Rafael Read online

  Once Jonathan gave the all-clear, the men headed to their respective transportation. They all said goodbye and left for home. Frey helped the two new members grab their luggage, and Priscilla directed them to their rooms.

  Rafe walked him to his SUV. “Well, what do you think?” Rafe respected Frey’s opinion as much as anyone’s.

  “I have a feeling I know what the problem is, but until I know for sure, I’d rather not speculate. If I’m correct, we need to speak to Sin. Have Jasper and Lor come see me tomorrow at the dojo.”

  Rafe clasped his hand, shaking it then pulled him in for a hug. “Thank you, Brother. I will talk to you tomorrow.” He waited until Frey was out of sight then went in search of his new houseguests. Voices coming from the kitchen told him Priscilla was entertaining them.

  Rafe leaned against the door jamb while Lorenzo was telling Priscilla all about Sinclair’s housekeeper, Ingrid. Jasper was watching Lorenzo intently. Rafe’s laughter startled them all but none more than Jasper. If a Gargoyle could blush, his face would be scarlet. The fact that he wouldn’t meet Rafe’s gaze was a clear sign he was embarrassed. Rafe walked up behind his cousin and placed his hands on his shoulders, offering a comforting gesture.

  “Priscilla, how long has it been since you spoke to Ingrid?” Most of the servants came from the same family lines, and he should have realized they were related.

  “I talked to her just yesterday. She called to warn me about these two.” She pointed at them with the spoon she was using to stir some sort of sweet batter. Priscilla was always baking something sinful and fattening since Rafe loved his sweets. “She told me that Lorenzo is a health nut and that Jasper really likes his meat.”

  Rafe could feel the younger man tense beneath his hands. Instead of playing off the double meaning, he patted his cousin on the shoulder and let it go. “Then Jas and I will get along famously since I love a good steak as well.” He used the shortened name hoping to ease the tension he felt pouring off his new brother. Is this what Frey was going to find out for certain, that Jasper preferred men? Rafe didn’t care who he liked as long as he was loyal to the family and did his job. He wouldn’t be the first gay Clan member. Rafe realized a long time ago that love was love, no matter the gender.

  Jasper relaxed, glancing back at his King. Rafe squeezed his shoulder for extra reassurance. “If you two are okay with your accommodations, I will leave you in good hands and say good night.”

  Both men stood, shaking Rafe’s hand. He excused himself to his suite. He wanted to call Sin, but he would allow Frey time to come to the same conclusion he had about Jasper. Rafael felt an unrest in his body, the yearning to let go, unfurl his wings, and fly high above the city. He wouldn’t kid himself. He was headed to Kaya’s again.

  It wasn’t often one of the Clan broke the law willingly. Nik felt that sneaking into the public library after hours technically wasn’t wrong. He wanted to research the public information, and he could not do that with a certain librarian in attendance. Therefore, Julian hacked into the security system and allowed Nikolas entrance when no one else was there.

  Instead of taking the elevator, he took the steps to the third floor. That familiar scent filled his senses, causing a slight flutter in his stomach. Pushing the memory to the back of his mind, he strolled past the desk where the cute brunette was sitting earlier. He made his way to the computer bank and typed gargoyle into the search field. Thousands of references came up, most having to do with the stone structures that paid homage to his bloodline. It took several hours, but Nik scrolled through every mention of gargoyle on the system. He began writing down reference books that mentioned origins.

  He walked through the rows of books until he found the ones that weren’t solely based on folklore. His excellent night vision squelched the need for lighting. When he was about to give up, he happened upon one passage that mentioned the shifters and their origins. The footnote mentioned the source of the passage that led to another book. He returned to the computer and researched the book and its author. Locating the mentioned book, he pulled it off the shelf and was just about to sit down to look through it when his cell phone buzzed.

  He looked at the text message from Julian: “Get out of there now.”

