by Nini Church
"Not here.” Reno shrugged. “You think that was Tess’?” He nodded at the child sized black garment laid out on the floor.
“Faint scent of Tess coming from it. Any high heat would burn most of her perfume away, so there wouldn’t be much left, but it’s there. Remember how she liked to douse herself with it, saturating whatever she wore.”
Reno hunkered down near the dried leather, taking a quick scent before standing up and nodding. “That’s her scent all right. But that doesn’t prove she wore it. She could’ve pounded on whoever was wearing it for some bloody, body work. As we both know, torture is up close and hands on. Scent transfers too easily to assume anything.”
Jericho agreed with a single nod and turned his attention back to the blood spray on the wall. It broke his heart that Abe had suffered so much pain and agony at the hands of Tess.
“Seriously, boss, it’s way too small for Tess. She had really big hips and thunder thighs remember?”
Jericho's expression remained grim. “Intense heat will shrink and dry out anything that doesn’t burn.” Again, his intense blue eyes locked onto the leather garment as his gut twisted into a hard knot. Instinct told him, it was Tess’ leather bodysuit and with no trace of her left to confirm if she was dead. Or alive.
If alive, Jericho was gonna kill her for what she had done to Abe. “It’s evidence. Bag it.”
Reno peeled the small leather garment off the floor, rolling it into a hard bundle and tucking it inside a plastic sheath.
After tons more pics and a thorough search of the structure they both gobbed in heaves of fresh air, glad to be outside and done with it.
Reno, always on point, kept his eyes and ears open.
Bear sidled back and forth a few feet away on patrol with his incredible sense of smell able to alert if anyone approached. Reno was truly amazed that Bear instinctively protected both him and Jericho.
Bear’s body tension showed he was on point, guarding them. It was wild to be working with a giant Kodiak – it was what it was. Worked fine, man.
Rapidly, Reno snapped additional photos, showing the location, along with an almost unreadable sign with the name – Craven Lane – and beneath it, Danbury Farm.
Jericho watched Bear for a moment. "Bear, we’ll meet back at the compound.”
Bear grunted and took off, bounding loudly through brush and low tree branches.
Jericho shook his head. Tess had brought Abe to her family’s property. Good thing if she was dead already. ‘Cause the Danbury family might want to kill her for this. It could destroy their reputation. Yet, ugly as it was, the truth would come out.
Tess hadn't been seen now for several weeks nor did she return to any of her homes. Jericho held out hope it was because she was dead – that’s all he cared about. How she died – where and when – was anyone’s guess.
He had no evidence pinpointing her death. But, there was more than enough evidence showing many unsanctioned deaths, no doubt by Tess’ hand, in this dungeon of horrors on Danbury land.
After seeing the photographs – graphic visual evidence – many would be forced to assume if Tess were dead it was likely whomever killed her did it in self-defence. A life and death struggle – to gain freedom and not die there in Tess’ torture chambers.
In one of the cells, Reno had taken pictures of a large pool of blood so deep it was still tacky in the centre. Even with a film of water on the floor – eating away at the edges – the middle remained gooey. Testament to the gut wrenching fact it had accumulated over a long period of time.
Many had died here at Tess’ hands.
Tess, even if dead, condemned herself.
Jericho spoke quietly into his com-link. “Cal, alert Reed there’s nothing to conclude Tess died here. Also tell him we’ve got evidence to back up what Abe has said all along.”
He hated that without proof of her death, the whole mess would have to be ruled on by the Council of Nine. No way to avoid it.
Reno nodded. “Let’s roll.”
Needing some time and space to take a breather and just let shit settle, they set off on foot, mowing down the western border of Danbury Farm. After a good number of miles of walking in silence, Jericho whistled softly and shot into the air, dissolving.
Caught off guard, Reno leaped in the air and shot sideways, kicking it up a notch to catch Jericho. Somehow, someway he was gonna learn how to do that little trick; shooting straight up, driving against natural laws like gravity.
