“Okay,” Laura agreed, deciding it was a good idea.
Jonno appeared surprised and she couldn’t help a chuckle. “I’m not stupid. Besides, Mike isn’t listening to me.” She checked her watch. “Thanks for bringing me home. I need to leave. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Not so fast. I’m going with you.”
Laura brushed past him, urgency thrumming through her body. She had a good feeling about this call out. They needed to move fast. “This is police business. Charlie will come with me.”
“I’m coming.” Jonno grabbed her upper arm, dragging her to an abrupt halt. “It’s not safe for you.” The hard light of determination glinted in his hazel eyes.
A spluttered laugh of disbelief escaped Laura. “Don’t be silly. I’m a cop. This is my job. It’s what I do. Look, I don’t have time to argue. Let me go.”
“You’re my mate. It’s my job to protect you,” Jonno countered. “I’m coming with you.”
They stared at each other, fighting an inner battle. Aware of the passing time, Laura gave in. “Fine, if it’s so important to you, but you will sit in the back and keep your opinions to yourself.”
Charlie met her at the front door, dressed in a police uniform—obviously more organized than she was in the laundry department. A woman could hate a man like that. A pity since she’d started to feel comfortable with Charlie.
“Where’s the call out?” Charlie asked.
Laura grabbed the keys for her police car. “Gerathies Road. Do you know where that is?”
“No idea,” Charlie said. “You have a map?”
“I’ll drive,” Jonno said. “I know where it is.”
Charlie and Laura exchanged a glance. Laura’s brows rose and Charlie shrugged.
“Okay,” she said, handing Jonno the keys. “Drive fast and safe. Don’t have an accident because although Charlie and I enjoy our jobs, we hate paperwork.”
“That’s true,” Charlie said as they hustled to one of the two police cars in the driveway.
To Laura’s relief, Jonno drove well and true to his word, he had them at the Fitzroy property on Gerathies Road in record time.
Laura scanned the shadows at the side of the road. “Anyone see anything?”
“No. Do you want me to stop here or drive to the house?”
“Pull over here. We’ll walk to the house. I don’t suppose you’d consider staying in the car?” Laura asked him.
“Nope.” Jonno pulled over and coasted to a stop in the dark shadows cast by a seven-foot hedge. He switched off the ignition.
A gunshot sounded, audible even in the interior of the car.
“Fuck,” Charlie said.
The three exploded from the car.
“Charlie, you go to the driveway. I’ll cut across the paddock,” Laura said.
Nodding, Charlie sprinted across the road and slipped into the shadows, silent despite his size.
“I’m going in feline form,” Jonno said, ripping off his clothes. “Be careful,” he growled as she dashed across the road and vaulted the fence.
With Jonno’s words echoing through her head, Laura crept through the paddock, almost tripping over a sleeping sheep before gaining her night vision. Cursing under her breath, she waited for the startled animal to quieten before striding toward the house. Another gunshot increased her pace to a sprint.
Laura slipped through another fence, scanning the house. It was ablaze with light and a skinny man dressed in baggy blue pajama pants waved a rifle. She caught sight of the silhouettes of two or possibly three figures before they blended with the shadows.
“Get the fuck out of my house, you bloody thieves!”
Mr. Fitzroy, she presumed.
The rifle fired again and someone yelped. In the background a woman cried and a small dog yapped hysterically.
“Police!” Charlie shouted. “Everyone freeze right where you are.”
Good thinking, Laura thought. “Police,” she shouted. “Mr. Fitzroy, put down the weapon.”
“No bastard will come sneaking into my house to steal my property,” Mr. Fitzroy roared.
Laura stalked closer, no longer trying to keep out of sight. At this point she thought it safer to stay visible. She didn’t like the way the rifle wavered in Mr. Fitzroy’s hands.
“You! Freeze right there,” Charlie hollered.
The person ignored the order. The rifle went off and someone screamed, his sprint faltering before he disappeared behind three bushes.
“I’ve hit the thieving bastard,” Mr. Fitzroy hollered.
Laura stepped into the light. “Police, Mr. Fitzroy. Put the weapon down now!”
