The Ripple Effect

by J. A. Saare

  Fortunately, despite the company he kept, he seemed to stay out of petty gang shit. He was a businessman first and foremost. Our initial meeting had clued me in to the fact that he didn’t want any trouble. He kept it clean, didn’t ask questions, and had remained professional. As if that wasn’t incentive enough to do business with him, he could also get anything a client requested if the price was right.

  “That’s right, I did,” I said, hoping he’d finally come through.

  “I have two.”

  I stepped into the back and walked toward the cooler. “I’m definitely interested. I can meet you this afternoon.”

  “Maybe I’ll have them then, maybe I won’t.”

  I bit my tongue. It wouldn’t be in my best interest to call him an asshole. I hated being backed into a corner. “So it’s now or never?”

  “I didn’t say that. You seem to think you’re my only client. Consider this a courtesy call.”

  “Do you have silver ammunition?”

  “Two boxes. Custom.”

  Fuck. I needed a weapon with silver ammo. I might stop a vampire in its tracks or slow down a demon using blessed bullets, but silver was a guaranteed deal. I lifted my head, staring at the numerous liquor bottles on the shelves. It would take hours to get things straight. Deena would kill me if something was missing when she worked the bar tonight. What were the odds of her discovering I hadn’t done my job?

  I cringed, thinking about my shitty fucking luck.

  She’d find several things missing. Likely, I’d get a furious phone call about how hard I failed at life. Her wrath was something I’d have to face. There was no way I could pass up Bane’s offer. I needed weapons. Perhaps more than I needed my job. Ironically, I might not have to worry about demons. Deena could very well kill me before any hideous creatures got a chance.

  “Where do you want me to meet you?”

  “China Town. Behind Cleaver’s Pizza.”

  The call ended, and I slid the phone into my pocket.

  First I would meet with Bane and, hopefully, leave with a shiny new toy. Then I’d make a trip to my apartment to prepare for my stay at Disco’s. I’d purchased a suitcase that concealed my weapons shortly after our breakup. Even then, I’d known things were about to change. My morality wasn’t what it used to be. I had killed men in cold blood, depositing bullets right between their eyes, and I hadn’t so much as blinked.

  My fingers drifted to the pendant around my neck.

  I knew Marigold Vesta’s amulet was becoming an obsession, one leaving a dark essence on my soul. Did that really matter? My life was already in danger. I was indebted to a fallen angel. If I didn’t revive her, I would have to give her my body and die in the process.

  I was fucked, fucked, and did I mention fucked?

  There wasn’t time to waste thinking about my life’s torments. Instead I walked out of the room behind the bar. The cleaning crew didn’t notice me. They never did. They wanted to do their job and leave. Couldn’t say I blamed them.

  Despite the wretched cold of winter, the sun warmed my face as I left the club. Christmas would be coming soon, along with snow.

  For a moment, I wondered if I’d live to see either.

  ****

  Bane was standing beside a van parked around the back, waiting for me when I arrived at Cleaver’s Pizza. He was dressed casually in jeans, a T-shirt, and a black baseball cap—probably to blend in with the locals. No one paid me any attention as I walked alongside the building and stopped at the vehicle’s back. Bane headed around to greet me, giving me a brief nod.

  Alrighty then. So far, so good.

  At some point in his life Bane had been a decent looking guy. He was over six feet tall—all muscle—and had a heart stopping smile that went nicely with his ice-blue eyes and blond hair. Unfortunately his nose had been broken numerous times, and a winding scar from his forehead to his chin ruined him from the neck up. If the puckered tissue bothered him, he didn’t let on. He appeared to be comfortable in his own skin. Hell, I was positive he enjoyed frightening people with a sadistic sneer that made the scar stretch and widen.

  “I see you made it,” he said. No smile, no hello—only a level stare.

  “It didn’t sound like I was being given a choice.”

