Knight Shift

by Paulette Miller

  Ben, sensing Razor’s physical need, ran off and returned moments later with a bag of blood. As Razor quickly quenched his thirst and, like Penny, absentmindedly scratched Chad’s German Shepard form behind the ears, he scanned the room and asked, “Is Penny here?”

  Taylor replied, “No, she’s working late tonight.”

  Razor said, “Good. There are a few things that we need to talk about privately.”

  Seeing the seriousness in Razor’s eyes, Jax asked, “What’s happened?”

  Razor replied to his friend, “When I arrived in Portland, as I expected, I wasn’t welcomed in. They kept their distance and wouldn’t share anything with me. When I questioned them why, they finally admitted that it was because I had been seen several times with you. I told them that, after the incidents in Reno and then again in Estes park, I was trying to find out what was going on between you and your Human.”

  Jax asked, “Did the excuse work?”

  Razor nodded and said, “I think I was successful in convincing them that I’m spending time at your side so that I can spy on you.”

  Taylor puffed out his chest and said proudly, “Cool! You’re a double agent.”

  Razor chuckled and said, “I guess so, for now.”

  Susi said, “Don’t laugh, because this isn’t funny. This is a dangerous game that you’re playing. If they find out what you’re up to, they’ll see you as a traitor and won’t hesitate to kill you.”

  Seeing her genuine concern for his safety, Razor gave Susi a gentle smile and said, “I really appreciate you looking out for me, but I have to do this. There’s too much at stake and Logan is stirring up a heap of trouble.”

  Jax asked anxiously, “Did you find Logan in Portland?”

  Razor replied, “No, but I heard his voice on the phone many times. He’s gone underground and I couldn’t find anyone that knew where he’s hiding. But I do know that he didn’t disappear because he thought that we were trying to find him. It seems that he has no clue about that. He went under to help organize a fight. As I feared, the natives are very restless and Logan has become a big player. He’s building an army and they have their sights on eradicating the entire Human population. And he isn’t the only one. Others like him are setting up similar undergrounds across the world.”

  Sam said, “They can’t win that battle. Even if they recruit every Night Walker in existence, they still won’t have enough to make much of a dent.”

  Razor said, “They aren’t alone any more. They’ve started to recruit other Changelings and many are listening. I can’t condone starting a war but, knowing how our kind have been mistreated, I can understand their anger and need for revenge. They’re using everyone’s fears and anger to win them over to their cause.”

  Susi asked, her eyes shining with tears, “Surely they realize how many of our own would die in the fight.”

  Razor replied, “They know very well the price of war and there are many that are willing to step up and make the sacrifice. That number is growing rapidly every day. We may still be completely outnumbered, but Humans are in for a fight. We have many unique gifts that, if we learn to focus, can give us a great advantage. The biggest talent that almost all Changelings have in common is that we can sense a Human’s presence almost instantly. The opposite isn’t true. Assuming our looks don’t give us away, if we don’t give them a reason to suspect us, Humans are clueless. This allows many of us to walk among their kind undetected. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Logan claims that the Humans are getting close to finding a way to identify us through scans. It’s another reason why people want to fight back now, before it’s too late.”

  Sam said, “Not all Changelings will agree to go to war.”

  Razor replied, “They’re very aware of that and are starting to weed them out. They also know that Ice would be a formidable threat if he became sympathetic to Humans. That’s one of the reasons that Thorne was sent to your house. He was assigned to check your loyalty, especially Ice.”

  Ben said, “When Thorne was here I tried to read his thoughts, but I couldn’t get through. His mind was completely blank to me.”

  Razor replied, “That’s why he was chosen. They know of your growing gifts with the mind and they wanted to block you out so that you wouldn’t realize the real reason for his visit.” He scanned the room and added, “All of you need to know that you’re being watched. When Thorne found Penny here, let’s just say that it didn’t help your cause any. He witnessed first-hand how you protect and treat her like one of the family. We’ve kept the secret that she may play a critical role in Changeling survival, so all he saw was you playing house with the enemy.”

