Guardian Witch: Burning Both Ends Part 7

"I understand your doubts," Jones said, seemingly unruffled, "but surely you didn't think the federal government was unaware of you? Perhaps you'll believe me when I tell you this involves your friend Steffan."

Ari's blood turned to ice. This was no longer even faintly amusing. How would some random psycho know about Steffan? She'd never doubted Steffan was in serious trouble, but this man's presence proved she didn't have any idea what was happening. This wasn't just a pack thing. CIA, Homeland Security, kidnapper or shyster-Jones's appearance doubled her concern for the missing werewolf.

"What do you know about Steffan?" she whispered through stiff lips.

"I know he's missing. I know that you're going home to look for him, and that your Magic Council and Homeland Security are alarmed over his disappearance." Jones glanced at his watch. "We haven't much time. Why don't I tell you why I'm here? You can verify my credentials later."

"Fair enough. Let's hear it."

"Your friend has been working with the US government. In light of the increased terrorist activity around the world, they hope to establish a network of werewolf clans to pa.s.s and gather intelligence, operatives who have the ability to travel quickly and un.o.btrusively over any terrain, and who are able to defend themselves without detectable weapons. Steffan was in secret negotiations to create a North American coalition to provide trained recruits." Jones changed his computer screen with a finger click to some YouTube video. Ari was amused by his attempt to cover their conversation. "Two nights ago," he continued, "Steffan was supposed to attend a critical meeting. When he failed to arrive and could not be found, his disappearance not only raised concerns for his safety but placed the future of the coalition in jeopardy. The negotiations are stalled."

The flight attendant's voice interrupted over the intercom to announce their approaching touchdown and to turn off all electronic devices.

Jones made a show of packing his laptop in a carrying case, winding the cords of his earphones before stashing them inside. His actions were casual, unhurried, and in stark contrast to his next words. "National security has been compromised, Ms. Calin. Your government wants to find Steffan as badly as you do-whether he is dead, held captive or has simply changed his mind and pulled out of the agreement."

Ari flushed with indignation. She turned her head to glare at him. "Never. Steffan wouldn't just drop out without telling someone. He's too dedicated."

"Lower your voice, Ms. Calin. Discretion, please. Your loyalty to your friend is touching, and I hope it is not misplaced. I will remain in Riverdale to a.s.sist you in any way I can until this matter is resolved." He handed her a business card with a number scrawled on the back. "You can reach me at any hour. Consider me your liaison. But I must caution you to be circ.u.mspect with what we have discussed. If this information leaks, the network's future effectiveness will be compromised, destroying the work your friend has already done."

Ari scowled, while she ran the possibilities through her head. Jones's story was fantastic, but parts of it rang true. She saw the potential for Homeland Security to use the wolves. What better spies than furry, four-legged creatures that were incredibly strong, swift, and could go anywhere in near silence? A coalition was the sort of thing Steffan would support. And he had told her and Andreas about some mysterious meetings.

"I don't need a liaison with the feds. I have my own sources. Otherworld sources."

"Exactly. That is why the government allowed, even requested, that you join the investigation."

Ari stiffened. Did he think he or the government could dictate to the Magic Council?

Jones must have realized his mistake. "I didn't mean to imply Homeland Security would intrude on Otherworld business, but this is also their business. Because of the sensitivities involved, Homeland Security is offering to stay out of any direct involvement, if they can be confident you are handling this and will keep them informed. Cooperation will prevent misunderstandings that otherwise might further endanger your friend."

"a.s.suming I believe what you've said, why you? Why call someone out of retirement?"

"You mean an old man?" Jones chuckled under his breath. "If you wanted to keep official interest a secret, can you think of anyone who looks less like a government agent?"

Ari surveyed his brown slacks, cardigan sweater, loafers, and benign countenance. He had a point. A retired professor, perhaps.

He added, "I could be your favorite uncle from out of town."

Ari smothered a laugh. Didn't he know she was a witch? Non-human. What kind of briefing had he been given? None of the people who knew her would accept his uncle story. On the other hand, she wasn't worried about her friends. His cover might be acceptable for the rest of the world. She didn't expect to see him again anyway.

By the time the plane touched down, Jones and Ari had agreed on their cover story. They walked together on the way to baggage claim. She wasn't sure she trusted him, or even believed him, but he was involved somehow. She wanted to know if he was friend or foe. When Lilith joined them, Ari couldn't resist introducing him as Uncle Horatio. Lilith showed little reaction to the story, but Ari knew she'd get the third degree as soon as she and the lioness were alone.

