Frey

by Faith Gibson

Frey laughed at the older lady. He was used to her exuberant attitude, but by the look on Abbi’s face, she didn’t know what to think. “Abbi, I’d like you to meet Priscilla.” Priscilla wrapped Abbi in a tight hug.

  Abbi didn’t hesitate to return the embrace. When she pulled back she was grinning. “Priscilla, it’s a pleasure. I’ve heard some really nice things about you.”

  “Priscilla, did I hear you say you hid some cookies from me? What am I going to do with you?” Rafael asked from the doorway.

  The housekeeper waved her hand in the air at him. “If I didn’t hide them, nobody else would ever get any. Abbi, it was nice to meet you, dear. If you’ll excuse me, I have things I need to take care of.” Priscilla removed a sealed bowl from the pantry and placed it on the island. “Cookies,” she said with a wink to Frey.

  Rafael didn’t hesitate to grab and open the container before anyone else could get to it. He held the bowl out to Frey and Abbi. “Cookie?”

  Both Frey and Rafael took one and shoved the whole thing in their mouths while grabbing another. Abbi’s eyes were huge as she watched these two grown men devour cookies like they would never get more. “Abbi, you better get one before they eat them all,” Kaya said as she walked into the room, followed by Dane. Kaya took the bowl from Rafael and offered a cookie to both Abbi and Dane before helping herself to one. Six glasses and a gallon of milk magically appeared in the middle of the island.

  “Ah, thanks, Victoria,” Rafael said to the newest addition to the cookie eating contest. There was no better way to introduce Abbi to the craziness of the manor than with Priscilla’s cookies. When the sweet treats were devoured and the milk was gone, Frey made the introductions. “Abbi, you’ve met Kaya. This brute is Rafael. The quiet one is Dane, Kaya’s lead detective, and this lovely lady is Victoria.”

  Rafael brushed cookie crumbs off his shirt and said, “Abbi, welcome. While you are here, please feel free to make yourself at home. Kaya and I have family business that needs tending to, so we will leave you in the capable hands of Victoria.” Even with the façade of being laid back while eating cookies, the tension in the room was thick. Family business meant something was going on. Frey would make sure Abbi was taken care of first before finding out what else was happening. He helped her remove her jacket and they settled in at the island.

  Victoria Holt didn’t look like an attorney. If anything, she looked like a younger, frumpier version of Priscilla. Her looks were deceiving. “Abbi, I’m sorry to be meeting you under these circumstances, but it's a pleasure all the same.” She pulled a small laptop out of her bag and placed it on the island. Frey dug the folded papers out of his back pocket, passing them over. “We have already done some digging on her husband. Sixx should have already emailed the info to you, but I brought a printed copy, just in case.”

  Victoria rubbed her hands together. “I did receive the information, and I have to tell you, I cannot wait to nail this bastard to the wall.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Dane had been approved by the City Council to step into Kaya’s shoes as Chief. They were going over the transitional period as well as how to handle Troy Quinn when he got a call from Sixx. “Dane, we have a problem.”

  “I’m with Rafael and Kaya; I’m putting you on speaker. Go ahead.”

  “You know Jasper’s ex is in town and causing trouble?”

  “Yes, did you find something?”

  “You could say that. I was running his tag number for Jasper. I’m not as good as Julian at this cloak and dagger stuff, so it took me a while. I’m surprised one of you hasn’t been called yet. The car Craig was driving popped up on the police server. Someone called in an anonymous tip that a car was off in the woods with the driver’s door open. The driver is dead. If my hunch is right, someone is trying to frame Jasper.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “Because the car is in the woods next to his house. The regular patrol has already been there and they went through the car looking for I.D. Not only did they find the victim’s wallet, but they found a video recorder hidden under the seat. It’s not good. It shows Jasper shoving Craig and then threatening him.”

  “Shit, I’m leaving now. Have you called Jasper?”

  “Yes, he’s at the gym. I told him to head to the manor since Victoria’s already there.”

  “He just can’t catch a break. Thanks, Michael.” Dane hung up and turned to Kaya and Rafael. “There are some pretty explicit photos floating around of Jasper and Craig. Someone sent them to Trevor, and now he’s left town. This doesn’t look good for either one of them.”