  Nik placed all the books back where they came from with the exception of the last one he picked out. He would borrow it and return it tomorrow night. He paused and listened. Footsteps were coming up the stairwell on the first floor. If he hurried, he could make it to the roof before the security guard found an intruder. As quietly as a mouse hiding from a tomcat, he opened the door to the stairs and ran two steps at a time to the top floor. He exited onto the roof, thankful Julian was manning the alarm. He tucked the book into the waistband of his jeans and removed his shirt, tying it around his waist. He phased as he was running to the edge of the roof and launched into the night sky.

  Chapter 15

  Kaya dragged herself into the precinct, tired from lack of sleep. It had been a long time since Kaya felt as aggravated in her job as she did at this moment. She knew the routine: discover, research, follow, investigate, solve. This case left her feeling like a rookie. A certain suspect kept her distracted to the point of frustration. What was it about him that demanded her attention? He was just a man after all. On top of that, the last few nights had been restless. She felt as if she were being watched.

  If she could connect with Dane, she would feel better about taking the weekend off to relax. Rarely did she take time off from work. Her last vacation, about five years ago, had been mandatory after being shot during a drug bust. The scar on her right shoulder still ached when it was going to rain. Not that she was able to get out of town, but even if she could, she had nowhere she wanted to go.

  If she were a girly girl, she would go to the spa for a relaxing massage and pedicure. Manicures were out of the question. She long ago gave up painting her nails. They would chip within an hour and just piss her off for wasting the money. Maybe a shopping trip was in order. Right. What did she need? New uniforms? Maybe she would buy a new dress for the ball. Just because she went alone didn’t mean she couldn’t look her best.

  Sighing, she opened her laptop. Before she could worry about the weekend, she had to get through today. The first email was from the Governor’s office reminding her to RSVP for the ball. She looked closer at the message. It contained a copy of the invitation. This year’s ball was themed: Masquerade. That might be interesting. She hit reply just as the dispatch band announced an assault in progress at Lion Hart Dojo and Gym. It was said to be the elite training facility in the south. Geoffrey Hartley, owner, was a cousin of the Stone brothers.

  Rodgers and Smithson were in the vicinity and took the call. Kaya had trained at the dojo. Geoffrey Hartley ran a tight ship and took no shit from anyone. He was a mixed martial arts trainer, former Marine, and all around badass. If there was a dispute, Kaya hated to see what the other guy looked like. Soon enough she would read the report when it came across her desk.

  Her desk phone rang. “Kane.”

  “Hey boss, it’s Dane. I need to take a couple of days off. I’ve come down with a virus, and it’s contagious.”

  “No problem. Did you check out that lead yesterday? Do you have anything to report?”

  “I did check it out but nothing came from it so far. Look, Chief, I’m sorry to bail on you. I’ll be back in as soon as my fever breaks, yeah?”

  “Yeah. Feel better, Abbott.” She hung up the phone. Something was up with him. He never missed work. She often made him go home when she was afraid he was going to get the rest of her team sick.

  Sitting back in her chair, she flicked her ink pin back and forth between her forefinger and thumb. She stared at the ceiling as though it would give her the answers she sought.

  Screw it. She was going to talk to Rafael Stone. He said he could provide video verification of his whereabouts. She opened her cell phone and called his number.

  “Stone, Incorporated. How may I direct
your call?” She recognized Willow’s voice.

  “Willow, this is Chief Kane. I need to speak to Mr. Stone, please.”

  “I’m sorry, he isn’t in yet. May I have him call you?”

  “Yes, tell him it’s important.”

  “Yes Chief, I’ll let him know right away.”

  “Thank you, Willow.” She thumbed off her phone.

  One of her other detectives walked in and placed a file on her desk. “Here you go, Chief. The report on the armed robbery from last night.”

  “Thanks.” At least she had a file to look over, anything to keep her mind busy.

  All of the lights in Dane’s apartment were off, the curtains drawn. Never having had a migraine, he wasn’t one hundred percent sure he knew what one felt like, but he imagined it felt like this. Every sound was amplified so much that he thought his head was going to explode.

