Howling Moon Part 34

"There's nothing here to watch it on," Raphael said.

"I've got a setup next door," Raven said. "It will take a few minutes to bring it over."

"Do it." Charles's voice was curt. The councilwoman and Ivan remained utterly silent. "We'll wait."

Raphael walked down the hall to check on his mate. She was still deeply unconscious. He knew that. But he was not, under any circ.u.mstances, going to be alone with the evidence. He lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, reaching one hand out to touch Cat's sleeping form. He was fiercely glad he'd put her under, but he was also proud. He couldn't believe she'd actually hit the cat in the head with a frying pan. It was funny in a sick, pathetic way an act of desperation straight out of an old movie. Still, the blood and hair on the pan proved it had been more than a little effective. "That's my Cat, all right. You're a fighter. No doubt about it."

He half listened as, in the background, Charles and Angelique, councilwoman for the raptors, argued about what was to be done. It was the first the councilwoman had heard of the plan, and she was clearly unhappy about it. "Zis should have been debated before ze council! It iz not not ze purview of ze Chief Justice " ze purview of ze Chief Justice "

"The council reports to me, me, Angelique. Not the other way around. I will present our evidence to the council, and you may vote as you will. But know this: ultimately, I can override the council's wishes, and I will if I have to." Angelique. Not the other way around. I will present our evidence to the council, and you may vote as you will. But know this: ultimately, I can override the council's wishes, and I will if I have to."

Raphael heard the slam of the apartment door, heard Raven shuffling around setting up the equipment. Still, he didn't leave Cat's side until Raven called his name and announced they were ready.

The tape was rewinding when Raphael walked into the room. Raven grabbed the remote from on top of the television and took his seat.

The tension was palpable. There was no conversation. Here and in Europe every witness sat on the edge of his seat, attention riveted.

It was a home video of a family vacation. It showed a sunny summer afternoon. Three very happy, affectionate people were teasing each other. He recognized Chris and Janet from the picture Charles had given him to paint the portrait, but seeing them move, watching them speak, he was struck forcibly by how alive alive they'd been. Their resemblance to and affection for their daughter was obvious. they'd been. Their resemblance to and affection for their daughter was obvious.

When Cat first came into view Raphael gave a start. It was obviously her, but it was not the Cat he knew. She was acting the part of a put-upon daughter, frustrated and a little angry, but most of all soft. Any s.e.xuality was latent. She wore a baggy pastel T-s.h.i.+rt that hid her figure with (of all things) wolf puppies on it over pink shorts and thongs. When her father said (for the tenth time) that this was their "last family vacation," she groaned audibly.

"Just humor your father, dear," her mother answered, "and wave at the camera." Cat buried her head in her hands in an exaggerated gesture of exasperation.

"I'm going to make myself some lemonade. Do either of you want any?"

"That would be lovely," her mother answered. The camera panned to follow Cat as she went into a very elaborate and expensive motor home. When the door slammed closed behind her the woman spoke. "Put the camera down, Chris."

"Why?"

"Because." It wasn't a reason, but the view from the camera s.h.i.+fted as he set it down. He didn't bother to turn it off. The viewers had a few minutes of picnic-table-height view of the campground and the sound of their quiet conversation.

"You really are are getting maudlin about this you know." Her voice held a small amount of reproach. getting maudlin about this you know." Her voice held a small amount of reproach.

"I know, it's just... I wish the two of you would make up."

Janet sighed. "She'll get over it eventually. I can't even blame her. I should have told her."

"Still "

"Don't pus.h.!.+" she interrupted. "It'll only make her dig in her heels." Her tone turned playful. "Besides, I, for one, am looking forward to reaching our destination and having a little time alone alone with my husband." Her teasing voice got the desired reaction. with my husband." Her teasing voice got the desired reaction.

"Oh, really?" The husband sounded positively eager. "Just what do you have in mind?"

"Oh, I don't know " she began and the camera got b.u.mped. The view only changed slightly, but the excellent sound system picked up what sounded like an incredibly pa.s.sionate kiss.

That went on for a couple of minutes. Then it happened. It was fast incredibly fast. Neither of the victims had seen it coming. Neither had time to be afraid.

