The Quest (17 page)

I met Boss’s firm gaze.
He could be lying. Don’t let the demon fool you.

This is crazy. She knows where the house is. She could send someone to kill Tabby and Jonas. She could send someone to destroy you during the day.

I’m quite capable of defending myself in daylight.

But not for long
.

Anger heated my blood. Everyone I cared for was in grave danger. If I declined Sal’s offer, I wouldn’t be able to focus on searching for evidence while worrying about Jonas, Boss or Tabby. Boss was the strongest, but he still had vulnerabilities like too much sunlight. Jonas’s strength came from Boss. The vampire’s blood allowed Jonas to heal quicker and withstand critical wounds, but he was still human. He could die from too much blood loss or too many injuries. As for Tabby, my shape-shifting feline friend, I worried about her the most. She was a lover, a caretaker and a helper in every aspect. She was not a fighter, and she didn’t have the extra strength from vampire blood. She had the gift of speed and flexibility, but those qualities wouldn’t save her against a vicious demon. The three people who helped, cared and supported me the most deserved to live in peace.

“All right, I accept your offer,” I said.

Boss glared at me.
Why?

I need to be sure no harm comes to you or the others.

His face turned a shade of red as he clenched his jaw and continued staring at me.

“Good.” Sal rose from his seat. “I’m glad we’re able to work together again.”

I glanced at Boss. Tension claimed every muscle in his face. The vampire clearly wasn’t happy with my choice.

“Let it go. We have work to do,” I said to Boss.

Lips together, he stood and walked away from Sal and I.

“It amazes me how you’re able to get along with the vampire. It does make me wonder what goes on between you two and why you choose to stay with him when you could come to my place. I’m sure I have an equally nice accommodation for you.”

“He’s my partner–”

“For the investigation. Yes, but I’ve never seen or heard of a half-breed staying willingly with a vampire for so long.” He tilted his head and gazed at me as if he suspected Boss and I were doing more than working together.

“Think what you want. I don’t care. Can I expect your assistants to meet me in the basement tomorrow night?” Worrying over what Sal thought about me was the least of my concerns. Other priorities took precedence, such as a pissed off vampire, an injured friend and searching for evidence.

“Of course.” He took his phone from his pocket and touched the screen. “And I will send a unit to guard you during the day. If there is any trouble, call me.”

Peering beyond Sal, I saw Boss watching me closely with his arms crossed.

“Let’s go,” I said with a jerk of my head.

Boss lowered his arms and walked toward me. The frown and cold look on his face revealed his strong displeasure. As he strode past Sal and I without a single word, I had an instinctive feeling the rest of my night, or rather morning, wouldn’t improve much.

Chapter 12

I strolled from the elevator to the sixth floor of the hospital. Boss stayed behind on the main floor, claiming he needed a few minutes alone to think. His dilated pupils and flushed color suggested he was upset, so I continued without him. A strong antiseptic smell filled the air as I headed down the small hall. Light beeps and the buzz of electronic devices were barely noticeable, but with my vampire ears, I detected every little bit of noise, even the various heartbeats pumping nearby.

Upon reaching the bulletin board, I scanned the map of the floor for the location of Jonas’s room. One of the nurses at a station downstairs had told me where to find Jonas. The hospital was a giant maze, reminding me of the Statehouse. Fortunately, the nurse gave good directions. I found the elevators and reached my destination within minutes.

“Shelley?” Tabby asked in a soft voice not far from me.

She stood in a small waiting area. No more than ten chairs faced each other, all of them looking worn and outdated. A small, boxy television hung from the corner. I walked toward her as she headed in my direction.

“Where’s Boss?” she asked.

“He’ll be here soon. How is Jonas?”

“He’s doing fine. They said he doesn’t have an infection or any fever. He was in pain so they gave him some painkillers.”

As we stood near the waiting room, I recalled when Tabby had been in the hospital. Jonas and Boss waited in the lobby while I changed into mist, passed by the nurses unnoticed and watched over with my shape-shifting friend. Then I returned and updated Boss and Jonas on her progress. My little demon trait came in useful then and certainly would now. “I wish I could mist and check on him myself, but the stupid bracelet on my ankle prevents me from changing.”

