Frost & Bothered (Discord Jones Book 4)

by Gayla Drummond

  “Some what?”

  “Thermal underwear.”

  “Wuss.”

  I bumped him with my arm. “It’s thirty-two degrees. That’s cold to us mere mortals.”

  He chuckled. “You’re a psychic. Make yourself a nice pair of warm air mittens.”

  “I’d probably set my coat on fire, and I like this coat.”

  “Then I guess you’ll just have to suffer.”

  We reached the first building and I checked the sign. “Bingo.”

  The interior felt like a blast furnace after being outside. I unbuttoned my coat as we walked down the hallway, our soles occasionally squeaking on the blue and white tile flooring.

  The Admissions Office was at the other end of the building. Soames pushed open the door, letting me enter first. I’d noticed that most of the male shifters I knew tended to open doors for women. Personally, I liked it, because I’d had plenty of practice opening doors for myself. The guys got bonus points if the door handles were icy.

  “Hi, how can I help you?” The girl behind the waist-high counter smiled. She was blonde, her hair held back with barrettes on both sides, and she wore a pair of red-framed glasses. Very studious looking.

  “Hi. My name’s Discord Jones. We’re private investigators, and I need to see about getting a list of classes for one of your students. He seems to have gone missing, and his mother’s hired us to find him.”

  “Oh. Um, I don’t know if I can give that information out.” She bit her bottom lip, her shoulders dropping.

  I smiled. “We don’t need any personal information. Just a list of the classes he’s taking, so we can talk to his instructors and classmates.”

  “Well,” she looked at Soames, who leaned against the counter with a smile.

  “You could write that down for us,” he suggested, and gave her a wink. “Maybe your phone number too?”

  Gah. I felt like kicking him in the ankle, and almost hoped she’d be offended. But no, she nodded and went to a computer, returning a few minutes later with a sheet of paper. Soames glanced at it while taking it from her. “Thank you, Sheila.”

  I waited until we were in the hallway before saying anything. “That was crappy.”

  “What was?”

  “Pretending you wanted her number.”

  He stopped. “I wasn’t pretending. She’s cute.”

  She had been rocking those red glasses of hers. “So you’re really going to call her?”

  “Yes. I’ll ask her out for coffee. That’s the no pressure kind of thing, right?”

  I had to realign my thought processes. “Uh, yeah. Pretty much.”

  “I mean, unless you tell me not to call her.”

  “Come again?”

  Soames shrugged. “You’re clan now, and a queen.”

  “I’m what?”

  He hesitated, studying my face. “No one mentioned that to you?”

  “Uh, no, or I wouldn’t be asking ‘what the hell’?”

  “Right. You’re clan, and an adult female. That makes you one of our queens. So you get to boss us around. The men, I mean.” He snorted. “Come on, you know we’re the only shifter species ruled by women.”

  “Oh.” I did know that, but hadn’t really thought what it meant. Especially not in context of me joining the clan.

  His eyes twinkled. “I’d bet money Logan wouldn’t mind you bossing him around.”

  Instant face fire. “Dude, shut up, or I won’t let you call Cutie Pie back there.”

  “Sorry.” The grin on Soames’ face said otherwise, but we’d reached the outer door. I buttoned my coat.

  “You really wouldn’t call her if I told you not to?”

  “I really wouldn’t.”

  “Oh, the power rush.” My own grin made an appearance as his faded. “Kidding. Just one thing.”

  “Yes?”

  “You do know that ‘no’ actually means no, right?”

  He pushed the door open for me. “Doesn’t everyone?”

  “Actually, no, everyone doesn’t.”

  Soames grunted. “Well, we do.”

  “Mega Douche didn’t,” I said while walking through the door.

  “Mega...oh, you mean Harrison. He’s not a typical tiger. Guy has some serious issues.”

  I snorted. “You think?”

  “But our Queen made her point, loud and clear.”

  We both smiled, and I said, “Yeah, she did.”

  Terra had stomped the guy into the ground even though he was three times her size. “And it was a glorious thing to behold. Where to first?”

  He checked the list. “History class.”

