Accession of the Stone Born: The Vigiles Urbani Chronicles (26 page)

Shoving the photo into the folder, I let out a ragged breath. “I’m not sure, but it is more information than I had yesterday. To be honest, I was hoping that you knew something about it that would help narrow my search.”

Andrew had clearly lost his appetite and pushed his plate away. “Is this why you asked about stone born children?”

It was more of an accusation than a question. “Only partially. I really did want to know how it worked. On the other hand, the reports show, at least on paper, that there were two children born to this union.” Anger and hate danced across my uncle’s face. “Martha wasn’t able to track either of them down. There were birth certificates, but from what I can tell no actual child has ever been seen.”

Andrew seemed pleased at the news. “It appears that no one’s child is safe in his presence. Not even his own!” With that Andrew got to his feet and marched out of the kitchen without another word.

What the hell was that about? Turning to Isidore, I hoped he had the answer. “I’ve missed something fairly important; care to fill me in?”

Isidore’s face sagged. “Martha was pregnant back in ‘68.” He leaned back in his chair as he held out his hands in despair. “I don’t know what happened exactly. No one does save for Andrew, Martha, and Walter. There was an argument or a fight that caused Martha to go into labor, but when they got to the hospital the baby was stillborn. Andrew hasn’t spoken to Walter since, until the funeral. As you can imagine there is a lot of hate there.”

It hit me like a ton of bricks. Walter was obsessed with Martha and had been for a long time. Not that it had stopped him from having her killed, but he was the kind of man who, if he couldn’t have her, no one could. I had to wonder if the miscarriage was what broke Martha and Andrew up all those years ago. A lot of couples couldn’t handle the death of a child. Who was to say they were any different? Then for Walter to have married her clone and had kids of his own was like a slap in the face to Andrew. All I’d succeeded in doing this morning was rubbing salt in a very old wound.

“I didn’t know,” I replied.

Isidore shrugged. “Not a lot of people do.”

We finished our breakfast in silence and cleaned up the kitchen. I went to the living room in hopes of finding Andrew, but he wasn’t anywhere to be found. I was exhausted and needed a few hours’ shut eye. Heading to my room, I locked the door and fell face first into the bed, falling right to sleep.

Chapter 19

It was 11:00 when I jerked awake, freeing myself from the hellish dream world I’d been living in for the last several hours. While the nightmares weren’t new, they’d been given renewed life since my encounter with the stone. My mouth was dry, my head hurt, and my body ached. I hadn’t realized that comfortable bedding could be used as a torture device. After years of sleeping on the floor, on the ground, or sitting up on cargo planes, this was beyond painful.

The first order of business was a shower to undo some of the knots. After that maybe I’d find someone in the kitchen with a hot lunch; okay, maybe I was hoping for a lukewarm lunch, but food was food.

Fifteen minutes later I was clean, dressed, and feeling somewhat better. Stepping into the hall I could hear voices, some of which were female, coming from the living room. Lunch would need to wait until I checked the guest list. The voices got clearer the further down the hall I went, and by the time I opened the door I knew I’d find Heather and her mother.

I saw Kimberly helping Heather into a chair in front of the desk. Andrew came out of the back and swept into his chair with a smile for both women. Two practical yet stylish suitcases and three smaller bags were on the floor.

Kimberly readily returned the smile before inclining her head in his direction. “Thank you for taking her in.” She paused, biting her lip. “I’m sure it will only be a few days. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving her alone at her place in case anything came up, and God forbid that I bring her to my place; it’s a damn war zone.”

Andrew nervously straightened up, the slightest touch of crimson in his cheeks. “What type of mentor would I be if I didn’t help when I was able?” He made a show of waving away any further concern for the matter. “Consider yourselves welcome to stay for as long as needed. My home will always be open to those who are in need.” Andrew’s eyes fell on me as I stepped through the door, and he waved me over. “Glad you’re awake.” He pointed at Heather’s bags. “Think you could lend a hand?”

Pushing back my shoulders, I nodded before turning to Heather. There was a tingle in my stomach when our eyes locked. Clearing my throat, I said, “No problem.”

Kimberly cocked her head, her eyes appraising me once more. When I moved for the bags she cut in front of me. She moved quickly, gently lifting my right hand, moving it this way and that to inspect it thoroughly. Her eyes were wide and her mouth fell open before quickly closing again.

