More Monsters, More Mayhem (Big Easy Bounty Hunter Book 5), page 5
A shout behind them shook Huey from his shock. He turned to see two uniformed policemen running toward him with guns drawn. His hand moved almost of its own volition and raised the crystal rod. Huey shivered as bone-numbing cold crept up his arm until the rod shot another plume of fog from the end.
Again the fog coalesced into a thick cloud, hiding the advancing officers from sight. When it dissolved, the cops were frozen in mid-stride with ice sparkling in the streetlights.
“We gotta go,” Huey called as he ran past the shocked partner.
Mickey looked horrified as he took in the four frozen figures before him. He stared for several seconds until he realized Huey was no longer there. With a shudder, he turned and ran after his friend.
Across the street, a small video camera above the door of a pawn shop that had seen its share of crime dutifully recorded the deadly events as they played out.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Greymont, House, Lexington, Kentucky
“Marian, you have a visitor,” Alice announced over the intercom. The tension in her voice hung heavy in the air, warning Marian that something was off.
“Who is it? I don’t have any meetings scheduled today.”
“The person you had me contact last week about Natalia.”
Marian’s blood ran cold. She expected that person to contact her, not show up unannounced at her door. “Take them to the study and find Steven. I want him in on this meeting.” Her voice carried a mix of urgency and trepidation.
“Would you like refreshments?” Alice attempted to maintain a sense of normalcy in the unexpected situation.
“No, this isn’t a social call. I want this business over with before Winston returns from whatever political game he’s playing with the mundane government,” Marian replied impatiently.
“Understood.”
Marian snapped her laptop shut and rose from her chair. The past month had been a whirlwind of preparations and anticipation, working closely with her loyal assistant and spymaster Alice to locate the perfect person for the task.
After weeks of fruitless searches and disappointments, a careless word overheard at a boring social event she almost didn’t go to was the clue she needed. That bit of information allowed Alice to locate and finally make contact with a being so cloaked in mystery and menace that no one knew what it was, let alone if it was male or female.
Now the reputedly deadliest killer in the magical underworld was at her door, and Marian felt an equal mixture of hope and dread. She hesitated, torn between meeting this cold and callous killer or taking the coward's path and sending Steven in alone.
The memory of Winston's callous words regarding her desire for revenge for Angelica's death fueled her determination. If successful, this meeting would not only exact revenge for her daughter but also provide her with a potential weapon to counter Winston when the time came.
“Mother, you wanted to see me?” Steven's voice was curious and tense as he appeared at the office door.
“Yes, the person I told you about last week is here. I want you to meet them since you'll work with them until the job is complete.” Marian’s tone was brisk and businesslike.
Steven's curiosity got the best of him as they walked toward the front of the house. “Can you at least tell me what you expect me to do? Chauncey always handled these types of things, and I have no experience.”
“You'll find out during the meeting. Keep your questions for later. Just pay attention,” Marian snapped, her nerves on edge and emotions running high.
Steven bit back a retort, knowing that provoking Marian further would only lead to unnecessary conflict. Her temper had caused the departure of two maids and a groundskeeper already, and he had no intention of becoming her next target.
As they entered the study, Marian greeted the cloaked figure with a polite smile. “Thank you for responding promptly to my request.”
“The terms intrigued me,” the figure replied, its voice as enigmatic as its appearance.
Marian motioned at her offspring. “This is my son, Steven. He will be your point of contact until the job is complete. We must keep our association discreet.”
“I work alone,” the figure's voice was cold, its reluctance evident.
Unnerving shivers ran down Steven's spine as the figure's gaze penetrated his being.
Understanding the figure's hesitation, Marian spoke persuasively. “While I respect your preference, this is a unique situation. Steven possesses valuable information that could aid your mission without jeopardizing us. Our collaboration must remain hidden.”
A humorless chuckle escaped the figure's hood. “The risk to me is minimal. My identity is unknown, and I intend to keep it that way.”
Marian's fingers steepled together, and her gaze remained unwavering. “I am prepared to offer you a substantial amount for your services.”
“Not interested. Find someone else.” The figure turned away.
“Perhaps your reluctance has more to do with fear of Marie Laveau than my requirements,” Marian challenged.
The figure froze, its presence a looming threat as it faced Marian. “What did you say?”
Marian's resolve matched the menace emanating from the figure. “Marie Laveau. If you accept this job, I will not only generously compensate you for your efforts, but you will also have the opportunity to strike a blow against her. However, if you refuse to work under my conditions, I have other options. A wizard in Portugal is eager to accept the challenge when he completes his current contracts.”
A humorless chuckle emerged from within the shadowed hood. “If Ramone were suitable, you wouldn't have sought me out. Besides, he won’t take contracts in America since they passed that law and hired those bounty hunters.”
