Catching Her Mates

by Rebecca Airies

  He found a chair and settled in to wait. Jason sent him more information on Josh Murray. He was a lawyer and brother to Mark Murray. Eventually, the doctor left, and the nurses allowed him into the room where they’d put Murray. The red-haired man sat on the bed, clothed in a hospital gown. He looked better, not in as much pain. John approached and pulled a chair close.

  “Are you ready to talk?” John cocked his head to the side and waited. Some foxes said they wanted to talk, but later decided not to cooperate with the police.

  “Yes, I’m ready. I told most of it to the man at the scene.” Josh narrowed his eyes.

  “I know you did, but this is something that will probably be a process because of your head injury.” John leaned forward and clasped his hands together.

  “The head injury isn’t that bad.” Josh rubbed at his temple. “I do understand though.”

  “So, tell me about what happened.” John pulled out his tablet and readied to take notes. He pressed record on his phone. Best not to miss a thing.

  “I came out of the office. Heard a slight scuff of a heel on concrete behind me. I spun. That’s the reason it only grazed my head instead of hitting me fully on the back of my head. Then they beat me up.” Josh shrugged.

  Josh left that without more explanation. Jason had taken a detailed statement. That left so much unsaid. Was Josh going to keep the rest secret?

  “Did they run away after they finished beating on you?” John watched Josh’s expression.

  Josh looked straight at him. He didn’t turn away or look down. Nothing to indicate lies. Maybe he intended to be honest.

  Josh grimaced. “Someone pulled into the parking lot. I don’t know his name, but he works in the building. They ran off as he was parking and his lights spotlighted them.”

  “All right, do you have any enemies? Does the person you recognized have any type of grudge against you? Do any of your clients hold grudges against you because you didn’t win their case?” John poised the stylus over the tablet.

  “There might be a client or two pissed at me. I’m in civil law, so that’s not strange, but I haven’t received any threats, much less death threats. No, Carl has nothing against me. I only know him from the den. The only person who really has a problem with me is Chris Cunningham. He’s the one that I’d think considers me an enemy.” Josh drummed his fingers on the bed beside him.

  “Why would he consider you an enemy?” John noted down the name. No explanation needed about who Chris Cunningham was. He was the fox den leader, their alpha.

  “I and my brother have openly condemned the attacks that have been happening around town. There are others who have stepped up to do that, also.” Josh winced as he tried to straighten. “We’ve gained some ground and are pushing for a different way of living among other whyr than has happened in the past. We want to get rid of the foxes against everyone else attitude.”

  “And Cunningham doesn’t want that?” John raised his brows. Not a revelation, but not something a fox would normally disclose.

  “I don’t know what he wants, but he won’t make an effort to change it. He also won’t make any kind of stance against it. The one thing I do know is that he resents us doing it and has tried to block us several times. He tried to block my brother’s election to the council.” Josh shook his head.

  “You and your brother have supporters, though.” John leaned forward and exhaled. Josh was glossing over things now. Josh and his brother had power. If Cunningham saw them as a threat, that was the reason.

  “Yes, we do. We’re active in the fox community and reach out to youth quite a bit. We want to change the way they think about the city and our place here. There are some who teach a revisionist version of history and ignore the facts.” Josh elevated the bed a little. His lips tightened, and he paled slightly.

  Revisionist version of history. John nodded. When Casworth had been founded, some small groups of whyr had traveled together in order to find a new home. They’d found a small settlement of humans in the area. Foxes were sent in to scout if the humans were friendly and open to new people joining their group.

  The revisionist version was probably something along the lines of the foxes found the place first and other whyr moved in later. Although foxes had been pains in the ass for a long time in Casworth, not all fox groups were like that. Foxes in previous generations hadn’t all been like that.

  “Do you think he dislikes you enough to come after you? Are you enough of a threat to him for him to want you out of the way?” John scrawled on the tablet, barely glancing down.

