Supernatural Syndicate: A Limited Edition Collection of Magical Mafia Stories

by Thea Atkinson

  Straight across the street and into the park, Sett called on a whisper of magic to sharpen her night vision and help her find the woman whose screams were full of fear and pain. Curtains of moss hung from tree branches and undergrowth crowded the narrow path as Sett stopped and held her breath so she could listen. A faint, wet sound followed by a low moan led Sett to the right, deeper into the tangled brush. Her gun in hand, she whispered another spell to help her move in silence as she came upon the scene. A figure in a hoodie and jeans leaned over a woman sprawled in the leaves and moss.

  The scent of blood was strong in the air as Sett pointed her gun at the hooded figure. “Don’t move. I’m with the police.”

  Later, Sett would swear the figure seemed to just blink out of existence. She couldn’t even tell if it had been male or female – just that it wore a faded gray hoodie, dark jeans, and black gloves. Skin color, gender, anything more – she never saw enough to determine any of that.

  When the figure disappeared, Sett kept her gun in one hand and crouched to touch two fingers to the woman’s throat to see if there was a pulse. There was none. That’s when Sett realized she knew the woman. It was Molly, her waitress from maybe an hour earlier.

  “Damn,” Sett sighed and stood, then pulled out her cell phone to dial 911. Then she dialed the Commander.

  “What’s wrong, Sett? It’s late.”

  “Sorry, Commander. I just found a body across from where I’m staying – in the park. I chased her killer away when I showed up, and I’ve called 911.”

  “Damn,” Commander Walsh said with a sigh. “Do what you can to help. I’ll make a few phone calls, so you don’t get arrested for it. So much for not making a splashy scene, eh?”

  “I couldn’t ignore someone screaming, sir.”

  “No, I don’t suppose you could. I wouldn’t have been able to either. Call me when you finally get home, and we’ll update each other.”

  The call disconnected and Sett turned on her phone’s flashlight to look at the body and surrounding area more carefully. A metallic glint caught the light a couple of feet from the body, so she crouched closer and used the muzzle of her gun to push a branch aside. A gold signet-style ring lay in the leaves. Something compelled Sett to pick it up and stuff it in her pocket just as she heard the sirens stop nearby. Gun holstered, Sett held her phone flashlight high and waved it to signal to the officers.

  “Over here. The body is over here,” she called out.

  Flashlights shone in her face and she squinted her eyes nearly shut. “Could you get that out of my eyes, please? I’m Cosette Fortin. I called it in.”

  “Agent Fortin, I’m Detective Thibodeau. You can shut your phone light off now,” a man’s voice said. Sett shut off her phone light and tucked it in her pocket, then faced the detective, her hands still held out from her body, so no one got jumpy and shot her.

  “You can relax,” Thibodeau said. “We got a call that a visiting SPD agent had called in to 911, and we were to kindly not shoot that agent.”

  Sett let out a breath and smirked. “That’d be Commander Walsh. He’s my boss.”

  “How about you come back to the path while my guys tape off the area and I take a look before we chat?”

  “Of course. I didn’t want to muck up the scene any more than I had. I ran in here when I heard the screams and wasn’t sure which way would go back to the path.”

  “It’s straight through there,” Thibodeau pointed and Sett gave him a nod before she walked out of the brush and back to the path.

  While she waited, she sent a text to the Commander that she’d met Detective Thibodeau and would call him later. He texted back with “I’ll be waiting” so Sett knew he was still on alert on his end.

  Thibodeau looked around at the scene, then came out to the path where Sett waited. “I’m the liaison between the New Orleans PD and SPD departments. If there’s something that happens in an area known for supe issues, they send my team. We’ve had several incidents in this park over the past couple of years – and they’ve increased in frequency in the past three months.”

  “What kinds of incidents, and what type of supe?” Sett asked.

  “Attempted assaults and murders, mostly. Vampires are getting out of control,” Thibodeau said.

  “Wait…what? Vampires?”

  “Yes, vampires,” a new voice answered.