“Let her have the rifle, Henry,” a tearful woman cried. “Before someone gets hurt.”
The instant Henry Fitzroy lowered the rifle, another of the lurking thieves made a run for cover. Charlie sprinted after them, leaving Laura to deal with the Fitzroys. She took custody of the weapon, knowing she’d have to charge the man, even though she felt sneaking sympathy for his plight. He was attempting to protect his property. The law didn’t see things the same way.
“Mr. Fitzroy, perhaps we can go inside. I need you to tell me what happened.”
“They stole our chicken dinner,” the man snapped. “Damn thieves. They should be shipped to Botany Bay.”
Laura choked back a laugh. Somehow she didn’t think Australia would welcome a new wave of convicts. “Okay, Mr. Fitzroy. Can we discuss it in your house?” She kept her voice low and soothing, having learned from experience that calmness went a long way toward soothing upset victims. “Mrs. Fitzroy, I don’t suppose you could make a cup of tea? I haven’t had dinner either.”
“Oh, you poor girl,” Mrs. Fitzroy said. “This way please.”
“What about the thieves?” Henry Fitzroy demanded. “Aren’t you going to chase them?”
“I have two colleagues with me. They’re in pursuit right now.” Jonno’s special skills might come in handy, although she shuddered to think what Charlie might say later.
“They’d better catch them. With all the tax I pay I deserve better protection.” The wiry man stomped into the doorway where his wife had disappeared, and with a sigh Laura followed. She prayed either Charlie or Jonno captured some of the thieves, although she didn’t hold too much hope. The two were on foot, and if the thieves reached the car before they did, they never have a chance to grab them.
Laura settled at the breakfast bar with Mr. Fitzroy, placing the rifle beside her after checking it wasn’t about to fire. She wished the man would don a shirt because his scrawny chest was mighty distracting. She sought diversion by asking questions.
“Can you tell me what’s missing?” A petite fox terrier trotted over to sniff at her ankles before wandering off again. Thankfully it had stopped the frantic high-pitched yapping once Mrs. Fitzroy calmed.
“I told you! Our chicken dinner. They took the whole bloody chicken.”
“And a loaf of bread,” Mrs. Fitzroy added. “Oh, it looks as if they raided the fruit bowl. It was full of apples and oranges earlier this evening.”
“So the thieves took food, and that’s all?” Laura asked.
Mr. Fitzroy vibrated with irritation. “Do you have a hearing problem, young lady? I told you they took the chicken intended for our meal.”
“Is anything else missing?”
“No. Henry caught them in the kitchen ten minutes after he rang you,” Mrs. Fitzroy said. “I’d left the side door open. I presume they came in that way.”
“Laura?” Charlie shouted.
“Okay.” Laura stood. “It sounds as if I’m needed. I’ll come back tomorrow morning to take your official statements. Mr. Fitzroy, I’m taking your rifle with me. We will discuss its possible return tomorrow.”
“Laura!” Charlie hollered again. “We have to go. Call out.”
“Tomorrow,” she repeated.
“What? You’re just leaving?” Mr. Fitzroy demanded.
“This sounds like an emergency, Mr. Fit
zroy.”
Charlie had the police car in the driveway. There was no sign of Jonno. Her heart flip-flopped, banging against her ribs. Laura grabbed the rifle and took off at a sprint, not liking the panicked tone of Charlie’s call. She dropped the weapon into the trunk, taking a mental note to lock it. Hopefully it’d be okay there until they could deposit it at the police station. She jumped into the vehicle. “Where’s Jonno?”
“He has the thieves with him. He told me to come and get you. There’s a teenager and a bloody big black cat. It looks like it should be in a zoo. What the fuck is going on?”
“I’ve no idea, but I suspect we’re going to find out,” Laura said.
“Your boyfriend isn’t wearing any clothes. Is this a new fashion I’ve missed while living in the country?” Charlie asked as he did a three-point turn and sped down the driveway to the road.
“Just as well you’re not gay, Charlie,” Laura said, unable to prevent a smirk. “I’d have to hurt you.”
“There’s Jonno. Grab his clothes, will you?” Charlie said. “He said they were in the backseat of the car.”
