Guardian Witch: Burning Both Ends Part 8

"What kind of private work?" a balding man from the back interrupted.

"I don't have all the details," she hedged. "But he was talking with other wolf clans about some joint business. You can ask him after we find him. Has he said anything about any problems he'd been having? Or somebody who'd made threats? Anything you know about his activities over the last couple of weeks might be helpful. I'll be around for a while this evening to hear any ideas you have. If you know or suspect anything, please talk to me or to Gilbert." She glanced at the angry young wolf again. "I promise this case has my total attention until Steffan is found. I need the rest of you to report even the smallest piece of information."

"Are you telling us to back off on the search and let you take over?" The beefy, balding man who'd shouted out a question before was working his way toward the front of the room. His aura was charged with hostility. "Somebody's responsible for this insult to our pack, and I ain't going to wait around, hoping to hear something."

"I'm not suggesting that-in fact, the very opposite. We can use everyone. Eventually we may need a search party, but for now we need information, a trail to follow. Haunt the bars and clubs, talk to anyone and everyone you can. This is an Otherworld problem, and I believe there's an Otherworlder out there who has the answer."

"Just what are you not saying?" the balding man asked, coming to a halt in front of her. "This business stuff sounds fishy to me."

"You'll have to take that up with Steffan. My job is to find him, and time's pa.s.sing as we argue. You want answers? Get us a lead."

"Back off, f.a.gan," Gilbert said, eyeing the man. "She's right. We don't have time for this. Let's split up into groups and get it done."

During the general commotion that followed as the wolves organized, Gilbert leaned over and whispered in Ari's ear. "We need to talk before you go." He turned away to speak with a young wolf tugging on his sleeve, leaving Ari staring after him. What the h.e.l.l was that about? If he knew something, why didn't he just say so?

If she hadn't been so busy the next hour listening mostly to fears and theories rather than hard facts, she might have tracked Gilbert down and demanded an explanation. Instead, she heard the same story over and over. On the night he disappeared, Steffan had been hunting in the hills east of Riverdale with a dozen other pack members. Around one o'clock in the morning he told them he was going solo for a few hours, and he veered off on a side trail. No one had seen him since.

The story at least gave her a time frame. Whatever happened, it was between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m., when he failed to appear for the early morning meeting.

Dispensing encouragement with a liberal hand and using her best witch skills to project calm, Ari worked on redirecting the wolves' frustrations toward potential avenues of information. As they began to disperse, she finally went in search of Gilbert.

She found him waiting near the front door. Ari nodded at him as she pa.s.sed, and he followed her outside. They fell into step, strolling toward her car as if he was merely seeing her on her way.

"OK, what gives?"

"A couple of things. Both could be nothing, but you never know. First of all, a heads up. f.a.gan, the guy who was so vocal toward the end, is Steffan's biggest opposition for control of the pack. He's always thought he should be leader. I can't say for sure that he'd harm Steffan, but I don't trust him, and you shouldn't trust anything he says. He's a sneaky b.a.s.t.a.r.d."

"Gotcha," Ari said. "I'll keep my eyes open around him. What else?"

Gilbert hunched his shoulders, looking uneasy. "I don't want to get false rumors started, but I think Steffan has gotten into something funky."

"Define funky." Like national security funky? Or was he referring to something else entirely? She wasn't going to reveal the Homeland Security connection until she heard what Gilbert had to say. And maybe not then.

"Some kind of trouble. He was keeping secrets, even from me. Private calls, and he was meeting someone. At first I thought he had a new girl, but I don't think it's that. He's been short-tempered, really impatient. No woman makes you feel like that, at least not one you keep around. When I asked him what was going on, he blew me off."

"It may be related to his work for the Magic Council. A few days ago he implied his meetings for them were pretty shaky." Maybe she should have pushed Steffan for answers-as if that would have worked. Frankly, she didn't know anyone who responded well to nagging, but this would be a whole lot easier if he had talked to them that night in the park.

"Maybe you're right." Gilbert sounded doubtful. "Do you know what he was doing? Why the need for secrecy?"

Ari hesitated. She'd like to confide in Gilbert, but she didn't know enough about him to cross him off the suspect list. Maybe the reason he'd told her about f.a.gan's ambitions was to conceal his own. Still, Steffan had trusted him enough to make him second-in-command.