When she spoke, her voice was full of mirth and perhaps a little shock. “You’re a
vigiles
?” Before I could answer, she held up my hand and turned to Andrew. “He’s a
vigiles
?”

This time it was Andrew who turned several shades of crimson. “Yes.”

Still holding my hand out, she asked. “When?”

Andrew turned a deeper shade of red. “Monday morning.”

Never letting go of my hand, she threw her head back and let out a deep belly laugh that shook her whole body. “Oh my God!” She looked up at me, eyes glinting. “Not a werewolf after all.” The smile left her lips and she took a quick step back. Her eyes searched my face once more before turning between Andrew and I. With that I knew she’d figured it out, even before she spoke her question.

“Gavin what, exactly?” Her tone was almost accusing.

A knowing grin crossed my lips and I couldn’t help but snigger. It was clear to me, as it was to her, that the gig was up and she was onto my secret. “Randall, ma’am.”

She cut her eyes back at Andrew and then looked up at me with the biggest smile on her face. “Very clever, young man! Very clever indeed.” She turned her attention back to Andrew. “Robert is going to lose his shit when he brings his ‘candidates’ by on Friday, thinking they actually have a chance.”

Andrew appeared not to be bothered at the comment. The crimson left his cheeks, quickly becoming serious. “In the words of my nephew, this isn’t the first time, and considering the job it won’t be the last.”

Kimberly made a face that said she agreed. Grabbing her purse, she pulled out the phone I’d given Heather and handed it to me. “Thank you for letting Heather use it.” Her joy faltered and frustration took its place. “I’m not sure what happened to hers.”

It was clear that Heather hadn’t shared her thoughts with her mother.

Kimberly spoke again. “I’ve ordered her a new phone, but it won’t be here for a few days.” She looked up at me with a softened expression that conveyed her thanks. “I figure you may need it more than she does.”

Out of habit I’d stuck the phone in my pocket. “I’ve got another, and I was more than happy to let her use it.” Looking over at Heather, I automatically pulled the phone out again, handing it to her. “You can keep it till your new phone arrives.”

She blushed but didn’t hesitate to take it from me and quickly tuck it under her thigh, being careful not to make prolonged eye contact. “Thanks.”

The thought of Robert losing his shit when he learned I was the new
vigiles
didn’t fill me with joy. I turned my attention to Kimberly. “Any chance I could talk you into not telling Robert about me?” I held out my hands in a halting motion. “I’m not asking you to lie, but if you could just omit this for now it would be very helpful in my investigation.”

Kimberly considered my words. “I don’t see that being a problem.” Her expression serious, she glanced at Andrew and then me. “We aren’t exactly speaking at the moment, at least not directly…the lawyers are sorting most of it out.” She kept her eyes fixed on mine. “But you said this would help your investigation. Is Robert a suspect in something I’m unaware of?”

I flinched; that hadn’t been the way I’d meant it to sound. “No, not at all. I just don’t need the headache of him getting in the way.” Remembering Brad’s assumption that I was a werewolf, I growled. “It’s obvious he likes to run his mouth, a lot. I don’t need the people I’m investigating finding out there’s a new
vigiles
until next week.”

Kimberly quickly did the math. “So you’ve got a week to track down whatever is going on with the attack on Heather, and if I had to guess, Martha’s death as well.”

Andrew only raised his hands in mock defense. “I didn’t say anything, but never let it be said that Ms. Broussard isn’t one of the sharper tools in the shed.”

Kimberly’s eyes stayed focused on me. “Am I right?”

There wasn’t any use in denying it. “Looks like the attack on Heather could be connected to Martha’s death, and I really want to end this before ignorance is no longer my friend.” It was then that I recalled a factoid from Walter’s file. I was this far in…I figured I might as well jump. “I’ve got an odd question about Touro’s board of directors.”

Kimberly suddenly looked disinterested but waved for me to continue. “That’s more of a Robert question, but I can try to answer.”

Of course it was a Robert question. “Did you know that Walter Percy is on the board?”

Kimberly recoiled, anger and disgust painted itself across her face at the very idea. “That’s fucking impossible!” She balled her hands into fists and I watched while she worked it out. “Goddamn it, if that’s true, I can’t begin to tell you how wrong that would be.” With a shiver she got ahold of herself once more. “Any chance you got bad information?”

