Burning Both Ends
Page 16

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.
* * *
“Good afternoon, Arianna,” the president greeted her. “I trust your flight went well?”
She nodded and took the offered seat. They were meeting in the wizard’s private chambers attached to the Magic Hall. The governing council of forty members, representing the major and minor races, met next door each Friday morning. In contrast to the ornate opulence of the Hall, his office was sparse and utilitarian. The only concession to his importance was the gold wand in its crystal holder. She shifted her attention to the wizard, whose faded blue eyes were benevolent and questioning. He waited for her to begin.
Ari took a deep breath. “Sir, I’ll get straight to the point. I was approached by a man on the plane who claimed to be connected with Homeland Security. He said Steffan had been involved in secret negotiations for them. If this is true, I’d like to know why you didn’t tell me.”
“I must say, Arianna, you become more direct every day. Steffan is part of the discussions, not for Homeland Security, as that would be improper, but the federal authorities are very interested in the outcome.”
That made sense. Under the McFarland treaties, US government agencies were required to go through the Magic Councils. In some ways the Otherworlders operated like a separate country.