Tabby smiled. “I’m sure he’ll understand. You can send him a text and let him know you’re here. Although, I think he might be asleep. He hasn’t sent me anything within the last hour.”

I clenched my teeth, trying to stifle the frown from forming on my face. The impersonal means of communicating offered little comfort to me. I wanted to touch his hand and talk to him, let him know I cared. Thanks to Galluzzi and her bracelet, I couldn’t spend time with my dear friend. Because of her, my entire life was one big mess. Damn the bitch.

Frustrated, I stepped around Tabby and sat in a chair facing the window. Outside, the night looked peaceful. Why couldn’t my life be as tranquil as the night?

Tabby took the seat next to me. “Are you okay?” Her green eyes and gentle voice revealed her deep compassion, warmth and concern.

“Yes, and no.”

The thought of someone harming Tabby stirred the anger already thriving within me. She almost died six weeks ago because of me. If I could prevent another life-threatening ordeal from happening again, then I’d do whatever I had to.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“We just met with Sal, and–”

The sound of the elevator doors opening prompted me to pause and glance over my shoulder. Boss stepped out of the elevator. His gaze shifted our way, and he headed for us with long strides. He sat in a seat across from us. The tightness of Boss’s face hadn’t eased.

Tabby’s gaze bounced from Boss to me. “What’s going on?”

“I agreed to a deal with Sal,” I said.

“Why would you do that?” Tabby asked.

I gazed into her worried eyes. “Because we could use his help. Galluzzi put a bounty for my death. The bracelet on my ankle has a tracking device on it. Anyone around me is in danger.”

Tabby lifted her hand to her mouth. “Oh no.”

“By agreeing to Sal’s deal, he will give me protection and send someone to assist me with looking for proof against Galluzzi. I’m confident with his help and the werewolves, we will find what we need to bring her down.”

Tabby slowly lowered her hand. “Well, that doesn’t sound so bad then.”

“He could’ve been bullshitting you,” Boss said, crotchety. “We don’t have proof–”

“It doesn’t matter if he’s lying or not about the bracelet,” I said with my voice elevated as I glared at him. “What matters is the threat to everyone around me. We have
proof
she’s hired people to kill me. Jonas is lying in a fucking hospital bed thanks to Billy. I’m not going to put anyone else’s life in jeopardy.”

Six weeks ago, we were in the same situation. Their lives were in danger because every demon in the city was looking for me. I refused to run and hide then, and I wouldn’t now. No matter what Boss thought.

“Sorry, but it is my choice, and I’m sticking by it,” I said, staring into his dark eyes.

“Do you lack faith in me?” he asked.

“What?”

“I’m over fourteen hundred years old. I have fought in plenty of battles and destroyed many creatures, human and other. Do you believe I am weak and unable to protect you, Jonas and Tabby?”

“No, of course I don’t think you’re weak.”

“You act like it, and by allowing Sal to provide security, you gave the impression I am incapable of protecting you.”

My heart pounded in my chest. Had I really conveyed a lack of faith in him? I had not intended to. I knew he could fight and protect us. His strength and courage was not a doubt in my mind. I had the upmost belief he would defend us with every ounce of blood in his vampire body. He’d fight until the very end, and that was my fear. I didn’t want his demise to occur because of me. How could I convey my fear without making it sound as if I doubted him? Maybe I simply needed to say it.

“I know you are quite capable of defending us. I have absolutely no doubts in your abilities. I fear your loyalty to protect us might lead to your downfall.”

Boss shook his head. “What happens to me is my choice. You need to accept it.”

Accepting he would die for me was a difficult pill to swallow. Naturally, if I could prevent it and any more collateral damage from happening, I would.

“I don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”

“Then let me handle everything. I have far more experience in these matters than you. And for another matter, I wouldn’t trust any offers of security from a demon.” He sneered when he said the last word.

Boss’s experience exceeded anyone’s, without a doubt. How easy it was for me to forget he’d served as an investigator for centuries. The idea of extra security seemed like a good idea at the time, but Boss made a good point. Could I really trust Sal, a demon seeking power, to guard me?