  Sett turned to see a woman about her height with bright green eyes, tanned skin, and curly dark hair tucked under a ball cap with the NOSPD logo on the front.

  “Special Agent Fortin, this is Senior Agent Lucia Landry of the New Orleans SPD division. Agent Fortin is from…” Detective Thibodeau said, but Agent Landry interrupted him.

  “...Belle Cove SPD. Yes, I’ve heard. And since this is not Belle Cove, perhaps you would leave the police work to us locals?” Agent Landry said.

  “I wasn’t doing ‘police work’,” Sett said. “I heard a scream and ran to help. If you call being a concerned citizen doing ‘police work’ then perhaps I need to have a talk with your training academy?”

  “Now, ladies, let’s take a breath, shall we?” Thibodeau said. “Agent Landry, the victim had puncture wounds on both wrists and her throat, which would lead me to believe there were multiple assailants. I need to give my report and speak to the medical examiner to make sure your data is sent over, so may I count on you to get Agent Fortin’s report?”

  “I can come down to the station and give my full report tomorrow. My prints are on file in the global SPD database. If you will excuse me, I can see myself home as I’m staying over there in number 315,” Sett said as she pointed to the townhouse that had her bag by the door, visible under the porch light.

  “Don’t leave town,” Landry half-snarled as she stomped away.

  Sett handed Detective Thibodeau her business card. “My cell number is on the back. See you tomorrow.”

  “Lock the doors and don’t invite any strangers inside,” Thibodeau said. “See you in the morning.”

  Sett jogged back to the porch, picked up her bag, then turned to look at the lights and activity across the street. A shiver ran through her as she unlocked the door and stepped inside.

  Doors locked, herbal tea steeping in the pot, Sett sat down with her laptop and started some case notes while it was fresh in her mind. A finger hit the button to call the Commander, and she lay her phone next to the computer.

  “Home safe?”

  “Yes, Commander. I’ll be giving my statement in the morning,” Sett replied. “Making my case notes now while it’s fresh in my mind.”

  “Good practice to have. So, any information?”

  “The victim was Molly, the waitress who served my dinner earlier tonight. Detective Thibodeau and Agent Landry said it was vampires that attacked her.”

  “Vampires? Huh. I thought they were all gone.”

  “You mean, you knew about them? Why have we never been taught of their existence?”

  “Because they were supposedly eradicated around the 1850’s. You’re okay, though?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I suggest adding vampire lore to the history of supernatural species course at the academy.”

  “I’ll consider it. I’m going to do some digging and make some calls. If vampires are back, we all need to be informed. Stay safe tonight, don’t invite any strangers inside, and ward your doors. Goodnight, Sett.”

  “Goodnight, Commander,” Sett replied before he disconnected the call.

  Sett gathered up some lavender and sage, then went around to the doors and windows to whisper the spell to ward them. The herbs went into a bowl she set on a table in the middle of the space. By then, she really needed to sleep, so she took her tea and her phone into the bedroom. A cup of soothing tea and the events of the day washed away – and Sett slept.

  3

  Sett enjoyed her breakfast on the back porch with a view of the boats on the water, then cleaned up and headed to the New Orleans Supernatural Police Department offices. The building had o
nce been an old manufacturing business with brick walls and wrought iron fences, but the large sign out front stated its current usage. The reception area held benches for people to wait with a large desk behind a protective shield.

  Sett stepped up to the shield and held up her identification. “Agent Fortin here to speak to Detective Thibodeau or Agent Landry.”

  “Yes, Agent Fortin, they’ve been expecting you. Come through the door when you hear the buzzing,” the uniformed attendant said.

  A faint click, followed by a buzz, and Sett pulled the door open. A long corridor stretched to the back of the building, with doors off of both sides all the way down. Detective Thibodeau stepped out of one of those doors and waved to her.

  “Want a coffee or something?” Thibodeau asked.

  “Coffee would be great,” Sett said.

  “Good, then we’re ready, come on in. There’s coffee and cookies on the table,” Thibodeau said as he stepped back so Sett could enter.

