“Does that make you bitter?”
“No. I want her to get everything she’s ever dreamed about.”
His sincerity took my breath away. “If you feel that way, why do you give her so much grief?”
“Because that’s how we roll. I give her crap. She gives it right back. There are five of us, so there are uneven numbers. We pair up and take each other on. We’re extremely competitive when playing games. That doesn’t mean I don’t love her. It just means I love to mess with her, too.”
He was so matter-of- fact all I could do was shake my head. “I guess I’m glad I don’t have siblings. I don’t think I’ll ever understand your relationship with your brothers and sister. It’s extremely odd.”
“I’ve never known anything different. I can honestly say every good memory I have involves a sibling. We may fight, but we have a good time together, too.”
“I guess.” I realized Braden was moving his foot up and down my leg as he focused on my face. The gesture, which could’ve been considered innocent a few moments before, was decidedly more intense now. “Um ... what are you doing?”
Braden pursed his lips, causing his innocent expression to deepen. “Nothing.”
“You know I can feel your foot on my leg, right?”
He didn’t move it. “So?”
I was at a loss. “Listen, you seem like a nice guy ... .”
His eyes darted, irritation flashing in the purple depths. “Is this where you tell me I’m not your type?”
Actually, that was the problem. “No. You’re exactly my type.”
Braden’s smile turned lazy as he relaxed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
I didn’t have the best track record with men, so that probably wasn’t a good thing. Now was not the time to bring that up, though. “I didn’t come here for this.”
Braden stilled, his foot remaining against my leg as his gaze sharpened. “For what?”
“A relationship.”
“We don’t necessarily have to engage in a relationship.”
Whether he meant to be charming or teasing, I couldn’t say. Either way, it turned me off. “I don’t play the one-night stand game.”
“Oh.” He slowly retracted his foot and rested his hands on the table. “I guess I’m confused. Do you want a relationship?”
I hated being put on the spot. “Do you?”
“I can’t remember the last time I had a relationship that lasted longer than two weeks. It’s not really my style.”
“And I don’t embark on anything considered temporary,” I clarified. “The thing is, even if I wanted to pretend I don’t have rules, you were right about me coming here for a specific reason. I want to figure out what happened to my parents. I want to be good at my job. The rest of it ... well, it’s simply not important to me right now.”
“I see.” He stroked his chin, his expression thoughtful. “Now might be the time to embrace something light and without strings. Have you considered that?”
“Not for an instant.”
“Fair enough.” Braden held up his hands in capitulation. “I won’t pressure you. I was just messing around. I’ll talk to my father about your parents’ files. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, but I’m still willing to help.”
I forced a smile. “We’ll just pretend this didn’t happen. It’s not like it was a big deal anyway.”
“Definitely not.” He offered a wink, though it wasn’t entirely playful. “So, tell me about the things you liked to do in the city before you moved out of state. I’ll tell you what’s changed and we’ll have a very sterile dinner conversation. How does that sound?”
“Like a pretty good idea.”
Nineteen
The bigwigs were back the next morning.
They didn’t bother calling to set up an appointment, instead opting to arrive with no notice. The previous day had sapped my energy, so I slept for an extra thirty minutes – which turned out to be a mistake.
“What are they doing here?” I worked overtime to rein in my temper as five men — two of whom had clipboards — buzzed around the gate.
“They’re taking readings,” Oliver replied easily, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands across his stomach as he watched the action. “I’m not really sure what to make of it. It’s almost like a nerd convention ... although they’ve yet to decide on a speaker.”
I shot him a withering look. “I don’t think you should say things like that.”
“Why? Are you a closet nerd?”
“No. I simply don’t want to get caught laughing at our employers at a time tempers are frayed. They might not find it funny to be considered the butt of the joke.”
“Fair enough.”
I pursed my lips as I watched the men work for a bit before shuffling across the room to get closer to Cormack. He was deep in conversation with Renley, a serious expression on his face, and he didn’t so much as glance in my direction as I closed the distance.
“There has to be a reason this happened,” Renley persisted. “We can’t simply ignore what’s happening here.”
“I never suggested we ignore anything.” Cormack was calm as he regarded his boss. “I’m simply suggesting that you authorize my family to hunt the wraith, take us out of the soul collection rotation for a few days, and let us do what we do.”
“You’re not hunters.”
“No, but that doesn’t mean we can’t control a wraith.”
“You’re down a man.”
“I’m down a woman,” Cormack corrected, causing my temper to flare at his nonchalant delivery. “The male contingent of my team is intact. They’re ready to go. We simply need to pick an area and start hunting.”
“And how exactly do you expect to pick the right area when we have no idea why this wraith is choosing the locales it seems to be targeting?”
“I want you to let Cillian do the research. He’ll figure out the pattern and narrow the scope.”
“I don’t know.” Renley rubbed the back of his neck as he considered the option. “I need to think about it. Give me some time. I’ll get back to you before we leave the island later this afternoon.”
