Chapter Fourteen

Security Detail in Need of Assistance

The sun was barely peeking over the mountains when Nat, Caden, and Mystic arrived at the FBI’s office. Agent Zarkou, unlocked the main door allowing them inside, then locked the door, and escorted the trio into his office.

“Mr. Tayor is our resident expert on financial records. He’s reviewed the records received and finds nothing out of the ordinary.”

“May we take a look?” Mystic asked.

“Sure, just wanted to advise you of his findings.”

A laptop was set up on a table with three chairs surrounding it. Chad inserted a USB drive into the computer and waited for the spreadsheets to come up. “Here you go, have at it.” He returned to his desk and began filling out paperwork.

She stared at page after page of the records. Then she stopped, paged backward, wrote down an account number, fast forwarded, and wrote another number on the legal pad provided. “I think something weird is going on with the account numbers the money for the educational fund is being transferred to.”

“What do you mean?” Caden asked, leaning closer to the computer screen.

“Well, last time I knew, the transfers were made twice a month. These transfers are every week. Two of the transfers are the same amount, which is unusual, since a percentage of the profit is how the amount is calculated. The reoccurring transfer of the same amount is going to a different account than the others. Why would there be two different accounts for the same fund?” She shook her head. “It doesn’t make sense, and they are at different banks.”

“Maybe they opened a new account for some reason. You know like spread the wealth or better interest rate,” Caden suggested.

“Another council member would have had to sign along with Ethan. I don’t remember that being addressed recently, but it could have happened before I joined the council.” She took her phone out of her backpack. “I need to make some calls before I jump to any conclusions. It could be all above board.”

“Since when do you look before you leap?” Caden winked at her as the corners of his mouth curved into a wide smile.

Mystic shot him an irritated glance and sauntered out of the room to conduct her conversation in private.

When she returned, fear and anger knotted inside her roiling belly. “My hunch was right.” Her voice void of emotion.

“What’s wrong?” Caden asked hurrying to her side. “Who did you call?”

“Archer Clearwater. He’s acting head of the tribal council. There is only one account for the education fund. He was pretty sure bimonthly transfers were made as usual. Arch is going to check on it and get back to me.” She paced across the floor.

“Where are the other two transfers going?”

She paused and locked eyes with him then shifted her gaze to Chad Zarkou. “Certainly not where they should be. Archer didn’t know about any other account. He didn’t sign for another account at a new bank. Again, he is checking with the other council members to see if any of them knew about any addition accounts.”

“I can subpoena records on the questionable accounts based on what you learned,” Chad offered.

“No. That would put Ethan on notice that we discovered the unauthorized transfers. I’d rather investigate myself and then confront him. We need the element of surprise on our side.”

“Right now, you can bet he’s sitting on pins and needles, hoping that we miss the additional account and just note the educational fund, as the FBI’s expert did,” Caden said. “Myst, you’re not going to the new bank alone, nor are you going to be the one to confront him.”

“Who else would have that kind of knowledge to be able to back him into a corner?” she challenged.

“Mr. Clearwater,” Nat said.

“I have an idea,” Chad Zarkou said drumming his fingers on the desk. “How about we contact the bank and freeze the account so withdrawals are not allowed, but transfers and deposits are?”

“If Ethan tries to make a withdrawal, he’ll know the jig is up at that point,” Mystic said. “Not a good idea. He’ll go underground with the help of whoever he’s mixed up with.”

“I’d need approval for any other plan. I’ll contact my superior and see what options we have available. Be right back.” Agent Zarkou strode out of the room.

“We may have to compromise with the FBI,” Caden suggested.

“No, I want to see what Arch finds out first.” Making sure the agent was out of ear shot, she looked pleadingly at Caden. “Can we port to National Wyoming Bank in Riverton and meet Arch? I’d like to look at the transaction register. See if the money sits there or is transferred somewhere else. Since the account appears to have been opened under the Tribe’s corporation, Arch has the paperwork to allow him access to the account records.”

“Sure. But we can’t be seen upon arrival,” Caden cautioned.

She jumped when her phone chirped. She tapped on the screen to see who was calling. “Arch, what did you find out?” she asked walking from the room, pulling Caden with her.