She compromised. "I know he was involved in high level negotiations with several out-of-state wolf clans. It's all hush-hush, but I'll try to find out more, if it looks like we need it." She changed the subject. "Have any strangers been hanging around? Anyone suspicious?" A sudden thought occurred to her. "How about an elderly man with white hair and a cane?"

"No, no one. I would have noticed. Who's the old man?"

"Probably not important. Just someone I talked to at the airport."

Gilbert frowned at her. Ari didn't wait for him to come up with further questions. She opened the Lexus's door and got in, saying she'd be in touch. Even if Gilbert hadn't been a suspect, she wasn't going to share anything about Jones unless his credentials were verified. Just because the negotiations were legit didn't mean Jones was, or the rest of his story, except what the Council president had confirmed. She didn't want everyone running off in the wrong direction.

Ari steered through thinning traffic as she entered the Olde Town district. Her lashes were drooping but her stomach churned with the lack of progress. Steffan had been missing almost forty-eight hours. If he'd been kidnapped, why no ransom demand? What did his captors want? She refused to consider there might be no captors. That would mean his dead body was lying out there somewhere.

Ari closed her apartment door, kicked off her shoes, and walked straight toward the shower. She could almost feel the hot water pulsing against her skin, when the ring of her cell phone stopped her. Caller ID confirmed it was Andreas. She hesitated for an instant before hitting connect, suddenly nervous about how this would go.

"I miss you," he said.

Ari's tired shoulders relaxed. "Me, too." She walked over and plopped on the couch. "I'm sorry I left without talking to you, but-"

"Arianna, I understand," he interrupted. "Have you located Steffan?"

"No. And worst of all, I'm not sure where to start. I spent the evening with his wolf pack, and they haven't a clue what happened to him. They didn't even know what he'd been doing the past few weeks, but I met the strangest man on the plane who did." She hesitated, remembering the Council president's concerns about the airways. Andreas had spent a mint two months ago on the "secure" units they were using, but nothing was foolproof. Still, why would anyone be listening to her? She told him everything: Jones, Homeland Security, the wolf coalition, her meeting with the Magic Council president, and the frustration of Steffan's wolves.

"You have been busy. When you first mentioned Jones, I thought his story had to be phony," Andreas said when she finished. "It seemed odd that Homeland Security would have an interest in Riverdale, since there is nothing strategic there. But a worldwide werewolf organization is a brilliant idea. A breakdown in those negotiations explains Steffan's behavior at the park."

"Yeah, I know. Fantastic as it seems, Steffan might be caught up in some national security plot. I'm not sure where Jones fits."

"Let us hope the Magic Council can answer that question. If not, perhaps Lt. Foster. You know he'd try." Andreas chuckled. "He can be so persistent that Homeland Security might give him the answers in order to make him go away."

"Yep, he's a bulldog, but I don't want to call him unless I have to. He wouldn't stop with just bugging Homeland. He'd get involved. And the Council wants to keep this quiet. They'd be p.i.s.sed if I brought in the human police force."

"What if you need help to rescue Steffan? More than Lilith can provide. I cannot be there, and Lt Foster would do whatever he could. Use him, if you need backup."

Considering Ryan's att.i.tude toward Andreas, the vampire's words showed how worried he was for her and Steffan. It made her feel better and more guilty at the same time. Here she'd been going on about her own problems and hadn't even asked about his. "I will, but I hope it doesn't come to that. This is an Otherworld thing." She took a deep breath. "Sorry to whine like this. I need sleep and a fresh start in the morning. Tell me what's happening on your end."

"Cara mia, you never whine, and you can tell me anything." He hesitated before going on. "The situation here is unchanged. I am pleased to have our people around me, and Gabriel has been especially helpful. Among other things, he keeps us from becoming too serious."

They talked for nearly an hour before disconnecting. By the end, Ari was fighting to keep her eyelids open. Still, she'd hated to end the call. It was their only tie at the moment. She refused to dwell on the odds against sustaining a long distance relations.h.i.+p. At the moment, they both had bigger problems to solve, and their love life would have to wait.