  We didn’t have much luck throughout the afternoon, not until a girl stopped us on our way out of the building where Frederico’s last class met. “Hey, wait up.”

  She was shorter than me, with dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a round face. “Lacey Carter. I heard you say you were looking for Rico.”

  Well, if she’d heard us, why hadn’t she said something then? “Yes. Do you know him?”

  “We’re working on a project together. Well, we’re supposed to be, but he postponed last night to hang out with his friends.” Her lips tightened, the only sign of miffiness about being blown off.

  “I see. Are those friends students here too?”

  “Two are. They hang out at O’Banion’s after class most days. I can point them out to you if they’re there.”

  “That’d be great. Thanks.”

  Lacey cocked her head, scanning us. “You two are really private detectives?”

  “Yes.”

  “Huh. I thought only old people were. Rico’s really missing?” She began walking, surging ahead to lead the way. We fell in behind her. Soames wasn’t able to reach the door first, and Lacey shoved it wide as she went through.

  “He didn’t make it home last night. His mother is worried.” I followed her out as Soames stretched to keep the door open for us.

  “The first thing she does is hire a couple of PIs?” Lacey shook her head. “Helicopter mom much?”

  I nearly snapped at her, Mrs. Guerra’s relief that her son was alive still fresh. “Like I said, she’s worried.”

  Dusk was on the way, so all the lights had come on. We crunched our way down the sidewalk. The college’s rock salt expense must’ve been astronomical.

  The girl snorted. “Maybe he got drunk and crashed at a friend’s.”

  “Possibly.” The negative vibe coming from her was grating at my nerves. However, she was helping. “We’ll find out.”

  “Does being a PI pay much?”

  Rude much? I tried for neutral. “Pays enough.”

  “I’m wondering because they’re always poor in books and movies. I’m going to be a film maker,” she said, her tone turning lofty. “I’m going to do all the important stuff on my movies. Writing, direction,” she waved her hand. “I’ll be famous someday.”

  “Fame’s overrated.” I was still worrying about my name being leaked to the press. The bodies we’d found during the case we’d worked for the vampire lord, Derrick, were still popular news fodder.

  Lacey frowned as she glanced at me. “Don’t be silly. Everyone dreams of being rich and famous.”

  Yeah, and eventually, they grew out of it. I didn’t want any part of it, having enough headaches to deal with. Not in the mood to argue with her, I looked across the street as we paused at the curb. “O’Banion’s awaits.”

  The three of us sloshed across the street road and into the place, which proved to be a sports bar. The tables were tall, and so were the chairs. Everything was made of metal and looked spindly. People perched on the chairs like overgrown bugs. A huge, flat-screen TV dominated one end of the rectangular space.

  “Over there.” Lacey pointed to a table halfway between the entrance and TV. “That’s Jake and Marty.”

  “Okay. Thanks for your help.” I headed toward the two guys, hoping my polite dismissal was enough. Once there, I introduced myself. “Hi, I’m Cordi J
ones.”

  “She’s a private detective,” Lacey chimed in, slipping around to stand beside me.

  “Yeah, and I’m looking...”

  “For Rico. His mom’s freaking out because he didn’t make it home last night.

  I looked at her. “Thank you. I’ll take it from here, if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t. Go ahead.”

  “She doesn’t know how to take a hint,” one of the guys said. “That’s why we call her ‘Lacey the Leech’.”

  Wow, rude. I had an instant where I didn’t know how to respond, because they might have useful information, but pissing them off wouldn’t result in getting it from them.

  Fortunately, Soames decided to step in. “That was pretty damn rude.”

  “So?”

  My partner smiled, his eyes turning a clear gold, and spoke in a silky growl that reminded me of the one time I’d badly aggravated Logan. “So, I think maybe you should apologize to Lacey.”

  Both guys went stiff, and the one who’d called her “the Leech” swallowed hard enough for us to hear. “Sorry, Lacey.”

  She smirked, but I really couldn’t blame her. My partner was still smiling. “Thank you. Now, I believe my friend has a couple of questions for you.”