“That other account is unknown to anyone on the council,” Arch answered in a bewildered voice.

“Arch, would you meet us at that bank in a few minutes?”

“Sure. I’m outside Bank of the West right now. How are you going to get here, you’re still in Denver, right? And who is us?”

“Is there any one with you, or around you?”

“No, it’s pretty quiet right now.”

“As my father used to say. It’s on a need to know basis and right now you don’t need to know.” She handed the phone to Caden. He got a fix on the location, and they disappeared out of the deserted hallway, leaving Nat to deal with Agent Zarkou.

“Some things defy explanation,” she whispered as she laid a hand on Arch’s shoulder.

“Holy shit. Where did you come from?” He grabbed at his chest as he leaned against the bank building gasping for air. “You nearly gave me a heart attack?”

“Sorry, but you know as well as anyone there are forces in the world that are difficult to explain.” She smiled using her preternatural abilities to access his condition.

Arch left his hand on his chest as his breathing slowed and waited for his heart rate to return to normal. “I’ve known you since before you could walk. I’ll help you no questions asked, but after this is all over, whatever this is, I will expect a full explanation.” He shifted his gaze to Caden. “I assume this young man is one of the forces you refer to?”

“Oh, Arch, you’re one of the wisest men I know.” She flung her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.

“Let’s go in. I assume time is of the essence, or you wouldn’t take such a risk.” He glanced up and down the still empty sidewalk.

Caden opened the door, and they strode into the bank. Arch asked to speak to the manger and showed his credentials.

After reviewing Arch’s paperwork, the bank manager nodded. “All your documents are in order, but I still need to call Mr. Nix for authorization. He left strict instructions that no one was to have access to these records without his express written consent.”

Archer’s eyes went wide and said, “He did…”

She laid her hand on Arch’s arm, barely shaking her head. Caden used a bit of angel influence to convince the manager to give them immediate access to the transaction records, without contacting Ethan.

She looked over at Caden and whispered, “Using this much magic must extract a heavy toll.”

“Not when it’s used for the good of mankind. Personal and selfish purposes are another story, I’ll explain later. Now can we get on with it before my suggestion wears off?” he whispered in return.

In a quiet voice, Arch said, “We need to change Ethan’s instructions before we leave here today.”

They followed the bank manager to a small glass office off the lobby and sat down at a computer terminal to review the records.

She drew in her breath sharply as she looked at the balance. “Wow,” she said quietly releasing her breath. She looked from Arch to Caden, who were both slack jawed.

At first, the money accumulated in periodic transfers of $9999.00 or $8999.00 to an out of state bank for credit to an account owned by BGE. Even more surprising were the additional transfers in from BGE in the same amounts, only to be withdrawn a week later.

“Looks like money laundering is going on here,” Archer said flatly.

“Yes, but more is going out than coming in,” Caden observed. “And the amounts are sporadic as are the transfers. Can we download this information without compromising the case against Nix?”

“No, we can’t download the info. The bank has to voluntarily transfer the records to the Tribal Police, at the request of a council member.” She glanced at Archer. “You got this. You’re a council member, and acting Council Chief.”

“You bet I can,” Archer said.

“And we need to do it before my influence wears off,” Caden said fidgeting, then moving toward the door.

They strolled back to the manager’s desk. Archer made the request, signed the necessary documents, paused, and requested the deletion of Ethan’s instructions, then watched the manager complete the transactions.

“Will there be anything else, Mr. Clearwater?”

“Nope, you’ve been very helpful. Thank you.”

Once outside the bank, Caden caught her hand and squeezed. The words So far so good, slid into her mind in Caden’s deep smooth voice.

Archer’s eyebrows rose as he looked from her to Caden. “Is there something you want to tell me, Ms. Rayne?”

“No, not right now, but later.” She raised up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

“Your father would be proud. Let me know if you need anything else. I suppose this whole thing is to be kept just between us.”

“For now. Everyone will know soon enough.”

“Ethan has gotten his hand caught in the money jar?” Archer raised an eyebrow and pressed his lips into a thin line.

“It would appear so. Thanks for your help.”