  Taylor’s shoulders slumped and said, “Then we flunked the test.”

  Razor shook his head and said, “Not yet. I managed to convince them that Susi was so soft-hearted that she couldn’t stop herself from taking in Penny as a stray—like a cherished pet. And Sam’s longtime friendship and loyalty for Ice was the main reason for allowing Penny to stay. He basically gifted Penny as a play thing for his friend’s amusement. Penny being present while Thorne was here wasn’t completely a curse. He was taken by her unique aroma so he now believes my story that Ice put aside his hate for Humans long enough to enjoy what she offered.”

  Taylor exclaimed, “Ha! Ice taking Penny as a Human toy… that’s a stretch. Anyone that knows him wouldn’t believe it.”

  Razor replied, “But they already do. He traveled across country with her and fiercely protected her in front of many Changelings, so they know that she isn’t just another ordinary Human. I told them that Ice confided in me that he was growing more desperate with his inability to do more for our cause and was forced to try something drastic—to become one of the enemy and attack from within. He knows that he sticks out like a sore thumb, even among our own kind. To deal with this perceived weakness, he told me that he was spending time with Penny to learn how to better blend in. She was just the naïve woman that, without knowing it, was unwittingly teaching him how to infiltrate the enemy’s camp. His change in look and personality are all part of the ruse.”

  Tadd asked, “And they bought it?”

  To the group’s surprise, Jax answered, “Of course they did. My reputation as a Human hater and killer isn’t from made up stories. Many have seen what I was capable and willing to do for our kind.”

  Razor added, “None of them would argue that Ice has fought fiercely for our survival and, by the time I was done sharing my insight, many were again ready to sing praises for Ice’s sacrifice.”

  Ben’s face fell when he caught mental flashes of arguments Razor had and he said, “Not everyone was convinced.”

  Razor shook his head. “There are those that think that if my story is true, Ice lost himself in his role. Penny’s blood was too much of a draw and she became more to Ice than a snack. After some prodding, Thorne admitted to me that he has his doubts, just like Logan. Thorne also said that he regretted that, while he was here, he didn’t get the opportunity to taste her for himself first hand. In an attempt to convince him that she isn’t special, I told him that I’ve had the privilege and that, although it was quite pleasant, she really wasn’t unique. I said she was way too sweet—an acquired taste.”

  Knowing the effect of Penny’s blood, Jax’s eyes opened wide and asked, “He believed you that Penny is ordinary?”

  Razor replied, “He, like every other Changeling on the planet, doesn’t think that there’s any Human that’s special, so yes they believe me. He now thinks that Logan’s hatred for Ice caused his mind to exaggerate the effect of Penny’s blood.”

  Susi exclaimed excitedly, “That’s great! Then they have no idea of her gift and no longer believe that Ice switched sides.”

  Razor put up his hand to tell her to slow down. “Don’t celebrate yet. Logan has his followers convinced that Ice would have attacked his kind in Estes park to protect his little plaything. That fact along with Ice’s previous lethal corrections to other Night Wal
kers has them furious. They think that he crossed the line as the self-appointed Changeling police and are screaming to have him punished. Logan knows that no one can fight him and live to tell the tale, but he sees Penny as an easy way to slap Ice in the face. He wants her so that he can use her to punish Ice for his inappropriate behavior and to remind him of his place within the Changeling community.”

  Taylor rolled his eyes and exclaimed, “This is all ridiculous! They may have traveled together, but they aren’t a couple.”

  Realizing that Jax hadn’t confessed his full feelings for Penny to Sam’s family, Razor said, “You may know that, but others saw it differently. As long as she remains an integral part of this family, it undermines my story.”

  Sam knew that Razor was avoiding telling them something so he asked, “What exactly are you asking us to do?”

  Razor said as calmly as he could, “I’ll find a way to bring Thorne back here and, while he’s here, Ice needs to show that Penny means nothing to him and that her death would be meaningless.” He scanned those assembled and added, “You’ll all need to convince him that Penny is no longer a welcome member of this family. I know this will be hard for you, but she must be forced to stay far away until they’re convinced of your loyalty and we deal with Logan.” He added warningly, “They’re serious about taking out anyone that blocks their plans, so not just Penny’s life depends on making this ruse work.”

