Chapter Fifteen
Rayna
Rayna was worried about Seth and Vanessa, but she was also excited. It had been months since she was in the field, and spending that time at Haven had been hell. While this wasn’t a case, it was similar. During the drive, Rory called Lucy and told her what the three of them were up to, asking her to monitor the security cameras. In other words, delete the evidence of Regina speaking to the agent.
Rayna had missed seeing Vanessa while undercover, and listening to Rory and Regina chat about their lives made the ache greater. Regina and Conrad were looking at houses in New Troy now that Ripley and Glory were mates. They were keeping their home in Florida as a vacation house.
“Asher already asked if he could use the house in New Boca, so once this mess is over, maybe the two of you can take a vacation,” Regina said.
“I’d love that. I’ve never been to Florida.”
“It’s secluded enough that you can shift without being seen.”
“Now that’s an awesome benefit. Asher and I shifted to our cats when I first got to his house, and it was wonderful even if we couldn’t do more than stretch out in the living room. My Cheetah was ready to throttle me while we were at Haven. I rarely go four days without taking to my fur, much less four months.”
“Not being able to shift aside, I don’t see how you managed to remain there for months without throwing down with the men. Those fuckers are nuts,” Rory said.
“That they are. But I reminded myself I was doing it for Rhiannon, even though I knew that wasn’t true. We, as in the FBI, were aware how the men treated women, so why my boss thought going undercover would help was a mystery. When I left Haven and met up with my partner, we both assumed I was sent away so that there was one less set of eyes on what my boss was up to. I hate that Josiah kidnapped Glory, but it did give me the opportunity to get the hell out of there. It was fascinating seeing Sutton voice the congregation and watching how everyone’s eyes just sort of glazed over.”
Rory turned in her seat to look at Rayna, who was sitting in the back. “What do you mean?”
“For whatever reason, voicing doesn’t work on me. It took me a few minutes to realize what Sutton was doing, but I overheard Ripley tell Glory the Hounds had voiced the guards, so I put two and two together. Asher tried it on me when he followed me to the house where I was staying. It’s a strange sensation, I’ll give you that.”
Rory angled her head, studying Rayna. “It must be because you’re a shifter.” She turned back around when the GPS alerted them that they were close. Rayna could have given Regina directions, but it was easier to let the computer do so. Rayna clocked the Fed sitting across the street, and she pointed him out before Regina parked in the lot at the side of the building.
“Hang on. Let me text Lucy that we’re here.” Rory tapped her phone, and when it pinged a few seconds later, she said, “Okay. We’re good to go.”
The trio got out of Regina’s car. Rayna and Rory waited at the side of the building while Regina jogged across the street. She knocked on the window, and the agent rolled it down.
“Did you put any type of device in Vanessa McCauley’s salon that can listen in on conversations or watch who comes and goes?”
“No.”
“Are the phones tapped?”
“Yes.”
“You will forget this conversation, and you will not pay attention to who comes in and out of the building. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“Oh, do you have any cameras on your person or vehicle monitoring the building?”
“No.”
“Carry on.”
Regina crossed back over, and they entered the salon together. Vanessa, who normally was booked solid every day, was sitting at the front desk, staring out the window. She glanced up when the bell rang.
“Welcome to Blue Rhapsody.” Her jovial invitation was muted, and Rayna wanted to punch someone.
“Hey, Vanessa. I’m Rachelle. We spoke earlier on the phone? This is what I would like my hair to look like.” Rayna slid a note across the desk that she’d written during the drive. Vanessa frowned, but after she read Rayna’s words, she slumped back in her chair, staring at Rayna. “Grissom answered Seth’s phone earlier. Do you know anything about that?”
Vanessa’s eyes watered as she looked over her shoulder.
“Is someone here?” Rory asked.
“No. Grissom left, and the other agent has been sitting across the street ever since. He came in here demanding to know where Seth is. What the fuck is going on, Ray?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Have you heard from Seth today?”
“No.” She swiped the tears off her face. “He told me he had a case and was following a lead, and that was yesterday morning when he left for the office. I haven’t seen or talked to him since, and that’s what I told Grissom.”
“Dammit. Seth texted yesterday morning that Grissom ordered him to pick me up at the place I was undercover, and he sent Perkins with Seth. I didn’t get the messages until today, or we could have gotten our stories straight. When Grissom answered, I told him I was still undercover, just doing so away from the cult. Goddess, this is a mess.”
“The cult? What the hell, Rayna?”
“Yeah, fun times, but I was doing my job. I was probably safer there than out on the streets since women are expected to keep their heads down and be silent.”
“Why don’t you just go back to the office? Wouldn’t that be the easiest way to find out what’s going on?”
“Probably, but Seth’s the one who didn’t want me there.”
“Why wouldn’t he?” Vanessa leaned her head back, staring at the ceiling. “Ray…” When she lowered her eyes, they were once again filled with tears. “Something’s not right.” She glanced at Regina and Rory.
“I should have introduced you. This is Regina Davidson and Rory Lazlo. They’re good friends with Asher, my boyfriend.”
“Since when do you have a boyfriend? You didn’t find him in this cult, did you? I mean, you didn’t have one before then.”