“No problem.” He turned around and strolled down the sidewalk in the opposite direction, without looking back.

She and Caden materialized in a deserted alcove of the FBI.

Caden pushed Agent Zarkou’s office door open for her and followed her inside. Three pairs of eyes watched them cross the carpet and take their seats in front of the computer.

“That’s all Patti. Thanks,” Agent Zarkou said. A woman in her mid-forties, dark brown hair chopped short in business attire exited the room carrying several file folders.

“My assistant,” Zarkou said by way of explanation.

“You might want to contact the Tribal Police and request the records they just received electronically on the additional education fund account at Bank of the West,” Mystic suggested.

Agent Zarkou heaved a heavy sigh. “Do I want to know how this information was obtained?”

“No.”

“Please tell me it’s not illegal.” Agent Zarkou cut his gaze to Nathanael North.

She smiled and patted Zarkou on the shoulder. “No, the case will not be compromised. But please don’t move on it until you hear from one of us.”

“I can only give you thirty-six hours. Then I’ll have to answer to my superiors.”

“Understood.” She picked up her backpack and joined Caden and Nathanael as they walked toward the office door. “Thanks for everything. We’ll be in touch soon.”

Agent Zarkou walked them to the outer door. The group stepped out into the warm sunshine, turned right, and started toward the parking lot. Pop. The car windshield in front of them exploded. Pop. Pop. A couple bullets bounced off the glass door to the FBI building and bounced across the sidewalk in front of Caden. Another whizzed past her ear as Caden grabbed her waist and pulled her to the ground. Nathanael hit the ground and rolled in time to see security swarm out of all the building’s exits like angry bees.

“Get us out of here,” she screamed.

Can’t port, too much security and security cameras. Caden’s words flowed through her mind.

Security officers yanked them to their feet and hustled them back into the building. Agent Zarkou shoved open the door quickly pulling them inside.

“What the hell?” Zarkou looked accusingly at Nat.

“Don’t know. Didn’t see any one. Apparently, someone knew we were here. Got a leak in your office?”

“No. Got one in your ranks?”

“No. For reasons I can’t divulge, that isn’t possible, under any circumstances.”

“Really?” Agent Zarkou asked incredulously.

“Really,” Nat said.

“What about the men you met with last night at the hotel?”

“They’re my experts I am working with from another angle of this case and are above reproach.” Nathanael’s back stiffened, and his eye twitched.

“We ran their faces through our computer and came up empty. They don’t exist,” Zarkou shot back.

“Then your database is out-of-date or just plain defective. One of them is a prominent business man in DC.”

“And the other?”

“His head of security.”

“And their names?”

“That you’ll need to discover on your own. I’ve fed you enough information, especially if you have a leak.”

Two security guards walked past Zarkou and gave the all clear sign.

“Did you find anyone?” Zarkou asked.

“Not yet, but we got the license number of the car they fled in. Wyoming plates. It won’t be long.”

Nathanael frowned. “Now, if we could get an armed escort to our vehicle, we’ll be on our way.”

“Still staying in the B…” Zarko hesitated a moment. “Uh…location you were previously?”

“Yes. If you need us, you have my cell number.”

After a thorough search of their SUV turned up nothing, as did a scan for incendiary devices, four armed security guards escorted she, Nat, and Caden to their vehicle.

“Nat, are you leaving your cell phone on? We can be tracked that way.” Caden pulled into traffic, then looked in the rearview mirror. “We got company. Want me to shake ’em?”

“No, the FBI knows where we’re going and staying. No advantage at this time,” Nat said. “Phone’s off. I’ll check it periodically from a remote location.”

“Unless we lose them, park the SUV in the parking lot at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and port back to the room. That way this evening, we all can port to the SUV, eat dinner in the area, see the performance, and drive back to the hotel. It’ll keep them scrambling to find us. The dark tint to the SUV’s windows will cover our arrivals and departures,” Caden suggested.

“Actually, I think we may want to cancel tonight,” Nat said.

“Why? We’re sitting ducks in the hotel, if there is a leak. With my plan, they won’t be able to track us as quickly,” Caden insisted.

