“We aim to try truth reading his answers to questions first. If that doesn’t work, we’ll ask you to describe his memories.”
“According to Bryn, truth reading can be misleading,” Gunnar said. “If the subject believes he’s telling the truth, that’s how it’ll read. Right, Bryn?”
“Yeah. It’s problematic with people with some psychological conditions. Split personalities, delusional schizophrenia…” Bryn went quiet as if recalling something unpleasant.
Gunnar flicked through the file again. “I guess we just get on with it. Bear in mind that Bryn isn’t a psychic. This isn’t hokum, it’s a gene ability. He can’t read this guy’s mind and tell you what he’s thinking in real time, it’s about memory and intent.”
“Noted.” Agent Bell loosened his tie.
“And if Bryn wants out, that’s what happens,” Gunnar said, daring either of the agents to dispute it.
“Uh, Gunnar…” Bryn pulled on his sleeve. “You’re getting wolfy.”
Gunnar realized the rumbling growl he could hear was coming from his throat.Hmm. That’s new.
Agent Gomez chuckled. “I heard wolves could be protective. We could do with a few more on our team. We have a bunch, but the cops steal too many of them.”
Gunnar grunted. “Give me the address.” Gomez sent it to Gunnar’s cell. “We’ll see you there.” He ignored the agent’s knowing smirk and marched from the room.I need some bike time to clear my head. This gig is playing games with my Zen.Bryn trailed after him. “They get you leathers and a helmet?”
“Yeah. Though apparently Warden was cursing a lot about how dangerous motorcycles are and that we should be using a nice, safe car with armored glass.”
“Escaping a pursuer is easier on the bike. We can use a car if you want though.” Gunnar gave himself a mental smack.Should have asked what he wanted first. Idiot.
“Hell no! I’ve seen your Harley, it’s gorgeous.”
“You ever been on a bike before?”
“No. I have a driver’s license—I did driver’s ed. in high school—but I haven’t driven anything since, well, you know.”
“Yeah. Right.” Gunnar was beginning to realize that Bryn had been little more than a prisoner for the lastthree years.No wonder he has a massive chip on his shoulder.
Their gear was in a closet near the back entrance. Gunnar slung on his jacket and Bryn scrambled into a full body racing suit, which fitted over his clothes.
“Holy fuck!” Gunnar stroked the supple black leather. “This is high end. Has to be three thousand dollars’ worth. Armored and…there’s a built-in air bag. Of course there is.”
“When you’ve finished drooling, you think you could help me with the helmet?”
“Sorry.” Gunnar realized that Bryn’s arm was in the sleeve he’d been fondling.
“I guess you don’t need so much protection,” Bryn said. “Lupines heal fast, don’t they?”
“I don’t mind wolf. Lupine is too scientific. We get damaged just as much as anyone else but yeah, we heal faster. Doesn’t mean I ride like an idiot. I’ll take care of you…Warden will have my balls if I don’t, and I’m quite fond of them.” Gunnar caught Bryn’s blush before he rammed his helmet on his head. He helped him buckle it properly. “There, now all you have to do is hold on. Lean with my body. Okay?”
“Let’s go.” Bryn pulled on his gloves.
Riding the Harley, even in city traffic, always gave Gunnar a thrill. The experience improved tenfold with Bryn’s arms wrapped around him. The FBI’s Boston office in Chelsea was less than six miles away. On a good day the journey by car took fifteen minutes. On the bike, despite sections of gridlocked traffic, Gunnar did it in twelve.
When Bryn took off his helmet, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes even brighter than usual. He covered them with his shades. “That was fantastic! When can we do it again?”
Gunnar chuckled. “We have to get home, so that would be later today. Sadly we have work to do first.”
“That sucks.” Bryn unzipped his suit then struggled out of it. Gunnar stowed it and his jacket in the bike’s panniers.
“Can’t imagine anyone is going to steal it here.” Gunnar noted that Bryn’s posture had gone from relaxed to stiff at the mention of work. “You okay?”
“Yeah. No. I don’t know. I haven’t done this for a real case before. There’s a lot riding on it and…it’s not fun seeing this stuff.”
“No, I don’t imagine it is. If you need something else in your head when we’re in there, you grab me. Okay?”
