Dead Shifter Walking

by Kim Schubert

  I rolled my eyes. “Well, that’s just wonderful. Now what the fuck is going on with my file?”

  He sighed. “Hash told me to not disclose everything to you.” He shrugged. “When you asked me those questions this morning, I realized you were serious about catching the murderer, so I decided to help instead of hindering.”

  I nodded. “Fantastic! I’d hate to kill you after our romance,” I said, not smiling.

  Mercer didn’t say a word; smart man.

  “What’s in the suitcase?” I asked changing the topic.

  He opened the kit on the carpet, revealing an interesting chemistry set. “We are on our own with this. So we are going to have to test everything ourselves.”

  I nodded. “Guess we better get to work.”

  …

  Four hours later, we were at a diner digesting our findings. It was all blood, and there was so much of it, that if a vamp had committed the murders, they hadn’t sampled a single drop, which just didn’t make any sense. There wasn’t a single fingerprint, anywhere. How the hell was that possible?

  Mercer had seen the scratch marks on the mother also; although, being the stoic detective he was, he wasn’t calling them claw marks but only suspicious lacerations. Whatever. If they were claw marks, that would mean a whole list of supernaturals so long I didn’t even want to think about it. The only species we could eliminate would be human.

  I rubbed my temples, eating my second piece of apple pie after consuming my meal of a greasy cheeseburger and a double order of fries. I had to get to Kass soon; it was already later than I had planned.

  “How can you eat that,” Mercer asked, pointing to my empty plate, “and look like that?” pointing at me.

  I raised an eyebrow. “I’m fucking fantastic,” I said seriously.

  That got me a chuckle. The truth was, I blew through calories faster than a call girl went through condoms, and I was always a few too short.

  I checked my watch: 6 p.m. “Can you give me a lift back to my car?”

  He nodded, finishing his own sandwich before we paid.

  The truck ride back was equally quiet as the first, but this time, it was from speculation, not from having an unknown eavesdropper.

  “It feels personal,” I said. “Did you notice the order of death?” I asked, turning towards him.

  “Yep,” he said, shifting in the driver’s seat.

  “Anything strike you as odd?” I pushed.

  He gave me an uncomfortable glance as traffic began to move at the now green light. “Let’s not jump to conclusions quite yet.” We pulled into the parking lot next to my car. “I have an appointment with the next of kin tomorrow at 10 a.m.”

  I nodded. “See you then.” Getting out the truck in the front parking lot, I headed to my own car, already late for Kass and Hannah. My subconscious was still kicking around the crime scene, so I didn’t remember much of the drive.

  I was hungry again, though.

  Hannah met me at the door. “Hannah,” I heard Kass ask in the background, “who is it?” She had a slight tendril of worry coating her words.

  Hannah smiled, launching into my arms. I was twirling her as Kass came to the door. “Feed me,” I growled, tickling Hannah to hear her bubbling laughter.

  …

  An hour later, we were sitting down to chicken parmesan, homemade marina noodles, and fresh-from-the-oven bread.

  “Kass,” I said between mouthfuls, “I had no idea you could cook.”

  She gave Darren a sheepish smile during dinner; I had this nagging suspicion. Kass knew the kitchen too well, she was comfortable around the help, and she kept dodging my questions. I didn’t like the suspicion that was growing in my gut.

  Scrubbed, teeth cleaned, hair dried, Hannah was deep in slumber when I closed the book I Want to Be an Astronaut and sneaked out, closing the door partially.

  Lumbering down the stairs, I paused before I turned left to enter the den where I heard Kass and Darren speaking, eavesdropping isn’t something I typically engaged in, but I did it now.

  “Now isn’t the best time,” Kass’s voice reached me.

  “We cannot keep doing this; that women saved my daughter’s life.” Darren’s ice clinked in his glass. “I won’t lie to her, Kass,” he affirmed.

  As I turned the corner, I saw that Kass had her head tucked underneath Darren’s chin, and he was gently rocking her, which ceased when he saw me.

