Burning Both Ends

by Ally Shields

  Anxiety made her clutch the phone a little tighter. “What’s already been done? Any leads? Theories? Have the woods been searched?” Hearing the stress in her voice, she made an effort to slow her racing pulse.

  “We’re making inquiries. Naturally Steffan’s pack has looked everywhere they could even remotely imagine he might be, and they’ve asked questions all over town. Everyone has pitched in, with no results. You have to come home, Arianna. If he isn’t found soon, or if he has been killed, you will be needed to help Martin keep the wolves under control.”

  “I understand. I’ll be on the first plane I can get, sir.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry I had to do this. I know you’re leaving things unsettled up there, but it can’t be helped. The Toronto Council has assured me they will keep us informed, and perhaps you can return as soon as Steffan is found. For now, your duty is here.”

  “I’ll contact you as soon as I land.” She wanted off the phone. She’d already gotten the message and needed time to think and plan.

  “I’ll wait for your call.”

  After she disconnected, Ari sat a moment, staring across the room at nothing. What could have happened to her friend? Even though she’d brought up the possibility, Steffan wouldn’t be sleeping it off. He never let himself get that out of control. He also wouldn’t disappear on his own, not for more than a few hours. Someone—or something—had kept him away, and she’d already lost too much time.

  But damn. What about Andreas? The situation here was far from stable. He needed all the help he could get. Instead, she was taking off, leaving him to face the situation alone. Even worse, she couldn’t stay long enough to explain. Her plane would leave before he woke. Ari bit her lip to hold back the frustration that threatened to spill over into tears. She’d accepted their separation was inevitable, but it shouldn’t have come so soon—and not like this.

  She turned a stricken face to the waiting werelions. “I have to go home.”

  Russell nodded. “We heard. Steffan’s missing. What’s happened to him?”

  She shook her head. “They don’t have any idea, and it’s been two days. He could be injured and waiting for someone to find him. But what about the situation here?” Ari swallowed. She couldn’t seem to wrap her head around her next move.

  “Andreas will be fine,” Russell said. “I’ll see to that. He has friends around him now, and the vampires from home arrive tonight.”

  Lilith started for the door. “I’ll make our flight arrangements and pack.”

  “Wait, Lilith.”

  The lioness looked back. “I’m going with you. Somehow I’ve taken on the job of bodyguard. Or was it babysitter?” she added with an attempt at humor.

  “But your place is with Russell,” Ari said. She wanted Lilith with her but didn’t want to separate husband and wife. It wasn’t fair. It was bad enough she was being torn away from her boyfriend…her lover or whatever he was to her.

  “Not this time. My place is with you, and Russell’s is here. It’s what friends do.” She spoke to Ari, but she looked at Russell. “When I get back, think of the great reunion sex.” Lilith left laughing.

  Russell watched his wife’s retreating figure with a shake of his head. “She’s making the right decision, you know. Think about it. Whatever is happening in Riverdale, you’ll need help from someone. The old team won’t be there, Andreas won’t be there, and Daron’s vamps are already stretched thin. Your human cop friends won’t be much help with Otherworld affairs, and Steffan’s pack may be too disorganized to think clearly. You’ll need a cool head at your side, and no one can do that better than Lilith.”

  “OK, OK, I know you’re right,” Ari conceded. She didn’t admit how relieved she was. “And I promise you, I’ll keep her safe.”

  Russell chuckled. “I think she’s already claimed the babysitter role. She might try to kick your butt, if she heard you talk like that.”

  * * *

  Two hours later Lilith and Ari were on a plane. They’d explained the situation to the rest of the lycanthropes, and Ari had left a much-rewritten note for Andreas. It had grown shorter with every version. In the end, she included only the facts and a promise she would call him later. She signed it “Love, Ari.” Pathetic, but the best she could do.

