Wyatt appeared at the landing, fists anchored on his hips. “That’s it. I’m not going after him.”
“What’s with the string?” I asked, gripping the newel. “Did you convince him that he could fly like a kite?”
Wyatt jogged down the steps, drawing attention to his red socks. “He’s got a wiggly tooth. I told Shep to wrap a string around it and tie the other end to a doorknob. When he started to slam the door, he chickened out. I think he feels guilty about causing the kid any pain, but that tooth has gotta go.” He turned to walk with us. “When I was little, I knew a kid who choked on his own tooth.”
Blue rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. Did you tell Shepherd that tall tale?”
“I’m not fibbing! It actually happened while he was riding horseback. I guess it freaked Hunter out, because he took the string off the knob and ran.”
“You told that story while he was getting his tooth pulled? Good job,” I said, smacking him on the arm. “Be sure to add that to your résumé. Hacks into computers and terrifies small children.”
“Just give him an apple,” Blue suggested, leading us down a hallway that passed the courtyard.
Wyatt shuddered. “He might swallow it. Then we’d have to fish it out for the tooth fairy.”
Blue sighed. “The tooth fairy is a human fabrication.”
“Uh-huh. Tell that to Shepherd. He’s suddenly all gung ho about these weird-ass traditions. First it’s a birthday, then it’s the tooth fairy. Next thing you know, we’ll be hiding Easter eggs.”
“I always wanted to do that,” I said, thinking back to my strange childhood. “My dad didn’t like wasting food. In retrospect, he probably didn’t know how to boil an egg.”
Blue snorted. “In a house this big, we’d never find all the eggs. Not until we smelled them rotting.”
Wyatt eased between us and put his arms over our shoulders. “Where are you ladies headed? Late-night pillow fight?”
I gripped his hand. “Pin the dagger on the donkey. Wanna be the donkey?”
He fell back and snapped his fingers. “Just remembered I’ve got fries in the oven. Maybe Shep can help you out with that one.”
Wyatt hustled off. I was joking, but because of my kill record, I guessed he didn’t put anything past me.
When we entered one of the libraries, Viktor was on his phone with his back to us. He spun a globe, chuckling softly.
“I also had a good time,” he said intimately. “You are beautiful woman.”
Blue slid her jaw to the side and folded her arms as we waited for him to wrap up his call.
When he noticed us, he held up a finger and then turned away. I couldn’t hear what he said before ending the call.
Viktor smiled at us. “Apologies.”
I summoned the urge to pry. “Was that Lenore? How did your date go?”
A blush touched his cheeks, and he stroked his silver beard, averting his eyes. “It went very well. Very well indeed. She has an impressive wine collection.”
I raised my eyebrows. “You went back to her place?”
He cleared his throat. “I called you here to inform you that I’ve accepted Ren’s offer on a conditional basis. He wants you in charge. I have no trouble with this as you have better relationships with his territory. Blue and Christian will provide any support you need.”
“What wereyourconditions?” Blue inquired.
Viktor strolled over to an orange chair and leaned against the back, his hands clasped. “I have no desire to waste valuable time on theories. If you cannot find evidence there is something sinister going on, I will shut the case. Or is it close? Instead of flat fee, Ren is paying us by the day. He is aware this might be wild geese chasing each other.”
I snorted and rocked on my heels. Sometimes it was funniernotto correct him when his English lost its way. It usually happened this time of night after a few drinks.
“That sounds reasonable,” Blue said, jutting her hip as she leaned her shoulder against the doorjamb. “I hope he didn’t give you any trouble.”
“Nyet. Ren does not want his reputation ruined either, so we must exercise discretion. It isveryimportant to be careful when you speak to these Shifters. We must not reveal our… intentions.” He scratched his jaw with an uncertain look and swung his gaze upward. “Packs are very suspicious of outsiders and protective of the dead. I do not want to create animosity in the territory. It is very unstable at the moment. I have spoken to Miss Parrish, and she came up with an idea.”