“Of course.” Cormack’s nod was perfunctory, but I didn’t miss the shift in his aura, the way red zinged through and caused orange ripples thanks to the previously yellow base. “I’m looking forward to our next discussion.” He waited until Renley crossed to the other side of the room to viciously curse under his breath. I couldn’t make out all the words, but “idiot” and “hope he trips over his own shoelaces and smacks his head into a wall” were easily picked from the din.
“Are you okay?” I asked him, momentarily wary. “Do you want something to drink?”
Slowly, he slid his eyes in my direction and sighed. “I knew you were there.”
“I’m sure you did.”
“I’m not sorry for what I said.”
“I’m sure you’re not.”
“If you want to tell him, be my guest.”
“I’m good.” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at his hangdog expression. “I have no interest in telling him what you said, especially because I agree with you.”
Cormack raised an eyebrow, his surprise on full display. “Really? You agree with me?”
“I don’t know if your family is really the world-famous wraith hunters everyone makes you out to be, but I happen to believe that someone with specialized knowledge should lead the hunt for this particular wraith.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t suppose you know where the wraith has been hanging out, do you?”
“We know it’s been in the heart of the city,” Cormack replied, choosing his words carefully. “We know it’s been in the busier areas. The night after it escaped from here, a hooded figure was seen in Hart Plaza. Two people ended up dead. They’re blaming it on gang activity, but no shots were fired and it wasn’t a territorial dispute.”
That was interesting. “And where is Hart
Plaza from here?”
“I keep forgetting that you’re from here but haven’t visited since you were a child,” Cormack said. “It’s several miles to the west, not far from the Windsor tunnel and the Renaissance Center.”
I furrowed my brow as I ran the information through my memory. “I think I remember the Renaissance Center. It’s right by the river, right? Has good restaurants?”
He nodded. “Basically.”
“Okay, so why would the wraith want to be in that area?”
“That is the question of the day.” Weariness momentarily overtaking him, Cormack folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the table. “The wraith has also been seen near Cobo Center and Greektown Casino.”
“Is it moving in a specific direction?”
He smiled, quick and easy. “I like the way your mind works. We were interested in that, too. We’re dealing with a relatively small area. You can circle back and forth with minimal effort without getting caught.
“The wraith was seen at Hart Plaza first,” he continued. “Then it circled west to Cobo Center. Greektown Casino is to the east, though. I’m not sure why it circled back to that area.”
I turned away from him and focused on the map affixed to the wall. “Can you show me?”
He nodded as he moved closer, extending his finger. “This map is older. A few of the newer buildings aren’t on here, but that’s okay. Hart Plaza and Cobo are both on here. The casino is over here.”
I followed his finger, vaguely interested in the circular pattern he was making. “Do you know what’s interesting about the area you’ve indicated?”
“It’s essentially the cleanest part of the city,” he answered without hesitation. “It’s a target-rich environment.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it, but that’s not what I was thinking.”
He waited.
“That area may be busy, but that’s hardly the only place a wraith could hunt if hungry,” I pointed out. “I mean, think about it. Wouldn’t it make more sense to go into one of the areas where the people are considered at risk? Those people would be easier to hunt.”
Realization dawned on Cormack and his eyes lit with interest. “I get what you’re saying.” He slanted his gaze at the map. “The people in the area where the wraith has been hunting are more likely to be missed. If the wraith wanted to fly under the radar, it would hunt in the rundown areas.”
“It’s not just that,” I countered. “The wraith is also making sure not to travel too far from Belle Isle. There’s only one way on or off the island. The wraith is sticking relatively close to the bridge.”
“Why do you think that’s important?”
“I don’t know. I simply find it interesting. Maybe the wraith isn’t done with the island.”
“Then why leave in the first place?”
“Because your son was here when it came back,” I replied without hesitation. “Braden was armed. The wraith seemed surprised. I think its fight-or-flight response kicked in and that’s why it took off. There might have been a different plan at one point. We need to find the wraith to figure it out.”
His expression turned thoughtful as he stared at the map. “I don’t suppose you’ve ever done any map analysis, have you?”
“I can’t say as I have.”
“Well, you’re going to start.” He was grim as he dug into his pocket for his phone. “You have a keen and analytical mind. You see patterns. I’m going to pair you with someone I think you’ll work well with.”
For a brief moment I thought he meant Braden and excitement coursed through me. I tamped it down quickly, chiding myself for the way my heart leaped. I was not here to play footsies under the table with some guy who believed one-night stands were the standard. I had other things to focus on.
When Cormack started speaking into the phone I realized right away that he had no intention of pairing me with Braden.
“I need you to put on your thinking cap, son,” he said. “I also need you out on Belle Isle. I have an idea, and I want you to work with someone this afternoon to see if you can bring it together. I’ll see you soon.”
CILLIAN DIDN’T LOOK THRILLED to be forced out to Belle Isle so early in the morning.