It was gruesome, but it was mercifully quick. In the process of killing the couple Jack hadn't noticed the camera and knocked it to the base of the picnic table. A wet, tearing sound accompanied Jack's evisceration of Chris. Blood, hair, and worse splattered the camera lens.

The camera showed Jack's attentions to Cat's mother, her scream cut off suddenly, replaced by a wet gurgling. In the distance, the slam of the motor home door followed by me crash of gla.s.s and the terrified screams.

Jack snarled, and they heard the thump as he leapt to the ground. He was out of camera range now. The viewfinder was focused on a half-eaten arm slowly oozing blood. Still, the sound system picked up every noise.

She fought him. Raphael was so proud. He couldn't see what she was doing, but he could hear. She wasn't giving up without a fight. She managed to get loose, managed to hurt him badly enough to get into a hidey-hole where he couldn't reach her. Raphael knew it because he heard the rage and frustration in Jack's voice. "You can't stay in there forever, you know." Catherine gasped in disbelief. Raphael forced himself to concentrate on the sounds, ignoring the b.l.o.o.d.y arm.

Jack's suave, rich baritone took on a snarling, toying tone. "Come out, come out, wherever you are."

Raphael heard movement and a cry of pain. There were guttural noises as the cat tried to drag the Cat out of her "hole," followed by the clang of metal hitting a hard surface, a male yelp of pain, and a series of curses. "You little b.i.t.c.h!"

"Atta girl!" girl!" Raven cheered softly. Raven cheered softly.

"You'll pay for mat!" Jack's snarl brought Raphael's attention back to the screen. There was the sound of movement. The arm was dragged out of camera range. There was a gasp, and a feminine sob.

You f.u.c.king b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Raphael fought not to speak the words aloud. He remembered Cat's words. "He Raphael fought not to speak the words aloud. He remembered Cat's words. "He ate ate them in front of me." After seeing this, Raphael wondered how she was even remotely sane. them in front of me." After seeing this, Raphael wondered how she was even remotely sane.

Jack's voice, smooth and cultured, came from the screen: "Mmm, mmm, fresh meat."

Jack taunted her mercilessly. Each comment, each action was a poisoned barb intended to draw her out make her angry enough to get careless. It didn't work. But it was the stuff of nightmares and insanity. Raphael didn't know how she'd stood it how she could stand it even now. He had never in his life wanted to kill someone so badly. That smooth, cultured voice, perfectly reproduced.

Time seemed to stop. Raphael's thoughts cut abruptly away from the film. That was it, the last piece of the puzzle. There was no picture of Jack on the tape at least not in human form. But it wasn't necessary. That beautiful, perfectly reproduced voice was d.a.m.ning. As a senator involved in water and environmental issues Jack had spoken publicly often enough that anyone, at least anyone from the New Mexico/Colorado area would recognize it. The Sazi Council certainly would.

The tape played on. There were shouts and the sound of gunshots in the background. Cat's screams had brought reinforcements. Jack was forced to flee, leaving behind a live witness and a d.a.m.ning video.

Silence stretched on for long moments. Finally, Raven rose, turning to face the camera phone. "I'll bring the video with me for you to present to the council at the next meeting."

"No." Charles's voice was soft, but there was an energy running beneath the words, a tension that spoke of barely controlled rage. His face on the screen was pale, his hands shaking. "Make me a copy. Keep the original in the safe. We'll need it when the file is complete."

"I don't want Cat seeing this, Charles." Raphael spoke carefully. "I'm not sure what it would do to her after last night."

"What happened last night?" Angelique's voice was a sharp screech that made Raphael wince. Raven turned to his father, his expression questioning. Raphael nodded his permission to tell them.

"Jack murdered a man, and he used a telepathic link to Cat to make her watch it."

Charles absorbed the news as an almost physical blow. "Who? It wouldn't have been random. Who was the victim?"

"Her former fiance... Brad."

"Jenkins." Charles furnished the name. If anything, he paled further, but his eyes were dark, and Raphael could see the alarm on Angelique's face as her nose twitched in response to the scents that were no doubt flowing off of him.