  They made their connecting flight in Chicago and were only an hour out of Riverdale when Ari first noticed the disturbance near the front of the plane. Loud voices from two human males drew everyone’s attention. Lilith and Ari glanced at one another in surprise, but Ari returned to thumbing through the on-board magazine. It had ads for the weirdest things. Who needed an electric back scratcher? Or bunny clips to pair your socks?

  The commotion from the front grew louder. An older man lunged to his feet and demanded in a precise British accent, “Take that back, sir. I declare, I have never been so offended.”

  Ari watched as the flight attendant hurried to calm the irate passenger. The portly older man brushed off her restraining hand and pointed a chubby finger at his seat companion. “You must remove this insufferable person. I refuse to sit next to him the rest of this flight.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, but the flight is full. There isn’t another seat available. What is the problem?”

  “We were having a perfectly civil political discussion when he called me the most inexcusable names. So offensive, I dare not repeat them.”

  “You were offended? What about me?” the other man demanded, huffing out his cheeks.

  “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but you’ll have to stay in your seats and lower your voices. If you’ll both stay calm, I’m sure we can work something out. Perhaps you can avoid talking about politics.” The flight attendant was doing her best, but the two passengers weren’t being cooperative. Although they lowered their voices, the strident tones carried throughout the plane.

  “He’s not sitting with me,” the man still seated declared. “I’ve had enough of his fascist theories. I paid good money for this seat, and I’m not moving.”

  “Fascist?” was the indignant response. “That does it. I wouldn’t dream of sitting beside you. In the interests of civility, I will move,” the portly man announced. He looked around at the other passengers and finally his gaze stopped on Lilith. “You,” he pointed at her. “I’ll change places with you, young lady. Perhaps you can tolerate sitting next to this…this…” During his speech, the man’s focus shifted to Ari. He regarded her with such purpose that she laid her hand on Lilith’s arm to stop her automatic protest. This performance had been planned for Ari’s benefit, and she wanted to know why.

  “Perhaps you should humor him, Lilith. We don’t need an onboard fight, and it can’t be for more than forty-five minutes or so.”

  Lilith looked surprised, then wiped her expression and unfastened her seat belt. “OK,” she agreed. As she stood, she leaned over Ari and whispered, “You owe me an explanation.”

  It didn’t take long to make the exchange, since both Lilith and the portly man held aisle seats. The flight attendant fussed over Lilith and offered to bring her anything she needed. The man settled next to Ari, nodded pleasantly in her direction, then opened his laptop and became absorbed in its contents. Ari returned to her magazine without comment. In less than two minutes, her patience was rewarded.

  “Sorry for the dramatics, but I wanted to speak with you before we got off the plane.” The man kept his face turned toward the computer screen and spoke softly. “I’m afraid that other poor fellow is convinced I’ve escaped from some lunatic asylum.” He expelled a sigh. “He doesn’t offend easily, and I became quite outrageous before he grew tired of the verbal abuse. I don’t like being so uncivil, but it couldn’t be helped.” He chuckled softly. “In the end, it was effective, for here we are.”

  What a bizarre person. The old guy certainly had a fertile imagination. If meeting Ari was his goal, she could think of a dozen easier ways, like introducing himself. He was lucky flight security didn’t take him into custody. Or Homeland Security. W
eren’t air marshals on flights these days? She kept a wary eye on him and waited to hear what he wanted.

  He glanced sideways at her face. “You’re thinking I’m a stalker, aren’t you? I’m not. Just a little rusty at this sort of thing.”

  “What sort of thing are we talking about? Don’t you think it’s time you got to the point?” Ari kept her voice low and appeared to study her magazine. She was intrigued enough to play his game for now.

  “I’m getting there. Young people are so impatient. Horatio Jones is the name. At one time—more years ago than I care to remember—I worked for your CIA. Retired long ago, but then this little problem came up. They needed someone to blend in, someone no longer official. That’s how I got involved.”

  “Involved with what? What would the CIA want with me?” Ari almost called a flight attendant. Maybe Jones had escaped from an asylum.

  “Not the CIA. Not this time. I’m here on behalf of Homeland Security.”