“Let’s give Bruce and his wife the choice. We’ll fill them in, and they can decide. Bruce knows the score only too well.” Nat shifted in his seat to glance at the vehicle following them.

“Good point. If worse comes to worse, all attending tonight, apart from Alaia, are capable of magic, we’ll escape that way.” Caden smiled. The hotel phone rang as she entered the suite, followed by Caden and Nat.

Caden picked up the receiver and pushed speaker. “Hello.”

Agent Zarkou here. “The cell number we have is turned off because it goes directly to voice mail.”

“Yeah, better to use this phone. Don’t want to be tracked.”

Zarkou huffed into the phone. “Great.” He paused for a couple beats. “Wanted to let you know we’ve captured the men that shot at you this afternoon. Ballistics on the guns found in the car confirms the weapons are the ones used. Appears they’re just a couple of guns for hire, working alone. Haven’t been able to connect the men to anyone involved in the case yet. Still working on it. But they aren’t talking.”

“Thanks. We appreciate the update.”

“No problem, thought you’d sleep easier tonight, with the information. Are you leaving tomorrow morning?”

“Not sure. We’ll be in touch.” Caden disconnected the call and blew out a breath. “Sounds like they were cheap hired guns.”

“Yeah, but we still need to be on our guard and inform Bruce.” Nathanael crossed the room to look out the window.

She and Caden nodded in agreement.

Nathanael pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and called Bruce. He filled him in on the morning’s events. “How about we meet in our suite in about an hour? That will give us plenty of time for dinner and to get to the theatre early.”

Nat ended the call, then let everyone know Bruce concurred with their assessment of the situation. Nat touched the phone’s screen again. “You ready, Alaia?”

Nate smiled wide and ended the call. With a wave, he sauntered into his room, closing the door.

****

A soft knock sounded on the suite’s door. Caden checked the peep hole, then opened the door to a petite woman with hair like spun gold cascading down her back standing in front of Bruce.

“Hi, I’m Angelique, Bruce’s wife.” She smiled up at him with sparkling violet eyes full of mischief.

He moved aside to allow Bruce and Angelique to enter.

“This is nice and decorated much brighter than the Roosevelt Suite. That’s where we’re staying,” Angie said.

Bruce stood behind Angie and motioned to him. “Angie, this is Caden. He is one of the business associates that brought us here and graciously invited us to join them at the theatre.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Caden Silverwind, is it?” Angelique extended her hand.

Caden shook Angelique’s hand and gathered Mystic to him with the other. “This is Mystic Rayne. Nathanael and Alaia North are in the adjoining room getting ready. They should only be a minute. May I get you something to drink?” He released Mystic and reached for one of the six crystal wine glasses arranged around the bottle of Pinot Noir 2003.

“Yes, red wine would be nice,” Angelique said eyeing the bottle, then looking up at Bruce. “Same for you?”

He nodded and flashed a brilliant smile at her.

Angelique grinned as she surveyed Mystic. “That is a beautiful name. Native American family name?”

“Yes, it is,” Mystic said.

“Thanks for inviting us. Phantom it’s one of our favorites,” Angie said her voice warm and friendly. “It’s not often we get to enjoy an evening with couples that we have things in common with, if you know what I mean. Bruce is always busy with work and well, his work doesn’t mix well with socializing.”

“I totally understand,” Mystic said warming to Angelique. “We are so glad you decided to join us.”

“That we are.” Nat’s rich voice sounded from across the room as he and Alaia crossed the living area to meet their guests. “I’m Nathanael North, and this is my wife, Alaia.” He reached for the two wine glasses sitting on the bar and handed one to Alaia.

Caden raised his wine glass. “To a relaxing and enjoyable evening.”

“Yes,” everyone answered in unison. The crystal sang as they all touched the rims of their glasses and then took a sip.

“Delicious, one of my favorites,” Bruce declared as his nostrils flared taking in the scent of the Pinot Noir.

“Glad you approve,” he said.

Arriving at the theatre early, Nathanael handed the tickets to the attendant.

“This way, sir,” she said and led them down the main aisle to the middle of the front row. “Here we are, enjoy the show.”

Angie’s eyes widened. “Wow, nice seats, how’d you do that on such short notice?”

