Somehow all this didn’t make me feel safe. In fact, it made me nervous to think that I’d have to watch all twenty-five acres because anyone could bust in anywhere. I wasn’t sure I’d ever actually feel safe here again. It troubled me immensely that Grisly had found me so easily. I figured I probably wouldn’t feel safe until we got every single person involved with the psychotic serial killer tucked away under lock and key. I know it was absolutely ludicrous and way too optimistic to believe it could be done, but I still held a spark of hope.
Apparently Alex did, too.
“We’ll catch who is behind it. Have no doubts about that, Sam.”
“How’d you know I was doubting?” I was taken aback, I hadn’t thought I’d been so blatant.
“I know you. You always doubt yourself. You need to stop.”
“Hey, I’m just hardwired that way. Perfectionism is my aspiration.” I shrugged.
“Sometimes when people strive for perfection they can miss out on it being right in front of them.”
“You had Chinese food this week.”
“Ha, I guess you know me pretty well, too.”
“Yup. You always try to use your fortune at some point after General Tso’s chicken.”
“Maybe we should order some while I discuss the system and package options with you.”
“No wonder you’re doing so well, that’s quite the service you offer, Mr. Baltazar.” I winked at him and moved into my kitchen where all the best delivery spots hung on a corkboard near my fridge.
China Moon was the best in town. The breading on the chicken stayed crispy, even with the gravy. You just can’t ask for better than that.
“Sam?”
“Yeah?” I pulled the pin out of the menu and stabbed it back into the board and turned to walk back into the living room.
I stopped when movement outside caught my eye. Alex had a gun trained on my gate. I watched out of the window as something ran between my gate and the front door. I tracked the outline until it came close enough for me to make out what it was.
Well, who it was, actually.
Ben.
Chapter 21
WELL, BEN IN JAGUAR FORM. I opened the door and ran out.
“It’s okay, Al, he’s a friend. What the heck are you doing here?” I didn’t feel like beating around the bush.
“I came to see if you were okay.” My jaguar leapt, grunting and mewing. I wondered how Ben and Alex would get along. I didn’t think they would get on well at all and realized what an awkward situation I was about to have on my hands.
“I’m fine. Grisly was here and someone shot him.”
“Before you got here?” Ben looked puzzled.
“No, he was already in my house before we got here, but he was shot after we had him contained. A sniper, not one of ours.”
“Someone really was pulling his strings.”
“Looks like.”
“Can I come in or are you going to keep me on the porch?” Ben grinned at me.
I watched the grin fade as Alex came to the door.
“Oh, hello, I’m Alex. I’m an old friend of Sam’s.”
“Ben. Nice to meet you, Alex. I just stopped in to see if Sam was okay after all that has happened the last couple days.” Ben looked about as uncomfortable as a large black panther could look.
I felt about the same level of discomfort. I’d say it was somewhere between getting a papsmear by your former kindergarten teacher and losing your bikini top in the ocean and having to walk to shore with everyone watching.
“I hear that. I’m here setting up a security system.”
“Good. Which company do you work for?”
“I actually have my own business. Used to work with Sammy, though. We went through Quantico together.”
“Don’t call me Sammy.” I hate it.
“Right, sorry. I forgot how much you hate that.” Alex brushed a stray curl off my face and an uncomfortable moment only became more awkward and uncomfortable.
“Okie doke, um, yeah.” Ah, that’s right, self, make it just a bit more uncomfortable.
I stepped away from Alex and tried to get the testosterone level down some. Both men stared at me, none of us sure what to say or do.
“Alex, Ben is the one who turned me.”
“He’s what?”
“Ben is my sire. He’s the jaguar that bit me.”
“You fucking coward. How dare you even show your face after what you did?” Alex started towards the jaguar who had backed up and was hissing involuntarily.
“Al, Ben and I are talking things through. It’s okay. We’ve already established he was a dick to do what he did, but he feels really bad about it and wants to try and be friends. He’s not really a bad guy and he was under a high fever when he bit me.”
“I still don’t like him. I still don’t like you.” Alex said after turning to Ben.
“I don’t care. It’s not your opinion that matters to me.” I saw a bit of pain in Ben’s eyes as he spoke.
I was glad to see his feelings on the matter had changed since our second encounter. The night he was in protective custody I realized he wasn’t as much of a monster as I had originally thought.
“I am glad we did talk. It helped me out a ton.” It really had.
I think it had been good for both of us. I just wish he hadn’t shown up tonight. Not that I planned anything romantic with Alex, and it’s not like Ben and I were even dating. It was just one big uncomfortable mess and I wanted to make it go away.
“Me, too. I will let you get on with your … meeting. I’ll call you tomorrow?”
“That would be great. I have some questions, and really, you’re the only one who can answer them.”
“I’ll talk to you then. Goodnight, Sam.” Ben turned and sauntered away without another word.