Jones's former seatmate came by and made a large detour around them. She smiled at his hasty departure. No doubt the man believed he'd successfully avoided a certifiable nut case and would never suspect his former seatmate dabbled in national intrigue. Wouldn't believe it if she told him. Jones as a secret agent? Ridiculous enough to be true.

Chapter Seven.

"Uncle Horatio?" Lilith's face was incredulous. As soon as Ari retrieved Andreas's Lexus from airport parking, Lilith refused to wait any longer for an explanation.

Ari grinned and launched into her story. Chuckling and sometimes imitating Jones's rather stuffy manner, she told Lilith all about the man who claimed to be a retired government spy.

"No!" Lilith chortled. "I can't wait to tell Russell, but no one is going to believe this happened."

"You can't tell him," Ari said. "At least not over a regular cell phone. It's actually pretty serious business." As soon as Ari finished telling the rest of what Jones said, she placed a call to the Magic Council president. If Steffan was working on secret negotiations of some kind, the old wizard who headed up the Council should know. Why hadn't he told her?

"Sir, I'm in town, and I think we need to talk. In private," she said stiffly, as soon as he answered. "I've heard a strange story I would like to discuss with you."

"I'm glad you're back." The wizard's normally unruffled voice sounded relieved. "I will be at the Magic Hall for the next hour or two. Come anytime."

"I'll be there shortly."

"He's got to know you're p.i.s.sed about something," Lilith said when Ari disconnected. "Dead giveaway. You were way too polite."

"I'm always polite." Ari spun the steering wheel through a sharp corner and slid her gaze at Lilith. "At least to the wizard. He's much older and smarter than I am, and he's the president."

Lilith grabbed the seat with both hands. "Uh, can you watch the road?"

"But he could have told me about Homeland Security, Jones, and the meetings. I don't like secrets." Ari accelerated, shooting past a slower-moving vehicle.

"Maybe there's a good reason why he waited. If you go in there all mad, he's not going to like it."

"Give me some credit." Ari pulled the car to a sudden halt in front of the Magic Hall. "Wait here. This shouldn't take long. Call your honey. He's probably waiting to hear you arrived safely." Ari checked her cell phone messages for the third time since they'd landed. "Maybe you can find out how much trouble I'm in with Andreas. I'm sure he's awake, but he hasn't called. I'm thinking it's not a good sign."

Lilith nodded. "You go play nice with Mr. President, and I'll find out about Andreas."

Ari hated Lilith's too-understanding look. She also hated worrying about this relationship stuff. If she hadn't gotten involved with Andreas, she wouldn't be suffering this sense of loss. Or feeling anxious about his reaction to her rushed departure. Or even worse-worrying about all the reasons he might not survive another night. What if Sebastian's vampires revolted or betrayed him?

Ari took a deep breath to steady herself. Determined not to think about those possibilities right now, she exited the Lexus. The cold gust hit her. The weather had changed sharply while they'd been gone. Winding a scarf around her neck and tossing one end over her shoulder, she lifted her chin into the wind and headed into the Magic Hall to get some answers.

"Good afternoon, Arianna," the president greeted her. "I trust your flight went well?"

She nodded and took the offered seat. They were meeting in the wizard's private chambers attached to the Magic Hall. The governing council of forty members, representing the major and minor races, met next door each Friday morning. In contrast to the ornate opulence of the Hall, his office was spa.r.s.e and utilitarian. The only concession to his importance was the gold wand in its crystal holder. She shifted her attention to the wizard, whose faded blue eyes were benevolent and questioning. He waited for her to begin.

Ari took a deep breath. "Sir, I'll get straight to the point. I was approached by a man on the plane who claimed to be connected with Homeland Security. He said Steffan had been involved in secret negotiations for them. If this is true, I'd like to know why you didn't tell me."

"I must say, Arianna, you become more direct every day. Steffan is part of the discussions, not for Homeland Security, as that would be improper, but the federal authorities are very interested in the outcome."

That made sense. Under the McFarland treaties, US government agencies were required to go through the Magic Councils. In some ways the Otherworlders operated like a separate country.

"I didn't tell you because it wasn't the right time," he finished.

"What?" She struggled to moderate her tone. "Why? Don't you realize it may be related to his disappearance?"