  The room was square with one wall of brick, walls lined with white boards and file cabinets, and a table in the center with chairs and a tray of refreshments. Agent Landry, Detective Thibodeau, and three more people were seated around the table. The detective pulled out a seat for her, then filled a mug with coffee and handed it to her.

  “Thanks,” she told him as she took the mug and sat down.

  “Special Agent Cosette Fortin, this is Technical Agent Maria Baines, Agent-in-Training Joseph Deville, and one of our agency clerks, Timon Safferty. Would you please state your name for the record, and that you are here of your own volition?” Agent Landry said.

  Sett swallowed the mouthful of coffee and ran a hand through her short hair. “I am Special Agent Cosette Adeline Fortin of the Belle Cove SPD, and an instructor at the Paranormal Police Academy. I am here to give my statement of the events of last evening, of my own volition.”

  The clerk typed into a laptop while a camera on a tripod recorded the statement. Sett took another sip of her coffee and was grateful she’d worn one of her nicer outfits of a silk sleeveless top and black jeans with black leather ankle boots. She felt the peach silk brightened her olive skin tones and made her hazel eyes sparkle.

  Landry leaned her elbows on the table and stared at Sett as she asked, “What brought you to the park at that hour of the night?”

  Sett arched a brow as she answered. “A woman’s screams.”

  “Could you be more specific?” Landry asked.

  “I had gone to dinner at the Cajun Corner restaurant around eight at night. Molly was my server. I left a little after nine and spent the next two hours walking around the area. I listened to music, I got a drink from a vendor’s cart, things like that. I finally turned the corner, about four houses away from where I’m staying, and it became a lot quieter. I went up the steps, put my bag down by the door, and pulled out the keys – and that’s when I heard a woman screaming. I shoved the keys back in my pocket, ran down the stairs and into the park across the road.”

  “How did you know it was a woman screaming?” Deville asked.

  Even Landry gave him a ‘wtf’ look for that one.

  “Because of the sound,” Sett said.

  “Please continue,” Landry asked.

  “I ran off the path, through the brush, and came upon a woman on the ground, a figure in dark jeans, a hoodie, and dark gloves running away. I crouched by the woman to check for a pulse, and there was none. The figure moved supernaturally fast and I knew I wouldn’t be able to catch them, so I called for help and stayed with the body until Detective Thibodeau arrived. You both know what happened from there. I went home, made tea, called my Commander, and went to sleep.”

  “Did you see the skin color, gender, anything that might help us?” Landry asked.

  “No. The hood covered the face and hair and was baggy enough to hide the form underneath. My first instinct is to say male, but that cannot be confirmed. It was just something in the way the figure moved before it sped off.”

  “Thank you for your time. You have our contact information if you remember anything else,” Landry said as she rose. Her curly hair was twisted up in back while tendrils framed her face.

  Sett gave her a smile. “I do, and I will. I would appreciate something in return, though.”

  Landry sighed and sat back down. “What might that be?”

  “You all had no hesitation in calling it a vampire attack. I had been led to believe all vampires were gone. How is it that New Orleans has this kind of a problem?”

  “And no one else does?” Thibodeau said. “It’s magic.”

  “A boundary spell wraps New Orleans and keeps the vampires from leaving. It’s hundreds of years old and reinforced every solstice – winter and summer,” Landry said. “Now, I have another meeting. If you have any further information, call. I’d also recommend you stick to being a tourist and leave the police work to us. Good day.” She walked out of the meeting with Deville on her heels.

  The clerk packed up his equipment and Thibodeau waited until they had all left before he spoke. “I’m going to ask you to give Landry a little grace on this. I get that she seems rude and blunt, but there are mitigating circumstances.”

  “Like what?” Sett asked as she finished her coffee.

  “Like, it’s not my story to tell – but there are reasons. She’s not usually an asshole. Maybe she’ll tell you sometime. Anyway – do you need a ride anywhere?”

  “No, thanks. I have a vehicle to use while I’m here, and I have my own business to attend to out in the bayou.”

  “You have business with the Lamontaine’s?”