I’ve never dated two guys at the same time. I didn’t plan on starting now. Well, I have to admit that I am interested in Alex, but I’d no plans regarding Ben except friendship and hopefully breaking the sire bond.
My jaguar scoffed at me, her snarling face proof enough she wasn’t thrilled with my choice. I didn’t care. Alex was someone who had always been there for me, from the moment I’d met him. There was never any worry that the friendship would cease to exist because our bond had always run deep.
I’d never really considered dating him because his track record with women had been quite spotty in the past. One might even call it dalmatianesque. That said I’ve watched him grow up the last few years and mature into a really great guy and an absolute workaholic. I just wish I’d seen him a little more over the years. I was disappointed in myself for letting my virus keep me from seeing someone I cared about. Though he had really come into his workaholism the last few years.
Being a bit of a work-jockey myself, I know what that’s like. The fact that we would be working together made the desire to pursue something with him that much greater. But I was getting ahead of myself.
I looked down at the crumpled menu in my hand and thrust it at Alex while I walked back into my house and sat on the couch. He took it, spun, and closed the door behind him in one fluid movement.
“How about we do dinner another night? I’ll draw up a plan and e-mail it to you. I can have my guys on it quickly.” He seemed just as uncomfortable with meeting Ben as I had been.
“I want you to stay. We’ll have Chinese and watch reruns of Psych.”
“I do love that show. Sorry if I overstepped the bounds with your sire. I just remember all the time you spent crying when it first happened. I’ve wanted to kill him ever since then.”
“I appreciate it, Al, it’s nice knowing I have people I can depend on.”
“You’ve always been able to depend on me, Sammy.” He winked at me and I shoved him.
“Dick.”
“And you love me for it.”
“Well, it’s hard breaking in new friends. It’s especially tough to find friends who know what life at the Bureau is like.”
“See. Now that’s love. My heart swells.” He grinned at me and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“So, you’ll be nice to Ben if you see him again?”
“Not likely. Ah, before you give me that look, yes, that one right there, I’ll be nice … er. Hey, it’s something, right?”
“Is that the best I’m going to get?” My jaguar hissed at him; I swatted her nose.
She was none too happy about this situation. She didn’t like him at all because he stood between her and Ben’s jaguar. I tried to explain to her that there would be no her and Ben’s jaguar because we weren’t going to date Ben, but how do you explain something like that to a metaphysical animal that lives in your head?
“Yes. Did you just snarl at me?”
“Sorry. My jaguar isn’t thrilled with you.” Honesty was always the best policy, right?
I wouldn’t explain about Ben and the sire bond just yet. I felt like I’d need to break him into that gently.
“Well, jeeze, should I bring it catnip?” He was clearly joking, but I found myself a little stung by his words. I had to remind myself that he wasn’t used to me as a shifter, let alone shifters as a concept; I was the only one he knew personally.
“Uh, no, just don’t be a dick. Easier said than done, I know. I trust you, though. You can do it!”
“Ooh, there’s that snark I so adore.”
“There are some parts of me that are exactly the same as the Sam you knew and some that are different. I’m more confident than I was in college. I’m quite a bit wiser, too.”
“You’ve always been wise, Sam. It’s one of the many things I’ve admired about you. Though I do have to say that your snickerdoodles top the list.”
“I haven’t made snickerdoodles in like forever.”
“Want to?”
“Why not. Let me make sure I have everything I need to make them.”
“I’m excited. Will I get to see the special recipe or is it still private?”
“Behave and maybe I’ll share it with you.”
“I’ll be a good boy, honest!” He said it in a cartoon voice that made me think of the little dog that was always harassing the bulldog in the old Warner Brothers cartoons.
I chuckled and strode to my baking cabinet. After making sure I had all the ingredients I needed, I hollered out to Alex that we could, indeed, make the cookies after all. I set everything on the counter and got out my mixing bowls. When I was done I went looking for Al. He should’ve called back to me, but I thought maybe he was in the restroom or something.
I walked through my living room and into my bedroom. Alex was sitting on my bed stark naked.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
“I wanted to show you something.”
“Well, clearly, you wanted to show me everything.” I attempted to avert my eyes but it was difficult.
He was far more well-endowed than I remembered from our one drunken romp in college.
“No, Sam. You dirty minded minx. That’s not what I meant.” Within seconds he had transformed into a tiger.
“But how?”
“I was bitten a few months ago. I felt I ought to tell you in person since you told me the same way. Figured I owed you that respect.”
So he was good looking, successful, brilliant, fun, loving, we had a solid foundation of friendship, and he was a cat? It was awesome. My cat took notice of his and seemed to change her opinion, slightly.
“How is it I couldn’t smell you?” I should have known immediately he was a shifter, and especially a cat of some sort.
“I found a deodorant that works. It masks my smell perfectly. I have it made special, but it’s entirely worth it.”
“I had no idea they made those for us. I knew about the zombie strength stuff, but, then again, I’ve never really had to cover my scent before.”