  His skin itched like he was infected with the worst case of chicken pox known to mankind. His joints ached, his gums hurt. He truly felt like he was dying. Why didn’t he get that pain prescription when Dr. Sarantos offered it? He could call her now, but there was no way he could go get it. He could ask Kaya to bring it to him, but he didn’t want her to see him this way: fucking curled up in the fetal position on the floor. The tile was cooler on his skin than the cotton of his comforter. He heard the door slam down the hall and knew it was the kid who worked at the morgue. Trevor was weird, but he was friendly enough and often kept Dane entertained on boring Friday nights.

  He dragged himself off the floor and made it to the front door before his neighbor had time to disappear down the steps. “Trevor. Hey Trevor.” It took him a couple of tries before his voice caught.

  The kid turned around and looked surprised. “Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you? Are you fucking contagious? Whatever the fuck that is, I don’t want it.” He was pointing his finger at Dane and circling it to emphasize that.

  “I don’t know what this is, but I need meds. Will you stop at the pharmacy on your way home for me?”

  “Sure, but do you think you’ll live that long? I mean fuck bro, you look like shit on a stick.”

  “Yeah, bro and I feel a million times worse. If I happen to kick it before you get back, you can have my gaming system.” Trevor was an all-around great guy. He loved his job and talked about it non-stop when they spent time together. His didn’t take life too serious and lack of maturity made him that much more enjoyable to be around.

  “Fuck man, don’t talk the morbid talk. I was kidding. Shouldn’t you maybe, I don’t know, go see a doctor?”

  “I did, yesterday. Until she gets the test results back, the jury’s still out.”

  “Okay, which pharmacy? And for the record, I think you should call her back and tell her the fucking jury better hurry the hell up.”

  “I’ll have her use the one at the hospital so you don’t have to go out of your way. Now, I’m going back in here and pass out. Thanks, Trevor.”

  “Yeah man, I’ll see you later.”

  Dane shut the door and went to the thermostat on the wall. Even though it was October and the weather was cooling off outside, it felt like a furnace in his apartment. He cranked the AC down to fifty.

  Chapter 16

  Breakfast dishes were cleared away, and the men were enjoying their coffee on the patio. “I’ve read your files. Lor, if you want to continue working at the quarries we could use you. Finley, like yourself, is ready for a change of scenery. He’s been with us quite a while, and the workers are getting a little suspicious that their boss of almost twenty years still looks to be in his thirties. Good genes can only be explained for so long.”

  “Yeah, I’d be honored Rafe. It’s almost a passion of mine and where I feel most useful.”

  “Jasper, what about you? Your employment hasn’t been consistent like Lorenzo’s, but you have been a fireman several times. Is that something you’re interested in?”

  His cousin was nodding his head. “Yes, it is. I really enjoy serving the community and being a fireman is one of the more exciting jobs. That or being a police officer. Where am I most needed? Do we have anyone on the inside?”

  Rafe was glad to see Jasper truly was a team player. “As a matter of fact, we do not have anyone on the force at the moment. There’s nothing in your file about you being a cop before now. Are you sure that is something you want to commit to?”

  “Definitely. There were already several men on the inside on the west coast, so I opted for the next best thing. If it pleases you, I would love the opportunity. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

  “Well then, I will get Jules on your paperwork and we’ll get you transferred immediately. Thank you, Jasper. Lorenzo, you can start at the quarry tomorrow. I will let Fin know he can make plans to head west. He can show you the ropes for a few days then head out. Today, I would like for you both to spend some time at the gym with Frey. Being shifters, we don’t need to work out, but we do it to keep up appearances. He also teaches martial arts, if that is something you are into. It does come in handy, being able to explain our hand-to-hand abilities.

  “Now, I have business to see to so I will leave you to your coffee. Jonathan will drive you downtown around ten. Just meet him out front. Good day my brothers.”

  “And to you our King.” Both men stood as Rafe did, but he waved them off.

  Priscilla was holding the coffee pot when he met her in the kitchen. Holding his cup out, he watched his faithful servant as she poured the hot liquid. “Sir, I put your mail on your desk. I noticed the invitation to the Police and Fireman’s Ball is not in the trash. Are you considering going this year?”

