“You have a point,” Dylon said. “It really depends on how far he wants to push it.”
“He did say he only wanted to talk to Smokey,” Steel reminded Jackson.
“True…damn it, I wish I knew more about him,” growled Jackson. I don’t even know what kind of paranormal he is.
“I thought you said he’s acting Alpha of the Silver Point Pack,” Dylon said. “So, he has to be a wolf shifter, right?”
Shrugging, Jackson said, “Can’t tell. He’s concealing his scent if he is.”
“No one knows what he is,” Smokey said. “When I was at the agency, he was one of our trainers and he kept it a secret no matter how many times he was asked.”
“Hmm…a mystery man,” Jackson mused. “I wonder what he’s hiding?” Just then his phone buzzed with an incoming text. Picking it up, he read the message, then looked at Smokey. “Nicolet’s here and has asked to speak to you alone.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Steel said.
“I agree,” Jackson said. “I don’t know why he wants to, but I don’t like it. It gives him the upper hand.”
“In what way?” asked Norm.
“Without a witness, Nicolet can claim Smokey admitted there wasn’t a reason for him to kill Josiah,” Jackson replied. “His word would carry more weight than Smokey’s denial that he ever said that.”
“Why don’t you tell him either he speaks to Smokey in front of all of us, or he can wait until Penn can come and be with Smokey during his interrogation,” Steel suggested.
“Good idea, babe,” Jackson said. “Is that all right with you, Smokey?”
Before answering, Smokey looked at his mates and, after getting their nods of approval, he turned back to Jackson. “That’s fine.”
“Okay,” Jackson said. “So the plan is for Smokey to deny being shot, right?”
“Actually, it would be better if he didn’t say anything,” Dylon replied. “Nicolet can direct his questions to you as Alpha and that way, it will help us figure out his end goal. Once we know that, we can figure out what the next step will be to protect Smokey.”
“I like that idea,” Jackson said, smiling. “Are you good with it, Smokey?”
Nodding slowly, Smokey thought it was a brilliant plan based on his past experiences with Nicolet. The man always knew what buttons to push to make him feel two feet tall. “I am…and I just have one addition to make…after you figure out what his intentions are, could you insist on a break so we can…”
“Excellent idea,” Jackson said. Then looking at Theo and Norm, he added, “Regardless of what Nicolet says about Smokey, you two must remain silent. I know how hard it will be, but this is not the time for you to defend your mate.”
Norn glanced at Theo; after seeing the confirmation in his eyes he turned back to Jackson. “Understood…we won’t say a word.”
“Good.” Picking up his phone, Jackson sent a text to Groose and, after reading the return reply, he looked up at everyone in his office and said, “Showtime.”
~/~/~/~/~
Reeve waited in front of the house, staring off into the distance, deep in thought about a recent conversation he’d had with his boss about the Council’s position on Josiah’s death. He had some doubts but had to admit it would make his life easier.
“Mr. Nicolet?”
Looking over his shoulder, Reeve saw one of Jackson’s enforcers. “Groose, if I’m not mistaken.”
“That’s me,” Groose replied.
“Is Jackson ready to see me?” Reeve asked.
“This way, please.”
Following him, Reeve noted that the enforcers had surrounded him without any command from their boss.I have to hand it to Jackson…he certainly has trained his men well.In fact, there was a whole lot about the Blackwood Pack he admired, mainly Jackson’s loyalty to his members—a quality every Alpha should have but sadly lacking in many packs he’d visited.
Entering the house, Reeve smiled briefly, remembering his first visit and the noisy game of hide and seek. But this time, the great room was deserted, and he suddenly realized how much he missed the boisterous sounds of youngsters that gave life to a space. Shaking off a sudden wave of melancholy, Reeve forced his thoughts to focus on the upcoming meeting.