A few hours later, Reed Stetson arrived at the compound with a team of specialists who pored over the leather bodysuit. In the end after hours of searching for any trace of DNA, they came up with nothing. Nor could they track the leather bodysuit back to any known manufacturer.
Their final report concluded the garment had dried out over a long time, causing extreme shrinkage from it’s original size 6 or 8 and Ms. Danbury, being overly proportioned in certain areas, dead or alive would never fit into either size.
CHAPTER 27
Never had Jericho seen his mate look so incredible. Her dress shimmered around her, stomach rounded and showing, while her lush breasts were tucked snuggly away with only the tops swelling tantalizingly.
“I need a zip.”
“You are truly beautiful, Abe.”
“Thank you, kind sir. Now, do me up.”
With her blonde hair swept up on top of her head and a few unruly curls dancing around her shoulders, Jericho nuzzled the back of her neck. “Or I can do you down. Sideways. On our soft bed. That couch you put by the window is a winner too. Mmhmm.”
“Yes, let’s have hot sex and forget about the Council. A splendid idea.” Her hands drifted lower fast, but he caught her wrists.
They would miss a lot more than the council meeting if Abe got her hands on him. It might be days later when they surfaced. “Nuh, uh. We get the Council done with and then, Abe Sullivan, I’m keeping you all to myself. I’m tired of sharing you with the whole fucking world. I’ve made arrangements for us to spend a week alone. Just you and me, piccola.”
“Jericho that sounds divine. Where? When?”
“Esh and Roald offered us a private spot at their place outside Wainesboro. We’ll be close enough to my compound without my team being on top of us. It’s small, but I’m sure we can manage on our own.”
“I love you.” Abe blinked rapidly to keep tears from spilling at his heartwarming thoughtfulness.
“No tears.” He rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “You, myn lykyng, are my world. My future. My life. I love you more."
Abe giggled then gasped deeply as Jericho slid the zipper up her back. Light green silk, the floor length gown had a comfortable empire waist. Daisies and ivy embroidered around the modestly scooped neck of the gown, it fit like a glove.
The neckline was a little tight across the top of her breasts, but at least they wouldn’t joust about so much. A good thing that – Jericho tended to get distracted when that happened. Clearly he was a devotee – a boob male. He liked to look at hers a lot – preferably braless.
Oh yeah – her honey had some issues.
A few minutes before Abe’s appearance at Council, they arrived and hurried inside as the day was overclouded and damp. The building was old with long stuffy airless hallways.
Outside the doors to the Council of Nine’s chamber, Conn regally stamped the floor three times with his long staff encrusted with gold emblems and priceless jewels. When the doors swung wide, he announced his King and Queen in a booming voice.
As it was a closed Council session and only those invited could attend, Caleb had decided to tag along, bringing up the rear. And what a rear it was – truly he had a great ass – but what he brought today was his personal pledge of allegiance from the ancient Calipus Ex family to Jericho Sullivan – King of the Jinn – and thereby his Queen.
For Caleb – rather Calebre – was the premier member of the ancient family – the next Calipus Ex. Their lineage spanned all the way back to before time began
and they had power – oh, so much power.
Usually he played his exalted status under the wire, keeping it hidden, but for once it was important to show his strength and supreme worth to aid his King and Queen – any way he could.
A few council members whispered and rustled around – some daring to meet the glares of both Jericho and Calebre Calipus Ex head on, but they soon settled as Marklon called the meeting to order.
Jericho and his team worked relentlessly to put together enough evidence to cast doubt that Abe had anything to do with Tess’s disappearance or assumed death. Doubt was all they needed. Hours ago he’d taken the initiative and sent everything they had to Marklon and the rest of the Council of Nine.
Abe held tight to Jericho’s arm as they walked down the length of the Council chamber. Yes, she was nervous and anxious, but more so to get it over with.