“It’s new, and you’ll meet Asher when the time is right, which isn’t now. Now, we need to figure out what’s going on at the office.”
“Then go to the fucking office, Ray. I can’t lose Seth.” Vanessa sucked in a breath. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry for, but why would you think you’re losing him?”
“He’s been… off. Ever since you went undercover, he’s been gone more than usual. When he is home, he’s distant.”
“Nessa, I hate to ask, but are you having money issues? Or were you in the past?”
“No. We’ve always lived modestly. You know that. The salon is busier than ever, and Seth makes… you know what he makes.” Vanessa leaned forward, frowning. “Why did you ask that?”
“Whatever’s going on at the office, money is changing hands. A GIA agent was brought in for trying to kidnap his adult daughter. One who is scary good with computers and making shitloads of money. When I left Haven, Seth told me that agent had been released, and we think Hanson is colluding with the man.”
“Then why ask about Seth? You should know better than anyone that my husband is an honest man, Ray. He would never take a bribe or whatever it is you think Hanson did.”
“I know, but people get desperate. That’s why I asked about your situation. Seth would do anything for you and the kids. Anything.”
Vanessa stood, placing her hands on the desk, and scowled. “Not that. Never that. He would find an honest way if we were having issues. He’d ask Delia or his parents before he ever did something illegal. I can’t believe you.”
“I’m sorry. Truly sorry. I’ll figure out what’s going on. If you do hear from him… Shit.” Rayna turned to Regina. “My phone.”
Regina stepped forward. “Write down my phone number. You can reach Rayna through me.” She then dropped her voice. “You will not share this number with anyone. Not even Seth.”
After Vanessa took down the digits, Rayna rounded the desk and pulled her best friend into a tight embrace. “I’ll find him, Nessa. I’ll do whatever I have to so he comes home safe.” Vanessa hugged her back, but it was lacking.
“Are you really going back to the office?” Regina asked once they were in her car.
“I don’t see any other way to find out what’s going on. Unless… Maybe before I do that, I’ll stake out the office. If I don’t see Seth, then I’ll follow Grissom and see if he’s up to no good.”
“Ooh, we need snacks,” Regina crowed. “I’ve never been on a stakeout.” She started the car and drove back the way they came. “Wait. Where’s your office located?”
“Albany,” Rayna admitted, although she wasn’t sure getting Regina and Rory more involved was a good idea.
“What’s close by? Anywhere we can park without looking conspicuous?”
“There’s a sports complex across the street. With it being summer, there are baseball games during the day, so the place is busy.”
“Excellent. Do they have concession stands?” Regina was excited about food.
“I have no idea, but I would assume so. Listen, maybe I should do this alone. I don’t want Sutton and Conrad mad at me.”
“Pfft. I’m going to call Lucy,” Rory said. She tapped on her phone, and when Lucy answered, Rory said, “Hey, Little Dove. Vanessa hasn’t heard from Seth since yesterday morning, so we’re going to sit across from the field office. If we don’t find Seth, we’re going to follow Grissom if we see him.”
“Have you informed Pops of your clandestine outing?”
“Not yet because I don’t want a pack of Hounds showing up and blowing our cover.”
Lucy snorted. “You’re my hero, you know that?”
“That’s sweet, but we both know you’re the hero of our family.”
Lucy ignored her grandmother’s praise. “I was able to track Grissom from Vanessa’s salon through town, but I lost him on the freeway. There aren’t many CCTV cameras close to the FBI field office, but I’m still looking for his car. I’ll call you back if I find it somewhere other than close to Albany.”
“Thanks, Little Dove. Love you.”
“Love you too, Rory.”
Rayna couldn’t help but smile at the love between the two. It made her miss her own grandmother more than she already did. Maybe once she and Asher settled down together, she could convince Gran to move to New Troy. Then again, Gran loved the hot weather out west. Rayna would have to convince Ash to take lots of vacations instead.
The drive to Albany only took twenty minutes, and Rayna directed Regina to the sports complex. After parking, the trio piled out and walked around, searching for a concession stand. They loaded up on hot dogs, chips, and sodas, then returned to the ball field closest to the road between the fields and the office. Sitting on the third-base-side bleachers, they could see both entrances to the building. The females were decades older than Rayna, but you’d never know it by the way they carried on. While Rayna kept her eyes on the building across the street, Regina told her how Glory found out Ripley was a Gryphon. “Ripley was beside himself, because the first female he thought was his mate freaked out when he revealed his shifter side. But he didn’t need to worry. Glory was more worried about Rip being naked in front of Con and me when he shifted to his skin.”
“What’s going on with them now? Ash said they were dealing with Marjorie not wanting to go to Florida.”
“She decided this morning she’s going back to Haven, but the good news is she’s allowing the two younger sisters to go live with their grandmother.”
“I can’t imagine anyone living at the compound willingly. Four months was more than enough for me.”
“According to Glory, Marjorie has always lived a pious life with her husband taking care of her. She has no life skills outside the home. They convinced her Amos wouldn’t be returning, but at Haven, Marjorie can just do whatever job they give her and sing praises to her God. Honestly, I’m glad she’s going back. That way, Glory can focus on the future, and her grandmother can dote on her younger sisters. Hope, the older sister who’s married, and her husband, Scott, are also moving to Florida to help look after Splendor and Majesty.”
