[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
confused. "You've said all along you trust him and that he's
not the killer, so what's the problem?"
"I don't think it was actually Grey calling me. I think it may
have been the killer."
"Why?"
"I'm not exactly sure." She hesitated. "This may sound
strange, but I think it was more the lack of reaction inside me
rather than anything he actually said."
Jack didn't quibble. "Then I was right he is after you."
She nodded. "Where did the call come from?"
Jack glanced at the second of his men, who said, "Empty
warehouse in the Yanga Park district."
She looked at Jack. "I'll bet he's holding Grey hostage in
that warehouse. And I bet that's where he plans to take me
after we meet at the diner."
"Again, why?"
"To kill me, of course."
He shook his head. "I mean, why hold Grey?"
"Grey said the killer hated him. He didn't say why."
"Then taking you to that warehouse to kill you is a form of
torturing Grey?"
She nodded. It also meant that the killer had read Grey's
mind and knew how much he cared for her.
139
LifeMate Connections: Eryn
by Keri Arthur
It was a thought that sent both warmth and fear rushing
through her veins. God, would fate be such a bitch as to let
her glimpse possible paradise in Grey's arms, then snatch it
away?
Probably.
Ignoring the chill that ran down her spine, she glanced at
her watch. "If we're quick, we might be able to get to that
warehouse and rescue Grey before I go to that meet."
Jack didn't move. "You sure you want to do this?"
"You want to catch the killer, don't you?"
"Yeah, but "
"No buts," she said, with a slight smile. "You brought me
onto this team to play decoy, and that's exactly what I plan to
do. And it might be our one and only chance to stop this
person.
Jack stared at her a moment longer, then simply said,
"Let's do it."
* * * *
The wind skated around her bare legs, touching her skin
with ice. Eryn shivered and rubbed her arms as she eyed the
old building at the bottom of hill. Like most of the buildings
around here, it had fallen into disrepair as the council and
residents argued over whether this whole area should become
park land or more residential space. In the meantime, it was
a playground for louts, drug users, and the homeless, as well
as being a nice hidey-hole for murderers.
She turned at the sound of footsteps and watched Jack
approach.
140
LifeMate Connections: Eryn
by Keri Arthur
"The cab let the old women off at The Commodore Hotel,"
he said, as he stopped.
"Hard to check the register when you have no idea what
name she's using."
"True. But there was a Grey Jamison checked in. We
showed the concierge Grey's pic, and it was definitely him.
The front desk hasn't seen Jamison since he went up to his
room early this afternoon, and he wasn't answering the
phone."
Because the killer had him. Question was, how? "I gather
your men checked the room?"
He nodded. "He's not there, and there was no evidence of
foul play."
Meaning Grey hadn't put up a fight? Why the hell not? She
rubbed her arms, her gaze drifting back to the warehouse.
God, she hoped he was okay.
"Everyone's in place here," Jack continued. "Infrared
reports three figures inside that warehouse."
"He left guards?"
Jack nodded. "There's one man near the front entrance,
two near the back. We're guessing that if Grey is there, he's
one of these." He handed her a Taser. "You'll have to get
close for this to knock them out, but I'm guessing that with
what you're almost wearing, it won't be a problem."
She slipped the Taser into the special pocket sewn into the
back of the short leather skirt. Combined with the studded
leather bra, the matching dog collar that now included
tracking and audio mikes, and six inch stilettos that could
certainly double as a weapon, she had on what she liked to
141
LifeMate Connections: Eryn
by Keri Arthur
describe as her eye-popping outfit. Jack had been surprised
that she even had such an outfit in her wardrobe. He
obviously thought her as staid as everyone else, but hey, she
was a shifter and had her wild side even if she didn't bring it
out to play very often.
She struck a pose. "So you like what you see?"
"Darlin', if those boys don't bone up the minute they see
you, I'll dye my hair pink." He handed her a riding crop and
several long strips of leather. "Just to complete the look."
"I won't ask where you managed to find one of these at
this hour." She looped the soft leather and tucked them into
the side of her skirt, then accepted the whip. Her gaze
scooted down his body. Talk about boning up...
She grinned. "You're enjoying your job again, I see."
"I'm a man, you're breathtaking, and a reaction is
natural." His grin faded, his expression becoming serious. "Be
careful in there, and remember, just give the word and we'll
be with you in seconds."
She nodded, placed a kiss on his cheek, then stepped back
and called to that place deep within, where the hound dog lay
waiting. Energy surged in response, running through her,
around her, momentarily snatching away sight and sense as it
reshaped and changed her body.
In beagle form, she headed towards the warehouse.
She pricked her ears and sniffed the air as she trotted
down the hill. Though she knew there were at least a dozen
cops scattered around the area, she couldn't hear them, and
she certainly couldn't smell them. Jack had said he'd called in
the best, and it looked as if he hadn't been exaggerating.
142
LifeMate Connections: Eryn
by Keri Arthur
And she knew then that the only reason she was going into
that warehouse at all was because she was the only one who
had a hope of sorting out friend from foe via smell. Especially
if those two men in there also happened to be face shifters.
She slowed as she approached the warehouse, searching
the air for the aroma of the man who stood near the
entrance. Pine and musk, intermingled with the stale stench
of sweat, teased her nostrils. She wrinkled her nose and
moved a little closer. Damn it, why did villains never seem to
bathe? Or was it simply something in their base smell that
made them seem so sour to her senses?
She slipped in through the semi-open door and stopped in
the shadows. Villain number one was half concealed by a
wooden crate, and more than half asleep. She went back
outside, shifted shaped, then boldly thrust open the door.
There was a scramble of movement, then a voice said,
"Stop right there, and get your hands ... Jesus!"
"Mr. Harding?" she said, keeping her voice low, throaty.
"I'm here, as requested."
His gaze scooted down her body, and came back up, filled
with heat. "Lady, as much as I hate to admit it, I think you've
got the wrong address."
She slapped the whip lightly against her thigh, watching
him for several long minutes. The smell of his excitement
began to stain the air. "This is one-three-four Jaybel Drive, is
it not?"
"Well, yeah, but "
"Then I have the right address." She slid her gaze slowly
down his body, then deliberately licked her lips. "I must say,
143
LifeMate Connections: Eryn
by Keri Arthur
you're in better shape than some of the other clients I've ...
cared for ... here."
He adjusted himself quickly, cast a quick, almost furtive
look toward the shadows on his right, then looked back at
her. His change of plans was evident in the lustful light in his
eyes. "Then maybe I am Mr. Harding. What do you plan to do
for me?"
She strode towards him, her stilettos drumming a sharp
tattoo on the concrete. The noise wouldn't carry to the other
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