  Just like that, I had their undivided attention. “When’s the last time you saw Rico?”

  “Last night, at the club.”

  “That’s Jake,” Lacy said. “Marty’s the rude one.”

  I nodded. “Which club?”

  “Dreamland. It’s new, and pretty cool. Lots of hot waitresses.” Jake’s gaze flicked toward Soames. “And, uh, it’s kind of the in place right now.”

  “Was he with someone?”

  “Rico danced with a couple of girls, but I don’t think he was hooking up with anyone. I’m not sure when he left. He didn’t tell anyone he was leaving, but that happens.”

  “Okay, where is this club?” Jake gave me the address. “Great. You’ve all been really helpful. Thank you.”

  We managed to beat Lacey out the door, and once on the sidewalk, discovered snow falling again. “Crap. Rush hour’s gonna be a bitch.”

  “And your car’s on the other side of the campus.”

  “That’s not a problem.” I held out my hand, and Soames took hold with a laugh.

  “You are such a wuss about the cold.”

  “Quit picking on me.” I teleported us to my car. He released my hand and walked around to the passenger side. I dug out my keys, but turned my head just as a dark figure leaped out from behind the two-feet-tall bushes on the other side of the sidewalk that lined the parking lot.

  A quick grab of TK, and the guy hung in mid-air. With more leisure, I realized it was Nick’s older brother, Patrick. “No fair, Psychic Girl.”

  “Dude, you have about three seconds to explain what the hell you thought you were doing before I stick you on top of the flag pole.”

  “I was leaving class, and saw your car. Thought it was a golden opportunity to put an end to Nick’s moping.”

  Soames leaned on the roof of my car and snorted. “By mugging Discord?”

  Patrick rolled his eyes. “No, I was going to kidnap her.”

  “Okay, yeah. Flag pole topper is so a part of your immediate future. Because seriously, kidnapping me?”

  “Well, yeah. The plan was, I kidnap you, take you home, and then Nick and you have a nice talk. You get back together, and no more mopey little brother.” Patrick grinned. “Good plan, right?”

  “You’re an idiot,” Soames said. “I’m voting flag pole too.”

  “Oh, come on.” Patrick kicked his legs. “Can I get down now?”

  “Why should I let you down? You’re planning to kidnap me.”

  “Not for nefarious purposes. For a good cause. Big difference.”

  I sighed and lowered him to the ground. “Nick and I aren’t getting back together. Your good cause is a lost one.”

  Patrick shoved his hands into his pockets. “He loves you.”

  Not sure how to respond to that, I simply nodded.

  “Won’t you please give him another chance?”

  Soames groaned. “This is the problem with wolves: The men don’t know how to deal with rejection.”

  “Oh, and you pussy,” Patrick paused to smile. “Cats do?”

  My partner smiled back, showing plenty of teeth. “Most of us do, because we’re taught that women are people too.”

  “I know women are people.”

  “Too bad your dad doesn’t,” I muttered.

  “Dad’s old-fashioned.” Patrick flapped his hand. “Come on, Psychic Girl. Nick’s heart is broken. He’s suffering.”

  As though I didn’t have enough guilt weighing me down lately. I had to work to keep my voice pleasant. “Look, it’s great to find out you really care about your brother, but you’d help him more by convincing him to find someone who wants the same kind of life he does. I’m really sorry he’s having a hard time right now, but dude, I’m not responsible for anyone’s happiness but my own.”

  Patrick’s face crumpled into a frown. “You don’t love him.”

  “No.”

  “Then why were you looking at houses together?”

  I managed to keep from sighing. “I was looking for a house for me. It would’ve been rude not to include Nick because we were dating then.”

  “Oh. So you’re definitely not going to go with me to talk to him?”

  “Definitely not.” What good would it do to see Nick and possibly explain exactly why I’d gotten together with him in the first place? None. The only results would be more hurt.

  “What if I got on my knees and begged?”

  Amusing as the idea was, I shook my head. “Not even then.”

  Patrick sighed. “I tried.”

