Fox Dish (Madison Wolves #6)

by Robin Roseau

  I cut off his scream with a slash across his throat, earning myself a grotesque, bloody shower.

  The wolf dropped to his knees, then fell onto his face.

  I ran back to my harness, stuffed my knives into it, then shifted into fox. I ran back, brushing away at my footsteps. I brushed away all signs of me, then I ran.

  If the humans found him, it would leave them with a puzzle.

  I made it to my car. I shifted to human, threw the harness into the car, and quickly cleaned myself in the snow. I jumped into the car and drove away. Ten minutes later, sure no one was following me, I slowly worked my way back. I was very careful, but I drove right past where the body was lying in the bushes. There was no sign it had been discovered yet. I got out, looked around, and found a place a few blocks away with line of sight with this location.

  I drove there then waited, first loading silver rounds into the rifle then watching through the binoculars.

  It was another two hours before they sent anyone to check on their fallen wolf. I saw another wolf, still on two feet, approach the body. I waited for him to make a call before rolling the passenger window down. I sighted through the rifle scope, chambered a round, and squeezed.

  That was four and five.

  My ears ringing for hours, I drove carefully away.

  Six

  I called Greg after I had cleaned up.

  "Any sign of human activity?"

  "None."

  "Anything else I need to know?"

  "Nothing you can't guess," he said. "They aren't discussing their plans over their phones, but every indication is they aren't moving on."

  "Any sign they're calling in for reinforcements?"

  "Yes, but they aren't getting any." He paused. "Lara called."

  It was my turn to pause. "What did she want?"

  "Nothing in particular," he said. "She said they had refugees."

  "From me?"

  "Not specifically. More people running from Johnny Mack."

  "Was she telling me something?"

  "Maybe that the wolves aren't supporting them."

  "All right. Any idea how many enforcers are left?"

  "Maybe three or four," he said.

  "Thanks, Greg," I said.

  "Michaela, she doesn't ask about you, but she knows if there was anything she should know, I would tell her."

  "Thanks, Greg," I repeated. "I'm going to go now."

  I climbed into the shower and cried.

  Afterwards, I was too tired to drive anywhere to call Angel. I slept through the night. I stayed in the motel the next day, eating cold meals in my room.

  I couldn't imagine it was going to get easier. I didn't like using the gun, but because they were so heavily armed, I had little choice of my own.

  I stayed another day at the motel before returning to Iowa City.

  I spent four hours scouting the area before taking up a new location. I couldn't see the deck from my new location, but I could see two upstairs windows. I hunkered down and watched.

  I got cold.

  I got bored.

  But still I watched, listening the entire time.

  When the sun began to brighten the eastern sky, I climbed back into my car and drove back to Wisconsin.

  It was three more nights before my luck changed. Someone became complacent. Someone stood backlit at the window.

  I squeezed the trigger slowly.

  * * * *

  I drove to Superior via Minnesota, stopping only in out-of-the-way places for gas. I found another motel and slept until noon.

  I called Greg. He had no news or me. "They aren't moving."

  I drove into Minnesota and called Angel.

  "You were supposed to call days ago!" she said. "I've been frantic."

  "I'm sorry," I said.

  "Lara will forgive you if you come home."

  "She banished me, Angel."

  Angel didn't respond to that.

  "Where are you?"

  "Right now? Duluth. I'm not staying, of course."

  "There's a wolf pack in Duluth, and they aren't very nice."

  "I know," I said. "I'm not staying. Maybe I'll go to Bayfield for a few days. Do you think Elisabeth would look for me there?"

  She laughed weakly. "She will after I tell her what you said."

  She had to report the conversations, and I understood that.

  We talked for a few more minutes. I asked her about school. "You don't really think it's going well, do you?" she replied.

  "I'm sorry."

  "I know," she said. "Haven't you hurt them enough?"

  "I promised them they would all die, Angel. I won't chase after the enforcers, but Johnny Mack and Brody Mortens are going to die."