  “As a matter of fact I am. It’s a masquerade ball. Since the invitation does not indicate the name of the invitee, I could go and still keep my anonymity.” Rafe had thrown the invitation in the garbage can. As soon as he met Kaya Kane in his office, he came home and pulled it back out. “I have plenty of suits. What I do not have is a mask. Can you see to that for me?”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  Rafe kissed her on the cheek and headed to his office to make a few phone calls. The first one was to Sin. His brother should be up by now.

  “Yo. How are my two transfers doing?” The cheeriness in Sin’s voice was a pleasant surprise. The last few times Rafe had spoken to him he sounded stressed.

  “Actually they are doing remarkably well. That’s why I’m calling. Well, that and I need to send Finley your way. Have you already replaced Lor at the quarry?”

  “No, I was going to look into that today. If Fin wants the job, it’s his.”

  “Good, I will speak to him this morning. Lorenzo is assuming Fin’s role here. Jasper has agreed to join the police force since we have no one on the inside at the moment.”

  “Really? And he’s showing no signs of aggression?” Sinclair sounded completely amazed.

  “No, he’s not. He’s the picture of the perfect brother, Sin. I want to ask you what the problem was on your end. Was there something about him that caused you to treat him differently than the others?”

  “He was shy and I couldn’t really get him to talk to me. I guess I may have pushed him too hard to come out of his shell. Why, do you know something I should know?”

  “I believe I do. Until I know for certain, I am keeping it to myself though. I do not want to speak out of turn if what I think is not true. When I find out for sure, I will let you know. I believe his aggression was a defense mechanism.”

  “As long as he is working out for you that is all that matters. Has Julian been able to determine how the files were hacked? That is still troubling to me.”

  “As it is to me, Brother. He informed me last night the he has the system updated and it should now be impenetrable. He is afraid the hack came from inside the family. He is supposed to call this morning with an update.”

  “Who on the inside would fuck with the system?”

  “That is a very good question. One I hope he finds the a
nswer to.”

  “Any other business before I go?”

  No, my brother. Have a good day.”

  “Same to you.” Rafe disconnected the phone then waited for a dial tone, calling Willow.

  “Good morning, Willow, how are you today? Excellent. Yes, thank you. Please RSVP to the Governor’s office that I will be attending the Ball this year. Yes, you heard correctly. Yes, I have that covered. No, I will not be taking a date. She did? Thank you, I will return her call. Yes, I will see you later.”

  Before he could think about Chief Kane calling him, his phone rang. Julian. “Good morning, Brother. Do you have good news for me?”

  “Maybe. I am still digging into the firewall breach. As for the email from Bartholomew Cromwell, it seems to have gotten through because it was sent at the same time the firewall was down. Even though it appears to be a coincidence, I am not taking any chances.

  “I have researched Cromwell and his company. He tried to bury the true company behind several false fronts, but I was able to get several layers deep. The odd thing about it all is the parent company, WSD, Inc. is owned by a Richard Adams.”

  “That name sounds familiar… Richard Adams…”

  “If you were Nik, you would have picked up on it immediately. Since you do not read as often as our dear brother, I will tell you. Richard Adams wrote Watership Down, the dystopian novel about rabbits. Thus the initials for his company, WSD. Now, I do not believe this to be the true Richard Adams since he is no longer of this world.”

  “So what you’re saying is, we still have no idea who sent the email?”

  “That’s what I’m saying. I will keep digging. Also, Nik wanted me to tell you he may have come across something. A book he found at the library seems interesting, with the interesting part being the author: J.V. Montague.”

  “Montague, as in Jonas Montague?”

  “One in the same. This was written as fiction many years before the clone wars. In this novel, the heroine is human, and her mate is a shifter. His shifter isn’t named by species, but it does have similar characteristics with Gargoyles. This seems too much of a coincidence to let it go. I am researching his whereabouts as well as his next of kin. If we can find him or his other writings, we might find out if he knew the truth of us.”