Nathanael snorted. “Really?”

He snickered. “Call it divine intervention.”

Angie’s eyes darted from him to Nathanial and finally locked on Bruce.

Bruce’s lips twitched and curved at the corners. He leaned over and whispered, “They’re angels, remember?”

“You were serious about that?” She sucked in a breath, glanced toward him, and Nathanael gave a slight nod. Her cheeks flushed as she realized the others were aware of her conversation.

“What kind of angel attends the theatre with a 9mm tucked in his waist band and a dagger strapped at his ankle?” Angie asked keeping her voice low.

He chuckled. “A warrior angel, with security issues,” he whispered back.

The couples took their seats, taking in the full orchestra in the pit just below them and stage in front of them.

“Would you look at this?” he whispered to Mystic with a hint of a smile. “I could reach out and touch the conductor’s head.” He stretched his arm down in front of him and started to lean toward the pit. He glanced over Mystic and met Bruce’s amused look.

“Don’t you dare,” she tersely whispered back, yanking on the back of his shirt.

“Is that a challenge?” he asked his lips curling up into a full smile.

She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. “Caden,” she warned.

“Only kidding.” He relented and relaxed against the back of the seat.

Bruce studied the stage as the curtains opened and the lights dimmed. He leaned back in his chair and caught Caden’s eye. “Bet that chandelier will pass right over our heads on that line.” He pointed above their heads.

“Possibly,” he agreed as the actors took the stage.

Mystic sent them both a scathing look. Both he and Bruce shrugged their shoulders and turned their attention to the stage.

During the intermission, he and Mystic excused themselves for a few private minutes.

“Are you feeling more comfortable with Bruce on our security team?” Caden asked. “We really have no other choice.”

“Why? You kicked ass the other night on the Rez.”

“And how would you know? You were safely ensconced at the lodge,” Caden taunted.

“Chinoah told me what happened.” She absently curled a strand of hair around her finger.

“But she was so out of it she didn’t see the demons explode and their ashes float to the cavern floor. She still doesn’t know the battle was between demons and angels with a few dangerous humans thrown in.” He narrowed his eyes and looked sternly at Mystic. “Unless you shared information you shouldn’t have.”

“Of course I didn’t. I keep my word,” she said, her voice rising above the crowd noise.

“Keep your voice down. You’re attracting attention.” He laid his hand on her lower back and pulled her toward him. “We can have this discussion later. Right now, Nat and I need to know if you are comfortable with our alliance with Bruce and his people. Or if you want to go it on our own.”

“Since it appears that demons may be entrenched in the situation with Ethan, I have to be okay with it.”

“You really do. When we get to Wyoming, we’ll be working closely with Tristian. If you can’t trust him, this won’t work. Otherwise, Bruce will give the order for Tristian and his team to hunt out and neutralize the demons that are out of control.”

“But then we will never find out exactly what Ethan is up to or get the money back he’s misappropriated.” Chewing on her bottom lip, she paused. “We can terminate him and then try to follow the money trail to recoup what he appears to have taken. Then hope there are no repercussions from whatever he is mixed up in.”

“Exactly my point.”

“Ookkay,” Mystic said drawing out the word. “What difference does it make whether the warrior angels take them on, or demons like Bruce and his entourage take them out?”

“Bruce is the Territory Overlord and has the authority to enforce the rules laid down for the paranormal creatures to peaceful cohabitate with the mortals. He earned the respect of the demons, vampires, and witches who want to exist amicably with the humans. For those who don’t, justice is swift and deadly.”

Mystic’s eyes widened, her lips formed an O. “I’m glad he’s on our side.”

“He has the support of the others to do exactly what it takes to maintain the necessary balance and has the individuals and tools to do so. Leaving no trace of their activities.”

“I’m okay with Bruce, and I really like Angie. Tristian makes me uncomfortable, he exudes danger and violence.”

“That’s exactly why he’s so good. The only other option is to take this situation on ourselves and hope we’re dealing with more humans than paranormals. We were just lucky that night on the Rez. We had the element of surprise on our side, and that gave us an edge. Now they know and will be prepared next time. I doubt Nat wants to engage the entire legion in the situation.”