Ari yawned. Her bones ached with exhaustion. She needed at least two or three hours of sleep, and worrying about Andreas and Steffan wouldn't help either man. Ignoring her heavy heart and the constant tingling of her witch senses, Ari headed into the shower. She held onto hope. The urgency of the magical nagging made her believe Steffan was still alive.

Chapter Eight.

Ari studied the old gentleman seated across the table while she sipped her hot coffee. It would take more than one cup this morning. Horatio Jones had gotten her out of bed before seven o'clock with an invitation to breakfast at the coffee shop in the Fremont Hotel. He'd offered to buy. More importantly, he promised information.

Today he was wearing a dark blue, nondescript outfit. When she'd arrived, he'd heaved himself to his feet, his paunch gently straining the b.u.t.tons of his sweater. She'd been impressed with the gesture. Younger men didn't stand like that, except for her very proper vampire, and he didn't really qualify as a younger man. It was a little odd to have Jones make the effort. He poured a fresh cup of coffee as soon as they were seated and watched with a benevolent smile as she savored her first sip.

"So," Ari said, giving him a direct look. "You said you had news."

"No preliminaries, huh?" He raised his white, s.h.a.ggy brows. "All right. Since we spoke, I have been briefed and updated. I am authorized to provide you with certain details." He set his cup down, picked up a spoon and added several scoops from the sugar bowl. "The meetings were held at a resort near Galena. It's quiet this time of year before the snow skiers arrive. You understand their need for privacy."

Ari nodded, trying to be patient. Galena, got it. Would he please get on with the details?

"Your friend Steffan was one of five North American leaders of his...ah, specialty, who were scheduled to vote this week on consolidation. The other representatives have agreed to remain at the resort until tomorrow night. At that time, a final vote will be taken, with or without Steffan, and a simple majority will prevail. In case of a tie, nothing will be done." Jones paused to pour cream into his coffee. "Not only does my employer need his vote, Steffan must be there in time to support or influence the others."

"What if I can't get him there? What if he isn't alive?"

Jones looked surprised. "You haven't spoken with your council president this morning?"

"Are you kidding? It's not even 8 o'clock," she protested.

"He should have called you by now. More coffee?"

She frowned but held out her cup. "What's he going to say?"

"Protocol, young lady." Jones refilled her cup and his, before returned the pot to its spot on the table. "One must observe protocol. I was instructed to wait until you had received instructions from your president."

"Oh, for G.o.ddess's sake. This is ridiculous. And then what?"

"Then we will proceed."

Disgusted, Ari munched half-heartedly on a slice of b.u.t.tered toast. Humans and all their boring rules-and now spy games on top of it all. But Jones wasn't a man she could rush. Although he was being unnecessarily cryptic, she'd understood she had thirty-six hours or less to find Steffan and get him to Galena. She didn't have time to waste, and sitting here waiting for a phone call was frustrating. She was ready to badger Jones for more information when her cell phone rang. About time.

"Yes, sir," she answered.

"Ari?" The doubtful voice didn't belong to the Council president.

"Gilbert?" Ari grinned. "Obviously I was expecting someone else. What's up?"

"f.a.gan and five or six of his friends disappeared over night."

Her grin vanished. f.a.gan was the belligerent wolf from last night, the one who wanted to be pack leader. "To where?"

"That's the thing...n.o.body knows. It doesn't mean they're involved with Steffan's disappearance, but I don't like it."

"Oh, I agree. We may be looking at the wrong angle by focusing on his work for the Magic Council. Are you positive they're missing?"

"f.a.gan was supposed to lead a group in checking out the lower woods. When he and his buddies didn't show, someone went to their houses. Found one guy's girlfriend. She said they'd taken off for a few days, but she didn't seem to know where."

"This is maddening. I hate not knowing what people are doing," Ari said, barely containing her frustration. "Let's have someone talk to the girlfriend again."

Jones set down his coffee and gave up any pretense he wasn't listening to her end of the conversation.

"Can do, and I'll get out the word that we need to talk to f.a.gan," Gilbert said.

"Don't scare him off," she warned.

"Oh, I'll be careful. I'll act like we're making sure he wasn't kidnapped too, but if he's done this, I'll strangle him myself."

As she disconnected, Jones immediately asked, "News?"