"Lock the original tape in Cat's safe. It must must stay in Colorado." Raphael didn't say a word. There was no arguing with Charles when he used that tone of voice. stay in Colorado." Raphael didn't say a word. There was no arguing with Charles when he used that tone of voice.

THE WAITING WAS the hardest part. It was only 6:00 the hardest part. It was only 6:00 A.M. A.M. and Raphael was already sitting at his desk at pack headquarters. He hadn't been able to sleep, so he'd come in to work. and Raphael was already sitting at his desk at pack headquarters. He hadn't been able to sleep, so he'd come in to work.

Raven was right. Cat had been more than p.i.s.sed. She'd been furious. It was the kind of cold, calculating rage that had enabled her to shut him out completely for nearly four days. Her s.h.i.+elds were absolutely flawless, and a part of him cursed the very lessons he'd given her. Raphael wasn't pining for her... yet. But if this kept up he might well start.

He'd coped thus far by keeping busy, dealing with the towing business, with the collections from Jake's customers. At eleven Holly would be coming by the office to prepare the annual pack Christmas party. He even got around to sending thank-you notes for all of the gifts he was receiving on his promotion. It didn't help. One of the two copies of the replacement file, along with the evidence they'd gathered, was with Raven in Chicago right now being presented by Charles to the full council in an effort to have them vote in favor of issuing a warrant.

Raphael wasn't much of a religious man. He was personally acquainted with Sazi who were old enough to have been wors.h.i.+pped as G.o.ds themselves. Still, a part of him wanted to believe in a benevolent creator out there, somewhere. If that deity did exist, surely he'd be in favor of putting an end to Jack's madness.

In the heat of the moment Charles had said he'd proceed with or without the council's blessing, but every hour that pa.s.sed made Raphael more and more unsure. He wished Raven would call. In fact, it was all he could do to keep from calling himself. But Raphael knew that as soon as the warrant issued, Raphael would be die first person Raven would call.

Of course, executing executing the order would be another trick. Raphael drummed his fingers in a staccato rhythm against the desktop. A sniper, or pair of them, perhaps; maybe a bomb. Whatever they did, it needed to happen the order would be another trick. Raphael drummed his fingers in a staccato rhythm against the desktop. A sniper, or pair of them, perhaps; maybe a bomb. Whatever they did, it needed to happen before before Jack caught wind of their plan. Because the fact was, Jack had resources and sources everywhere. Insanity didn't keep him from being ruthless, intelligent, and pragmatic. Given even a hint of their plans he'd take countermeasures, and revenge. Jack caught wind of their plan. Because the fact was, Jack had resources and sources everywhere. Insanity didn't keep him from being ruthless, intelligent, and pragmatic. Given even a hint of their plans he'd take countermeasures, and revenge.

Raphael was sipping his coffee, trying not to dwell on his fears, when he felt Cat's mind slam into his. She didn't bother trying to be gentle. She was too angry. But there was a feeling of triumph to her thoughts as well.

The file is switched.

Cat? My G.o.d, what have you done?! Raphael was appalled. Yes, the switch needed to happen, but if the council found out that she'd done it without consent... My G.o.d, what have you done?! Raphael was appalled. Yes, the switch needed to happen, but if the council found out that she'd done it without consent...

Charles knows. He approved it. We wanted it switched before before the council meeting. He didn't trust that the information wouldn't get back to Jack otherwise. the council meeting. He didn't trust that the information wouldn't get back to Jack otherwise.

It made perfect sense. But Raphael felt his own anger rising that Cat would've done this without him. It had been d.a.m.ned dangerous. Someone, anyone anyone else could have done it. else could have done it.

It was my right to do it. It's my my plan. plan.

Raphael growled and slammed his hand palm first against the surface of his desk, hard enough to knock over the desk lamp. So I'm just supposed to sit back Maybe I wanted to protect you. protect you.

The bitterness in that thought was palpable. No, she was definitely not over his knocking her out to go through the evidence. He'd explained at the time that he'd wanted to protect her after the shock of Brad's murder. It hadn't calmed her. If anything, it had made her even angrier. But d.a.m.n it! This was different!