Mystic winced and blew out a sigh. “Of course, you’re right.”

“How ’bout this? If you have questions about Tristian, why not be up front about it with Bruce and ask him. Worst thing that can happen is he’ll tell you it’s none of your business and he’d be right.” He glanced around as the lights dimmed off and on indicating the production was about to resume.

“Great plan. Make me the fool.”

“Hear me out. The best thing that could come of it is that he’ll understand your difficulties with Tristian and answer your questions.”

“I guess.”

“Bruce requested this meeting to warn us and volunteer his expertise rather than just coming in here, neutralizing the offenders and leaving without a trace. Which is business as usual for Tristian and his teams. Nat agreed to the meeting and for Bruce’s expertise, not to question his methods,” he said as the lights in the theatre lobby dimmed. “It’s time to return to our seats. Think about what I’ve said.” He brushed a strand of her silky black hair from her face and kissed her. “It will all work out. Trust me.”

He returned to his seat. Mystic stopped a couple of seats away to talk to Angie. Bruce reached across the empty seat and tapped Caden on the shoulder. Bruce jerked his chin upward and eyed the chandelier, which earlier in the production swung across the stage, above the audience, a few feet above their heads. Now it waited held high behind them. He smiled and nodded. Mystic slipped into her seat just as the lights went down.

Mist floated across the stage, and flames sparked from the burning opera house set as the story came to its climatic end. The chandelier careened back toward the stage as he and Bruce started to raise their arms. Angie and Mystic shrieked each grabbing a raised arm as the chandelier passed just inches as planned above their fingertips. The men leaned back in their chairs and roared with laughter, the sound covered by the chandelier’s scripted crash to the stage in the final minutes of the production.

As they left the theatre, Mystic was still glaring at him, even as she suggested stopping somewhere for a drink and a snack.

“Good idea,” he said. “Let’s go back to our suite. I’ve several more bottles of vintage wine, and we could order room service for late night snacks.”

Bruce looked at Angie who nodded. “Sounds like a great idea. Will we need to port from the SUV back to the hotel?” Bruce asked.

“No. We’ll just drive back to the hotel. This afternoon we needed a subterfuge so we parked the SUV in the DCPA’s parking lot and ported to the hotel. Thank you for going along with the plan for arrival this evening.”

“Not a problem. It was fun,” Angie said.

Back at the hotel, the men excused themselves to talk business for a few minutes.

****

Mystic stayed with Angie, while Alaia called in the room service order.

“Is something bothering you?” Angie asked. “Other than the behavior of our dates.”

“I can’t believe they actually did that, and we fell for it.”

Angie stifled a small giggle. “Bruce used to cut up like that once in a while when we were dating and alone. With recent resurgence of frequent illegal demon activity, he hasn’t behaved like that in a long time. It felt good to see him enjoy himself. Sorry he put Caden up to it.”

“Believe me, Caden didn’t need any encouragement. He probably needed a little light-hearted fun too. It’s been quite a day.”

“So I’ve heard. I understand you were in a shootout this afternoon. That would have scared the shit out of me.”

“Yeah, this has not been one of my best weeks.”

“I’ve had those kinds of weeks. Like when I had to tell my brother, who is an enforcer by profession, that I intended to marry a demon and his boss. He hit the roof. There was quite a fight between Bruce and Tristian.” Angie blew out a breath. “It took a while, but eventually, it all worked out.”

Her eyes flew open, and she sucked in a breath. “Tristian, the warlock that was here with Bruce, is your brother?”

“Yeah. I had no idea Tristian worked for Bruce when I first met him at The Wycked Hair Salon. That’s a story for another time.” Angie waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.

“Bet that was interesting.”

Angie laughed. “It was, to say the least. Anyway, Bruce thought you might have trouble accepting Tristian.”

“Good guess. Tristian’s aura is a bit domineering.”

“He does lack in certain social skills, but he’s a good guy with a hard job. Since he moved into management and married Hannah, she’s softened his rough edges. You should have seen him before.” Angie rolled her eyes and shook her head. “No, on second thought, you shouldn’t have seen him before.”

She cocked her head and looked quizzically at Angie.