  “I do. Family business. Thank you for being so welcoming, Detective Thibodeau,” Sett said as she rose and held out her hand. “It is truly appreciated.”

  “You’re most welcome, Agent Fortin. Give Commander Walsh my best, will you? He and my father were friends once upon a time.”

  “I will do that. Have a good day,” Sett said as she left. It wasn’t long before she was on the road out of the district and into the bayou. Her directions led her to a ranger station at the end of a dirt road where only three other cars were parked. She pulled in and parked, but left the car running with the air conditioning going while she made her call.

  “Alpha, it’s Sett Fortin, here as a representative from Commander Walsh. I’m in the parking area at the ranger station.”

  “Come on inside, the council is here,” Josiah Lamontaine said as he waved from the cabin door.

  Sett disconnected the call and shut off her vehicle, then sent a text to the commander that she was about to go meet the council. She might not have physical backup, but at least she had someone that would look for her if she disappeared.

  Phone in her pocket, gun locked in the console safe, Sett got out and locked the SUV, pocketed the keys, and headed up the steps and inside. A cool blast of air washed over her as she entered, chasing the humidity of the bayou away.

  Five people were in the room, with Josiah standing near the door. He inhaled slowly, then gave Sett a nod. “Thank you for not coming in armed. It is appreciated.”

  “It would be rude to walk into a diplomatic meeting with a weapon,” Sett replied with a polite nod of her head. “A pleasure to meet you in person, Alpha Josiah. Your wife was most welcoming when I first arrived.”

  Lulu stepped out of one of the other rooms and waved at Sett. “I’ve got cold drinks, sandwiches, and sides ready to bring out now that you’re here. Y’all ready to eat?”

  “I could eat, thanks,” Sett said as she gave Lulu a smile in return.

  Josiah led her around the reception counter for the station into the space behind. Couches and padded chairs were set around a low table that held a couple of mugs, some notebooks, and a laptop – that were quickly swept out of the way for Lulu to set the trays down on the table.

  Sett took a seat with her back to the back wall and stayed silent while things were set up for the lunch meeting. Josiah sat to her left and another woman sat to her
right, her hair a wild tangle of brown and blonde curls, her skin a dark bronze.

  “I’m Shayla,” the woman said as she nodded to Sett. “Next to me is Marcus, then Jeremiah, Orris, and Evan. We’re all pack council members and advisors to Alpha Josiah.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you all. I’m Agent Sett Fortin, here at the request of Liam Walsh, Commander of the Belle Cove SPD and head of the Academy,” Sett said.

  “We’re grateful for what Alpha Walsh has done for our pack and community,” Shayla said.

  “It’s been a rough go of it for a while,” Evan said as he settled in the seat next to Josiah.

  Lulu put a stack of plates down on the table and turned to Josiah. “Lily and I have our plates in the kitchen. If you need anything, let me know.”

  Josiah gave her a kiss on the cheek and smiled. “Thank you, love. Appreciate you taking care of this for us.” Lulu left the room, and Josiah picked up a plate and handed it to Sett. “Let’s fill our plates and then we can talk, agreed?”

  “Sounds good to me. This looks fantastic,” Sett replied as she saw the stacks of sandwiches on crusty rolls, bowls of potato salad, antipasto salad, chips, condiments, and more. Everyone loaded their plates, found a cold drink from the collection on the table, and took a moment to eat a few bites before the conversation got started.

  Josiah started. “As you know, I’m a grandson of Piers Lamontaine, and therefore a cousin to the late Damas Lamontaine. I was lucky to have a mother who wouldn’t put up with the misogynistic attitudes and made sure my father, Jean-Pierre, knew which side of his bread was buttered, as they say. My father died when I was a teenager, and my Maman’s new husband was a witch. That’s how I met Marie-Louise and gained permission to wed. When the power was removed from my grand-uncle Philippe and cousin Damas, I was one of the few left who had the power to step into the alpha role. The Commander’s ruling made it so – and my pack is grateful for it. The previous alphas were cruel and unforgiving – and while it is important to have a strong rule, that doesn’t mean one has to be vindictive and mean.”