  “Keep us posted. We’ll talk about work later,” Kaya said.

  Dane blew out of the manor and turned on his reds and blues. He hadn’t known Jasper long, but he really liked his partner. Too many bad things were happening to the mates of the Goyles. Thinking about Marley, he wondered what kind of trouble a waitress could get into. None, he hoped.

  When he arrived at the crime scene, he didn’t see the M.E.’s van, but he did see Gregor’s Hummer. That was odd since Gregor was in Egypt. He walked into the woods where he found Dante giving orders to the CSU personnel while the officers looked on.

  “What’s going on?” Dane asked as he approached.

  “I couldn’t get here in time. One of your cops took the call and found the video recorder. It doesn’t prove anything, but it paints an ugly picture since Jasper and Craig fought and someone got it on camera.”

  “Could you tell cause of death?”

  “There are no outward signs, but my guess is a broken neck with the angle his head settled.”

  “Fuck. Have you heard from Trevor?”

  “Unfortunately, no. This is really bad timing,” Dante said, frowning.

  “Is it worth all this? Finding your mate just to have them tormented or kidnapped?”

  “I would give anything if Isabelle and Connor had been spared the trauma they both endured. In the end, I have to hope they feel it is worth it.”

  “I’m sorry you had to come out here when you just got home. How is Isabelle?” Dane needed to go see his sister.

  “She’s good, adjusting, but good. Connor’s settling in nicely, too.”

  Dane smiled. “I can’t wait to meet my nephew.”

  “He’s the best. I hope when you find your mate, you get lucky like I did. I’m truly blessed with those two,” Dante smiled as he spoke of his new family. “Now, let’s focus on Jasper and his mate. I still can’t believe it’s Trevor. With everything that’s happening, I hope he can get past what we are and forgive me for keeping the truth from him all this time.”

  “It is a lot to digest at first. Believe me, I know. I don’t think that is going to be an issue, though. The bigger problem for him is he thinks Jasper lied to him about Craig. Jasper’s going to have his hands full when Trevor comes home.”

  “If he comes home. Trevor is a troubled soul, and this didn’t help matters.”

  Dane thought about that for a second. Was he troubled enough to kill Craig? Jealousy was a strong motive.

  “No, Trevor didn’t do this,” Dante said emphatically.

  “I didn’t…” Dane hadn’t spoken aloud, had he?

  “No, but it crossed your mind. I know Trevor. He’s off licking his wounds.”

  “Well, let’s get in there and get the evidence so we can prove you’re right.” Dane walked toward the officer who was holding the recorder in an evidence bag. “What do you have, Grady?” he asked the officer.

  “Looks like your new boy might not be exactly on the up and up. Seems him and his queer boyfriend had a lover’s spat. Might want to call Jenkins and question the fag.”

  Dane grabbed the cop by the collar before he realized he’d done it. “If I ever hear another derogatory word come out of your foul mouth, I will have your badge. Do you understand me?”

  “What the fuck’s your problem, Abbot? Quinn was right about you. You’re hot for the redhead,” the cop said, sneering.

&nbs
p; Dane yanked the evidence bag out of his hand and pointed a finger in his face. “Get out of here. If you so much as look at Jasper the wrong way, you won’t have a job.”

  “You can’t do that, you’re not the Chief.”

  “Just fucking try me,” Dane sneered back. His beast was raging to phase and rip the guy to shreds. He had to get control of himself before he blew it. “Get out of here.”

  Grady glared at Dane before he stormed away from the crime scene. Dante walked up and placed a hand on his shoulder. He instantly calmed down. “We have to play this one by the books, Brother. Isn’t Jasper on a stake-out?”

  “He was until sometime in the early morning. He went home and couldn’t sleep, so as soon as the gym opened, he went to relieve some tension. I called him, and now he’s headed to the manor. Victoria Holt is there talking with Abbi. Might as well get her money’s worth. I know we have to be careful, but I’m going to take this to Sixx so he can make a copy of it before I log it into evidence. I have unfinished police business to discuss with Kaya, so I’ll be at the manor if you need me. Please call me if CSU finds anything else.”