The wizard's expression never changed. "Are you questioning my judgment, Ms. Calin? If so, I'm not sure I like it."

Oops. Ari noticed he'd slipped into formal address, putting some psychological distance between them. Perhaps a more subtle approach was in order. "I'm sorry, sir, if I seemed rude. I'm worried about Steffan, and this stranger's story came as a total surprise. If you can't tell me about the negotiations, can you at least verify that Horatio Jones is a government representative?"

"No, because I'm not familiar with this man, but I will ask Homeland about his credentials. In case they ask, perhaps you should provide me with a description."

"Seventy-plus, white hair, brown eyes, stocky build. Dresses like a professor. Carries a cane. He said he worked for the CIA before retiring." She thought about her conversation with the old gentleman. "He claimed to be my liaison with the federal government and gave me a number to reach him. He's rather eccentric. Nearly caused a fight on board the plane in order to move to the seat next to me."

The president looked taken aback. "A colorful character."

"You could say that. Not very spy-like."

"Perhaps you should avoid him until I confirm his status. If he checks out, make your own decision how much you want to use him. Your only orders from the Council are to find Steffan. Quickly. Whatever that takes. In furtherance of that goal, I'm prepared to give you any details you want on the negotiations."

"Thank you, sir. Anything you can share could be helpful."

When the wizard had finished relating the weeks of meetings, the volatile reactions of some of the wolves, and the every-changing support and opposition, Ari could see what had made Steffan so tense that night at the park. According to the president, Steffan believed a coalition was the best future for the wolves, bringing a united voice to their concerns, decent career opportunities for their youth, and more than lip service to government recognition. He had fought hard to make it a reality. It wasn't such a leap of imagination to believe someone opposed to the scheme might have wanted Steffan out of the way.

"As for the night he disappeared, I can tell you very little except he was expected at a 3:00 a.m. meeting with four other wolf leaders at a resort north of here. They kept waiting to hear from him, thinking he'd been delayed by something urgent." The wizard sighed. "I wish they had told someone, but no one said anything until we contacted them after the pack reported him missing."

"That doesn't seem right," Ari said. "Why would they wait so long? Are we sure they're not involved?"

"Something about a heated argument the day before, and they thought he might be cooling off."

"That's bogus."

The wizard nodded. "In their defense, they don't know Steffan as well as you or I do. I don't doubt the argument occurred-they've done very little for the past two weeks except argue-but Steffan would never stay away and sulk. If they think so, it might say more about them than him. In any case, I think that is all I know. Except"-his eyes began to twinkle-"it was never my intention to conceal Steffan's a.s.signment from you. I'd planned to inform you when we met today. When we spoke on the phone I didn't think it was wise to entrust such sensitive information to the airways."

Ari nodded, somewhat chastened. "I should have considered that." She stood, a.s.suming their meeting was over. "I'll do my best to find him, sir. You can count on it."

He inclined his head. "Before you leave, update me on the situation in Toronto. Is our friend Andreas in trouble? Is similar trouble likely to come to Riverdale? Toronto's problems have spilled over onto us before. I don't welcome a repeat."

"Andreas has control at the moment, but I a.s.sume you're referring to potential interference from the O-Seven. If the elders try to bring down Daron and Andreas, protecting two courts may place both at risk by stretching our resources too thin. But right now I'm more concerned that Andreas could face a revolt from the local vamps."

The wizard tapped his desk with a boney finger. "Until I read your latest emailed report, I'd not heard the O-Seven mentioned in many years. It is disturbing to see them taking such an active interest in affairs on this side of the world and to know they were encouraging Sebastian's activities. I will be talking with some of the other American Magic Councils about this. To have any of the O-Seven's attention on Riverdale is quite alarming. I expect you to keep me informed of developments in Toronto. If the situation grows worse, perhaps there is some way in which our Council or the Toronto Council can a.s.sist. We certainly support his goals for a civilized and cooperative vampire community."

"I'll tell him you said so, sir."

"Do that, but keep in mind my primary concern is for Riverdale's safety. If trouble is coming here, I want to know about it."

"Understood."

Ari took a deep breath when she stepped outside the hall. Although she knew little more than when she arrived, she was rea.s.sured the wizard was playing it straight with her. Vampires weren't the only Otherworlders who could be secretive and a little bit paranoid. After so many centuries of minimizing or hiding their affairs from humans, individuals hadn't automatically changed their behavior when the McFarland treaties were signed. Ari understood the reticence, but cops couldn't function without all the facts. Still, it hadn't been a wasted visit. It looked like Steffan's disappearance was tied to the summit meeting. It was the obvious place to start.

