Watching Duron, bonded the way they were, Beaumont could almost feel a slide show of different animal types taking their place behind Duron’s eyes. They jostled for position, having their turn and one would assume, making their opinion known. He recognized some forms—the protective bear who was a closet snuggler, the ever alert eagle. There was a bigger animal, possibly an elephant, who had the feeling of family about him, but there was a myriad of others, too. It was a testament to Duron that he could contain so many unique elements.
Kylo moved as if uncomfortable in his seat, and even Nori leaned away from Duron as the man’s power levels shifted.
“These two names are fictional.” Tapping the paper, Duron looked up at Kylo, his expression completely bland. “You included them to test me.”
Beaumont fumed; his alligator ready to snap at the unrepentant cat shifter.
“I have no idea of your skills,” Kylo said with a shrug. “Do you blame me?”
“It’s time wasting.” Duron’s finger moved down the list. “This one, the man who delivers to the house—he has no magic or animal form. He’s local. He likely reports items you have delivered to the house, but he has no other knowledge.”
“The local post office would have the same information,” Beaumont said calmly when Kylo scowled, and Felix cursed. “Your family wards are all very well and good…”
“Until they’re compromised,” Duron added.
“Agreed, until they’re compromised, but anything any of you do outside of those wards is going to be seen by others as well.” Throwing his hands up in frustration, Beaumont was hard pressed to keep his voice calm. “You spend this time testing my mate, when you’re ignoring the fact that the Devil has likely had years, possibly even decades, to infiltrate and cement the loyalty of the people around him… The people that live and work in your town. You’re the face of law enforcement—people are going to watch what you do, everywhere. And yet you sit here worrying about how the people who deliver your mail know that you get your jumbo-sized anal beads online?”
“Hey, they came with discreet packaging,” Felix cried. “It said so on the advert.”
Well-timed guess.Beaumont smirked as Nori slapped his brother, chuckling madly. Even Kylo’s frown relaxed.
Duron nodded. “You’ve all been watched for a long time, but the mailman is not your concern.”
“Is it Selina or the family friend?” Beaumont asked, conscious of how unusual it would be seeing a group of men in a vehicle and no one getting out, especially in town.
“It’s not the woman here,” Duron pointed to a name on the list. “She is a friend of the mother of the brothers. She has nothing but love and gratefulness for the Putney parents.”
“How can you know that?” Nori demanded. “You’ve never met her or Mom.”
“Am I wrong?”
Beaumont held his breath, sensing the challenge. He believed Duron with every cell in his being. The brothers were being obstructive, and that was annoying.
“No, you’re not wrong,” Kylo broke in quietly. “Marie has been our mom’s friend for the longest time. Mom considers her a sister from another mother. I don’t know how the hell you do it, but you’re right, and honestly, I’m relieved.”
A relief that was understandable. No one wanted to believe a long-time family friend could be a double cross, feeding information to a man who clearly had dire plans for the Putney boys.
“Roiu is warded. Selina, too.” Duron tapped the paper. “There are nerves, agitation, secrets. They want to hide, but fear disappearing will raise more suspicions…” He trailed off, as if he had more to say, and Beaumont knew he had to get his mate alone.
“I’ll contact Roiu. Tell them both to get their asses to the house.” Kylo thumped the steering wheel. “Damn it. We’ve always trusted them.”
“The last thing you want is them back in your house again,” Beaumont said quickly. “We will go to them. You must have an address.”
“Oh, yeah, because third tree past the old stump, watch out for snakes, is a useful address.” Nori shook his head. “Roiu appears when he wants to. Dad always said he was like those Australian Aboriginals who go walkabout when the mood hits them. He disappears into the jungle, and just turns up when he feels like it.”
Frowning, Beaumont asked, “Then how did Selina know to come and check the wards that last time you mentioned, earlier, and then after the bomb?”
“She says she feels it in the wards and just knows to come.” Kylo shrugged. “If we’ve needed her or Roiu in the past, we’ve just left a message for them at the post office. As Nori said, they turn up, and because they’re family friends…”
“You don’t know that there’s not a perfectly harmless reason for why they want to hide now.” Beaumont had no idea why he wanted to play peacemaker now. His innate politician coming through, perhaps. “Maybe, with the magic Selina has, they see the trouble brewing, and just want to make sure they stay away from it. The situation with the wards does not look good, but…” He looked at Duron. “Fancy a stroll in the jungle?”
“I’ll come with you,” Kylo said. “Felix and Nori can do the errands in town and then drive home.”
“No.” Beaumont shook his head. “Just, no. You boys have to keep doing what you normally do. Wyatt’s still in the field—hopefully gaining more traction in the Devil’s organization.”If he hasn’t been killed already,although Duron’s minute shake of his head meant the check in texts were still coming through.
“Me and Duron are the unknowns. You heard the guy you’ve got in your basement. They bombed the house because of the guys on the plane. Yes, they’re going to be more suspicious of strangers, but until we know for sure your friends, people you’ve known for years, are actually working for the bad guys, it’s best you stay out of it.”
Kylo’s glare would freeze flames, but Nori and Felix were nodding. Then, just as suddenly, Kylo relaxed, and he even grinned. “Good luck finding them. Dinner will be waiting at the house when you finally admit defeat. Me and my brothers spent many an hour in the rainforest looking for Selina’s lair and Roiu’s magical books. All we got were sore paws. So go, do your thing because you clearly feel you must. We won’t tease you too much when you come back empty-handed.”
