I Kissed a Dog

chapter 31

The meeting’s remaining minutes passed without incident. There were a few heated words in response to Logan’s ideas for expansion into more family-friendly markets. The person most opposed to anything he suggested was the murderer, Martin. He could see no financial benefit to changing their already successful business model.

While they were debating the details of Logan’s business plan, I made one unsuccessful attempt to infiltrate the mind of Boss, but the Doberman’s thoughts were guarded by a smoky haze. I could make out movements beyond the fog-like barrier, but was unable to latch onto anything of substance. His mysterious owner rested a hand on his pet’s head. I couldn’t help wondering if his hand somehow shielded the dog’s mind from my probing.

The discussion regarding Logan’s new ideas had changed the meeting’s entire atmosphere. No one seemed the least bit interested in me or my note taking. I sipped coffee and counted the minutes until could tell Zane and Logan about Martin and Mr. McQuillen.

I didn’t have to wait long before James McQuillen made the final announcement. “Thank you all for attending. Logan Sanders, our dear friend and business associate, has given us a great deal to consider. I also want to say it’s been a pleasure to welcome Cassandra to our group.” He nodded my direction. “Everyone is excused except for the elders.”

“Back in fifteen,” Logan stated.

I practically leapt from my seat, rushing into the hallway. Where was the little girls’ room when you needed one?

“Excuse me, Ms. Carpenter?” the other woman, Maureen Harper, tapped my shoulder. “Are you looking for the ladies room?”

Relieved to see her smile, I sighed. “Was it that obvious?”

“Let’s just say, I know how it feels to be in a room of chauvinistic men for more than two hours. Follow me.”

We exited our stalls in unison and faced the long mirror. I scrubbed my hands, wishing I could wipe away the filth of my lies. Keeping secrets from Zane was eating me from the inside out. I’d made a huge scene in Vegas over his supposed secrets, yet here I was carting around several biggies of my own. The biggest being that I’d made out with a very sexy and powerful vampire, not once, but twice. And I’d liked it.

I’d also somehow managed to pull one of his closest friends into my scheming. If I felt this bad, Alcuin had to be feeling worse. Or did he? I wasn’t convinced that vampires handled their emotions the same way as humans.

“Are you okay?” Maureen asked, now rubbing her palms together under the dryer.

I was still washing.

Realizing how silly I must look, I rinsed and shut off the water. “I’m just nervous. I made an utter fool of myself.”

Maureen leaned toward the mirror, and expertly applied a burgundy shade of lipstick. “I’ve been there. Shake it off. The next meeting is the most important.”

“What’s different?” I hated to appear so naïve.

“For one, it’s just the elders. There will be several additions to the group, and we’ll be discussing some pretty serious issues. I’m guessing Logan’s at least briefed you on the Plum Beach murders.”

Not sure what to say, I nodded, and made a point of finding my own lipstick.

“I’m certain, if you’re working in this capacity with him, you know his real identity?” She arched one sculpted brow, anticipating my reply.

Two young women breezed in, interrupting us. I tried not to look too relieved.

Maureen glanced at her Rolex. “We better get going.”

Back at the table, I drew another map and scribbled the names of those still in attendance. James McQuillen, Maureen Harper, Logan and Zane, Roger Ryker, and two newcomers — Jonas Kallappa and Theo Secor. The fact that Martin the Murderer was absent renewed my hope that I could end the meeting on a positive note.

“Why’d Martin leave?” Theo Secor asked gruffly.

“Because I asked him to,” said McQuillen. “We’ve all got places to be. Let’s get down to our most recent problem. Zane, updates from Plum Beach?” McQuillen crossed his arms over his barreled chest.

“We’ve had four murders. All young men, none over thirty. It’s been a week since the last victim. I’ve also found the animal reader.”

My breath caught. What was he doing? I thought I was a secret. I grabbed my glass, nearly inhaling the water.

Zane wasn’t done. “Considering Martin is no longer present, I’d like you to meet Chloe Carpenter.” He stood and extended his hand, which I refused.

I was enraged. How dare he do this without warning me? Was he crazy? Now my so-called cover was blown to pieces. Talk about keeping secrets! And to think I’d been ready to reveal mine.

James McQuillen grinned. “I was right.”

Good for you! I barked silently for his ears alone.

He had the nerve to throw back his head and laugh, like a maniac as far as I was concerned. Whatever the joke, I missed it, but everyone else chuckled right along with him.

Zane remained stone-faced.

Good for him. Had he laughed, I would have marched out of the room and called for Valamir. Well, maybe not Valamir, but Alciun for sure. I couldn’t wait to leave for Portland now.