“I’ll call Sal later and tell him to forget about any extra guards. You’re absolutely right, we don’t need his help to protect me, but I’d like him to send to an assistant to help dig through all the documents in the warehouse.”

“I have an idea that might help too,” Tabby said, snatching our attention. “I can visit my sisters for a week or so, and maybe Jonas could take a vacation.”

“Jonas never takes a vacation,” Boss said.

“Well, it’s time he did. I think the two of you need to spend some time alone, especially once you get rid of the queen of Hell.”

Tabby’s description of Galluzzi brought a smile to my face, and she had a good idea. Though I would miss her greatly, at least I knew she would be out of harm’s way. The same would be true for Jonas, if we convinced him to leave. As for spending time alone with Boss, Tabby hit the nail on the head. We needed time alone together.

“I think it’s a good idea,” I said. “But I will miss you. The house won’t feel the same with you gone.”

Tabby chuckled and found Boss gazing at her.

“It’s up to you,” he said. “Don’t leave because you feel you have to or you’re scared. We can work through this.”

Tabby tucked her black hair behind her ear as she faced me. “I was actually thinking of visiting my sisters last weekend. I put off saying anything because I wanted to support you in your new job. I thought you might need someone to talk to.”

I smiled. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage.” She grinned. “Just make sure Jonas doesn’t eat all the food in the house.”

Her comment brought a smile to my face. Our human friend always had a hearty appetite, but I wouldn’t complain. I enjoyed his cooking.

“I want you to consider turning in your resignation,” Boss said, reclaiming my direct attention and causing my smile to quickly disappear. “You should let Sal’s friends and the werewolves search for evidence. They are perfectly capable of handling the search without you. After they locate enough documents for a case, then you can go public.”

“No, I won’t quit my job.”

He clenched his jaw. “There is no reason for you to go back. You’re putting your life at risk by doing so. Let them handle gathering evidence.”

I tossed up my hands. “My life is in danger wherever I go. It doesn’t matter if I am at home or at the Statehouse.”

“There’s no need to put yourself in the hands of the enemy.” His deep voice hinted at his irritation.

Why did I feel as if we had traveled in one big circle and returned to the beginning of our argument? I understood his need to protect me, as I wanted to do the same for him. I thought we’d moved on from it, but apparently not.

“I’m not changing or quitting my job. Galluzzi would love for me to leave, and just to irritate her, I won’t.”

Boss fidgeted in his chair, showing his displeasure. “You’re staying in the job to annoy her, knowing someone could be watching your every move and plotting to kill you.”

I stood up. “I’m keeping the job because
I
want to find evidence.
I
want to bring her down.”

Why couldn’t he leave matters the way they were? I knew the danger waiting for me.

Boss rose. “You’re suicidal if you continue to work there.”

Hands on my hips, I glared at him. “Is that what you really think? First I’m an abomination, then you decide I’m dangerous. Now you’re labeling me suicidal. What’s next?” I crossed my arms.

Boss stepped closer. “You’re taking this the wrong way.”

“How am I supposed to interpret this? Since I found out Galluzzi was responsible, you knew how much I wanted to bring her ass down. Now you want me to step back and hide like some coward because she has goons hunting for me. Well, I can’t hide. I won’t.”

I stepped around Tabby’s legs and headed straight for the elevators. Anger boiled in my veins and brought me to the brink of tears. How could Boss ask me to walk away?

“Shelley, wait!”

I pressed the button for the elevator and waited in front of the doors. Boss strode up to my side. He gripped my arms and pulled me around to face him.

“Shelley, god damn it, why can’t you see you are playing with the fire?” He tugged me closer to his body. “I want you to achieve your goal. I want you to claim your justice. But if you choose to continue, you have a high chance of getting burned beyond recognition.”

I stared into his eyes, lacking words to respond. The analogy seemed a bit overdrawn.

“Something will happen, and it will change you. Don’t go back.”

A chill crawled down my spine as his words reminded me of Benny’s warning. If he was trying to install a hint of fear, he succeeded. Damn it, I needed air and time to think.