Page 40 of Wolf's Whistle
Julien sent Ian a frosty gaze. Richard kicked Julien under the table.
“Doesn’t DetectiveSergeantMurphy have to stay at the crime scene?” Richard asked.
“Murphy can let one of his minions handle that. I want his ass quivering in front of me while I singe his hide,” Rémy shouted.
Julio slipped away to the stairs.
Armand moved his gaze up and down the table. “I agree. Murphy made a serious error in bringing Detective Stawski to Julien’s home. He didn’t check on the validity of the subpoena and caused Richard and Julien dislocation. Martin, call Murphy. I want to see him immediately, and you tell him I amnotpleased.”
“Henri, I’m putting you in charge of this matter. Stawski needs to be found and tied to those bullets. Richard said he may have been shooting from a rooftop. Have Murphy’s people check the roofs for casings. Julien, you are not going to Mr. Blanc’s tomorrow. He will come here.”
“That’s already arranged, Alpha.”
Armand turned to Martin. “They’ll need extra protection. We’ll discuss that when the others arrive. They should be here shortly. It’s important we maintain a united front against this rogue detective. Can Bianca make some food?”
Julio climbed up the stairs and addressed the room. “Bianca has sandwiches and is heating up some minestrone soup. She also pulled pastries out of the freezer. We’ll have food as soon as the others arrive. In the meantime, she’s sending Théo up with an urn of coffee, a samovar of tea, and a tray of cookies.”
“Good, I’m a bit peckish. We were about to have our evening snack when Julien called. Naturally, we left immediately.” Armand straightened his tie. Etienne showed the party to the table.
“Thank you, Alpha, for interrupting your evening to take care of this. I know how you value your time with Elena.” Julien bowed his head.
“No worries, Elena is fast asleep. We took her to the botanical gardens today and wore her out.” Armand chuckled.
The rest at the table relaxed except for Julien whose face was still mottled with anger.My poor wolf. Richard grabbed Julien’s hand underneath the table.
Théo came up and served the beverages. The doorbell rang.
Sean mouthed to Richard, “Let the games begin.”
Chapter Ten
Etienne’s Home
Formal Dining Room
Sunday, Midnight
The rest of the loup garou council arrived. Kane went straight to Richard and gave him a hug. “I’ve been shot at. It’s scary. Don’t worry. The loup garou take care of their own.” He sat down next to Richard, and Julio took the other side.
Théo climbed back upstairs and announced, “Detective Sergeant Murphy is waiting in the foyer.”
Rémy called down the stairs, “Get your lazy ass up here, Murphy.”
“Yes, Alpha.” Théo escorted Murphy to the dining room. Fifteen pairs of eyes shot daggers at him.
Rémy started to shout, but Armand raised his hand. “Henri is the Director of Security, let him do his job.”
Henri, who had sat quietly listening from the time he arrived with Armand and Rémy, used his height to intimidate Murphy and finally spoke. Only he didn’t quite speak, he snarled and growled, louder and longer then Rémy. “What were you thinking to bring that scum into Alpha Bellaire’s home? You could have called Alpha Bellaire, The Alpha, and Edward from your office for instructions. How did you screw up this badly?”
Murphy cowered. “He had a subpoena.”
Henri pounded his fist on the table.
“If you had called Edward first, you would have known that the subpoena was of no use to him in New York. A Mate…an AlphaMatewas almost shot to death because you led that scum right to Alpha Bellaire’s residence.” Henri sneered.
Murphy bowed his head. “I’m sorry, Alpha Giraud.”
“Sorry doesn’t cut it. I should take your sniveling ass to the pit and show you sorry. But you’re useful where you are if you use the brain the gods gave you. What is your current plan to protect the Alpha Mate?”