Reed Stetson, a tall handsome male, was a distinguished member of the legal field and he applied his craft with expertise. He appeared a formidable opponent to the Council – it showed on their wary faces – and when he spoke his voice carried over the chamber. He was also renowned for his lightening quick mind.
His case – presented succinctly and candidly – didn’t give the Council an inch of favor. To ensure they all were aware of the tenuous legal position they had put themselves in, for good measure he added, “Nor am I going to gloss over the absolute insult to both King and Queen of the Jinn. That can never be repaired.
“In this case, no one followed any form of protocol as I’m sure you are aware. Your summons of my Queen was illegal as it was not relayed that she was to be charged with a heinous crime. Only when I looked into the matter was I grudgingly told that the Queen would be charged with the unsanctioned death of Tess Danbury.”
To keep the Council offside, Reed switched tactics and turned their attention to the Walking Wounded Fund the Sullivan family had set up so long ago along with a list of deeds the family undertook to aid others.
“My Queen is of the same mind and heart as she has deemed her mating gifts be part of a fund to build race hospitals."
He cleared his throat, voice thundering, "Not one hospital, but as many as possible. Simply put, it is her dream."
Pausing dramatically, his words lingered in the silence. "To accuse the mate of a scion of our culture, an unsurpassed male Jinn of the First Order, a King to his people and let us not forget he is truly First Blood – is an abominable tragedy! Truly it does not reflect well on this Council.” It was his intention to accuse the Council members – so he didn’t mince words – allowing the silence to play out.
“I have spoken only of my Queen's actions, for she is here to speak on her own behalf. Lest you are unaware, it is well known that she represents her throne and her people with dignity and leadership, compassion and love. I instruct you to accord her your highest respect."
He waited a dozen heartbeats. "And now members of Council I present to you Annabelle Evergreen Sullivan, Queen of the Jinn.”
Dramatically, Reed turned his back on the Council, flourished one arm wide and bowed deeply to Abe. When he lifted his head, he winked at her.
Jericho hissed softly – he was gonna have to speak with Reed about this flirting bullshit – it wasn't gonna work for either of them.
Abe stifled a smile and wanted to wink back, but didn’t. She released Jericho’s arm and stepped forward.
Smoothly, Reed shifted to stand beside her.
All at the council table bowed their heads to her in deference.
Abe's cheeks flamed pink with utter embarrassment. When she first met with Reed, no one had warned her how thickly he was going to lay it on – and he had sure done that – with a trowel. To hear his introduction as if she were a perfect angel spun of gold – made her blush more – and she held back a snort.
Sheesh! Who could live up to that kind of intro?
She bit her tongue and dipped her chin to the Council.
Introductions of the few present – including a strong Jinn presence – took some time.
Marklon, Lead to the Council of Nine, wore a stoic, unhappy expression with his brows drawn together, forming a hard line. “As Lead, I will undertake your questioning. Queen Sullivan, are you aware your mate has provided a sizeable amount of evidence to show your innocence against the charges you are responsible for the unsanctioned death of Tess Danbury?”
“I am.”
“Do you swear to be honest and just with this Council?”
“Yes, I swear.”
“A number of items have been reviewed by us and now we may take them as uncontroverted facts. Your answers will sway us one way or the other. Now, let us proceed. One, Tess Danbury kidnapped you from your residence at the time against your will. Correct?”
“Yes.”
“Two, you did not know Tess Danbury prior to that. Correct?”
“I had never met her before.”
Marklon's shaggy brows dipped and his eyes twinkled briefly. “Madam, please answer with either yes or no only.”
Abe winced, she didn’t want to make any mistakes. “Yes.”
“Three, you were unaware of the intent of your kidnapper. Correct?”
“Yes.
“Four, you had no knowledge of your whereabouts and were detained against your will underground within a locked cell. Correct?”
Abe shivered, recalling it again. “Yes.”
“Five, you were unaware your captor was a Demon. Correct?”
“Yes.”