  “Will do. Just don’t take too long getting this into evidence. We can’t play favorites.” Dante wasn’t telling him something he didn’t already know.

  When Dane returned to the manor, he parked beside Jasper’s car and went inside via the back door. His earlier conversation with Kaya had been interrupted, and they needed to decide how to handle Quinn. When he walked into the kitchen, Victoria was just finishing up with Abbi and Frey. He didn’t see Jasper, but knew his partner was somewhere in the house. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Victoria, I’m afraid we’re going to need to speak to you about another matter before you leave.”

  “No problem. I’m hanging around for dinner anyway.”

  Dane left them to finish their business and headed to the pool room. When he found it empty, he went to the office. It was empty as well. “They’re in the garden,” Jonathan said from behind Dane. “Our Jasper is in a world of hurt, and Rafael led him outside for some quiet time.”

  “Thank you.” Dane had heard the others talk about the garden, but had never experienced it for himself. He walked to the back of the house and out onto the patio. Priscilla was in the process of setting the outdoor tables for dinner. He kissed the older woman on the cheek and continued on down the pathway to Rafael’s sanctuary. Even though it was November and the Georgia air was cool, the garden was lush with greenery. Wind chimes tinkled in all directions. Dane stood still allowing the serenity of the moment to wash over him. When he built his new home, he really wanted something like this on his property.

  Voices drifted over the air, and Dane directed his feet their way. When he rounded a corner, Rafael and Jasper were sitting on a bench. Rafael’s arm was around Jasper’s shoulders, and the younger Goyle was baring his soul. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Jasper raised his tear-streaked face. “It’s okay, Dane. What did you find?” He stood up, obviously glad for the change in conversation.

  “Let’s take this to the house so we can include Victoria. No need in having to go over it twice,” Rafael said, gesturing back the way they’d come. The three men walked in silence. When they arrived in the kitchen, Victoria was chatting with her aunt. “Where’s Frey?” Rafael asked.

  “He’s showing Abbi around the house. She needed a break.” Victoria packed up her laptop and said, “Let’s head into the office.” Priscilla was good about hiding out when they were discussing Clan business, but she was cooking supper for them and needed the kitchen.

  Frey and Abbi were coming down the stairs, followed by Kaya. When Abbi wasn’t looking, Dane inclined his head at Kaya, indicating he needed to speak with her. Frey got the hint and asked Abbi, “Sweetheart, do you mind talking to Priscilla for a few minutes? Remember the construction I told you about? I need to go over some of the details with Rafael.” Frey led Abbi into the kitchen before finding the rest of the group in the office. He closed the door behind him, a little harder than was required.

  “What’s wrong, Frey? Other than the obvious?” Kaya asked.

  “On the way over here, Quinn tried to run us over. He was driving someone else’s car. Abbi said his name is George Novak.”

  Jasper spoke up, “That’s the guy who came and visited while I was watching the house. I swear I didn’t see Troy at any time.”

  “Frey, are you sure it wasn’t this George? What does he look like?” Kaya asked, now in police mode. Dane knew it would take a long time to get it out of her system.

  “I don’t know what George looks like, but I damn sure know Troy fucking Quinn when I see him.” Frey was pacing the room. Where was Dante when you needed his special calming voodoo?

  “Brother, calm down.” Rafael didn’t like anyone raising their voice to Kaya.

  “Please tell me you’re going to put his ass behind bars. Abbi has filed a restraining order, and he assaulted Matthew. He is going to flip the fuck out when he gets served his divorce papers. If her moving out caused this type of reaction, I can’t imagine what the bastard’s going to try then.”

  Dane spoke up, “We were discussing that very thing before I got the call about Jasper’s ex.”

  “What about him?” Frey was still agitated, but at least he stopped pacing.

  Jasper took over pacing the room when he told Frey, “He’s dead. Craig is dead, and someone is framing me for it. Oh, and Trevor’s gone. Whoever is doing this knows about me and Trevor. They sent him some photos of me and Craig together, and now my mate has left New Atlanta.”