  "I wish you could just challenge them," she said. "You said Johnny was slow, that you could beat him."

  "If I thought they'd accept, I'd do it," I replied. "But they're both cowards."

  After that, I told her to get back to studying, and to hug Scarlett for me. She was about to hang up and I said, "Angel. Kiss my babies for me, too."

  "Come and kiss them yourself," she said, hanging up before I could respond.

  * * * *

  I stayed in Superior for a week, mulling over my choices. Finally I called Greg. "Do you know the Dubuque alpha?"

  "I know of him," he replied. "They stick to themselves."

  "Could you contact him on my behalf?"

  "Yes," Greg said. "What do you want?"

  "I want him to referee a challenge."

  The line grew silent.

  "Would he do it?"

  "I don't know."

  "Would I be walking into a trap?"

  "Not if I send an observer," he said. "He'll want to know what's in it for him."

  "If I die, he'll have the gratitude of the Iowa City wolves. If I win, he'll be rid of a dangerous neighbor. Either way, he wins."

  "I'll call him. It might take a few days."

  "I'm just chilling," I said. "Let me know."

  It took three days before Greg got back to me. "He'll do it."

  "Well then, let's find out if Johnny Mack is less of a coward than I think he is."

  I hung up with Greg and drove back to Duluth. I used my phone to call Brody Mortens.

  "You bitch!" he screamed at me.

  "It's nice to hear your voice, Brody," I said. "How is your sister?"

  "Fuck you! Your alpha promised me no retribution."

  "I promised you would all die, Brody. But if it's any consolation, I'll make sure Johnny Mack isn't alive to terrorize Iowa."

  "What do you want, Michaela?"

  "Brody Mortens. You are unfit to rule. I hereby offer challenge."

  "You're insane," he said.

  "I presume it will be your champion against mine."

  "You mean against Elisabeth? I don't think so. If you want us, come and get us."

  "No," I said. "Against me. One little fox. Is Johnny Mack afraid of me, Brody? Are you? I'm one little fox. I'm tired. I want this over. I bet you do too."

  "Sure," he said. "Stop by. We can do it here, any time," Brody suggested.

  "No thank you. I was thinking about a refereed fight. Say, Dubuque? Think about it. I'll call you tomorrow." I hung up before he could respond, powering off my phone.

  I spent the night at a motel in Spooner. I called Greg in the morning. "Any news?"

  "Brody Mortens called Will Walters after you talked to him."

  "Will Walters?"

  "The Dubuque alpha."

  "And?"

  "Will offered to host a challenge."

  "Does Mr. Walters know I'll be using silver knives?"

  "Yes. He won't allow you to bring any guns with you, but he won't take your knives."

  "And he'll make sure Johnny Mack is equally disarmed?"

  "Yes."

  "How soon can you have an observer here?"

  "Wendy can be there with six hours warning. You understand; she is only an observer. She will report to me. You're
not paying enough for a full guard detail."

  "I understand, Greg. What will you do if Dubuque fails to fulfill the promises?"

  "Kill them. And they know that."

  "I'll call you back," I said.

  I used my phone to call Brody. "So, Brody. Thought about my offer."

  "We accept," he said immediately. "Maybe you should drive home to Madison and kiss your babies goodbye."

  "I'll take that under advisement. I will have observers. Do you understand?"

  "Who?"

  "Lima Consulting. This will be a fair fight."

  "It will be a short fight," he said. "You're not going to last ten seconds against Johnny. If he were easy to kill, I'd have done it already."

  "Well, either way, you get rid of a problem, don't you?"

  "Noon, tomorrow," he said. "Say your prayers."

  I called Greg back and made final arrangements. Then I called Angel.

  "Hey," I said.

  "Hey," she said quietly.

  "This will all be over by one tomorrow afternoon," I told her.

  She started crying quietly. I heard Scarlett in the background, and there was some fumbling with the phone.

  I talked quietly, not sure if either of them was listening. I told them how proud I was of both of them. I thanked them for their friendship over the last two years. I promised them they would have good lives.