Different how, how, exactly? Because you're exactly? Because you're male? male?

Oh, no. He was so so not falling into that trap. Besides, it simply wasn't true. More than half of the agents he'd worked with in Wolven had been female, and they were easily as skilled and as ruthless as their male counterparts. h.e.l.l, in jaguar form Cat was bigger, stronger, faster than Raphael, and he knew it. He'd tried to protect Cat because she was his mate, and he always would. He couldn't help himself. not falling into that trap. Besides, it simply wasn't true. More than half of the agents he'd worked with in Wolven had been female, and they were easily as skilled and as ruthless as their male counterparts. h.e.l.l, in jaguar form Cat was bigger, stronger, faster than Raphael, and he knew it. He'd tried to protect Cat because she was his mate, and he always would. He couldn't help himself.

There was a long silence in his head, but he could tell she wasn't gone. He hadn't meant to think that last "out loud," but he knew that she'd heard it. Her next words were quiet and thoughtful.

My flight lands at DIA an hour. When I get back we need to talk.

What airline? I can pick you up at the airport. He didn't say if you'll let me, if you'll let me, but he couldn't help thinking it. but he couldn't help thinking it.

Southwest.

I'm on my way. Raphael rose from his desk. He hesitated before saying the next words to her. Cat, I'm sorry. I never meant...

I know. He heard her mental sigh. It wasn't a happy sound, but he could sense that her anger with him was fading. We'll talk when I get there.

I love you.

I love you, too. She didn't sound particularly happy about it, and she cut the connection cleanly, dropping her s.h.i.+elds back in place. But this time he could feel her in the background.

Raphael let out the breath he'd been holding. She'd stopped blocking the mating bond. That had had to be a good sign. He told himself that they'd work this out. to be a good sign. He told himself that they'd work this out.

Unfortunately, he was anything but but sure of that. He couldn't count the number of relations.h.i.+ps he'd screwed up in his life. It was almost a joke among his acquaintances, though it was far from funny. But he loved her, and she loved him. d.a.m.n it, they sure of that. He couldn't count the number of relations.h.i.+ps he'd screwed up in his life. It was almost a joke among his acquaintances, though it was far from funny. But he loved her, and she loved him. d.a.m.n it, they would would get through this. Once Jack was dead get through this. Once Jack was dead Raphael stopped abruptly, his hand on the door handle as the realization hit him. For the first time in decades he had hope, had dared believe believe that there was a life for him that there was a life for him after Jack. after Jack. It was the most amazing feeling. He wasn't quite sure how to handle it. It was the most amazing feeling. He wasn't quite sure how to handle it.

He was still standing there, bemused, when his cell phone rang. He flipped it open to see who was calling. It was Raven. Raphael took a long, shaky breath and hit the b.u.t.ton to take the call.

"Ramirez."

Raven kept his voice low, and he sounded more tired than Raphael would've liked, but the words he spoke were just what his father needed to hear. "Dad, it's me. It wasn't easy things happened here that made the debate a lot closer than we would've liked, but it's done. How's everything at that end?"

"Good," Raphael answered. Like his son, he avoided saying anything specific. "Cat took care of that errand for Charles."

"All right, then. I'll let him know. Be sure to watch the news tonight. It should be interesting."

"Oh, I will."

CAT WAITED FOR Raphael at the edge of the sidewalk in front of the terminal. A pair of inexpensive navy bags sat on the sidewalk beside her. She s.h.i.+vered a little as a cold wind cut through the fabric of the navy blue suit jacket she wore over a white cotton blouse and faded blue jeans. There was no moisture on the breeze coming out of the west, so no snow tonight, despite the heavy clouds that gave the daylight a strange, flat quality. Raphael at the edge of the sidewalk in front of the terminal. A pair of inexpensive navy bags sat on the sidewalk beside her. She s.h.i.+vered a little as a cold wind cut through the fabric of the navy blue suit jacket she wore over a white cotton blouse and faded blue jeans. There was no moisture on the breeze coming out of the west, so no snow tonight, despite the heavy clouds that gave the daylight a strange, flat quality.