Lilith was half asleep when Ari opened the car door and climbed in. "About time," the lioness growled. "I began to think I was going to miss supper. Can we find some place to eat now?"

"Sure thing. Did you talk with Russell?"

"Yep, he's fine. Everything is pretty much like we left it. A lot of talk going on behind closed doors, whispering, everybody watching one another, but no fighting. What you really want to know is what Andreas said."

When Lilith stopped talking, Ari looked at her. "So?"

"He's going to call you."

"But what did he say?" Ari demanded.

"I don't know. I don't think he said much. At least Russell wouldn't say much. Andreas found your note, asked Russell a couple of questions about the flight and arrival time in Riverdale. He wanted to know if you'd gone alone. That sort of thing. Nothing else, really."

"No reaction at all?"

Lilith shrugged. "Sorry. When I tried to pin Russell down, he said he couldn't tell what Andreas was thinking, except he seemed worried. Which would be natural. You'll just have to wait for his call."

Ari was confused by his reaction. He didn't seem angry, but was he thinking she'd chosen Steffan over him? Had she hurt her normally cool, collected vampire? She frowned at the thought and considered calling him now. But if she caught him in a meeting, when he couldn't talk, that would only make it worse. She blew out an uneasy breath. She'd have to be patient. He'd call; he said he would. She needed to concentrate on solving Steffan's disappearance. Get this over and fly back to Toronto. Maybe she'd still be in time to help.

The person she should call right now was Ryan, but she hadn't decided how much she could tell him. He couldn't help with the wolves, which meant he didn't need to know private wolf business. And Homeland Security, if that's really who Jones represented, wouldn't appreciate interference from the local police officers. Ryan wasn't exactly the type to sit back and do nothing. Better to wait until there was something he could do.

"Change of plans," Ari said, making a sudden decision. "I'll drop you off at your place. You can eat, get some sleep, whatever you want. Be ready when I need you. I'm going to talk with Steffan's wolf pack, and they won't want a lioness present. You don't have to worry, I know most of them. I won't have any trouble."

"Makes sense, but can we pick up burgers on the way? I'll check in with Daron's staff. See if they know anything we don't."

Ari turned the car toward the condo where Russell and Lilith lived. She knew a drive-through on the way, and once she dropped Lilith at home, she'd head to Steffan's house. She hoped his pack had made some progress in finding their leader or could at least give her the name of his enemies. Maybe they knew who was opposing the coalition. With any luck, those opponents had been vocal about their opinions.

Steffan's suburban home was lit up like a big party was in progress. As Ari approached the front door, she realized the atmosphere inside was far from celebratory. Raised voices, most of them angry. The argument sounded on the verge of erupting into a physical fight. Ari knocked twice, pounding the second time, before someone answered.

"Guardian." The large man filling the doorway was second-in-command of Steffan's home pack.

"Gilbert, isn't it?" Ari had only met him a time or two, but at least he knew she was a friend of Steffan's.

"Come on in. You might as well join the fun."

She figured he was being sarcastic.

Gilbert stepped aside to let her pa.s.s. Close to four dozen angry, gesticulating wolves jammed Steffan's living room. The nearest stopped talking and turned to scowl at her. Silence gradually spread throughout the room. Hostility bristled. Maybe it had been a bad idea to come here without Lilith. Of course, two to forty wasn't much better than one to forty. There were a lot of angry wolves in this room.

Gilbert spoke quickly. "For anyone who doesn't know her, this is our Guardian, Ari Calin. She and Steffan are friends."

"About time she got here," someone said.

"Where's she been?" one of the younger wolves demanded.

"Yeah," another voice called from the back. "Isn't this her job?" There were murmurs of agreement.

It was a fair question. "You're right," Ari said. "It is my job, and I should have been here two days ago. I was out of town, and n.o.body told me about Steffan until a few hours ago. But I'm here now. He is my friend, and that makes this more than a job to me. I'm hoping we can find him quickly, but I need your help. Can someone bring me up-to-date? Do you have any idea where he is?"

"If we did, I wouldn't be standing here," the same young wolf snapped.

Ari looked at him. "Then let's figure out something useful for you to do." She raised her eyes to the larger group. "Steffan was doing some private work for the Magic Council."