  I didn't promise to call them again.

  Finally Scarlett picked up the phone. "We love you, Michaela. Everyone loves you."

  "I love you, too."

  I drove back to Eau Claire for the night.

  Challenge

  Wendy flew straight to Dubuque. I waited in my car, hidden well away until I heard from her.

  "I have checked out the challenge ground," she said. "I can not promise you no treachery, but I have not detected any." She gave me directions.

  I arrived fifteen minutes early, approaching by the agreed path, hoping I wasn't driving into a trap. I pulled up in front of a warehouse building near the Mississippi River waterfront. I saw wolves waiting, including Wendy.

  I came to a stop fifty yards away, studying them. If they were going to take me out with a sniper, they had a chance. I didn't see anyone, but that didn't mean anything. Finally I pulled forward and parked.

  Wendy stepped forward, waiting for me. I checked my wrists and ankles one last time, making sure I had easy access to my weapons. I was wearing loose jeans and loose sleeves in my shirt. Lara's belt was wrapped around my waist. I had two chopsticks in my hair.

  I was as armed as I could be.

  I locked the car after climbing out of it. Wendy smiled a grim smile. I stepped forward, but we didn't hug.

  She was there as an observer, not a friend.

  "Hello, Alpha," she said.

  "Not alpha anymore," I replied. "Just Michaela."

  "Hello, Michaela," she said. "You have arrived first. Your opponent will arrive from the other side. The Dubuque pack promises a fair fight with no interference. You will be searched for firearms and explosives, and then we will step inside. Your opponents will be similarly searched."

  I nodded. "I will keep my knives."

  "Yes," she said. "This is understood."

  And so I stepped forward. Two wolves, both male, stepped forward. I held my hands away from my sides, and they began a very thorough search. I stood there silently, accepting it. If they were being this thorough with me, perhaps they were being equally thorough with the Iowa City wolves.

  They let me keep all my weapons.

  We made our way inside where Wendy introduced me to a moderately large wolf with grey hair. "Michaela Burns," she said. "This is Will Walters."

  "I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Walters." We shook hands.

  "I have met Johnny Mack, Ms. Burns," he said. "This will be a short fight. You are very foolish."

  "Perhaps," I said. "But at least after this afternoon, this issue will be resolved for me."

  He led the way deeper into the warehouse. There was a large open space, free of any obstacles barring the support pillars. They wouldn't be much use to me, but I didn't expect to need them. I studied the area, anyway. There were a dozen wolves surrounding the area, loosely spaced.

  "Do you mind if I look around?"

  "Suit yourself," he said. "Remain where I can see you."

  I nodded. I walked the room, watching for dust, cracks in the floor, debris, or anything else I would want to know about. The floor was uneven in a few places, but otherwise there was little of note. I finally returned to stand next to him and Wendy.

  "Your opponents are arriving," he said. "Please wait here."

  The Dubuque alpha crossed the open space, heading for another door opposite the one I had used. I waited, my heart starting to pound in anticipation.

  "Calm down," Wendy told me immediately.

  "Am I throwing off fear scent?"

  "Yes. This was a mistake."

  I imagined Johnny as large, fast, and invincible. I imagined him as the most terrifying wolf I could ever encounter. After another minute, even I could smell my own fear.

  It was several minutes before Will Walters reappeared leading Brody and Johnny Mack. No other wolves entered the room. The three of them approached halfway across the room and waited.

  I turned to Wendy. "Thank you."

  She studied me. "I'm sorry to see this day."

  "Have faith, Wendy. You trained me well."

  "Not well enough."

  I shrugged then turned and crossed the space to stand before Brody. I made sure they saw my hands were shaking.

  "I could smell your fear from across the room," Johnny said from beside him. "Your death is going to be very painful!"

  "There will be no interference," Will said. "This fight is to the death, either that of the fox or the two wolves."

  Brody looked at him sharply.