Laura reached over to grab the shirt and jeans, bumping her head when Charlie fishtailed to a screeching halt. “Ow, drive carefully, will you?”
“Your boyfriend just turned into a fuckin’ big leopard.”
Oops. Charlie shouldn’t see that.
“And now he’s naked again. What. The. Fuck.”
“I’m sure Jonno has an explanation.” Or at least Laura hoped he did because she didn’t think the Middlemarch feline shifters wanted gossip filtering to the human residents. She climbed from the police car, grabbing Jonno’s footwear before striding over to where Jonno stood naked on the edge of the road beside a quivering teenager and a panting black leopard. She shot a quick glance at Charlie before saying, “What’s going on?”
“These are our thieves. We need to take them to Saber’s house,” Jonno said. “And I need to call the vet. Do you think we can squeeze in the car?”
“Yeah. Okay. What about Charlie?”
“I want to know what’s going on here,” Charlie said, coming to a halt by the injured leopard. The feline snarled, its lips curling up to reveal sharp white teeth. He took a rapid step back, tension radiating from his pale face.
“Leave my brother alone,” the teenager said in a quivering voice, stepping between the leopard and Charlie.
Laura studied the kid with a distinct frown, scrutinizing his face. He was young.
“They won’t hurt him,” Jonno said. “Clothes?”
“Oh. Yeah.” Laura handed over the garments. “Sorry. I was enjoying the view.”
Jonno dressed, shoved his feet into his boots, forgoing socks. He stuffed them into his jeans pockets instead. “Charlie, I’ll explain everything to you once we get to the Mitchell homestead and call the vet. Terry, get into the police car.” Jonno walked over to the panting leopard. It snarled and tried to get up, falling back with a pained bark. “Steady there. Ramsay, I won’t hurt you. I’ve promised both you and your sister. I’m going to take you to someone who will help.”
“Sister?” Charlie asked.
Now that Laura examined the kid closer she could see the feminine features and mannerisms, the nervous licking of lips and fine frame.
“Come on, Terry. Are you hungry? I know I am. The sooner we get to the Mitchells, the sooner we’ll eat. We can help Ramsay there,” Jonno said.
“I don’t believe you,” the girl muttered, her manner sullen and rebellious. “I bet you’re gonna lock us in jail.” A tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away with an impatient hand.
“Go with Laura.” Jonno scooped up Ramsay, striding swiftly to the car. Terry followed and slipped into the car after Jonno and Ramsay.
“Are you coming?” Laura asked.
“Oh yeah,” Charlie said, shaking his head in astonishment. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Chapter Ten
This time Laura drove, heading to the Mitchell homestead, even though she was a cop and knew they should bypass Saber and go straight to jail. Not a single light shone from the house when she pulled up outside.
“Wake them,” Jonno said. “Bang on the door. Walk inside if the door’s open and shout for Saber. Tell Emily to ring for the vet.”
Charlie leapt from the car and ran to the front door, thumping on it. Laura watched him try the handle and step inside, disappearing from sight.
“Won’t they get upset with Charlie—a human—barging into their house?”
“Not Saber. He’s calm under pressure, which makes him a great leader. He’ll gather facts before he acts, except with Emily, then things are different,” Jonno said. “He’s protective.”
“What are you going to do with us?” The sullen voice from the rear of the car jerked Laura back to professional.
“What were you doing in the Fitzroys’ house?” Laura speared the girl—Terry—with the intent gaze she reserved for interrogation. “What were you after?”
Terry’s bottom lip jutted out in a sullen glower, making Laura wonder why she’d ever thought the girl a male. The pout was pure female and combined with an indignant sniff. “We were hungry. We haven’t eaten today.”
Laura could believe it. She’d heard the empty rattle of the girl’s stomach and seen her slight body. “How old are you?”
Terry’s chin shot upward. “Eighteen.”
“Try again, kiddo,” Jonno said. “The truth this time.”
Terry slumped into the seat. “Fourteen.”
“And your brother?” Laura asked, glancing at the prone Ramsay. The kid—leopard—looked in even worse shape than his sister, all skin and bones.