“Six, you had never had interaction with any member of the Danbury family prior to Tess Danbury kidnapping you. Correct?”
“Yes.”
Marklon pounded his gavel, stating, “ Six recognized facts established and accepted.”
Abe was grateful to only answer yes or no, making it easier than expected.
“I have a few final questions for you, Madam. The Council is well aware you suffered deep trauma and horrendous injuries during your ordeal. Before you were injured do you recall what happened in that cell?”
“No.”
“After you were injured do you recall what happened to Tess Danbury?”
Abe answered honestly. “No.”
Marklon pounded his gavel once. “Thank you, Madam. The Council will now consider the photographic evidence.”
Abe refused to look at the photos of her injuries at Tess’ hands, placing her palm on top of her belly to settle her nerves. It made her sick to think about it.
All at the council table passed reams of colorful 8 x 10 photos back and forth as they whispered amongst themselves.
Reed didn’t hesitate to wade in, pointing out the finer details of the graphic bloody images. Finger prints drenched in her own blood were confirmed as Abe's. As no trace of Tess had been found, the blood in the photos belonged only to Abe.
Every document piled in front of Marklon was clear cut evidence, including Abe’s blood and finger/palm print analysis.
Flat out, Reed refused Council’s request to use Abe's blood samples to obtain her DNA, calling it an unnecessary invasion of the Queen's privacy. Cynically he noted, “More than enough evidence has been provided.”
He also refused to let any member of Council skip past the photos showing how deep the blood pool was in a dank cell with long chains hanging above it. Nor the fact the photos clearly displayed the blood was relatively fresh and still pliable in the centre which brought up many horrific assumptions and what ifs.
Brows shifting high on his forehead, Reed also dramatically pointed out the King was considering making a request to dig up Danbury Farm to find where Tess had buried all the tortured bodies.
When Reed moved away from the long council table, he returned to stand beside his Queen, taking note that more than one member of Council wore grim expressions while others kept their eyes down.
Reed stayed on top of every legal issue, stepping up boldly to decline certain Council questions and refusing to allow Abe to answer others.
Less
than an hour later, it was over.
Marklon’s gavel slammed three times before instructing those present. “You will wait outside Council chambers while we confer. If it appears to be a lengthy decision, considering your condition Queen Sullivan, I will send word.”
Outside Jericho hugged Abe tightly. He had a good feeling, a positive sense. Maybe wishful thinking or maybe it was being near Abe. No telling, but he was sticking with it. No matter what, Abe wasn’t leaving his side.
If he had to, he’d call in reinforcements. Mommy dearest and big ole Daddio, not to mention an army of thousands.
A half hour passed and then another.
Edgy, Jericho strode back and forth, his shit-kickers gaining momentum and getting louder with each hard strike on the marble floor.
Reed watched Jericho closely, knowing if this didn't go the way he hoped – hell, it could end in one big fucking nightmare. There would be no holding Jericho back – he would bring war to protect his mate.
Reed knew it well. He and Jericho had been friends since they were young and their families were close knit. Indeed, it had been Reed's own father who coached Jericho, taking him under his wing, after his parents abruptly disappeared. Reed had been present when his father had asked Jericho, a very young male back then, to dig deep, go the second mile and honor his parents – to become the King his father trained him to be.
Hell, those had been dark days for Jericho and Reed had been there through it all with him, had watched his friend become a King admired by many races.
When the door to the Council chambers swung wide, silence hung like a death shroud in the hallway.
Abe winced and tears glistened briefly in her exquisite emerald eyes. She tried for a bright smile, but it was totally fake.
Reed took note of Abe’s reaction – she was way more concerned than she was ever letting on. He also recognized it could be a good or bad sign if the Council needed more time. Ditto for a quick decision. There was no telling, but one thing was for sure – Marklon and most of the Council couldn’t go up against Jericho and win. Anytime, anywhere. Not gonna happen and that lightened Reed’s heavy heart.