For the Good of All (Law of the Lycans Book 7) (32 page)

He considered his answer. It would be impossible to find Christina at night. Her remains—he forced himself to use the word—might be scattered about; too hard to find in the dark.

“Mr. Stone?”

“Actually, I might borrow a bed if there’s room.”

“I’m sure we can find you something.”

Chapter 14

Stone sat on the rough, wooden step outside the infirmary. He’d been given a bed there, the cot in the front room where he’d first met the good sister. It wasn’t fancy but he’d slept in a lot worse.

The door opened behind him and Sister Bernita exited the building. “I’ve finished my rounds for the night. In about half an hour everyone will be settled and it will be lights out. I hope you don’t mind turning in so early.”

“It’s not a problem. I’m grateful for any roof over my head.”

“You’re used to sleeping rough?” She cocked her head to the side.

“You could say that.”

“It sounds like you must lead an adventurous life.”

He shrugged. “It’s all in your interpretation. I think what you do here is quite interesting.”

“This?” She looked around. “It’s my life, ordinary but satisfying. I’d not call it interesting, though.”

“Let me be the judge of that.”

“Tell you what, let’s go for a walk and exchange tales.” She descended the steps and began to walk, obviously assuming he’d comply.

Stone chuckled at her take-charge attitude but followed.

“It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?” Sister stared up at the sky, her hands tucked in the pockets of her robe.

He looked up at the sky, the expanse of blue showing signs of darkening, tiny wisps of cloud changing colour as the sun moved lower in the sky. “That it is,” he agreed.

“You know, when I was younger, I planned on travelling the world. Seeing the desert and riding a camel, having a snowball fight at the North Pole.”

“Instead you ended up here.”

“I did. It’s a good place. I’m needed and loved by the children.”

“What you’re doing here is important.”

“I know.” She walked by his side quietly for a few minutes. The crunching of their footsteps on the dirt created a steady beat punctuated by the squawking of birds vying for an evening perch in nearby trees. “Tell me about your life, Mr. Stone.”

“There’s not much to tell.” He shrugged. Putting his life into words wasn’t easy, especially when most of it had to be kept a secret from humans. “I’ve travelled the world. Like you, I try to help people in need. In that respect we’re a lot alike; it’s just the age of the people we work with that varies.”

“’
We’re alike.’” She smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

They’d stopped near some kind of flowering plant. A hummingbird was getting its last meal for the day, drinking sweet nectar from a large pink flower. After the bird darted off, Stone plucked a blossom, handing it to Sister Bernita. “Here. A thank you for the meal and the room.”

“How kind. Can you tuck it in my hair?”

Stone worked the stem into the knot of her plain brown hair thinking of how Christina’s tresses would have been rainbow coloured. Back in Chicago it had been a game he’d played with himself, wondering what colour her hair would be each day. And at night, he’d loved combing his fingers through it, gently tugging, holding her head in place while he’d—

“Mr. Stone?”

He gave a start, realizing his hands had lingered on the nun longer than they should have. “Sorry.”

“It’s all right. The touch of another can be comforting at times.” She resumed walking. “Why are you here in Cantala? You claimed you didn’t work for Mendoza or Reyes.”

Lying to a nun seemed inherently wrong. He carefully worded his response. “I was here a few days ago trying to help some friends who were caught up in the drug war. One of my party was shot. I’ve come to try to find her body and return it to her family.”

“A woman was with you?”

“Yes. Christina.” He sighed and looked up at the sky, willing the wave of grief that filled him to pass. Could she see him now? Was she up there, somewhere, watching him?

“You loved her.”

“I...” He didn’t know how to respond.

“I can see it in your face. I’m sorry she died.”

“Thanks.”

“Once you find her remains and return them to her family, what will you do?”

He shrugged. “I haven’t progressed that far.”

“You could return here. I can always use more help. A strong back and a new face are always welcome.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Stone studied Sister Bernita out of the corner of his eye. Was there another meaning behind her words or was he reading more into it than he should? She was a nun, so it must be his fault. His thinking, his feelings – they’d been totally screwed up since Christina had died. Hell, up until he’d met Christina he hadn’t even realized he’d had feelings.

“It’s almost time for lights out. We’d better return.” The sister’s voice became business like again. “Running the generator is expensive. We observe a strict curfew.”

Stone nodded and they turned back towards the cluster of buildings.

“Sleep well, Mr. Stone. Don’t go wandering the compound at night.”

“I’d think the fence around the compound would keep any wild animals out.”

“It’s not the animals, it’s the humans. There have been problems with people sneaking in at night.”

“Stealing drugs?”

“Among other things.” She pursed her lips. “I worry the children will be stolen. Human traffickers have been known to prey on orphans. If taken, they could be sold into the sex trade or as slaves. Sadly, children are often seen as little more than a commodity. The guards are very wary and some tend to shoot first and forget all about asking questions.”

“A dangerous policy with children around.”

“Their dormitories are locked at night. There are chamber pots in the rooms. They know not to go outside after dark.”

They’d arrived at the medical centre.

“Thank you for the stroll. I’ll see you in the morning.” Sister nodded and left.

Stone watched her walk away, her back ramrod straight, her steps quick and no-nonsense. A very interesting woman. She reminded him of a young Adisa, though he was sure the nun was human not Fae.

He entered the medical centre, stripped and lay down on the cot. It creaked under his weight, the thin cotton sheets scratchy against his skin. Not a luxurious resting place but better than he’d planned on. A slow sigh escaped him and he closed his eyes, idly going over his plans for the morning.

