“It’s probably nothing,” Zephyr said, though there was still a crease between his dark brows. “But between the scattered incidents and the kids, I don’t think we can ignore this. We need to find out what Rufus knows.”
“That’s going to be difficult if Rufus doesn’t want to talk about it,” Honey said. “Leonie is right, we’re not going to get anywhere by confronting him directly.”
Zephyr rubbed his chin. “I think the best thing we can do is give him plenty of opportunity to open up to a trusted adult, without him realizing that’s what we’re doing. Leonie, I hate to ask, but…?”
Leonie shut her eyes, as if she were counting to ten in her head. “You want me to switch assignments so that I’m Rufus’s pack counselor, don’t you.”
“You’re his aunt,” Conleth said. “If he’ll talk to anyone, it’s you. Zephyr’s right, putting Rufus in your group is the obvious solution.”
“One summer,” Leonie said wistfully, eyes still closed. “Just one summer, I would like my counselor assignments—the ones I spendmonthscarefully preparing—tonotget upended right before the campers arrive. Just once, I would like to have a beautiful, uneventful summer where nothing happens and everything goes to plan. Is that so much to ask?”
“Around here?” Buck snorted. “Might as well wish for a singing unicorn. You’d have better odds.”
“I know it’s a lot, asking you to take this on in addition to everything else already on your plate,” Zephyr said to Leonie. “If it’s too much work?—”
“No, it’s fine,” Leonie said, though the taste of bitter lemon signaled this was not, in fact, the case. She sighed, opening her eyes. “Don’t worry, Zephyr. It’s no big deal. I can manage.”
“Thank you, Leonie.” Zephyr gave her a relieved smile. “What would we do without you?”
“Stumble around like lost little lambs while the camp burned to the ground around your ears, no doubt,” Leonie replied without missing a beat. “Also, I want a raise.”
Buck raised an eyebrow at Zephyr. “Speaking as someone who spent a summer trying to wrangle that particular bunch of kids, you should be offering her hazard pay.”
“Can we afford that?” Zephyr asked Conleth out of the corner of his mouth.
“What, to pay Leonie what she’s actually worth?” The business manager shook his head. “We’d be bankrupt in a week.”
“All right, enough with the silly flattery.” Leonie rolled her eyes in exasperation, but a smile tugged at her mouth. “I already said I’d do it. Though I can’t promise quick results.”
“I have confidence that you’ll uncover the truth.” Zephyr turned to Shan. “Agent Zhao, your assistance has been invaluable so far. I realize this case is trivial compared to your usual line of work, but I’d be very grateful if Shifter Affairs could spare us a little more of your time.”
Min-Seo would be all too happy to have him safely occupied on a nice, easy case with no risk of exposure. Unfortunately. It would have been so much easier if he could have genuinely claimed that he was required elsewhere.
And yet…therewassomething more going on here. He’d taken an oath to protect and defend all shifters. The chance that there was a genuine threat to the camp was small—but not zero.
He couldn’t yet honestly close the case. And with the rest of the campers due to arrive shortly, Leonie would soon have her hands full with her day-to-day responsibilities. Surely it couldn’t be too hard to avoid crossing paths with her.
“I will stay to assist as long as necessary,” he told Zephyr. Remembering Leonie’s earlier concerns about wild rumors spreading through camp, he added, “Though it would be best if I continued working undercover. Perhaps there is some job I could do to explain my presence?”
“I’m sure we can find something suitable.” Zephyr cast an inquiring glance around at the rest of the senior staff. “Any suggestions?”
Buck shrugged. “Don’t look at me. I’m busy enough making sure campers don’t hike off cliffs or try to play fetch with mountain lions. I’m not babysitting a motherloving secret agent as well.”
Conleth quirked an eyebrow. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to pass him off as a personal assistant.”
“Art doesn’t seem like a good fit either,” Honey said. “Moira, what about your team?”
Moira shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Not unless you’re a certified lifeguard, Agent Zhao.”
“I guess he could help me with the nature activities,” Paige said, though she didn’t sound enthusiastic about the prospect. “Though I’m not entirely sure how. I hadn’t really planned on working with someone.”
“I do not want to get in the way.” Shan tried to think of something he could usefully offer the camp. Most of his skills were either not applicable, or actively unhelpful. “I could… clean?”
Leonie tapped a pencil thoughtfully against her clipboard, looking him up and down. Her lips curved in a slow, catlike smile.
“Actually, Agent Zhao,” she said. “I have theperfectrole for you.”
CHAPTER 7
