Page 26 of The Satyr's Guilt
“Any way to ID them?” asked Thorn.
“I’d recognize the male who’s their leader.An oddity. They could’ve been waiting for us. Nutty thought. Ifthey were, we and the young demons were not random vics. BTW,anytime we go Earthside during the Mardi Gras this year, we need tocarry. I was caught with my pants around my ankles. Normally, Idon’t mind being in that situation, but I want more for the effortthan a bullet in my ass.”
Kole lifted his landline when it rang. Hedidn’t bother with a hello. He just listened while someone elsetalked. When he disconnected, he leaned forward on his elbows. “Youthree, check with Lacasta to see what’s what in the morgue.Interesting.”
Ram glanced at Thorn. He cocked a brow.“Huh?”
“I’d share, but I want your take on her newsfirst.”
Ram scrubbed a palm across his jaw. “Is it acoincidence we have a dead incubus, two demons attacked, and humanswaiting at a portal? I mean, things usually get psycho in the BigEasy during party season, too much drinking, pheromones colliding.I guess I’m a suspicious guy.”
Galena kicked her boots off the desk. “Notenough intel yet to say if the incidents are connected or not. Inthe meantime, parents need to lock down their portal jumpers.”
“That’s my read,” said Kole.
“Now what, Comm?” asked Thorn.
Kole laced his fingers on the top of hishead. “As of now, the three of you work this together. Ram, you runpoint. Go hear Lacasta and stay tight on fun times in NewOrleans.”
“What about Tyr?” asked Ram.
“I’m lending him to Nace. His NorthernStronghold is running ragged chasing small cells of dealers sellingnasty shit. He’s also keeping up with the day-to-day while we’reotherwise occupied. Speaking of which. Anyone seen Dax? I want himriding shotgun with the warlock.”
Heads shook.
“Bounty,” yelled Kole. “What else ispopping?”
“Nico and Sabine are on duty at an ArisenDawn warehouse today.”
Kole nodded. “Yeah. No proof yet, but thisnew organization raises my hackles. We’re gonna keep an eye onthem. By the way, where’s Dax?”
“Do I look like I know everything abouteverybody?” She paused in the doorway, arms crossed.
Kole glanced at Bounty, whose response wasmore snarly than usual. Then he shooed her out with a wave.
“I got an idea.” Galena rose from her chairto balance on her long legs. “Denim, my New Orleans human partnerduring Mardi Gras, happens to be visiting me. How about if she tagsalong? She can act as our Alliance liaison. She was with me whenthe incubus’s body was found.”
Ram pushed away from the wall. “No.”
“Stuff it, satyr. You wanted to get tightwith her last night. I didn’t see you so picky then.” Galena wentnose-to-nose with Ram.
“A quick hump in a backroom at the Shed isone thing. Working with a human is another. They’re breakable.”
Thorn ignored Ram’s glare. “We could use anAlliance liaison to work Earthside.”
Galena shook a finger in Ram’s face. “Yourbiases are showing, satyr. It’s her time off. Should be herchoice.” Galena did an about-face. “What’s your input, Comm?”
“Thanks for including me,” said Kole. “Idon’t give fucking input. I give fucking orders. But if it’s herwish, I’ll get her re-assigned to us for the time being.” He fixedhis fiery gaze on Ram. “Before you object to my call, think twice.Now you kids go yak somewhere else. I’ve got work to do. Keep safe.Stay in my good graces.”
“Yeah. My pleasure.” Ram’s fist poweredthrough the wall before he exited.
Kole chuckled. “Hey, Bounty. The satyr put ahole in the wall. Call the sheetrockers.”
Hands on hips, Bounty stormed into hisoffice. “I’ve got them on speed dial. Whaddya do to piss himoff?”
“Why am I blamed even when I didn’t doshit?”
She glanced at the big hole, frowning.“Yeah, whatever shit you didn’t do caused him to box with thewall.”