Bye bye, Zane, and bye bye guilt.

“I’m glad you all find this so amusing; I don’t. For all I know, one of you is a bad guy.” I glared around the table, searching for any reaction to my accusation. No one fidgeted or looked worried.

“Chloe, please, accept my apology. The reason I laugh is because with all your natural curiosity you didn’t even wonder why or how I could communicate with you mentally.”

I took a longer look McQuillen and his dog. He couldn’t be.

In answer to my silent question, he shimmered and vanished below the table. I heard the unmistakable shifting of bones and stretching of flesh. Then Boss barked and licked the giant wolf that’d appeared in place of McQuillen.

The Doberman looked like a puppy next to the massive silver wolf. He was a majestic creature. Silvery white, McQuillen seemed to shine.

He padded around the table and sat by my chair, placing a massive paw on my lap. I couldn’t help myself. My hand was drawn to his lush fur like a magnet to metal.

“You’re so handsome,” I heard myself coo.

“That’s what you said to me,” Zane grumbled.

I turned to glare at my mate. “You should probably not talk to me right now.”

When I looked back, McQuillen, still in wolf form, was dragging his own clothing into a small kitchenette in the back of the boardroom. Boss followed.

“That’s not something you see every day,” I muttered. “I think I’ll keep all this out of the official notes.” I looked to Logan for approval. His immediate thumbs up signal provided no room for doubt.

A few minutes later, with McQuillen back in his place, I shared what I’d learned from Martin’s dog. No one seemed surprised, which surprised me.

“I’ve found some inconsistencies of my own in relation to Martin,” McQuillen offered. “I gave him an assignment to get him out of here. Logan, you know I haven’t trusted him for some time.”

“Agreed,” Logan said.

Maureen grinned at me. “I had a feeling you might be the one. You don’t know how much you’ve already helped. We need to locate this medical facility, pronto. Any ideas?”

No one had a clue.

“I’ll have to read the shepherd again.” I didn’t like the idea, but I couldn’t think of a better alternative.

“Don’t you worry about that just yet. You’ve got plenty on your plate staying safe and keeping tabs on the happenings in Plum Beach,” McQuillen said.

“Who is this redhead, anyway?” Roger Ryker spoke up.

“Your guess is as good as anyone’s. I can’t help but think she’s somehow tied to Jazmine,” Zane said. He shot me a questioning look. Forgive me? I knew you’d be too edgy. You were ready to hyperventilate.

What he said made perfect sense, but I ignored him and focused on the brainstorming. No one seemed to know much about the ugly, bald creatures, or anything else of critical importance.

The things everyone could agree on for certain were: Martin’s status as a traitor; the redheaded woman’s involvement; the fact that there were medical procedures going on that created the ugly people; the possibility mutants were rebelling and getting help from inside the purebred or Native American communities; and somehow the Plum Beach murders were connected.

Zane kept several key facts to himself. Facts I wasn’t willing to disclose, and as far as I could tell, Logan had no inclination to share either. Neither bothered mentioning the ancient coins, or the new partnership with Stryder, a mutant. Nor did Zane bring up the problems with Agent Green and the mysterious Detective Davis. And they didn’t refer to my marriage with Zane.

Zane’s next query half answered the reason for my final observation.

“If I may be so bold, Elder McQuillan?” Zane asked sounding more formal than I’d heard him.

“Cut the crap, Marshall. Spit it out,” McQuillan commanded. “We’ve moved past all that haven’t we?” He cocked his head and gave Zane an easy smile.

“But this is a matter of major importance.”

Around the table, everyone seemed to lean forward.

“My birthday is approaching,” he rushed on, “and I’m pledged to Jazmine. I cannot join with a female who is involved in a deadly scandal, maybe even the murder of humans.”

The group, minus McQuillan, nodded their agreement. I could see the wisdom in what Zane was requesting. Not to mention, he was already married to me and regardless of my current displeasure over his actions, I loved him.

I’d find a way to kill Jazmine myself if it came to that. I didn’t have any idea how I would accomplish such an outlandish feat, but I’d give it my best shot. Maybe I’d take down Rhonda at the same time.

“I will not dissolve this agreement, not yet,” McQuillan began. “However, I will extend the deadline another thirty days. In the meantime, should you find your one true mate, a woman who agrees to accept your mark, you will be freed from what I think is a ridiculously old and no longer useful contract.”

“Thank you.” Zane looked right at me.

It was more than difficult to pull my eyes from his.

How could I be so angry but so in love at the same time?