  Moving quickly away, Kass tried for an explanation. “Olie, this isn’t what it looks like.”

  “Save it,” I said, putting a hand up. “I want the next words out of your mouth to be the truth.”

  Darren pulled Kass close to him, exuding protection; I wouldn’t have expected that from the glorified self-proclaimed manwhore. I was reluctantly impressed.

  “Same deal goes for you,” I said, taking a seat in one of the insanely expensive and uncomfortable high-backed chairs, settling in for the long haul.

  “Olie, I never expected this to happen,” Kass began, pulling free of Darren’s embrace to lean towards me.

  “Um, I’m going to need a little more clarification,” I said, trying to ease the tension and annoyance out of my voice.

  Kass looked to Darren; he gave a small nod, and she took a long breath. “We have been seeing each other for three months,” she said, returning her attention to me. “I didn’t know; I swear,” she said, tearing up.

  “Didn’t know what?” I asked perplexed.

  Kass and Darren shared another look. “About Hannah,” she said, as though that would explain everything.

  “You didn’t know she was part succubus?” I asked for clarification.

  Kass nodded, tears in her exotic brown eyes. “I’m a little confused why you would,” I said, adjusting as my ass went numb.

  “But you knew instantly,” said Darren, his surfer blond locks disheveled.

  “Yeah, I can also identify most supernaturals at a glance and at least two different ways to kill them; it’s part of my job description,” I said, shrugging and pulling a strand of dingy blonde hair to twirl around my index finger.

  Kass shook her head, still upset, looking at her clasped hands.

  “What is really going on here? You have never been so distraught about not being able to identify a supernatural before?” I asked planting both my feet on the ground and moving forward in my chair, analyzing Kass.

  She looked up with a remorseful expression, shrugging. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered. “What if I fail my own child?”

  I sat back hard in my chair, for a full-blown succubus to conceive was difficult if not damn impossible. Silence stretched out as I contemplated this news: a baby, a shifter/succubus baby.

  Kass looked at me expectantly. I smiled. “You’ll be fine,” I said, charging it with contentment. “You’ll be an amazing mother and if your child blooms, you’ll be the first to know and deal with it perfectly.”

  “How can you know? How long has it been since this happened?” she asked, fully sobbing now.

  I moved off the chair on my knees in front of her smiling. “Too long,” I whispered. “You are never alone, Kass; you have me and an entire clan behind you.”

  She lifted her head. “You’re not upset?”

  I laughed. “No, I’m excited!”

  She smiled and threw her arms around me, crying tears of joy. I returned her hug, mentally checking off all the things I needed Kass to get done before the baby arrived: a will, a power of attorney, medical instructions, living arrangements, etc.

  “We are getting married, Olie,” Kass whispered into my ear.

  Okay, now I was mildly upset. “Married?” I asked. Oh, marriage had a whole host of problems for me and I desperately wanted to talk her out of it, but the hope and love in her eyes killed the arguments before they ever reached my lips.

  “Wow, that’s a lot to take in,” I said, sitting back into the uncomfortable chair.

  “What’s wrong with married, Olivia?” asked Darren, his earl
ier joy replaced by concern.

  “It makes my job complicated; Hannah and Kass are my top priority if something should happen, but being married puts the responsibility for both of them squarely on your shoulders, and I…” I looked away from my clasped hands to him, “am the executioner if anything happens to them.”

  Darren shifted uncomfortably, and Kass’s olive skin paled. “You mean like what almost happened with Hannah?” she asked.

  “No,” I said, trying to stay diplomatic. “That was beyond his control and understanding. I don’t punish for what others don’t know; however, now that you are both aware what Hannah is, there are policies in place that must be followed.” I rubbed the back of my neck; I had written those when I was eighteen, the first legal document I put into effect with my hand-chosen leader. “Some of those items are not going to make sense, but each is for a very specific reason and must be adhered to.”

  “Or what?” asked Darren.