  “I don’t know about enough of a threat. At least, on my own. With my brother, yeah, probably. Together we’ve made a difference in the way people are thinking. Especially after that poisoning at the family restaurant. It’s not acceptable for children to be put at risk. The entire den was up in arms because one of ours got hurt.” Josh’s fist clenched. “I’m just surprised it was me. If Chris was behind the attack, I would have expected him to go after my brother first.”

  “Why would he go after your brother first?” John bounced his knee. His heel rapped the tile. He stiffened and forced his leg to stillness.

  “My brother is seriously considering challenging for the alpha position. Business is the only thing that’s holding him back lately. He’s been out of town off and on for the last three weeks.” Josh lifted a hand. “He’s exhausted, and he wants to go in fresh. He could easily beat Cunningham in a fair fight.”

  “Is there anything else strange going on in your life?” John glanced up after he finished writing. “Have there been any accidents or vandalism to your property or your office?”

  Josh was silent for a moment. “No vandalism at the office. My offices are in the interior. They’d have to go to the third floor to get to them. There has been some minor destruction at my home. Started off with my trash can tipped. I thought someone might have hit it or the local kids did it, because a lot of teenagers live on my street.”

  “What happened after that? You said it started off with the trash.” John frowned. The trash easily could have been someone driving down the street or teenagers pulling pranks.

  “Nothing big. Some things moved around in my backyard shed. The street light across from my house had been busted out, and someone walked through the flower beds at the front of my house. That’s all been in the span of maybe a month.” Josh exhaled. “I didn’t think I had a reason to be worried.”

  “Was anything taken from your shed?” John frowned. A foray into a shed was a strange thing. Robbery was a motive, but Josh hadn’t noticed anything expensive missing.

  “I couldn’t tell. It’s been a while since I’ve been in there, and I’m not ultra-organized in my home life. I have to be that way at work, but I want to relax afterward.” Josh frowned. “If it was, I doubt that it was anything expensive.”

  “When you get out of here, I’ll send an officer with you, and I want you to look it over again. See if anything’s missing or if anything is there that shouldn’t be there. I don’t know if this is connected to the people who attacked you, but you need to be careful. I’d recommend tightening the security you have in your home.” John finished up his notes. Josh might not take his advice. With men, it was sometimes hit or miss, but since he’d been taken down so easily this time, maybe he’d listen.

  “I will. I’ll put a call in for some cameras and a good security system before I leave here.” Josh nodded. “When you need to talk to me again, just call. I’ll make time to tell you what happened or clarify anything if you need. I’ll give you a call if anything else happens.”

  They’d need to investigate and find solid evidence to convict anyone. The only way they’d get fresh evidence other than from the crime scene was if the vandals came after Josh again. Unless they found something linking this attack to the others, it would probably remain an assault.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Leslie rubbed at the corner of her eye as Archer again paced the length of the room.
He glanced at the clock and back to the door. His tie hung at an angle, and his white shirt needed to be tucked in again. His frustration showed. Judge was late, and Archer had a meeting in less than an hour.

  Archer ran his fingers through his hair as he held the phone to his ear. “No, he’s not here yet. Have you heard from him or anything about him, John?”

  Leslie leaned forward in the chair. Please, let him be all right. She’d rather him be late than in an accident.

  “Well, it’s good he hasn’t been reported in an accident, but doesn’t help much. You’re not at the precinct, and I have this meeting that might take me out of the damned office if it runs into lunch. What the hell are we supposed to do since Judge isn’t answering, and we can’t leave her alone?” Archer swung around on his heel.

  They refused to do that ever since the incident outside the bar. She didn’t really blame them. Her stomach knotted and her heart raced every time they left for work.

  Even if she’d only be alone for about fifteen or twenty minutes at the most, none of them would budge. In all likelihood, nothing would happen. They wouldn’t listen. Male cat protectiveness did not respond well to logic.

  “How about you call Jason, Tony, or Logan? If one of them are off, I could go to Chloe’s house and spend some time with her. I’d be protected until you find Judge or can go get me.” Leslie exhaled loudly. Hopefully, it helped Archer relax a little.