  Bane snorted, glanced around, and pulled the van’s back doors open. As promised, two Brownings sat side by side on the dingy flooring, their obsidian metal clean and unscratched. Four clips were lined above the guns—fully loaded—and two boxes of bullets were beside them. Just above was a double holster, the leather pristine and free of markings.

  “May I?” I motioned and waited.

  “Be my guest.”

  I moved closer, so someone outside wouldn’t be able to see, and checked each sidearm. They were just as good up close, if not better. Bane had a solid reputation, so I wasn’t worried about quality. The guns would shoot straight, and their aim would be dead-on. Of that, I was positive. There was, however, the matter of money.

  “How much?”

  “A grand each.”

  “You’re sure they’re clean?”

  He nodded. “Totally untraceable.

  “If you include the ammo, we have a deal.”

  His grin told me he was going to barter. “The guns and ammo for three grand. Custom rounds aren’t cheap.”

  I would have bargained, but I was short on time. I had to get home, store the weapons and ammo, and pack my things before Goose arrived.

  “Deal.” I put the guns on the soft mat inside the van. “I’m going to step inside Cleaver’s and get your money.”

  “Not so fast.” Bane clucked his tongue. He reached inside the van and pulled away a piece of cloth, revealing a large, gleaming sidearm. It was a thing of beauty, with an unmarred chrome barrel and a hard black plastic grip.

  I’ll be damned. Bane had gotten his hands on a Desert Eagle.

  “It’s clean as the others and more powerful. Want to kiss someone good-bye? This is the way to do it.”

  I lifted the gun. It felt perfect in my hand. Just heavy enough to know it was there but light enough not to be a bother. “Do you have silver rounds?”

  “Usually I don’t bother with questions, but one day I’m going to ask about your obsession with silver.” He reached inside and produced two large boxes. “How about some fifty action express?”

  “How many bullets per box?” I looked down the barrel, taking in the craftsmanship.

  “Fifty.”

  “What if I need more?”

  “You know where to find me.”

  True enough. “How much?”

  “Two grand. Non-negotiable.”

  Fuck. No way could I go there, even if I wanted to. Two thousand dollars.

  I couldn’t afford the Brownings and the Eagle. I’d only brought four thousand in cash, leaving me a grand short. The rest of the money I’d received from Disco as a monthly allowance had been tucked away in a safety deposit box. I wasn’t sure if I’d need it, but I wasn’t willing to piss it all away on sidearms.

  “I’ll take the Eagle and the rounds.” I placed the gun on the mat and started to make my way to Cleaver’s to dig the money out of my shoe.

  Bane frowned, and damn if it wasn’t a terrifying sight. “You don’t want the others?”

  “I can’t afford it.” I glanced at the Brownings. They’d be nice to have, but the Eagle would put a hole in a vampire—or a demon’s—chest. I needed that kind of firepower. The amulet and Sucker only got me so far.

  “How much do you got?” He studied me, starting at my head and taking his time, working his way to my toes.

  I couldn’t bite back my temper or stop my smartass mouth this time. “If you’re asking if I’m willing to work off the remainder of the cost with a piece of my ass, piss off.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, princess. Believe me when I say you’re not my type. Don’t make me ask again. How much do you got?”

  It was dangerous confessing
how much money I had on me, but since Marigold’s amulet was around my neck, I figured I would be able to defend myself and my cash if it came down to it.

  “Four thousand.”

  “A grand short.”

  Well hello, Captain Obvious. “I’m aware of that,” I gritted through my teeth, “which is why I said I’d take the Eagle.”

  He moved closer and gazed down at me. “A woman shouldn’t have to have a gun to take care of herself. You need a man to protect you.”

  Arching my neck, I looked directly into his light blue irises. “That’s your problem right there. I don’t want a man.”

  To my shock, his hard face softened. “Your soul has been carved out. I can see it in your eyes.”

  Son of a bitch. I hated it when people could read me. And he did so with ease.

  Looking away was my only defense. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yes, you do. When you want to talk, give me a call. I’ve been around a long time and have seen more than you might think.” He waited until I looked at him to add. “No strings. Just someone to talk to. I wasn’t kidding when I said you’re not my type. No bullshit.”