  Ari measured him with an appraising look. He wasn’t an air marshal. No way. CIA? Homeland Security? Come on. The man needed a keeper.

  “I understand your doubts,” Jones said, seemingly unruffled, “but surely you didn’t think the federal government was unaware of you? Perhaps you’ll believe me when I tell you this involves your friend Steffan.”

  Ari’s blood turned to ice. This was no longer even faintly amusing. How would some random psycho know about Steffan? She’d never doubted Steffan was in serious trouble, but this man’s presence proved she didn’t have any idea what was happening. This wasn’t just a pack thing. CIA, Homeland Security, kidnapper or shyster—Jones’s appearance doubled her concern for the missing werewolf.

  “What do you know about Steffan?” she whispered through stiff lips.

  “I know he’s missing. I know that you’re going home to look for him, and that your Magic Council and Homeland Security are alarmed over his disappearance.” Jones glanced at his watch. “We haven’t much time. Why don’t I tell you why I’m here? You can verify my credentials later.”

  “Fair enough. Let’s hear it.”

  “Your friend has been working with the US government. In light of the increased terrorist activity around the world, they hope to establish a network of werewolf clans to pass and gather intelligence, operatives who have the ability to travel quickly and unobtrusively over any terrain, and who are able to defend themselves without detectable weapons. Steffan was in secret negotiations to create a North American coalition to provide trained recruits.” Jones changed his computer screen with a finger click to some YouTube video. Ari was amused by his attempt to cover their conversation. “Two nights ago,” he continued, “Steffan was supposed to attend a critical meeting. When he failed to arrive and could not be found, his disappearance not only raised concerns for his safety but placed the future of the coalition in jeopardy. The negotiations are stalled.”

  The flight attendant’s voice interrupted over the intercom to announce their approaching touchdown and to turn off all electronic devices.

  Jones made a show of packing his laptop in a carrying case, winding the cords of his earphones before stashing them inside. His actions were casual, unhurried, and in stark contrast to his next words. “National security has been compromised, Ms. Calin. Your government wants to find Steffan as badly as you do—whether he is dead, held captive or has simply changed his mind and pulled out of the agreement.”

  Ari flushed with indignation. She turned her head to glare at him. “Never. Steffan wouldn’t just drop out without telling someone. He’s too dedicated.”

  “Lower your voice, Ms. Calin. Discretion, please. Your loyalty to your friend is touching, and I hope it is not misplaced. I will remain in Riverdale to assist you in any way I can until this matter is resolved.” He handed her a business card with a number scrawled on the back. “You can reach me at any hour. Consider me your liaison. But I must caution you to be circumspect with what we have discussed. If this information leaks, the network’s future effectiveness will be compromised, destroying the work your friend has already done.”

  Ari scowled, while she ran the possibilities through her head. Jones’s story was fantastic, but parts of it rang true. She saw the potential for Homeland Security to use the wolves. What better spies than furry, four-legged creatures that were incredibly strong, swift, and could go anywhere in near silence? A coalition was the sort of thing Steffan would support. And he had told her and Andreas about some mysterious meetings.

  “I don’t need a liaison with the feds. I have my own sources. Otherworld sources.”

  “Exactly. That is why the government allowed, even requested, that you join the investigation.”

  Ari stiffened. Did he think he or the government could dictate to the Magic Council?

  Jones must have realized his mistake. “I didn’t mean to imply Homeland Security would intrude on Otherworld business, but this is also their business. Because of the sensitivities involved, Homeland Security is offering to stay out of any direct involvement, if they can be confident you are handling this and will keep them informed. Cooperation will prevent misunderstandings that otherwise might further endanger your friend.”

  “Assuming I believe what you’ve said, why you? Why call someone out of retirement?”

  “You mean an old man?” Jones chuckled under his breath. “If you wanted to keep official interest a secret, can you think of anyone who looks less like a government agent?”

  Ari surveyed his brown slacks, cardigan sweater, loafers, and benign countenance. He had a point. A retired professor, perhaps.