  Archer listened to something John said and then hung up. “John said Logan’s off. I’m going to call and see if it would be possible for you to stay there for a little while. That’s a great idea, but I wish it didn’t have to happen.”

  “Archer, situations turn to shit at the drop of a hat. You’re all busy men, and Judge is a doctor. I don’t expect nine-to-five from any of you.” She shook her head.

  “I know that. It’s just that I’d rather you be able to do what you want when you want.” Archer sighed. “Although I am pissed that Judge didn’t even call if he knew that he’d be this late.”

  He dialed Logan and talked briefly. Apparently Logan agreed, because Archer thanked him and said they’d be right over.

  “Let me get my purse and my tablet. I can do some things while I’m over there.” She turned back toward the living room.

  “You don’t want to change clothes?” Archer raised a brow. “My sister always does. No matter where she’s going.”

  “No, Chloe’s seen me in worse than a T-shirt and jeans.” Leslie waved before strolling off to get her purse. “I could get upset about the implication that I don’t look presentable though.”

  “Not necessary. I was just asking because we’re still getting to know each other. I’d be happy either way.” Archer held his hands up.

  She returned in moments carrying her tablet and with her purse strap draped over her shoulder. Archer stood waiting near the door with his suit jacket over his arm. He’d straightened his tie, and his shirt was once more tucked in. She smiled at him.

  Archer nodded, and they left for Chloe’s house. A bright blue hatchback car sat in Chloe’s driveway. Leslie frowned. Not Chloe’s car and not one of Chloe’s mates’ vehicles. Did Chloe or Logan have a guest? Archer got out of the car first and looked around before he came around to open her door.

  She stepped out and strode with Archer to the front door. His palm settled on her lower back, the heat and weight of it reassuring. She leaned into him. He rang the doorbell, and they waited together. She ran her palm over the taut muscles of his back.

  The door opened. Logan stood there with a smile on his face. “Hello, come on in. Chloe and Penny are in the kitchen.”

  “Oh, good, I’d love to talk to them. Have a good meeting, Archer.” She turned and hugged him, rising on tiptoes to give him a slow kiss.

  “I will. Call John if Judge doesn’t make it here within the next few hours.” Archer threaded his fingers through her hair and kissed her again. His arms slid down her arms. He squeezed her fingers before stepping back. “Thank you, Logan.”

  “No problem. Chloe always enjoys talking to her friends.” Logan nodded.

  Archer left. Leslie turned and strolled toward the kitchen. Logan followed her. For such a big man, he barely made any sound as he ambled down the hall. Leslie stopped inside the kitchen door.

  Chloe sat at the wooden table, a mug clutched between her hands. Penny knelt on the blue-and-white tile floor and closed up what looked like a large first aid kit. Blue gloves covered her hands. An orange tape covered a white bandage wrapped around Odin’s right paw. It extended partway up his leg.

  “I don’t know how long he’ll leave that alone, but if he keeps ripping it off, get an e-collar. You can find them at most pet stores. I’d like for that to be kept clean.” Penny looked up at Chloe. “I would recommend a sock over the bandage, but you’ve said that he eats things.”

  “Yeah, he’d eat the sock.” Chloe winced. “I have a collar from when he needed stitches. He hates it, but it’s the only way to keep him from bothering a wound. Since Odin’s mysterious limp is no longer a mystery, why don’t we sit down and chat? I’ll get us all something to drink.”

  “That sounds great. I’m going to clean up.” Penny got up and stripped off the blue gloves and threw them in the trash.

  “So what’s Mag’s up to lately? I haven’t heard from her.” Leslie settled in the chair as Penny returned to the room.

  “Basically running around and getting ready.” Penny smiled.

  “Getting ready for what?” Leslie frowned. Maggie should be getting ready to leave in a month or two. Last time they’d talked, Maggie had been wondering how to tell Penny.