  While Chad growled menacingly, Susi shook her head adamantly and said, “But that means we’ll have to lure Penny here and then kick her out. She’s like a daughter to me; I can’t do this. We might as well let Logan kill her. She just lost her entire family and, if she loses us as well, she won’t survive.”

  Razor replied sympathetically, “Logan won’t kill her quickly. He’ll torture her just to hurt Ice. So, even if we do this, we need to find a way to continue to secretly protect her—she’s too important. But if we don’t do this, I can guarantee that her days are numbered.”

  Sam’s shoulders drooped and said, “Then we have no choice.”

  Jax said while forcing back his real emotions, “To make this believable, I’ll have to say and do things that will rip Penny’s heart out and I can’t hurt her that way. I’ll agree to do this plan only if Penny is in on it. She must know that this is all fake.”

  Razor asked, “Do you think you can convince her to play along? There is no half way. It has to look real or Thorne will see right through the attempt at deception. Failure will condemn us all.”

  Jax replied, “She’s the most selfless person I know and would be willing to give up her own life if it meant keeping us, her family, safe. I’ll send her a text to stop by after work so that we can plan the scene very carefully.”

  After Jax sent his message, the group debated on the most realistic ways to rip Penny from their lives.

  Chapter 55 - The Scene

  The night of the staged event arrived too quickly for everyone. Other than a text to Sam from Jax that said he had his part in order, no one had seen or heard from him since the night they finalized the plan. Although everyone knew the general idea of how the evening was to play out, they weren’t trying to memorize lines. Instead, to make their actions and reactions seem more spontaneous, they each ran through possible scenarios and how they would respond if they occurred.

  As Jax guessed, Penny agreed to the role she needed to play and was virtually in tears because she was convinced that her existence was the sole cause of the current situation. Her biggest concern was her lack of acting skills and that tears would be required to make this believable. Even though her emotions were barely contained below the surface, she feared that she wouldn’t be able to cry on demand.

  Ben knew there was no way that he could handle all of the emotions that would be spilling out and, fearing he would ruin the ruse, he planned to leave shortly after Penny arrived at the house. Chad was going to follow him for the same reason.

  When the time finally arrived, Taylor texted Penny and Jax to inform them that Razor and Thorne were walking into the house. Penny had been nervously waiting in her car a short distance away. After getting the signal from Taylor, she pulled onto the road and began the final leg of her drive up the lane.

  After Thorne was greeted cordially, he breathed in deeply and, after not finding the scent he was looking for, he asked, “No Human tonight?” Before anyone could respond to his question, he looked around the room and, not spotting the other person he was expecting to see, he said, “Ahhh, Ice must be off indulging in his little Snack Pack.”

  Everyone hated that he had picked up using Penny’s Changeling-given nickname, but they were also very aware that they were about to say much worse things about her before the night was over. Susi had to keep her distance from Thorne because she couldn’t stop her body from shaking.

  Sam replied to Thorne’s comment. “Actually, I think that particular thirst has finally been quenched.”

  Before they could offer any details, Penny walked into the living room. When she spotted Thorne and Razor, she acted surprised and said, “Ohhh, I didn’t know that you both were back.” While staring at Thorne, she added sarcastically, “How nice.”

  Razor replied, “We arrived just minutes ago.”

  Thorne scanned Penny, who was in a very feminine floral sun dress with bright splashes of color and equally colorful accessories. He thought that she looked like she belonged on top of an ice cream sundae. He chuckled at his inadvertent pun and said, “Nice to see you again, Penny. You look especially sweet this evening.” He patted the cushion beside him and asked, “Why don’t you come sit down next to me and join us?”

  His attempt at being charming made the hair on the back of her neck rise. She replied, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m looking for Jax. He called me about an hour ago and said to meet him here.” Looking around the room, she was genuinely surprised to not see him. She asked, “Is he here?”