“Eighteen. Okay, seventeen,” she said as Jonno raised his brows in disbelief. “All right! Sixteen.”
“What’s up?” Saber asked, appearing beside the car.
Laura started, holding her girly shriek back to a harsh intake of breath.
“Gunshot,” Jonno said, taking over. “Has Emily called for Gavin?”
“Gavin is on his way.” Saber took in the panting leopard and his clear distress. “Let me help you.” He bent to take Ramsay from Jonno.
“Don’t hurt my brother! He hasn’t done nothin’. We were hungry.”
“My wife will give you food. How about coming inside while we get Gavin to tend your brother’s wound? He’ll give him something to help with the pain. Has he shifted since being shot?”
“Once,” Jonno said. “He had little control, so I told him to shift back to feline.”
With long strides, Saber carried him into the house. Terry darted from the car, following closely, as if she didn’t believe Saber wouldn’t hurt her brother.
A car pulled up and a man not much older than Jonno climbed out carrying a black bag.
“Your patient is inside, Gavin,” Jonno said.
With a nod, the new arrival hurried into the Mitchell house.
“Why a vet?” Laura rounded the car to meet Jonno on the other side.
“They’re shifters,” Jonno said, as if that should explain everything. It didn’t, just raised further questions. “Come on. We should supervise Charlie.”
“Good point.” She’d had longer to assimilate the existence of feline shifters. There was no telling how Charlie might react.
Apprehension bounced in the pit of Jonno’s gut as he walked into the homestead. Not only had he endangered the Middlemarch shifters by telling Laura about their existence, he’d brought Charlie into the equation. Saber might discipline him for the action. An ache speared his chest at the thought of rejection. Jonno reached for Laura’s hand, taking comfort from the warmth of her touch. He loved living in Middlemarch, socializing with other felines. Although the concept seemed foreign to his parents, Jonno found he needed the contact. It filled a hole in him, one he hadn’t known existed until he’d moved to Dunedin.
Jonno thought over his actions and sighed. There was nothing he’d have done different. He hoped Saber saw t
hings in the same light.
They found Charlie, Terry and Emily in the kitchen. Emily, bless her, had Charlie busy chopping tomatoes and slicing cheese while she rinsed lettuce and made sandwiches.
“Trying to make sure we eat our vegetables again, Emily?” Jonno asked, feeling the weight of tension lessen.
“Everyone requires a balanced diet,” Emily said without even turning around. “Pass this over to Terry, please.” A heaped plate of chicken salad sandwiches appeared in front of him. “Laura, there’s milk in the fridge. Please pour Terry a glass of milk.”
Laura sprang into action, and Jonno smiled. Emily held a power all of her own. Ten minutes later they were sitting around the table eating.
“Should I check on things?” Laura asked.
“No need.” Saber entered the kitchen with Gavin on his heels.
Terry shot to her feet, an empty plate flying off the edge of the table, knocked by a careless hand. “You’ve killed him.”
“Not me,” Gavin said. “Your brother is asleep. The bullet is small caliber and there’s not much damage. I’m more concerned about his physical well-being. Haven’t you been eating?” He strode over to Terry and took her chin in one hand, turning her face left and right. “You look as if you’ve been starving yourself.”
“We have no money,” Terry said, her tone back to sullen.
“Sit,” Saber said, his quiet authority working well on Terry. She slipped back into her seat. “Tell me what you’re doing in Middlemarch and why you broke into the Fitzroys’ house.”
“We came with Ramsay’s friends.” She snuck a quick glance at Charlie in his uniform before speaking so fast the words compressed into nonsense.
“Slower,” Saber said, taking a seat beside Emily.
“Ramsay’s friends steal jewelry and other things to sell in Dunedin and Christchurch. They needed someone who could climb into buildings. Ramsay is good at that stuff. He refused to do it unless I could hang with them too. Ramsay and I had nowhere to live. We needed the money.”
The girl’s guilty expression told Jonno she knew they were doing wrong. They’d done it anyway because they were out of options. “Where is your family?” Even though his father had kicked him out of the home at a young age, he’d still supported him financially for a couple of years.
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