Steven cocked his head and focused on the assassin’s voice. The change was subtle, but something in the tone made him believe they were dealing with a female. He wasn't sure whether it was a witch, an elf, or something else, but he had little doubt of the gender.
Marian maintained a façade of control, although unease gnawed at her. “Ramone was indeed my first choice, but his unavailability led me to explore other options. Should you prove equally inflexible, I will find someone else. I will also let it be known that you’re scared of the Laveau woman. What will that do to your future job prospects?”
For a moment, silence hung in the air like a charged storm. Marian studied the cloaked figure, her gaze unyielding.
“Perhaps the problem is that you’re afraid to take another job in New Orleans.”
The figure's stillness was palpable, and as Marian pulled her hand away from her lips, her feigned confidence wavered. The figure's next words were a chilling warning that echoed through the room.
“That’s a presumption you would be wise not to make.”
Marian ignored the thinly veiled threat and continued. “It’s perfectly understandable since that woman humiliated you when you went after the Atlantean a few years back. How long did it take you to recover? Six months was it?”
“You seem to think you know things. Overconfident people like you make me nervous, and if you asked around, you’d find making me nervous isn’t good for your long-term health. No, wait, there is no one you can ask. They’re all dead.”
Marian stiffened and her face flushed. Before tensions could escalate further, Steven positioned himself between the two, gently pushing his mother back. “Mother, if you'd allow us a moment to discuss this in private.”
Marian's surprise and anger flared. “What insolence is this? How dare—”
“Please, Mother.” Steven's voice was firm but controlled. “Let us have a word in the other room.”
He turned to the hooded figure. “If you will excuse us for a moment.”
Marian's lips pressed into a thin line as she consented, allowing them a semblance of privacy as they exited the room.
“What possessed you to challenge someone like that?” Steven hissed, his eyes revealing the concern that lay beneath his stern exterior.
“You know how important this is, Steven. We can't afford to show weakness. Creatures like that only respond to strength, and I will not be threatened in my home by someone who uses cheap parlor tricks to hide their identity,” Marian countered defensively.
“What you did back there wasn't showing strength. It was reckless disregard for your safety. That person is infamous. Rumored to have taken down kings and presidents while never getting caught or identified as anything other than The Reaper. Do you honestly believe they would hesitate to end you if provoked?”
“How do you know so much about this person? Why would you be interested in an assassin?” Suspicion laced Marian’s tone.
“I started researching this killer after Randall told me that was who did the hit on Felix Hargraves before Blackwell took over the council. According to Randall, no one knew who hired them. Winston was worried it was one of the other council members and he might be next. I figured anyone who could make that maniac nervous was worth learning about.”
“Be careful what you say. Winston has spies everywhere, and you never know who might be listening,” Marian admonished.
Steven held up a small jade disc in his palm. “No one can hear anything we say.”
Marian raised an eyebrow. “Where did you get that?”
“It was in a box of Angelica’s things I found after she died. I recognized it from that class on artifacts you made me take the summer after I returned from the academy.”
“I didn’t know she had one of those. That explains how she managed to sneak around with Randall so long without Natalia catching on.”
“Natalia didn’t care to see the signs. She hated Randall with good…” Steven shook his head. “That’s not important now. We need to settle this business with the assassin before Winston gets home. He won’t be happy if he learns you defied him about seeking revenge on Bordelon for Angelica’s death.
“I recommend you not follow this path. I’ll do whatever you want, but I do not see this ending as you expect. This person has turned on more than one client in the past. Don’t try to play them.”
“Let me worry about that. All I need you to do is observe and assist as needed to ensure the job is done. The sooner you do that, the sooner you can return to whatever you do with your time.”
“Remember this. That person in there is ruthless, and your provocations could have cost you everything. I don't want to lose you, Mother. Please, let's find a way to navigate this situation safely.”
The gravity of Steven's words finally penetrated Marian's defenses, a humbling realization that her single-minded pursuit of revenge had nearly led to her downfall. With a heavy sigh, she looked at her son, seeing his concern and possibly care.
“Okay, Steven. I might have let my anger blind me. We can't afford to make such careless mistakes.”
As they turned to reenter the study, relief, gratitude, and a renewed determination to approach this dangerous game with caution chased through Marian. The figure before her might hold the key to her vengeance, but her survival was always foremost in her plans.
When they entered, they didn’t see the person. Marian’s head swiveled from side to side as she searched for the shadowy form.
“Have you decided?” a soft voice asked behind her.
Marian spun, reaching for her wand, but froze when she felt something press against the base of her throat.
“I wouldn’t recommend that. I find it difficult to collect from my clients if they’re dead.”
“Steven thinks we got off on the wrong foot,” Marian offered in a voice that didn’t reveal the cold fear running through her body.
“We are not on any foot if you continue to insist on interfering with how I conduct my business.”
Marian’s eyes narrowed, and her jaw clenched.
“Perhaps we can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement,” Steven interjected before the conversation turned ugly again.