  It was my turn to shift uncomfortably. “The law has been amended since its inception to allow for wiggle room, but the end result is the same: I assume responsibility for all the succubi in the house and relieve you of your head.”

  I spread my hands wide. “So you see why I’m concerned.” I met Darren’s stormy brown eyes. “I don’t really want to kill you.”

  They both let go of the breath they were holding. Yep, I have that effect on people; the title executioner should pretty much explain it.

  “That’s a relief,” Darren said, sitting back in the sofa. “I would never do anything to harm Kass or Hannah or…” he smiled at Kass, placing his hand over her stomach, “the new baby.” He returned his attention back to me. “I understand your position, and while I am sure I will make mistakes, I will do everything in my power to keep them safe.”

  His demeanor may have seemed relaxed, but I didn’t mistake the determination or sheer will power he was kicking out in protecting his family.

  I nodded. “First order of business: you need to acquire a home not in your brother’s name. Until that time, we will put you up in a safe house. Be ready to move Friday night. Second, you will all be assigned new cell phones.” I stood up, stretching. “I’m not taking any chances.”

  Kass and Darren stood as well, walking me out. Darren started to say, “This house and all assets of representatives of the Clan belong to the Clan. I…” He paused, correcting himself. “we”―he smiled lovingly at Kass―“will undoubtedly catch grief for this breech of protocol.”

  I nodded. “I can see that, but―”

  Darren raised his hand, stopping me. “I understand, Olivia; the first priority must be my family, and if something does happen to me, I wouldn’t want them homeless,” he said, taking my concerns seriously.

  I nodded, reaching the door. “I’m glad we’re in agreement about that.”

  “Olie,” Kass said, taking my hands, “one more thing…”

  I mentally was screaming what now?

  “Will you be my bridesmaid?” she asked hopefully.

  My mouth opened; I squeaked. Then I closed it and tried a second time. “What? Kass, you have so many friends…” I trailed off, “who would be far more qualified in the girlie arena.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Yeah that’s why I’m not asking you to be my maid of honor. Just think about it, okay?” she said, opening the door. “It would mean a great deal to both of us.”

  I walked through the door, glancing at the happy couple, shocked out of my comfort zone. “Yeah, I will.” I sighed. “So this means I’m back on as the replacement at Kitten?”

  She smiled. “Yep. Good news is, the doctor cleared me for another week or so, since my body is already used to the constant dancing.”

  I nodded, making my way to the car. “Bye!” Kass yelled from the door. I lifted my hand in farewell, still not sure how I felt about everything.

  Chapter 5

  The really awesome and kick-ass feature about having a driver is that I could process everything that had just happened without having to also concentrate on my surroundings. It was less than two weeks of being spoiled by Jerry and, already, I considered him vital to my survival in the city.

  I sighed, changing the radio station to the local country one, smiling as I thought about Mercer listening to the same. Rolling my shoulders, I shifted my mind back to the murders. There were so many unanswered questions, and I wasn’t much of a stealthy detective. I was more the kind of girl who started pounding on doors and getting into others’ dirty laundry while they were hog-tied. Part of my job as the executioner was to determine complete guilt before I killed. Did I need it personally? Nope, sure didn’t; however, running around murdering anyone who I had a slight dislike for did not boost morale. It was a fine line, leading by fear.

  Kass and Darren seemed so happy, overjoyed by the new addition and the survival of Hannah. I was jealous of their life; while they certainly had challenges to overcome, they would do it together, fight by each other’s side, and raise two little angels. For only a moment, I let my mind question if I didn’t have to be this way: a violent, short-tempered dancer. What would I be? Normal? Could I have a steady uneventful job with no threat on my life and coworkers who were not mortally terrified of me?

  I laughed to myself. Nope, couldn’t do it. I liked the excitement, the thrill of the chase, and the taking of lives. Something in my makeup was critically wrong; I understood that. But I had used it constructively, protecting those I loved.

  My phone rang, and I dug into my cross-body purse for it, while trying my best to also pay attention to the road. It was a number I didn’t recognize, but I answered, “What?”

