I raised my eyebrow. “And?”
“James was involved in this up to his neck.”
Figures.
“He wasn’t just bribing politicians and such with the money he embezzled from us, he was also arranging for some of the people he wanted favors from to have their very own panther pet.”
“Their very own—are you sure?”
Samson nodded. “Between what Stryker and I gathered when we went to investigate the disappearances and what Conrad has said, it looks like James planned to use these kids as bribes.” The large man’s jaw clenched. “He was basically selling them.”
“How did he get away with it?”
“He was a councilman. Who would question him?”
Samson had a point. Not many were brave enough to question those in charge.
“The good news is that all of the men involved in the slavery ring have been taken into custody. The council promises that the human authorities are taking this very seriously now that they know the kids were sold and not just runaways. Those involved will be persecuted.”
“Nice.” I would have preferred sending some of my guys after them, and I still might, but for now, I’d sit back and see if the human court system would bring the kids justice.
If not…
“So, I’m getting ready to head out.”
“New assignment?”
Samson nodded. “I’m headed to Chicago, some joker running guns down from the Canadian border. The council was contacted by the FBI and asked to deal with it since it’s a shifter.”
“Panther?”
Samson’s face twisted with disgust. “Hell, no. Coyote.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“It shouldn’t be more than a couple of days.”
“Okay, make sure Stone knows you’re leaving and where you’ll be staying. If you need anything, just buzz us. I’ll have Stone manning the lines for you.”
“Cool beans.” Samson saluted and headed for the door, passing Stone on his way out.
“Hey, babe.” I set the file I was working on aside. Mate trumped paperwork.
Hell, hangnails trumped paperwork.
“How’s life as the big chief?”
I dropped my head down onto the desk. “Boring.”
“You need an assistant.”
“I need a lobotomy.”
“I got you something.”
I lifted my head, perking up. “You got me something?”
“Well, it is our five-year anniversary.”