“I hate it when you have ideas, Dad.” He scowled as he stared at the map. Cormack explained what he wanted, and then sat back. He seemed expectant, as if he wanted Cillian to applaud his grand scheme. “This map doesn’t even have the right buildings on it.”
Cormack’s smile slipped. “I know that. Use your imagination to add the buildings. We need to figure out where the wraith is going to be ... and why.”
Cillian stared at his father, unblinking. “I was in bed. Maya had a morning off for the first time in five days because she’s trying to arrange an extended weekend at the end of the month so we can go on vacation. There’s a nurse shortage, which means she’s averaging sixty hours a week. Do you know how rare it is for her to have a morning off?”
Cormack met his son’s accusatory gaze without flinching. “I’m sorry for dragging you away from Maya.”
“You’re not sorry.” Cillian made a face. “You think I’m being a big baby.”
“I do think you’re being a baby,” Cormack agreed, winking at me in an effort to convey his mirth. “That doesn’t mean I’m not sorry for ruining your day. I like Maya. You know that.”
Cillian heaved a sigh. “Whatever. You’re fixated on this wraith. And I know I need to focus, too. So far its movements have been random. There’s no way to track it.”
“Don’t be a defeatist.” Cormack slapped a hand on his son’s shoulder. “I have faith you can figure it out. We have to find the wraith and eradicate it before it gets a foothold..”
Cillian tilted his head to the side as he stared at the map. “Fine. I’ll see if I can figure out a pattern.”
“That’s all I’m asking.” Cormack nodded. “I’m leaving Izzy to work with you. She has a keen mind. Perhaps together you can figure out the missing piece of this puzzle.”
“Yes, we’ll turn into superheroes while we’re at it.” Cillian’s tone was dry as he rolled his eyes. “We’ll do our best. Don’t expect miracles from us.”
“I would never expect miracles.”
“You’re full of crap. You want a miracle. Don’t bother denying it.”
“Your sister went to bed at nine last night and didn’t whine once. I’ve already witnessed my miracle for the week.”
Cillian snorted. “We’ll figure something out ... although I have no idea how.”
WE APPROACHED IT scientifically.
We used pushpins.
“What do you have?” Cormack asked as he stared at the plastic markers on the map.
“I called the home office,” Cillian explained. “I asked for any and all wraith-sighting reports, whether they were confirmed or not. We didn’t have enough data points.”
“If the sightings aren’t confirmed, how does that help us?”
“We can’t make a pattern with only four data points,” Cillian explained. “We needed more, and even though some of them don’t make sense, I think we’ve put something together.”
“Like what?”
“Well, for starters, we color-coded it.” Cillian pointed for emphasis. “Red is confirmed sightings. White is potential sightings that seem to make sense given the data we have. Blue is the outliers.”
Cormack stared hard at the map. “And?”
“And the wraith seems to be sticking to a relatively small area,” Cillian replied. “It’s been seen by the People Mover, Joe Louis Arena, Saint Andrew’s Hall and Ford Field.”
“All areas where a lot of people visit.”
“True,” Cillian conceded. “Look at the blue tacks, though. They’re the ones I find interesting. The train depot ... the children’s hospital ... the Heidelberg Project.”
“I don’t get what you’re trying to say,” Cormack said. “If those are outlier locations, it seems to make sense that they
’re false sightings.”
“What if they’re not?” Cillian pressed. “What if they’re sightings of different wraiths?”
Cormack’s face was blank. “I don’t think I’m following you.”
“That’s because my brain is a busy place.” Cillian smiled. “Between the confirmed sightings and the likely sightings, we basically have a square. The muted wraith is sticking to one area, and it’s not far away.”
“Okay.”
“The outlier pins form another line beyond that square on three sides,” Cillian explained. “The fourth side is water, so it makes sense there’s no line.”
“I’m still not following you.”
Impatience finally got the better of me, although I held on much longer than I usually did. “The mutated wraith isn’t working alone,” I volunteered. “The wraith sightings outside the immediate area seem to indicate that other wraiths are forming a buffer around our wraith. They’re a form of security, if you will. Our wraith is still close, in a focused hunting zone, but it has backup.”
“Ah.” Realization dawned on Cormack’s face. “That means, in theory, it shouldn’t be terribly hard to find.”
“In theory,” Cillian agreed. “The problem is, no matter how small the area, there are tons of buildings down there for the wraith to hide in. We need more bodies to search ... and it wouldn’t hurt to have some aerial help.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“The gargoyles,” Cillian replied. “They’ve been sidelined since Mom ... did her thing. I think now is the time to dust them off.”
“There’s a very good reason they’ve been sidelined,” Cormack argued. “They can’t be trusted. They’re mercenaries, selling their services to the highest bidder.”
“Which is why we should lock them in now,” Cillian pointed out. “If the wraiths secure their services first it will be all over. We need them.”
Only The Lonely (A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller Book 1) Page 18
