Red Dawn (11 page)

“A being who can assume the appearance of another,” he explains. “They’re extremely rare and equally dangerous.”

“No way,” I say, thinking his suggestion is BS. It’s kind of hard not to be skeptical. Shifters? Beings that can turn into anyone they choose? It sounds pretty farfetched. Maybe Keegan’s been hitting the whiskey a little too hard. Then again, I would have said the same thing about vamps two years ago. Still, I’ve never heard of a shifter and it sounds impossible.

“It’s the only rational explanation if you believe this Philips was being truthful with you,” he tells Shaye. He cups her chin gently and tilts her head so that she’s looking directly at him. “Do you believe he was being truthful?”

“Yes.” She says the word without hesitation. “And I’m never wrong.”

“Okay,” I say, crossing my arms. Shaye’s bought into Keegan’s theory hook, line and sinker, so it’s up to me to play devil’s advocate. Fortunately, I have lots of practice. “Say that shifters do exist. What would it even want with the cure? What’s the point? The theft is high risk and has no personal value.”

“Think about it,” Keegan tells us. “That cure is worth big money, both to The Dwyer Group and apparently to whoever hired this guy to steal it.”

“So you think someone hired a shifter to steal the cure?” Shaye asks. “That’s just sick.”

“But it fits,” I say as his theory takes shape. “While the Linkuri are tracking Philips, the real thief is probably laughing his ass off.”

“What do we do now?” Shaye asks.

“I don’t know,” I reply. I consider calling Aldo, but he’s already made it clear that he doesn’t want me involved. After all, I’m just a
child
and this is a matter for the Elder’s Council.

“I know this git down in New Orleans,” Keegan answers. “We aren’t exactly on friendly terms, but he might know something.”

“You think?” Shaye asks hopefully. “Would he help us?

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Keegan says looking sinister. “But he’s got his hands deep into the underworld. If there’s a guy out there taking jobs like this, he’ll know. We’ll have to make a personal appearance though if we want him to talk.”

Shaye’s in no condition to travel. That means I have to go. Pratt will never allow it. How would I explain the trip anyway? The truth is too ludicrous to consider. I contemplate my options. I don’t really have any. I have to go if there’s any chance it will help Shaye. I’ll probably be expelled, but it’s worth the risk.

“New Orleans, huh?” I ask.

“Aye. It’s home to many unsavory creatures of the underworld,” Keegan tells me. “The place is bathed in superstition and paranormal activity. It’s easy for them to blend in. No one asks too many questions or looks too hard.”

**********

“I need your help.”

“Do you now?” Nik asks, playing coy as he fills a mug with wolf’s blood. How fitting. “And what do I get in return?”

“My undying gratitude,” I tell him, trying to ignore his salacious gaze and failing epically. A glance at my reflection shows my cheeks have turned a deep shade of crimson. “I’m serious, Nik.”

I tell him about Keegan’s theory as we feed, devouring our lunch. He’s not as receptive as I’d hoped he would be. I’ll have to work on that.

“Why don’t you call your uncle and tell him what you suspect?” Nik suggests.

“And what? Tell him we hacked The Dwyer Group?” I ask, rolling my eyes. “Beauty idea! Might as well tell him I’m pulling a C in Chem while I’m at it.”

“Katia.” His tone implies that’s exactly what I should do. Like he’d walk away if it were one of his friends in trouble. Fat chance!

“No way,” I argue. “He’d never take us seriously anyway.”

“You’re worried about telling him your grades, but you’re willing to risk expulsion for a wild goose chase? You do know that makes absolutely no sense, right?”

“For Shaye? Yeah, I’d risk it.”

“Well, I can’t very well let you go alone, can I?” Nik asks, leaning in. When he does, his unruly hair slips over his eyes and the effect is unnerving. He looks up at me from under his dark lashes and I see worry in his eyes. I’m touched by Nik’s concern. Plus, he looks totally hot when he’s in protective mode.

“Afraid I’ll have all the fun?” I ask, trying to downplay the emotions roiling between us.

“Exactly,” he says, smirking. “Can’t have that, can we?”

“Well, don’t worry. I won’t be going alone,” I assure him. “Keegan is going with me.”

“No way,” Nik protests, looking put out. “You aren’t going to New Orleans with him. You barely know him. And what if Pratt finds out? Or your uncle?”