Rayna chewed her bite of hotdog, then washed it down with Coke. “I really like Glory. She’s such a sweetheart. I’m hoping we can be friends, especially since our mates are besties.”
“I have no doubt you will be. She is a wonderful young lady.”
“Did you really buy her a piano?”
“We did. You’ve heard her sing, right? That girl is destined for greatness with a voice like hers, and the way she can listen to a song a couple of times, then play it without sheet music is unbelievable.”
“Asher mentioned her singing skills, but she never sang around me. Not even when we were in chapel. She and I would sit together, but we both mouthed random words instead of singing. It was her way of thumbing her nose at whoever was leading chapel that day, and I worship my goddess, so I wasn’t interested in paying tribute to a deity I don’t believe in.”
Rory pointed across the street. “Someone’s coming out of the building.”
Rayna focused, using her Cheetah’s enhanced vision. “That’s Bill Jessup.”
“Do you know all the agents who work out of this office?” Regina asked.
“No, but I’m only searching for two, so it doesn’t really matter.”
“That makes sense. Do you enjoy your job?”
“I did for a long time. It was Vanessa who convinced me to become an agent. She and I went to college together, and when I couldn’t decide on a major, she had Seth speak to me about the agency. It was better than nothing.” Rayna shrugged one shoulder. “But I’m turning in my notice soon.”
Rory looked around Regina. “What do you want to do after you retire?”
“Love on Asher,” she admitted. “I don’t need the money. I have plenty in savings and investments, so I plan on focusing on him for the time being.”
“What about that man?” Regina pointed this time.
“That’s Grissom. Let’s go.” Rayna jumped from the top of the bleachers, landing stealthily on her feet. The other two females walked down the seats and met her at the bottom. They dumped their unfinished food in a trash can as they jogged to the car. By the time they were at the exit to the complex, Grissom was pulling out onto McCarty Avenue. Regina let him get several car lengths ahead before following. He drove across town to the ritziest hotel and parked in the lot.
Rayna was itching to follow the man. “I could use a drink,” she said to her partners in crime.
“Oh, good idea.” Regina parked a few rows over. The trio made their way inside the hotel and chose a high-top table close to the door of the bar. While waiting on their drinks, Rory texted Lucy, asking if she could hack the cameras. Regina’s phone vibrated where it was sitting on the table.
Glancing at it, she grinned. “Con is checking in.” After reading the message, Regina rolled her eyes, typed out a response, then eyed Rayna.
“What?”
“Asher is getting agitated.”
“And that makes you happy?”
The server brought their drinks, and once he walked away, Regina sipped her margarita. “Not happy, but it’s good to see him so invested in your well-being.”
“Yes but—”
“Rayna, I’ve known Asher a long time, and I’ve never seen him invested in anyone other than the Hounds and their mates and kids.”
Rayna knew the reason for that, but she wouldn’t betray his trust, even with someone he considered a mother figure. “I don’t want him agitated. Please have Con tell him we’ll be back soon. I want to talk to him about this situation.”
“Won’t that agitate him?”
“Not when I explain what I must do. He knows it’s my job and that I’m capable.”
Regina leaned closer, placing her hand on Rayna’s wrist, and lowering her voice. “Sweetheart, take it from me. No matter how capable you are or what you have hiding inside, our males are always going to be protective. It’s in their nature. Sure, Con and Sutton didn’t stop Rory and me from coming with you, but that’s because they’ve learned it does no good to argue. Do you think Ripley wanted me getting my hands dirty when it came to Amos? No, he didn’t. He even asked his father to step in, but Con didn’t. He knew it was my right to get my pound of flesh, if you will, for what he and William did to my son and Glory. Or tried to do. Now, if I’d said I was going after Amos alone, Con would have intervened. Not by stopping me, but he’d have gone with me and had my back. Asher’s laid up and going to be a few days while he heals, and that will be what upsets him. Not that you aren’t capable, but that he can’t be there to help.”
“I get that, but Seth isn’t only my partner. He’s a good friend. My best friend’s husband. If I wait two days for Ash to get better, that’s forty-eight hours Seth might not have.”
Rory’s phone vibrated, interrupting their conversation. “Lucy was able to look at the hotel’s security feed. Grissom has been alone each time he entered the hotel.”
Rayna tapped the table. “Please ask her to get his room number.”
“What are you thinking?” Regina asked as Rory did what Rayna requested.
“I’m thinking we go upstairs, and when Grissom opens the door, you can use your voodoo on him. Ask him where Seth is.”
Regina rubbed her hands together. “I can do that.”
Rory looked around. “We could also hire a prostitute and record her knocking on his door.”
“You are devious. Let’s save that until we know if he’s guilty of anything other than doing his job.”
When Rory’s phone lit up, she tapped the screen, then told them what Lucy had found. “He’s in 1407.”
Regina got the server’s attention. The trio downed their drinks while waiting to pay the tab, then they were out of the bar, headed to the elevators.