  “Yes, you did.” I had to fight a smile, because funny as it was, his “try” had included attempted kidnapping, and then laying a big, old guilt trip on me. Heart in the right place or not, both were jerk moves.

  “All right.” Patrick pulled his hands free of his pockets and squared his shoulders. “Please accept my apologies for bothering you.”

  I studied his face for a second before saying, “Apology accepted.”

  “Thank you.” He inclined his head to first me then Soames. “You two have a good evening.”

  “Thanks. You too.” We watched him turn and walk away. I looked over at Soames, who shrugged. “Might be just me, but he seemed less douche baggy than usual right then.”

  “If you say so.”

  I unlocked the door. “I did. Must be running a fever.”

  Opening the passenger door, Soames laughed before dropping out of sight to take a seat. I followed suit after a final glance in the direction Patrick had taken, and started my car.

  THREE

  A layer of ice had formed on the windshield, and I switched to defrost. In doing so, I glanced in the rearview mirror to find Ginger had returned. She crouched in the cargo area, her face lurking between the front seats. Her eyes were red.

  Determined to ignore her, I cast about for a conversation starter. “Why do you still call me Discord, instead of Cordi?”

  “Habit, I guess. That’s how Logan introduced you to us.”

  “Well, we’re partners, friends, and clan now. You can call me Cordi.”

  “Okay. Should I mention you prefer that to the others?”

  “Sure. Would it be weird if I called you Dane?”

  He chuckled. “A little, since only my parents call me that anymore, but it’s cool.”

  “Awesome.” I turned the windshield wipers on, clearing away bits of melting ice. They skated over a good portion of it, but I left them on. “I’ve been wondering. Do you think of yourself as a tiger, a human, or...?”

  Soames, I mean, Dane, shrugged. “A person. We’re just people who happen to have two shapes we can switch between.”

  Had that been rude to ask? He didn’t look offended. “Sorry. I’m being too nosy.”

&
nbsp; “Nah, you’re just trying to figure us out, and that’s fine.” He scratched his chin. “What’s our next stop?”

  “It’s Friday night and we have a club to check out. Next stop is Mom’s. I’ll change and then we’ll go to your place so you can do the same.” The wipers and defroster had done their job, clearing the last of the ice.

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  I glanced in the rearview to discover Ginger was gone once more.

  Even though the trip was business-related, I decided to dress up for the occasion because I hadn’t been to a club in ages. Thanks to some advice from Sal, my fairy godfather—heavy emphasis on the “god” part—I’d learned to build a better mental shield. It cut way down on the energy drain of keeping other people’s thoughts muted.

  Telepathy wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

  When I returned to the living room where Dane waited, he whistled. I sucked in my cheeks, put my hands on my hips, and did a catwalk turn with my head high, to show off the clingy black and green dress. Long-sleeved and low-backed, its hemline ended just above my knees. It was made to go clubbing in. I’d chosen a pair of black pumps with two-inch heels.

  “You’re really going to freeze in that.”

  “I’m going to wear a coat.” Actually, I kind of needed his opinion on the one I had in mind. “Be right back.”

  Back in my room, I pulled out the second of my thrift store finds. Mom’s eyes had bulged when I’d first shown it to her, until she’d realized it was fake fur. Slipping it on, I hurried back to the living room, watching Dane’s face when he saw me.

  “Terra’s going to want one,” was the first thing he said. I relaxed. “Where’d you get it?”

  I stroked the soft lapel. “Thrift store. Isn’t it cool?”

  The coat was white tiger skin. The interior was lined with black Sherpa, adding weight to the outer, acrylic shell. I’d locked and targeted on it the second I’d spotted it, and held my breath while trying it on. The coat was fitted to the waist, with a full skirt, and it had buttons up top, but tied at the waist.

  “Very cool,” Dane assured me. “But be prepared for Danielle to hate it.”

  I hesitated, my fingers on the buttons. She already didn’t like me very much. According to Alanna, Danielle had her eye on Logan, and our few interactions definitely supported that theory. Danielle didn’t like that he and I were friends, and she was probably going to completely flip her lid when we did go on that future dinner date. “Maybe I should I wear a different coat.”