  He added, “I could be your favorite uncle from out of town.”

  Ari smothered a laugh. Didn’t he know she was a witch? Non-human. What kind of briefing had he been given? None of the people who knew her would accept his uncle story. On the other hand, she wasn’t worried about her friends. His cover might be acceptable for the rest of the world. She didn’t expect to see him again anyway.

  By the time the plane touched down, Jones and Ari had agreed on their cover story. They walked together on the way to baggage claim. She wasn’t sure she trusted him, or even believed him, but he was involved somehow. She wanted to know if he was friend or foe. When Lilith joined them, Ari couldn’t resist introducing him as Uncle Horatio. Lilith showed little reaction to the story, but Ari knew she’d get the third degree as soon as she and the lioness were alone.

  Jones’s former seatmate came by and made a large detour around them. She smiled at his hasty departure. No doubt the man believed he’d successfully avoided a certifiable nut case and would never suspect his former seatmate dabbled in national intrigue. Wouldn’t believe it if she told him. Jones as a secret agent? Ridiculous enough to be true.

  Chapter Seven

  “Uncle Horatio?” Lilith’s face was incredulous. As soon as Ari retrieved Andreas’s Lexus from airport parking, Lilith refused to wait any longer for an explanation.

  Ari grinned and launched into her story. Chuckling and sometimes imitating Jones’s rather stuffy manner, she told Lilith all about the man who claimed to be a retired government spy.

  “No!” Lilith chortled. “I can’t wait to tell Russell, but no one is going to believe this happened.”

  “You can’t tell him,” Ari said. “At least not over a regular cell phone. It’s actually pretty serious business.” As soon as Ari finished telling the rest of what Jones said, she placed a call to the Magic Council president. If Steffan was working on secret negotiations of some kind, the old wizard who headed up the Council should know. Why hadn’t he told her?

  “Sir, I’m in town, and I think we need to talk. In private,” she said stiffly, as soon as he answered. “I’ve heard a strange story I would like to discuss with you.”

  “I’m glad you’re back.” The wizard’s normally unruffled voice sounded relieved. “I will be at the Magic Hall for the next hour or two. Come anytime.”

  “I’ll be there shortly.”

  “He’s got to
know you’re pissed about something,” Lilith said when Ari disconnected. “Dead giveaway. You were way too polite.”

  “I’m always polite.” Ari spun the steering wheel through a sharp corner and slid her gaze at Lilith. “At least to the wizard. He’s much older and smarter than I am, and he’s the president.”

  Lilith grabbed the seat with both hands. “Uh, can you watch the road?”

  “But he could have told me about Homeland Security, Jones, and the meetings. I don’t like secrets.” Ari accelerated, shooting past a slower-moving vehicle.

  “Maybe there’s a good reason why he waited. If you go in there all mad, he’s not going to like it.”

  “Give me some credit.” Ari pulled the car to a sudden halt in front of the Magic Hall. “Wait here. This shouldn’t take long. Call your honey. He’s probably waiting to hear you arrived safely.” Ari checked her cell phone messages for the third time since they’d landed. “Maybe you can find out how much trouble I’m in with Andreas. I’m sure he’s awake, but he hasn’t called. I’m thinking it’s not a good sign.”

  Lilith nodded. “You go play nice with Mr. President, and I’ll find out about Andreas.”

  Ari hated Lilith’s too-understanding look. She also hated worrying about this relationship stuff. If she hadn’t gotten involved with Andreas, she wouldn’t be suffering this sense of loss. Or feeling anxious about his reaction to her rushed departure. Or even worse—worrying about all the reasons he might not survive another night. What if Sebastian’s vampires revolted or betrayed him?

  Ari took a deep breath to steady herself. Determined not to think about those possibilities right now, she exited the Lexus. The cold gust hit her. The weather had changed sharply while they’d been gone. Winding a scarf around her neck and tossing one end over her shoulder, she lifted her chin into the wind and headed into the Magic Hall to get some answers.