  "My wolves will keep all this to a one-on-one fight," Will went on. "The observer from Lima will not be allowed to interfere. No one will be allowed to interfere. There are no firearms in this building, but I have sharpshooters on the roof, and any late arrivals will be met with extreme violence. Are there any questions?"

  "No."

  "Return to opposite sides of the room. You will begin when I howl."

  I backed away, watching as Brody and Johnny also backed away. Four of Will's wolves stepped up to Brody and four more stepped up to Wendy. Wendy glanced at them but didn't comment. Brody didn't appear pleased, but he also didn't say anything.

  Will stepped back, clearing the space, then asked firmly, "Ms. Burns, are you ready?"

  "Yes," I said.

  "Mr. Mack, are you ready?"

  "Damned right I am," he said.

  Will Walters howled.

  I stepped forward cautiously. I expected Johnny to charge me. Instead he strode forward purposely, his eyes never leaving me. I rested my hands on the handles of my knives, then stopped and waited for him.

  Johnny stopped five paces from me and said, "No one has stood up to me in seven years. I can taste your fear, but you have more courage than any of the enforcers in the pack."

  "I didn't realize you would recognize courage," I said. "Let's get this over with."

  He charged.

  He was fast, faster than I was expecting. I scrambled to evade him, barely slipping past him. I didn't draw my knives.

  He spun, just as fast, and I scrambled away again. He pursued, pursued, pursued.

  He was nearly as fast as Lara. He was nearly as fast as Elisabeth. He was much, much faster than I had expected after the slow punches he gave when I was their prisoner.

  He kept up the pursuit, never quite reaching me, never making a mistake, and I backed away in a circle, avoiding him, avoiding his leaps and lunges, avoiding his attempts to grapple with me.

  I made a mistake and he managed to trip me, but I rolled away and jumped to my feet before he could reach me. I backed away.

  Then I made another mistake, and he
managed a punch against my ribs. I flew away from him, my ribs cracked but not broken.

  He let me climb to my feet. Everyone heard while the ribs cracked back into place. I healed them. I don't believe anyone understood what that meant. I wheezed as if it was difficult to breathe.

  "That has to hurt," he said. "I bet it slows you down."

  I grimaced, waiting for him.

  I slowed down, staying barely away from him. I still hadn't drawn my knives. Twice more he managed glancing blows, each of them knocking me away from him, once I slid for ten feet before coming to a stop.

  He let me climb to my feet. I did so slowly.

  Then I stood there, panting, my face a rictus of pain, and Johnny approached slowly.

  "I heard something about Chicago," he said. "I actually thought you might be something to worry about. I guess I was wrong."

  He rushed me, and I didn't resist when I collected me in his arms. I didn't resist when he began squeezing me.

  He didn't resist when I pulled my knives from their sheaths and slit his throat. Then, to make him release me, I slammed them down into both biceps. He dropped me and I rolled away from him.

  He stood there for a moment, gawking at me, his mouth opening and closing, but not saying anything.

  "Beat by a fox," I said. "A tiny little fox. You pathetic, cowardly asshole."

  I stood up straight, healing the last little damage. "And I am unscratched," I said to him quietly. I breathed slowly and evenly in front of him.

  He fell over and lay still.

  I calmly stepped up to his body and pulled my knives from his arms where I had left them. Then I slit his throat more deeply, just to be sure, although the growing puddle of blood was telling.

  I wiped the bottom of my shoes off on his shirt, stepping away from the puddle of blood, and turned to Brody.

  He was staring at me, not moving. So were the other wolves.

  "My name is Michaela Burns," I said firmly. "I am your best friend or your worst nightmare. I may no longer be a member of the Madison pack, but they are under my protection."

  And then I began stalking Brody Mortens.

  He tried to run.

  The Dubuque pack didn't let him. They guarded the exits including two wolves in fur at each door. I couldn't run faster than Brody could, but I followed him around relentlessly, taunting him.

  "You started this, Brody," I said. "Now it's time to finish it."