gave her another bear hug, then grunted as two little missiles slammed into them. Malix and DJ almost knocked them over.
"Wow! I've never seen anyone run so fast,” Malix exclaimed.
"I'm going to run that fast when I grow up,” DJ promised.
"Looks like they have a new hero,” their mother Jasmine said. She put an arm around her husband Keilor's waist, giving him a smile.
Keilor kissed the top of her head. “I'm not worried."
Rain looked at her sweaty husband and had to laugh. Finally, for the first time in years, neither was she.
The End
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