She'd changed in the bathroom, wanting to meet him as Cat rather than as Cerise. It was silly and vain of her, but she knew he preferred the more clean-cut persona. Cat shook her head. She loved him, arrogance and all. Oh, she'd been truly furious with him over what he'd done. He'd explained himself afterward. afterward. She even understood. But it didn't change a thing. He should have She even understood. But it didn't change a thing. He should have talked talked to her first. Asked her, instead of using some sort of Sazi equivalent of the Vulcan vise grip or whatever the h.e.l.l it was called. to her first. Asked her, instead of using some sort of Sazi equivalent of the Vulcan vise grip or whatever the h.e.l.l it was called.

But angry as she was, she'd still missed him, more than she would've liked to admit. Hearing his voice today, listening to the apology that was obviously hard for him to give... Well, she forgave him. But he'd d.a.m.n well better promise never never to do it again! to do it again!

She turned at the distinct sound of his boots on concrete. He appeared at the parking garage entrance, his hazel eyes scanning the crowded sidewalk at the same time his nose lifted to scent the breeze. That same breeze blew back his hair, giving her a good look at the fine lines of his face. He looked tired, and more than a little worried. But his smile when he caught sight of her was enough to light up the day.

He was wearing a charcoal-gray s.h.i.+rt that looked, and moved, liked silk, over black jeans that were faded from use but showed every muscle to perfect advantage. She sensed more than saw the envious glances of other women up and down the promenade. The fluid quality of his movements as he dashed across the street between traffic made her body ache with pure, undiluted l.u.s.t.

He stopped just short of touching her, as though he were unsure of himself, of how she would react. Even his scent was uncertain. In that moment she let go of what was left of her anger. She let her purse fall to the ground and stepped into his arms. Even in tennis shoes she was only slightly shorter than he was. She reached up, running her hand lightly over the rough stubble of his beard, relis.h.i.+ng the texture and the electricity that sprang to life between them. Slowly, she moved closer, her lips finding his in a slow, almost chaste kiss.

His hands spasmed painfully against her waist and she heard the small, needy noise he made against her lips. He finished the kiss gently, but moved his mouth to the base of her throat finding the pulse point and biting against it hard enough to bruise.

It hurt, but the pain was washed away in a wave of need that overwhelmed her s.h.i.+elds and made her body tighten as it stole her breath away. It was good that he held her, because at that moment Cat wasn't positive she'd be able to stand.

"I missed you." Raphael murmured into her hair, and she could hear him drawing in deep breaths as he reveled in her scent.

"Me, too." Her voice was breathy, her pulse racing. "And just as soon as I can walk we're going back to my place and I'll show you just how much."

Raphael gave a low, wicked chuckle. "I can carry you, if it'll help."

"Not and get my bags." Cat teased. She ran her fingers playfully over the thin silk of his s.h.i.+rt, feeling and scenting his body's reaction to her touch.

Raphael sighed happily, but stepped back a pace. "Fine. I'll play bellhop." His eyes twinkled "But I'd better get a really good really good tip." tip."

"I think I can manage that." She gave him a wink, and was rewarded with a grin that flashed those deep dimples she found so irresistible.

Raphael gathered up the bags, leading the way back to the short-term parking section of the covered garage. Cat lagged a step or two behind for the sole purpose of watching the play of muscles as he walked. She couldn't imagine ever getting tired of this man. He could be infuriating and frustrating, but at least he was never, ever dull. The few days she'd spent blocking him out of her mind had felt wrong. She hadn't realized how much she'd come to rely on his solid, comforting presence in the back of her mind.

Raphael stored her bags in the backseat of the Jeep, then walked around the vehicle to open her door. He watched as she climbed inside, even those simple movements making his body tighten with need.

"We'll get there faster if you get in the car and drive." Cat's tone was saucy, her eyes sparkling merrily.

"Yeah. Right." He shut the door with a brisk slam, hurrying around to the other side of the vehicle. He practically jumped inside, slammed the door closed, and started the engine with a roar.

Raphael, you might as well relax. Even hurrying it's going to take at least forty-five minutes to get back to the apartment.

Raphael groaned in frustration.