“What about when you have to question a shifter?”
“I ask them questions. I’ve found my feline side to be helpful in calming them and making them feel at ease enough to talk. I get sort of a, Hey, she’s one of us vibe.”
“I’ll let you know the name of my guy, so he can hook you up. You ought to try it. Some of the bad ones that think humans are nothing more than stupid food really show their true faces when they think you’re human. It can help a lot in an interview. At least give you a leg up in that they won’t know you’re a shifter.”
“Thanks. I’ll try it someday. Now, spill. You heard my story, what’s yours?”
“First pizza, then we can talk tails.” He shifted back and I didn’t find his nudity any less discomforting knowing he’d done it to show me his tiger.
“Can you maybe, uh, put some clothes on?”
“Never had a woman say that before. Especially one who is staring so intently.”
“First time for everything.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
“I suppose there is.” He sounded serious and I wasn’t quite ready so I left the room and called for Chinese. I ordered one orange chicken and one beef and broccoli and cued up Psych on the DVD player. Then I put all the cookie making supplies back in the cupboards and got out paper plates and napkins, instead.
Chapter 22
ALEX HAD COME OUT OF MY ROOM NOT LONG AFTER ME and we sat talking about how we were going to start our case together and which laser grid I wanted in my house. I didn’t think the grid was a good idea, but I did have to admit the concept of a good night’s sleep was tempting.
Sure, I know grids can be gotten through like any other security device, but the idea of having one in place did make me feel a little more comfortable. At least it ruled out amateurs. Of course, whoever corrupted Grisly may be highly skilled at breaking and entering and assassainry. Is that even a word? If not, it should be.
Alex also installed a proximity alarm around my bed. He grinned the entire time. If someone, mouse sized to elephant sized, moved near my bed when the system was on an alarm would sound and my bed would buck. I was sure to be awakened and the intruder would be surprised. Especially by the holster installed in my headboard.
Needless to say I was starting to feel more secure. I also felt a little uncomfortable because of the cost. The system he was planning to install was the type designed for eccentric millionaires. I was just an FBI agent from Alabama. I wasn’t sure I could afford Alex’s plan and, being me, I told him so.
“Sam, don’t worry about price. You’ve been one of my dearest friends for over a dozen years; I want you safe and I can afford it. If it is something important to you, then we can set up some financing and you can make payments.”
“Why do I get the feeling you wouldn’t cash those checks?”
“Would you if the shoe was on the other foot?”
“No.”
“There’s your answer.”
The doorbell rang and I opened the door and found Quinn standing there.
“Hey, Q.”
“Gerry called me. He told me you asked for me on some special case you’re working?”
“Yeah. I asked for you and Alex.”
“Alex is here?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“That explains it.”
“What explains what?”
“I ran into Ben at the Bureau and he looked a bit lost. He said he’d just seen you and a friend, then he said he had to run and he took off looking like the weight of the world was on his shoulders.”
“I never said I would date him. Never told him I wanted anything but friendship from him, so I hope like hell you’re not trying to make me feel guilty.”
“Of course not, Sam. You know I’d never do that. Besides, you’re a free agent; what team you choose is your business. I was just voicing aloud my understanding of why he looked so off.”
“Good.”
“Hey, you’re my little sister; I just want to see you happy. I don’t care who you’re with, if they make you happy then I am happy for you.” Quinn ruffled my hair and I swiped at his big meaty paw. Alex came up behind me.
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“Thanks. That’s a lot of happy. But we’ve got other problems on our plate right now, namely Grisly’s puppet-master. We’re being tasked to find him. They think he’s within the Bureau.”
“You’re joking.”
“Sam never jokes about tracking down bad guys.”
I rolled my eyes at Alex before saying, “No. They’re certain that the one pulling his strings is at least at Gerry’s level, but not above. They were given clearance for this investigation and IAD is on the case with us, along with Alex.”
“Glad to be working with you again, man. Internal Affairs is getting involved? Shit. I really hope it’s not someone we know well.”
“Does that really make it better if it’s a stranger?”
“Well, yeah. Nobody wants to have been eating lunch next to a bad agent for a decade. Makes them look either like morons or complicit with the bad cop’s actions.”
“I was more thinking of the shame and disgrace they’ve brought to their badge and how many women lost their lives because someone felt they were above the law,” Alex said wryly.
“It’s good we caught it before it went too far. FBI agents should not be involved with fringe groups like AWFA. I’m not just saying that because you’re my friend and a shifter. Agents should be the good guys who protect and serve every member of their country, regardless of that person’s beliefs, politics, or complete asshole nature.”
“Well said.” I applauded Quinn.
“Thanks. You think I should try to sell it to Hallmark?”
“Oh, yeah. I can see the mass market appeal on that one.”
“So, do we have any leads that need following right now?”
“Nope, all clear until tomorrow.”
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