  Sam replied to her confusion and said, “He called a few minutes ago and said he would be arriving shortly.”

  Seeing Thorne staring at her like she was an entrée on a buffet made her inner voice growl. She feared that she wouldn’t be able to keep her focus on her role so she decided to temporarily remove herself from the scene. While glaring back at Thorne, she said to the room as a whole, “I think I’ll wait for him in the kitchen.” As hard as she tried she was unable to hide her dislike for the Night Walker.

  Once she was out of sight, Thorne laughed and said, “Most Human women find me quite charming, but not this one. She really doesn’t like me.”

  To play along with the ruse, Taylor replied, “Don’t take it personally. Her reaction is because she only has eyes for Ice. Since they got back from their trip, she’s been here every chance she gets. I’ll be glad when this house is Human free again so that we can go back to normal.”

  Thorne raised his eyebrows at the comment and said, “But the last time I found you playing with her out in the woods.” Looking at the group, he added, “Actually you all were pretty cozy with her.”

  Taylor replied, “Of course we were nice. If not, she cries to Ice and then we have to face his wrath.” He quivered, pretending he recalled a very unpleasant memory.

  Tadd agreed and added, “I’ll admit it was fun at first…like taking in a forbidden pet. But the newness has worn off. It’s hard to have visitors with the enemy among us, and I’m tired of making excuses as to why she’s here.”

  Sam nodded and said, “And I’ve had to handle hundreds of phone calls from angry Changelings wanting an explanation for Ice’s behavior. Based on a conversation with him earlier today, he promised me that he would resolve the situation tonight.”

  Ben heard his cue to leave so he stood and announced, “I can sense Ice getting closer, so I’m going to take the dog for a very long walk.”

  Thorne watched him leave with the furry version of Chad pinned to his side and asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

  Sam explained, “He’s still ad
justing to his gift and he knows what’s coming. If Ice does break if off, the emotions in the room are going to be too much for him to handle. He doesn’t want to appear weak in your eyes so he needed to avoid the scene. Chad will watch over him.”

  Thorne seemed to believe the excuse. He turned to Susi and asked, “What about you? How do you feel about Penny being tossed to the curb?”

  Susi took in a deep breath and, with a death grip on Sam’s hand, she replied, “I know that everyone thinks that I’m a bleeding heart for allowing her into my home and maybe they’re right. But Tadd is also correct. It’s time for her to leave so that I can get back to helping our own people.”

  Thorne asked, “Is Ice going to be the one to permanently remove the Human from the situation?”

  Knowing that he was asking if Jax was going to kill Penny, Susi quickly responded, “He’ll do what he thinks is right, but I asked him to not kill her…at least not yet. She may be Human, but I couldn’t stop myself from becoming a bit attached.”

  Thorne said, “But she knows what you are. She could expose all of you out of revenge. You know the saying, ‘A woman scorned…’.”

  Susi shook her head. “I don’t think so. When she lost her family, she clung onto us for support so I think she won’t do anything that would hurt the rest of us. But if she betrays us even in the slightest, I’ll turn my back so that Ice can do what needs to be done. I won’t be able to watch.”

  Thorne replied thoughtfully, “I highly suggest that you’re more careful in the future with the strays you choose to bring into this house.”

  Susi let out a soft laugh and said, “You don’t have to tell me that. Trust me. I’ve learned my lesson.” Susi prayed that her part in this scene was now over.

  Suddenly everyone turned when the front door opened and Jax came striding in with a tall shapely brunette on his arm. Everyone marveled at the striking duo, who looked like a couple that coordinated outfits for a night on the town. Jax was dressed in all black and, although he left his hair short on top, it was tightly shaved again on the sides of his head. His dark eyes showed no emotion, making everyone in the room sit up a little taller. His date was done up from top to bottom to match him. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid and showed off her dark, dramatic makeup. She was wearing spike heels, skin tight jeans, and a black lace top that showed off a matching black bustier underneath.