"What now?"Jagger asks, stepping into the living room.
"Look for some mail or files – anything with the name Richard on it."
We go through drawers, cabinets, trash, and even flip through some of the books to see if they used pieces of mail for random book marks.Nothing.Not unusual nowadays.A lot of people correspond through email rather than snail mail.
"Call Cordelia and ask her for any background info they have on Andrew and related parties," I say, while I continue searching the remaining areas.
"But Mason can get more detailed stuff from Cipher, and faster."
"Cordelia is in charge of Pack security and enforcement now.You can't go around her, Jag.It's disrespectful.If she wants to consult with Mason, that's her business."
As much as I want to find Andrew before anything happens to him… or any humans, I still have to consider Pack dynamics.Mason is no longer Pack enforcer because of how he handled things with Hex, his witch mate.Going around Cordelia to Mason would be a huge slight.
Besides, right now, I don't need Andrew or Arthur's life story, I need Richard's address.Andrew has taken Arthur's death hard.Probably has survivor's guilt.And he wanted to tell Richard.It's the most likely place I can think of for him to go at this point.
When Jagger gets off the phone, he has an address, so we wrap things up at the apartment and head out.Richard's place isn't too far from Staghorn, which I'm grateful for.My wolf is restless.He's waited patiently for us to claim our mate.Being separated so soon after the exchange of mating bites is unsettling him.
The 90 minute drive from the apartment to Arrow Creek goes by in relative silence.By nature, I'm a quiet person.Jag is a strange blend of broody and caring.Today the brooding is in full force.He always seems like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.
After pulling up to the address and parking across the street, we sit in the car a few moments to observe.The neighborhood appears quiet, so Jag and I exit the vehicle and approach the front door.While I ring the bell, my cousin scents the air.
"I don't smell any vampires."
"No heartbeats either."
"You go left, I'll go right," Jag says.
Peering inside windows yields nothing.At least I don't smell blood.
When we meet back at the car, we agree to stake out the house to see if we can catch Richard when he comes home.I feel like he's the key to finding my mate.
Chapter Twelve
Andrew
Iknewwheretofind Richard, and it wasn't at home.In the past, every time he needed a break from life, or needed to think something over, he'd go stay at a cabin owned by a friend of his.Arthur and I went with him a few times when we were younger.
Lurking outside the door, I listen to the sounds of him moving around inside.He's making dinner, from what I can tell.Speaking of food, I should go hunt something before I face Richard.I'm not an expert at it yet, but I managed to nab a few rabbits to hold me over while I made my way here.Still, I want to get this over with.I'll have plenty of time to hunt once Richard throws me out of the cabin, and his life.
The wood creaks when I knock, reminding me I'm significantly stronger now.Richard's footsteps move closer, stopping right before he opens the door.
"Oh, my God!Andrew!"He drops the dishrag he'd been holding and throws his arms around me."Where have you been?Are you okay?Where's Arthur?"
Keeping a check on my strength, I toss the duffel bag around Richard into the entry way, then return the embrace.Words fail me as I soak in the warmth of his body and his love.I don't want to lose this.
Pulling back, the man waves me inside, stooping to pick up the discarded towel."I just finished making myself some casserole.Would you like some?"
"No, thank you.I ate before I got here.But you go ahead."
Instead of going to the kitchen, he sits in one of the chairs by the fireplace.In a habit of nervous gesture, I wipe my hands on my pants, then join him in the living room, taking a seat on the couch.
"Son, I've been so worried.I can't get in touch with Arthur.You disappeared.The authorities have no information.I had to come up here to keep from losing my sanity if another well-meaning friend asked me if I've heard anything or how I'm holding up."
The words try to stick in my throat, but I force them out."Sir, I have something to tell you."My breath shakes as I inhale unnecessarily.I see the moment Richard understands what's coming.
"No," he whispers, shaking his head."No!"
"I'm so sorry.You'll never know how much.It's my fault."