Her phone rang again, and she held up a forefinger for him to wait while she answered.

"Are you having breakfast with Horatio Jones?" the Magic Council President asked.

"Yes. What's the big mystery he won't tell me?"

"I wouldn't call it a mystery, but Steffan's captor called about five this morning. He offered to release him, unharmed, once the vote on the coalition was final. On the condition there was no interference from us and that Steffan would not be replaced prior to the vote. Seeing no alternative, I agreed to his demands."

"But, sir-"

"Allow me to finish. When the vote goes through-and it must, for this proposed alliance is too important for us all-I believe Steffan becomes expendable. They will kill him. Believing that, I am authorizing you to disregard the promise I made and to continue your search. But please be discreet. Steffan's life depends on how un.o.btrusive we can be. If you can't locate him by noon tomorrow, I will send a new representative to partic.i.p.ate in the vote. We cannot delay longer."

That shortened the time frame by five or six hours. "I understand. Sir, are you familiar with a werewolf named f.a.gan? Would you recognize his voice?"

"I've seen the man but never spoken to him. Why do you ask? Is he involved in this?"

"I'm not sure, but I've heard he wants to take over Steffan's pack. I don't know how that figures in with the coalition, but f.a.gan and some of his friends have suddenly gone AWOL. Maybe he's using the negotiations as an opportunity to discredit or kill his opposition."

"That is discouraging. A personal motive makes it even less likely we'd get Steffan back alive. How does this change your investigation?"

"I'm not sure it does, but it gives us a suspect. While the wolves look for him, I'll look at the actual negotiations. Am I allowed to speak with the delegates?"

"Certainly. By the way, I checked on Jones. He is the man he says he is. I don't know why we need him, but the human authorities decided it was necessary. Maybe you should talk with him to arrange a meeting with the delegates." The old wizard paused. "Arianna, I'm counting on you." He disconnected.

Nothing like a little pressure. He didn't need to remind her again of the subtext: Steffan's life depended on her. She was all too aware.

Jones leaned over the table. "I gather we have complications. At my age, I am no longer helpful in a fight, although I can still handle a gun, if it comes to that. But anything else you need, I will try to supply."

"Can you get me in to see the delegates?"

Jones spread grape jelly on his second piece of toast and cut it in four squares. She watched as he popped a square in his mouth, washed it down with coffee, and dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

"I can let them know you're coming and provide you the directions to the resort." He dropped his voice. "I was told if I get you in the vicinity, you can find and identify them as...what they are." His eyes sparked with interest.

Ari nodded, ignoring his inquisitive look. It was apparent he hadn't been briefed on the details of her abilities. Maybe they'd decided he didn't need to know. It was fine with her to leave it that way.

When she didn't elaborate, Jones added, "The delegates already know we called in the Guardian from Steffan's district."

Ari perked up. "That's good to know. It may make it easier when I attempt to question each of them within the next few hours. If I'm to locate Steffan in time, I need more information than I've got now, and I hope the delegates can help."

"Very good. One more thing, if you're successful in finding him, you may need an extraction team. If so, you have my cell number. Use it freely. But I feel compelled to warn you, if things go badly, you'll take all the blame. At least publicly. Homeland Security will deny any involvement or connection with you." He added with a cheerful smile, "Or with me, for that matter."

Now why would that amuse him? Strange man.

"I don't think an extraction team will be needed. When I find Steffan, his people will help. This is an Otherworld issue, Mr. Jones. A human team wouldn't be much use to us. Not if magic or supernatural powers are involved."

"Unless the kidnappers are human," Jones added, his tone measuring the possibilities.

"Not likely." Her response had been automatic, and she stopped to think about it. "I suppose it's possible. Humans have the most to fear from a coalition. I'll keep that thought in mind." She took another sip of coffee. "Do you have a reason to suspect human involvement? Has Homeland heard something?"

Jones pursed his lips in thought. "Many groups would be opposed to such an Otherworld network. If they knew about it. Some private, some not, and probably a number of foreign terrorist organizations. But I don't think we have any specific knowledge."

Finished with his meal, Jones patted at his mouth again and placed the napkin on the table. "Breakfast is my favorite meal," he said with satisfaction. He looked at her nearly empty cup and poured refills.