The night sounds and scents drifted into the small room. Humid air, animals growling, the sweet scent of tropical flowers, a jaguar…

Stone sat upright, suddenly alert. He knew that scent. Esteban had recently passed by. His wolf growled; it hadn’t been impressed with the cat last time they’d met.

Would the jaguar have any information on Christina’s body? Stone swung his legs out of bed and approached the door only to stop as he recalled the nun’s warning. The guards would question what he was doing, if they even gave him the chance to talk before they shot him. Damn.

Frustrated, Stone turned from the door. If he didn’t find any trace of Christina at the rendezvous site tomorrow, he’d head back this way and try to pick up the shifter’s trail.

On a whim, he opened his backpack and dug around inside. His hand encountered something soft and he pulled out the rag doll and studied it. Its button eyes stared at him, the red yarn smile never wavered. The ribbons still decorated the doll’s hair though they showed signs of frequent handling.

He stroked one finger down the doll’s cheek and then closed his eyes, sighing heavily.

Stone was awake and pacing his room as soon as dawn broke. He wanted to be on his way, his dreams having been filled with memories of Christina. They’d felt so real, he’d been sure he could’ve reached out and touched her, yet each time his dream-self did, she’d slipped away.

A bell sounded and the compound seemed to come alive, children spilling from dormitories, a woman carrying a bucket of water. Someone was leading a cow from a shed. Stone took leave of his temporary bedroom and jogged down the steps, intent on leaving.

He’d barely made it a few feet when Sister Bernita called his name.

“Mr. Stone, are you in such a hurry to leave us that you can’t stay for breakfast?”

He paused. Normally, he wouldn’t care about being rude and not replying but something about the nun had him dusting off his manners. “Breakfast?”

“And don’t say you don’t eat in the morning. A man such as you knows the importance of a good meal before a journey.”

His words to Christina a few days ago seemed to be coming back to haunt him. “I suppose I can take a few minutes.”

“Good.” She led the way to the dining area.

There was less formality than the evening before. Everyone was serving themselves from pots situated at one end of the room. Some kind of hot cereal, fruit and scrambled eggs.

“Thanks.” Stone nodded his appreciation to the nun as she spooned food onto his plate.

“We’re fortunate to have so much. Only a few months ago, I was wondering how to feed everyone. Then the Brothers of Virtue befriended us and now we have a flock of chickens.”

“The Brothers of Virtue?”

Sister led the way to a table. “Yes, they’re an off-shoot of some sect that looks for worthy causes to support.”

Stone frowned, his radar on alert. It seemed almost too good to be true, yet what harm could there be in supplying food to an orphanage? “Does the Brotherhood visit often?”

“No, perhaps once a month. They’re looking into trying to find homes for some of the children stateside. They even brought in a doctor to give the children check-ups and took photos for passports.” She paused, her spoon part way to her mouth. “I must confess that the idea of sending the children so far away has me worried.”

Stone leaned back in his seat. “You know—”

One of the guards interrupted. “Excuse me, Sister, we need you. Someone has been brought to the gate in need of medical attention.”

“Take the patient to the infirmary. I’ll be there in a minute.” Setting down her utensils, she gave a wry smile. “I almost made it through the meal before the daily chaos began. If you’ll excuse me?” She pushed her chair back and got to her feet.

Stone stood up as well. “I’ll say goodbye now. It sounds like you’ll be busy.”

“I didn’t get a chance to check your wound yet. If you could wait an hour?”

“It’s fine. Like I said before, I heal quickly.”

“Can’t wait to get away from me, can you?” She shoved her hands in her pockets, a crooked smile on her face that didn’t quite make it to her eyes.

“Unfinished business.”

“I understand. Best of luck with your quest.” She stuck out her hand and he took it.

“And you as well.”

“Hermana
! Sister!
La vaca
, the cow, it is in the garden and we can’t get it out.” A little boy came running into the room.

“Pedro, look at your feet! You’ve walked through filth with your new shoes.” Sister Bernita scolded the boy and waved her hand as the scent of manure filled the room.

The boy looked momentarily penitent before returning to his reason for being there. “I’m sorry,
Hermana
Bernita, but the cow is eating our vegetables!”

“I’ll help with the cow before I go,” Stone volunteered. “You tend to your patient.”

“Thank you. Sometimes I feel like I’m pulled in too many directions at once.”

“I can see that.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Stone. I hope we meet again.” With that she hurried from the room and Stone followed the boy to where the recalcitrant cow was happily munching on fresh vegetables.

Stone helped with the cow, both he and his wolf deciding that bovines were obstinate creatures.

If you’d let me shift, I’d show this animal who is boss
, his wolf murmured.

“If we didn’t have an audience, I’d let you,” Stone whispered back.

Instead, he and Pedro pushed on the cow. It looked back at them with wide, wondering eyes and then resumed eating.

“Grab its halter,” Stone instructed. “You pull, I’ll push.”

Pedro nodded in agreement and Stone set his shoulder against the cow’s hip.

“Move, you ornery beast.” He shoved against it one more time. The cow’s response was to drop a pile of fresh manure right at his feet. He leapt back. “Holy shit!”

“It’s not blessed, señor Stone.” Pedro called the comment as he tugged on the halter. “And
Hermana
says we must call it manure, not shit.”

A growl of disgust slipped from Stone’s lips as he stared at the steaming pile before him. The cow’s head jerked up at the sound, gave a bellow of distress and took off at a run. Pedro gave a shout and raced after the cow waving his arms. Stone joined in and between the two of them they managed to herd the cow into the pasture. Grabbing the gate, Stone moved to pull it shut behind the cow and promptly put his foot in a pile of manure. The stinking crap was everywhere.