“I can’t worry about that right now. You can come with us, but Keegan
is
going,” I tell him firmly. “Without him, we’re nowhere. He’s not going to give up his contact. Plus, he says the guy would never talk to us anyway, which is probably true considering the fact that I think he’s probably a criminal.”

“All the more reason for you to stay here,” Nik reasons, “where it’s safe.”

I can’t believe he’s really going to try and play that card. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself!

“I don’t have time for this macho pissing contest stuff. I’m going and Keegan’s going. End of story. Besides, he’s Shaye’s boyfriend so you have nothing to worry about.” I remind him. “Look, I don’t really know what we’re dealing with, but I do know we don’t have much time. Are you with us or not?”

“Shape shifting scumbag? Inevitable expulsion? Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Perfect,” I tell him smiling. “Can you charter a plane? We leave tonight.”

Chapter Fourteen

Keegan and Nik chat mindlessly on the flight to Louisiana. I’m not really in the mood to join in. I’m worried about Shaye and what it means for her if we can’t recover the cure. I’ve already lost my parents. I can’t lose Shaye too. I just can’t. Despite all of her oddball habits, she’s like the sister I never had. I won’t give up on her.

As we exit the plane, I’m thankful Nik’s parents have deep pockets. Not only did he get us a flight out, he also arranged for a car service to meet us at the airport. It’s obscene how much money these people have. Even living with Aldo, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. My parents were doctors, but we didn’t have this kind of money. I doubt Nik’s social mongering parents will even notice the charges on his credit card.

“So why did we get car service again?” I ask as I hand the driver my overnight bag. He swiftly places it in the trunk with the guys’ bags.

“It is Mardi Gras,” Keegan points out as we climb in the back seat of the dark sedan. “The city will be mobbed with tourists. It’ll be easier this way. Trust me, you don’t want to be driving through those crowds.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” I tell him looking out the window. I’ve never been to New Orleans before, but I’ve heard the city is beautiful. Too bad we aren’t here to sightsee. “So what’s the plan?”

“We head down to the French Quarter and start asking questions,” Keegan tells us. “That’s where we’ll find Ryder.”

“Oh, good. It’ll be just like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack,” Nik quips. “This should be easy.”

“I never said it would be easy,” Keegan replies, rubbing his hands together. “But it shouldn’t be that hard either. The guy has his hands in everything. We hit the right places and we’ll get a lead.”

“I trust you know the right places?” Nik asks.

“Aye. I know where to find Ryder’s ilk.”

Oh, this is going to suck big time. The city crawls past as the streets become congested and nearly impassable with drunks, loose women and probably more than a few criminals. There are way too many people crammed into this city tonight. What a hassle. Maybe on a different day I could appreciate the ornate costumes, colorful masks, and air of festivity, but we’re here for one purpose only.

The driver lets us out on the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon, and it’s all downhill from there. Everywhere I turn there are raucous partygoers hanging from balconies, stumbling around and just plain old being a nuisance. It seems every open doorway spills music into the street, competing for tourists’ attention. There are street vendors on every corner peddling beads, hats, frosty beverages and face painting from their makeshift booths, and even they are smiling with delight. It’s possible I’m the only one not enjoying Mardi Gras in all its glory.

We weave our way through the crowds, following Keegan into one seedy bar after another as he grills the locals on Ryder’s whereabouts. Keegan’s got a lot of contacts, but getting a lead on Ryder is proving more difficult than expected. I have to give Keegan credit though, he does seem to know all the right places to connect with vamps in this city.

“Did you actually live here?” I ask Keegan curiously as I dodge a street performer who’s eating flames as he dances about on the crowded street. The crowd ooh’s and aah’s before breaking into applause. Neat trick, but I don’t even want to know how he does it.

“I lived here for a short while,” Keegan tells me as we put the performer behind us. “It’s a wonderful city full of mystery. It’s difficult to really appreciate all New Orleans has to offer when the city is crowded like this.”

“Some day you’re going to have to tell me more about your colorful past,” Nik chimes in appreciatively. “I imagine you’ve got more than a few good stories.” He seems to be enjoying the nightlife a little more than Keegan and myself. Clearly he needs to get out more.

As Keegan drags us into the fifth bar, an overly friendly frat boy grabs my ass and it’s all I can do not to rip his arm off and beat him with it. I am so
not
in the mood for this.