“Oh, don’t misunderstand. Tristian is a wonderful brother and did his best to raise me after our parents died. He was a little…no…a lot overprotective.” Angie giggled. “The things he’s done…well…again a story for another time.”

Caden strode into the room and flipped the crystal wine glasses up in the air catching each one by its stem, then motioned to several different bottles of wine. “Pick your poison. Alaia said food should be here any minute.”

Caden winked at her and began pouring the wine.

Bruce walked over to where Angie was sitting and stood behind her. He laid his large hands gently on her petite shoulders, leaned down, nuzzled her neck, and brushed his lips lightly over her cheek. She crooked her arm around his neck affectionately and whispered something in his ear. He smiled and gave a slight nod.

Straightening up, Bruce took two glasses from Caden filled with rich amber liquid. He handed one to Angie, the other he waved under his nose and sniffed lightly. “Splendid floral bouquet,” Bruce murmured then he closed his eyes and took a sip. Under a raised brow his eye sparkled. “Domaine Ramonet Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune?”

Caden nodded.

“I’ve been trying to locate a bottle of this wine. Expensive and elusive.”

“We have our sources.” Caden grinned.

Bruce nodded. “We’ll talk later.” He took another sip and set the glass on a nearby table. The crystal facets shimmered through the amber liquid in the fire light. When he turned his attention to her, Caden watched Bruce intently. “As you know Tristian took off this morning for Wyoming. I’ve left a message for him to call, so I can bring him up to speed on the shooting this morning. Cell coverage in Wyoming is a challenge.” Bruce grimaced.

“What will he be doing in Wyoming?” she asked.

“Checking up on the demon population in Riverton. He wanted to wait until you arrived in Wyoming to visit River Winds Casino. Unless you object, he would like to accompany you to the casino. If he goes alone, he would be an outsider and at a disadvantage, as you pointed out last evening. But with Tristian things always change.”

She hesitated for a moment. “I don’t know…”

“Is there something about Tristian that bothers you?” Bruce asked his eyebrows scrunched together.

“I don’t know him well enough to trust him to have my back, after all that has happened.” Her cheeks heated. “I’m sorry. I know you are here to help, but…”

“Tristian can be intimidating at times and his rough mannerism puts people off, but he’s working on it. It’s also why he’s so good at his job. There is none better. I trust him with my life and to make the right decisions for his teams in the field. He also takes my place when I’m unavailable. He has quite a varied skill set.”

“But he’s a paid assassin.” There, I finally said it, what bothers me about Tristian.

“He is also my body guard, the enforcer of the rules that keep everyone safe, a most trusted friend and the hardest of all, my brother-in-law. That gave me more than a few lost nights of sleep.” The corners of Bruce’s mouth twitched then curved into an almost smile.

“Yeah. Angie told me.” She cut her gaze to Angie then back to Bruce. “Said you two had one hell of a fight.”

“Yes, Tristian and I both sustained serious injuries that put us out of commission for a couple of weeks. The use of deadly magic and defending magic also drained us as well. But eventually we worked it out. Still, I would rather have him protecting my back than anyone else.”

Her eyes grew round, and she blew out a breath. “After all that, you still trust him with your life? Even when he tried to take yours at one time?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve made me feel a lot better about Tristian. Still wary of him, but I think I can work with him. I’d still like Caden at my side.”

“Of course, I assumed as much.” Bruce turned to Nat and Alaia. “Will you be accompanying them to Wyoming?

“No, I think we’ll stay at the lodge near Aspen, in case we need to call for reinforcements. Alaia isn’t usually involved in my business. We have a young daughter that keeps her busy.”

“I understand.”

“Will you be assisting Tristian?”

“Not right now. He has his own team. Angie and I need to return to DC and handle some other pressing matters. But we will be available to either Caden or Mystic, if they need us.”

“Thanks,” she said, her voice quiet, looking first to Bruce and then to Angie.

“Tristian and I will be in constant communication once he obtains a smart phone and establishes cell service that works in Wyoming.” Bruce rolled his eyes. “You’d think Wyoming was in a different country or dimension at least. Not an eight-hour drive or few minutes should we decided to port.” He shook his head in amazement.