  “Okay, one thing at a time.” Victoria took charge of the conversation. “First, decide what to do about Quinn. If you suspend him for assault, he is going to have all day to plot and scheme. You will need to have someone watching him around the clock.”

  Frey interrupted her, “He’s supposed to have someone sitting on him now.” Frey looked to Jasper, eyebrows raised.

  “Jasper, who is on duty?” Rafael asked.

  “Vaughn. I talked to him on the way over here. He hasn’t seen any movement. Other than George coming and going, neither did I.”

  “What did George look like?” Frey asked.

  “He’s about six foot, dark brown hair. Average build.”

  “Same as Quinn, only he’s not average. He’s a little bulky.” Frey dialed his phone. “I’m calling Sixx.”

  “Are you thinking they pulled a switch?” Dane asked.

  Frey nodded and spoke into his phone, “Hey, I need a favor. Look up both Troy Quinn and George Novak’s driver’s license photos and send them to Rafael’s home computer. Thanks.”

  Rafael opened his computer and waited for the photos to come through. “If Quinn is loose, you’re going to have a hard time suspending him,” he told Dane.

  “What if the bastard shows up to work for his shift tomorrow afternoon. We could catch him then,” Jasper said just as Rafael’s computer sounded with an incoming email. Everyone in the room stopped moving while Rafe opened the message. He turned the laptop around for everyone to see the side-by-side photos.

  “I’ll be damned,” Frey expressed what everyone was probably thinking. From a distance, the two men could definitely be mistaken for each other.

  “Dane, put out an APB on George’s car then head over to Troy’s house. If Troy is there, arrest him and bring him in. If George is there instead, ask him where Troy is. If he won’t talk, bring him down to the precinct,” Kaya said.

  When she stood, Rafael grabbed her around the waist. “Just where do you think you’re going?”

  “I’m still the Chief until I resign tomorrow morning. I’m going to do my job.”

  Dane was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Before he had transitioned to a half-blood and joined the Stone Society, his first loyalty had been to Kaya, his boss. Now, his first loyalty was to Rafael, his King. Kaya, as his Queen, was second. “I’m on it. Kaya, I’ve got this.” When she started to protest, he held
up his hands. “You’re stepping down tomorrow morning. There’s no need for you to come downtown this afternoon. Besides, you’re needed here.” Dane glanced over at Jasper who was staring at nothing.

  Kaya followed his gaze and nodded. “You’re right.”

  Rafe asked Frey, “Since Quinn knows Abbi’s with you, do you think your house is safe? Do we need to put extra security there?”

  “Lorenzo is there with Matthew. I think between the two of us, we can handle one human. But I do need to call him and give him the rundown.”

  Victoria told Frey, “I will have the divorce papers ready tonight. As soon as Dane locates Quinn, I will serve the papers. We might as well hit him with both his suspension and divorce all at once.”

  “You’re going to need security as well,” Rafael told the lawyer.

  Dane took in everything going on around him. Both Frey and Jasper were in the middle of shit storms all because of their mates. Julian was off to Egypt to help his brother find his mate. Dante had just returned home from rescuing his mate. Rafael was holding on tight to Kaya, who he’d nearly lost. The bright light in all the madness was the Clan. Not once did they think twice about helping each other. No one said they didn’t have time, or they had other obligations. This was family. This was now his family, and he couldn’t be more proud.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Abbi understood why Frey considered Priscilla a mother figure. The older woman had Abbi feeling right at home amid the chaos that was Rafael Stone’s manor. Priscilla kept her busy helping prepare supper. When Abbi asked why she was cooking so much food, the woman said they had a big family. If the people coming and going were any indication, she could believe it. While Frey was busy talking to Rafael, several more of the Amazon tribe arrived. The huge men walked right in the back door without knocking. Somehow, they knew who Abbi was, and they all did that crazy fisting their chest thing Uri and Lorenzo had done.

  Priscilla must have seen the odd expression on her face, because she patted Abbi’s arm and said, “That means you’re family,” as if that explained it. Priscilla wasn’t the first person to tell Abbi she was now family. How could that be, though?