  “You have been dodging us, Olivia,” said a voice I didn’t instantly recognize.

  “You are unequivocally going to have to be more specific than that,” I answered blandly.

  The voice sighed. “You know, the manipulation of emotions to give blood freely at the Supernatural Council meeting,” said Tate as I now recognized the voice.

  “Oh yeah, about that, I’ve been slightly preoccupied,” I answered, completely missing the black SUV that rammed my driver’s side, effectively ending the call with Tate. The door crumpled into my body with my ribs taking the hit. Pain laced through my left leg, and I knew when I looked, it would have a huge bloody gash. Fuck. The intensity of first blood boiled beneath the surface as the precious essence gushed out of my body.

  Before the SUV had finished pushing my car, I redirected by blood lust into action, reaching for my gun and throwing myself into the backseat. My breathing was labored as my ribs screamed at the effort. Reaching deep for reserves of strength, I pulled the strap of my cross body purse out of the passenger seat and around my head. I slipped onto my stomach, wincing as my ribs yelled at me yet again, and was soon out the backseat passenger door and under my demolished car before my attackers got out to look for me.

  I belly crawled, each and every movement driving sheer blinding pain to my nerves from my ribs. I silently screamed at myself not to whimper, not to make a sound. Finding an empty car would only grant me a few minutes’ reprieve. At least it did when I had been tricked by the move. No one expected a person just rammed to possess enough mental stamina to block the pain and be able to move. Thanks to Selena, I could function just fine.

  Finally, at the driver’s side underneath the SUV, I stopped a moment to listen as the shooting pain in my left side caused me to pant in short, shallow breaths.

  “Where the fuck did she go?” I heard along with the searching of the car.

  Perfect. The SUV’s driver’s door was still open and running. I exhaled another painful breath, climbing in as quietly as possible, leveling my gun at Steven in the passenger seat. Well, I really should have seen this one coming as first blood pounded in my temples, dimming my vision temporarily. My control was tested and maintained, as I didn’t shoot him on sight.

  Instinctively, he held his hands up. Mother fucker! I yelled at myself; should have killed him earlier. Throwing the
SUV into reverse, I squealed the tires, pulling a 180 and probably ruining the transmission as I shoved it forcefully into drive. I kept the gun trained on Steven the entire time.

  “Don’t even dream of doing anything but sit there and look idiotic,” I hissed between labored breaths. I really wanted to shoot him; taking my eyes off him, I made a hard right into traffic and screaming horns.

  “I don’t think so,” he said, using the momentary slowing in the turn to jump from the moving vehicle. Fuck, I really should have shot him first. Was I ever going to learn? Pushing my head against the headrest, I drove dangerously to my hotel, parking the SUV in the local river first.

  I was glad I didn’t have to obtain a new key card from the front desk in my current condition, as I slammed the door closed behind me. My cell was gone and I had no transportation. I thought to myself as I cut my shirt off and assessed the blackening bruises on my left side and sickly looking purple at my ribs. Taking a deep breath, I probed, seeing if anything was broken; it hurt like hell and I had to sit when my vision tunneled, threatening to end my rudimentary first aid. But my luck held; nothing was broken.

  Throwing my ruined clothing away, I climbed into bed naked; my body would heal faster than a normal human, but not as quickly as a shifter or a vampire. The sting of first blood would take days to fester out of my system and I would be crankier than usual; that’s just great.

  I drifted to sleep quickly, dreaming of the ways I was going to kill Steven. I was underestimating him; it wouldn’t happen again.

  My watch alarm woke me up at 9 a.m. My body was demanding more rest, but I had to deny it. The scalding hot shower helped loosen up my left side, but it was still sporting ugly yellow bruises that only renewed my plans to kill Steven. What I had seen last night as a gash on my left leg was now a thin scab running its length, causing me some discomfort as I got ready to face this day.

  Dressing in my working leathers, I called the manor from a coffee shop five blocks away from my hotel.

  “Grams,” I said.

  “Olie,” she responded distractedly.