  “Maggie finally fessed up about her job, and I told her that I already knew about that. I overheard her talking one night. She was concerned that I’d worry about the rent, because I’m buying into a practice and am on a limited budget. I could handle the rent, but she says her sister has a friend who needs a place.” Penny shrugged. “I’m sad that she has to go, but this is a big opportunity for her.”

  “Well, that’s good.” Chloe brought glasses of tea over to the table. “I’m glad she finally got around to telling you.”

  “Mags likes everything in order before she says anything. She was sure she could find someone to take her place, at least for a while.” Penny took a long drink of tea. “How are your classes going?”

  “They’re good. John’s worried about me while I’m there, but I don’t expect that to change even after the threat is gone. He deals with too many things in his job to not worry.” Leslie exhaled heavily. He’d always be very aware of the darker side of life.

  “It’s the same with him and Jason. I just take it as a sign that they care for me.” Chloe jerked her thumb over her shoulder toward Logan, who leaned against the counter.

  “Yeah, that’s the way I take it, too.” Leslie gave a slow nod and then glanced at Penny. “Did Mags tell you which sister’s friend was moving in with you?”

  “I think she said it was Candice’s friend. Since I work so much, it shouldn’t really matter. I can cohabit with her for a while as long as she’s not a complete jerk.” Penny bit her lip. “I shared a dorm apartment with a girl who absolutely hated my guts for a semester. We managed to avoid each other, and I would think that two grown adults can find a way to share a good-sized house.”

  Leslie took a deep breath and clenched her teeth together. Better not to go blurting out anything biased when all the facts weren’t there. Candice and most of her friends didn’t get along with anyone human. Penny might need some of her coping skills if the person who moved in with her had that attitude. There were some in every group of whyr who thought they were special because of their ability to shift. Anyone who couldn’t was somehow less.

  “Hold on, Penny.” Chloe rose and left the table. She walked out of the room, but returned a few moments later carrying a small card. “Here.”

  “What’s that?” Leslie glanced from Chloe to Penny and then to the glossy business card.
>
  “The card for my realtor. He has some houses around the city, and the prices are reasonable. The last thing you need if you’re in a hurry to move is to search for a reputable realtor.” Chloe beamed.

  Fuck. That might not be good. Penny’s mates could be anyone Maggie knew, family or friends. Maggie had a large family, and her parents came from big families. She had three single brothers. It even could be Maggie’s uncles, because she had a few who were still unmated.

  Leslie clenched her hand. The card had already changed hands. She couldn’t grab it away. If Penny lived in that home because one or more of her mates wanted to keep an eye on her while they sorted the problem out, that might send them right over the edge into full-blown, possessive-on-the-hunt-for-their-mate behavior.

  “That’s great. The only realtor I know is in commercial property. Mags took care of the house.” Penny looked down at the card before she tucked it into her purse. “I don’t think I’ll need it, but having it will give me peace of mind.”

  Leslie would have to talk to Maggie about that. If it might set something off, they needed to be ready for it to help Penny avoid super protective whyr cats. Though they might not be cougars. Maggie had said Penny had mates, but not which type of supernatural group those men belonged to.

  Time passed quickly. She relaxed as she talked to her friends. Leslie’s phone rang. She looked down at the number. It was Judge’s cell phone. She swiped to accept and lifted it to her ear.

  “Hi, Judge, are you all right?” Leslie leaned back in the chair.

  “I’m fine. I was called into surgery earlier this afternoon for one of my patients. It turned into a longer, more complicated operation than anyone expected. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I didn’t realize it was so late until I walked out of the operating room. I’ve already talked to John about it.” Judge exhaled loudly.

  “Judge, you do not work a nine-to-five job. You’re a doctor, and I don’t expect a strict schedule from you. I’m sure if you and John talked that it was mostly about the fact that we didn’t know where you were. Though I’m pretty sure he called the hospital and found out.” Leslie leaned forward and tapped the table. Judge shouldn’t beat himself up over this.