“I’m listening.” The assassin removed the finger held against Marian’s throat and casually stepped back.
“I’ll get a suite at Windsor Court, and you can use it as a base or not. You can reach me there if you need something, and I’ll be available to provide it in a timely manner. That will keep me close as my mother wishes but out of your way.”
“I’d prefer the Royal Sonesta. It’s easier to remain unnoticed with the crowds on Bourbon Street,” the killer countered.
“Done. I’ll book one of the two-room suites. Is that acceptable to you, Mother?”
Marian stared at Steven, confused by the assertive role he’d taken in a matter he was obviously against. “As long as I receive regular updates on the progress, I can accept that.”
“I’ll call you daily and immediately after the contract is complete,” Steven offered.
“Contact Alice with your reports. I’m much too busy to deal with trivial matters. Only call me when Bordelon is dead.”
Marian turned to the cloaked figure. “If you perform this satisfactorily, I might have more work for you soon.”
“I always get my mark.”
The killer reached inside its robes and pulled out a phone. Marian extended her hand and frowned when the assassin passed the unit to Steven.
“When you transfer half my fee to the account link on that phone, I’ll take the contract.”
Steven activated the phone. Seconds later, Marian’s vibrated in her pocket. She removed it, and a short time later the assassin pulled a sleek smartphone from one sleeve.
“Very good. Steven, is it? I’d suggest you leave within the next three days.”
“Why not today?” Marian asked.
“My services are in high demand. It will take me a day or two to finish my current contract.”
The figure addressed Steven. “Have all the information you’ve gathered on the target ready when I contact you.”
With that, the assassin turned and disappeared into a mass of shadows that formed in the corner of the room. The shadows dissipated in seconds, and the killer was gone.
“That went well,” Marian observed after the shock of the assassin's departure wore off.
“How did she do that?” Steven muttered.
“What’s that?”
“I assume she used a form of portal when she left. I thought we had wards to block that.”
“Not that. What makes you think that creature is female?” Marian demanded.
Steven paused, thinking of how best to explain. “Nothing concrete. It’s a feeling I had while you were talking.”
“Don’t slip up like that when you deal with them. Whatever it is, that person works hard at concealing their identity. If they think you know too much you could become a liability.”
“I’ll be careful, Mother.”
“See that you do. Your sister was the product of years of selective breeding to create offspring with the power to further our cause. You have those same genes although you lack Natalia’s raw potential. With Angelica dead, if Natalia proves intractable that duty will fall to you.”
Steven steeled his face into a neutral mask. “I serve the families.”
“I suggest you leave now. Winston might get suspicious if he sees you.”
“What will you tell him if he asks where I am?”
“I doubt the self-absorbed ass will notice you’re gone, but if he does, I’ll tell him you went to visit an old girlfriend from school. His experiences with that womanizing fool Randall will make that a believable lie.”
“Very well, Mother. If there is nothing else, I need to get going.” Steven started for the door and stopped when Marian called his name.
“Be careful down there. I’ve lost two children to this fiasco already and do not wish to lose another.”
“I will. I don’t plan to get into the line of fire. I’ll be your eyes and ears, but that’s as far as I’m willing to go.”
“Good. Oh, and Steven. Use mundane means to enter that accursed city. Using a portal could call unwanted attention to you if someone sees it.”
“I was already planning to travel to Biloxi and spend a couple of nights at one of the casinos. I can rent a car there and be in New Orleans in an hour. Besides that, I have an old girlfriend there I can be seen with to support what you plan to tell Winston. You can also tell him I’m taking her on a cruise out of Mobile for a few weeks. Winston knows I’ve done things like that before so he shouldn’t question it.”
Marian smiled the first real smile Steven had seen in months. “You have paid attention. I worried that you were more like your father, but I see you inherited some of my traits after all.”
“I always paid attention. Wasn’t it you who said it’s best for people to underestimate you until it’s time to strike?”
“Indeed I did, son. Indeed I did.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Saint Albans Bay, Vermont
Simon Kingsly deftly guided the aging Jeep Wrangler onto a narrow, overgrown dirt lane. Limbs from the trees lining it scraped against the vehicle as Simon carefully navigated the rutted, poorly maintained track.
After witnessing Sera Ann Desporte effortlessly destroy his Crystal partner while shrugging off offensive spells with a laugh, Simon decided it was time for an extended vacation, preferably far from anyone who could tell that terrifying witch anything about him.
Over the past week, Simon traveled across the country twice using portals, planes, a train, and multiple rental cars under numerous aliases and disguises to throw off any pursuit. Now he’d reached the end of his frantic flight at the remote Vermont cabin he kept as a bolthole in case he ever needed to hide.
He’d reached out to old contacts in Arizona, New Mexico, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to further confuse anyone searching for him. Doing so put those he contacted at risk, but they would do the same to him in similar circumstances.