  I hoped he didn’t hear me gulp as I swallowed down the enormous lump that had formed in my throat. I had enough enemies without making new friends I wasn’t certain I could trust. Bane had provided me with a gun I desperately needed, but I wasn’t willing to take our relationship any further. Not that he had a romantic interest in me, obviously. It was more like a weird curiosity.

  “I’ll be back with the money.”

  “Four grand for all of it.”

  A warning prickle ran up the back of my neck. “The Eagle is more than enough.” I pivoted to walk away. “I’ll be back.”

  “I said”—Bane wrapped his arm around my arm, fingers going taut—“four grand and we’re straight.”

  Ripping my arm away might have gotten me free, but it also might have started a tussle I didn’t want to finish. Left with no other option, I glared up at the large, scarred man, noting how he blocked out the rays of the sun. He was built like a brick wall—all hard edges, sharp lines and rough terrain.

  “I don’t owe favors to people. If I can’t pay you what you want, I’m not taking what you’re offering.”

  His smile was a strange combination of horrific and handsome. “You’ve definitely been snake bit. One strike and you never forget.” His expression turned serious. “Don’t try to see things that aren’t there, girl. I’m making the deal because you remind me of someone. Nothing more than that.”

  I wasn’t sure I bought the explanation. “Oh really? And who might I remind you of?”

  To my relief, he let me go and lowered his gaze. “Another story for another day. Four grand and we’re square.”

  “Nothing more than that?” I asked to be certain. “Exchange the items for the cash and the deal is done.”

  “There is one more thing.”

  There it was, getting more than I bargained for. “Which is?”

  “If you get into a spot of trouble, you call me. These streets aren’t a place for a girl. Lotsa crazy shit has been going down. You might be able to protect yourself, but we all need friends.”

  I lifted my right leg, braced my foot on the bumper of the van, and pulled off my shoe. I didn’t count the money. Instead, I removed the neatly folded hundred-dollar bills, put my shoe back on, and handed them over. The driver who accompanied Bane moved from the back of the van and started packing the guns, holster, and ammo into an inconspicuous looking bag that could have come from any shop in China Town.

  “Remember what I said.” Bane squared his shoulders. “You need to talk or if you find yourself against a wall, call me.”

  Like that’s going to happen. “Whatever you say.”

  He looked at me for several seconds, grunted, and walked away. The man in the back of the van finished packing up my goods and handed over my merchandise. Then he closed the doors yelled something I couldn’t make out and the vehicle took off.

  I remained where I was, standing with my bag full of guns in my conservative workout attire—a ponytail, yoga pants, a long coat, and a pair of Nike’s—and wondered who in the hell I could possibly remind Bane of.

  Chapter Three

  The moment the cab stopped in front of Disco’s home, I knew Marius had arrived early. There was heaviness in the air, a strange buzzing against my skin and humming in my ears. The amulet—nestled safe and sound in a pocket I’d sewn into my bra before leaving my apartment—became warm. Goose obviously felt Marius’s presence, too. He gave me a strange look, one that made me squirm in my seat. I had to be on my best behavior.

  My test started now.

  “God help you, Rhiannon. You should have brought him the knife,” Goose said for what must have been the sixth or seventh time since picking me up. “Your reckless decisions are about to catch up to you.”

  “He’s not getting it.” I took a deep breath as I reached for the door handle. “If he doesn’t like it, he’ll have to adjust.”

  “You’re not going to feel so nonchalant in a few minutes.” Goose’s tension was apparent. “You’re about to get a serious dose of humble pie. He came early to prove a point. He intended to catch everyone off guard. He’s up to something.”

  Instead of responding, I climbed out of the cab. The sunlight was almost gone, meaning Disco, Paine, or even Marius could come outside if they wanted to say hello. To my relief, none of them appeared. I wanted to use the stairs to build up my defenses, reminding myself with each step why it was so important I not hand over Sucker. I didn’t realize how foolish the idea was until the cabbie popped open the trunk and I retrieved my suitcase.