“Touch me again and you’ll wake up a lefty,” I tell him as I twist his right arm behind his back and slam his face into the bar. He scampers away with a bloody nose and I’m fairly certain he won’t be molesting any more women in the immediate future. Surprisingly, I take little pleasure in reforming him.

“That was so hot,” Nik whispers in my ear as he appears behind me. “I do love a girl who can take care of herself.”

“Keep it up and you’re next.”

“Talking dirty now?” He smiles naughtily. “You do have a fascinating way of keeping things interesting Katia.”

“Keegan!” I whine. “My patience is wearing thin!”

“What did you expect?” he growls, giving me an irritated look that effectively puts me in my place. “I would love to produce the man, but this is what happens when you show up unannounced.”

I’m relieved when Keegan gets a hit at the next bar. I’m not sure how much more of this I can take, even for Shaye.

We enter Moody Blues and I immediately write it off as another dive, despite the smooth jazz music that flows through the air. The bar is dark and has a rundown feel to it. It’s definitely seen better days, but Keegan seems to think it holds promise. I’m doubtful as I take in the sparse clientele. Despite the fact that the place is nearly empty, a thick cloud of blue smoke hangs in the air and I wonder if this is how the place got its name. We trail Keegan to the bar where he takes a seat on a wobbly barstool with a cracked leather seat. I immediately decide I’m better off standing.

The bartender is a fat, greasy guy. When he approaches, Keegan asks him if Nikki is working tonight. Fat and greasy grunts in reply and then begins shouting over his shoulder in a highly professional manner.

“Nikki! Get your lazy ass out here! You’ve got a customer!”

Nikki bursts through the service door to the kitchen throwing insults of her own. “Shut the hell up Merle!” When he turns his back on her, she gives him the finger. “Fat, old bastard!”

Moody Blues has a highly dysfunctional staff and although I’m amused, it might be the reason the place is dead when the rest of the city is thriving tonight. I give Nikki the once over, surprised to see she’s a human. She’s a busty, bottle-blonde with an orangish tan and a mouth full of veneers. Still, she looks like a nice enough girl and I can’t help but wonder what she’s doing in a hellhole like this one.

“Sorry about that,” she starts before recognition sets in. “Get the hell out! Keegan?” She nearly climbs over the bar trying to get her hands on him. Keegan gives her an awkward hug that lasts a little too long, ending only when he pries her arms from around his neck.

“Been a while!” she says, smoothing her white blouse. It’s a pointless exercise. The thing is wrinkled beyond help. “So what brings you back to New Orleans? Here to stay?”

“Just in town for a visit,” Keegan says evasively as he leans on the bar. “I have to admit I’m a little surprised to still find you working here.”

“Can’t be that surprised,” she returns cocking her hip. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be here, now would you?” She turns her attention to Nik and I step in front of him involuntarily, making it clear he’s off limits.

“Too bad,” she says, giving me an appreciative smile before turning back to Keegan. “So if you weren’t looking for me, what’re you doing here?”

“I’m looking for Ryder,” Keegan tells her. “I’ve got some business to discuss with him.”

“Don’t waste your time,” she says, hardening her eyes. “He hasn’t changed, but I guess you’ve already figured that out, haven’t you?”

“I don’t want any trouble,” Keegan assures her. “I just need to talk to him. I’ll make it worth your time.”

“You ain’t looking for trouble, you ain’t gonna make it worth my time,” she says, laughing bitterly. If there’s no love lost between Nikki and Ryder, why she hasn’t given him up yet?

“Come on, Nikki,” Keegan pleads. “How much?”

“I don’t want your money,” she replies, slamming her fist on the bar. “I want Ryder’s head on a pike!”

“That can be arranged.” I have no idea what Ryder’s done to her, but if all it takes to get his location and get out of this bar is the prospect of violence, I’m inclined to accommodate her wishes. “We’re not looking for trouble, but if we find it, well, I don’t run from anything. Ryder’s got something I want and I’m not leaving town without it.”

“I like her,” Nikki says, nodding her head at me. She keeps her gaze fixed on me as she speaks to Keegan. If looks could kill, Ryder would be a dead man. This is one seriously pissed off chick. I wonder what he did to make her so mad. “Ryder’s been shacking up at Ava’s place. Guess the bastard figured it was easier to just pay for it than to take me as his mate. That’s why I’m still here.”