  Damn. The motherfucker was more than heavy, it weighed a goddamned ton. With all the silver ammunition, guns, crosses, knives, and various other goodies stored in secret top compartment, I could have been toting around a solid block of concrete. So much for building up my mind as I strode proudly up the stairs. Carrying my luggage was going to take up a majority of my concentration.

  “Let me help you with that.” Goose reached for the damned thing, but I yanked the suitcase out of his range. If anyone else attempted to carry my belongings, my cover was totally blown.

  “I’ve got it, but thanks.”

  He frowned but didn’t argue as he retrieved his own bags. As soon as the trunk was empty and we slammed the decklid closed, the yellow submarine took off.

  This was it. No more waiting.

  “Remember what I told you,” Goose whispered, walking beside me. “Submission isn’t done out of respect, it’s done because it’s expected. You and I are nothing more than mortals under vampiric protection. Despite how Gabriel and Paine feel about you, to Marius you are nothing but a toy. You’ll be expected to play the part.”

  He took a deep breath and started talking fast.

  “He knows you’re bonded to Gabriel and Paine. He’ll use it against all three of you if he can. You have to make Marius believe you accept the responsibility of being marked by two vampires in his household, including all of the eccentricities it involves. You also have to convince him you accept his absolute sovereignty, as well as that of his maker. This isn’t a nice chat over a cup of tea. This is vampire etiquette to the extreme.”

  “You’ve already told me these things,” I snapped, edgy and paranoid.

  Goose grabbed my shoulder and stopped, forcing me to do the same. “Then you know what I’m about to say,” he said, staring at me. “Don’t do anything stupid. You’re going to have to put on the best performance of your life. Don’t be a smartass and don’t cause trouble. Follow the instructions Gabriel and Paine give you. They’ll keep the marks open for a reason. If they want you to do something, do it without question.” The concern in his gaze was very real. He honestly thought I was going to get myself killed.

  “I’ve dealt with demons in the future. I know how to keep my mouth shut, contrary to popular belief.” When his expression re
mained skeptical, I placed my hand over his. “Trust me. I won’t do anything stupid. I’ve got the issue with the knife sorted out. All I have to do is play nice until Marius leaves. I can do this.”

  “And Gabriel and Paine?” Goose shifted his gaze away. “What do you plan to do about them? Marius wants to see how far this triad goes. It’s not unheard of for vampires in a home to share a female necromancer, but he will be able to sense the tension between Gabriel and Paine. He won’t stand for something like that. They are vampires he has left behind to keep his authority in New York intact. A mortal woman creating problems between them will not be tolerated. Do you understand?”

  “I understand.” My stomach churned as I said it. Boy, did I ever understand. I could very well get forced into the middle of a threesome with two vampires I cared for who also wanted to kill each other.

  “Whatever it takes to make sure this runs nice and smooth,” I continued. “Gabriel doesn’t like to share, but he’ll keep his possessiveness in check if it means making Marius happy. Now...” I took a deep breath and lifted my shoulders. “Stop worrying. Everything’s going to be fine, you’ll see.”

  I could have sworn I heard Goose grumble, “Sure it will,” as we resumed our trip up the stairs, but I didn’t call him on it. He didn’t have to accompany me, and I needed as many friends as I could get. The rest of the vampire family wasn’t speaking to me—including Nala—since I’d ditched Disco shortly after I saved him, so any support was better than none.

  Paine was waiting at the door when we stepped onto the porch. I noticed the mark between us was wide open, hitting me like a slap in the face, telling me all I needed to know. For whatever reason, I needed to touch Paine as I walked inside—the sooner the better. There was a charge in the air, a sexual energy. I wasn’t sure if Paine was the cause, or if Marius was. Either way, being marked by Disco and Paine changed things. With both their claims, I was fairly certain it meant I had to pretend to be available—sexually or otherwise—to both of them.