Good to see that Walter brought out the best in people. Shaking my head, I continued. “I don’t think it’s a mistake, but I’m trying to corroborate some facts I found in his file.” Putting a hand on her shoulder, I tried to reassure her. “Thanks for the information.”

She huffed. “Not sure how I helped, but you’re welcome.”

Turning, I noticed the bags were gone. All I could do was give Isidore a sheepish shrug to apologize for not helping. Turning my attention to Heather, I smiled. “Do you need help getting to your room?”

I wasn’t sure what motivated Heather to keep so quiet, but it was clear she didn’t wish to be involved in the conversation further. She nodded her head and tried to smile through the pain. Her effort wasn’t as successful as she’d hoped and she grimaced, trying to push herself to her feet before collapsing back into the chair with her hand over her stomach. She didn’t look at all pleased.

“I’m guessing I’ll need a little more help than anticipated.” As if to offer an explanation, she continued. “The meds are starting to wear off, and I want to be in bed before I take the next round of pills.”

Without really thinking about it, I leaned over and scooped her out of the chair. To my surprise she was heavier than she looked. Not in a bad way, but in the sense that every inch of her was solid muscle. Taking her down the hall to the room across from my own, I found the door was open and I headed for the bed. Isidore had taken the liberty of turning down the blankets and stacking several pillows to allow her to sit up if she wanted. Laying her gently on the mattress, I couldn’t help but feel slightly intoxicated by her form, even in this condition.

Standing upright, I offered her a big smile. “Anything else I can do for you?”

Heather looked down at her hands as she spoke in a low tone. “Think you could check in on me later?” Her gaze shifted from her hands, and she looked up at me with those sultry sea green eyes that gave me butterflies. “I know you’ve got things to do today, but I’d appreciate a visit from someone other than my mother.”

I wagged my head in agreement. “Not a problem.” Then a thought occurred to me that stopped me in my tracks, forcing me to shake my head. “If you’re asleep I’m not going to wake you.”

Heather huffed and folded her arms. “That’s not really a visit then, is it?”

I felt a goofy expression overtake my features and I pointed at her stomach. “You need rest to heal up from being stabbed.”

She rolled her eyes as she tucked the phone under her pillow. “Wake me if necessary.”

Hanging my head in defeat, I let out a sigh. “Fine.”

She gave me a look that said you-damn-well-better. “Good!” She looked at the door and shooed me out. “Go do some work.”

With a bow, I rolled my hand in front of me. “Of course, My Lady.”

Mock horror shone on her face, her eyes widened, and she fought off a case of the giggles. “Oh God! Don’t do the Ren fair thing, ever!”

Swelling to my full height, I did my best to look offended, and failed. “Of course, My Lady.”

Spinning on my heel, I closed the door behind me and heard the soft thud of a pillow hitting wood. Less than a minute later I was back in the living room, where I found Andrew, Kimberly, and Isidore at the desk talking in low tones. As soon as I arrived they suddenly stopped, which meant they were talking about me. Considering how I’d left the conversation earlier I couldn’t blame them. Still, I felt my shoulders slump.

“Care to share?”

Andrew was the first to pipe in. “Why did you bring up Walter’s connection to Touro?”

For a half second I thought about showing them the file, but that wouldn’t help. “Honestly, I’m just reaching,” I replied patiently. “At the moment I’m not sure it’s important, but considering Timothy and Chan are dead and Martha’s house is a charcoal briquette, I don’t have the luxury of dismissing anything that might give me a lead on the man.” I thumbed back at my room. “Speaking of which, I need to go over a few things before I head out. If you guys know anything about Walter and his whereabouts, this would be a great time to speak up.”

Isidore, Kimberly, and Andrew all shook their head. Kimberly looked shaken. “I can check with the administration and see what they know. If it would help.”

If she started asking questions and Walter found out it could spook the man, or worse, put her in danger. “No, not yet. Let’s see what I can dig up first, I wouldn’t want you to catch any blowback from this.”

She fell back in her chair, lost in thought. “Okay, but if you change your mind, just say the word.”

“Sure thing.”

Andrew’s face hardened. “Anything I can do? And before you say no, remember I don’t really give a shit about any type of ‘blowback.’ I want this settled!”

That made two of us. “The best thing you can do for me is stay put. Knowing you’re safe will mean that I don’t have to worry about trying to protect you.”

Andrew sagged in his chair, clearly disappointed. “That’s the dullest assignment you could possibly give me, not to mention no fun at all.”

The comment made me more tired than I already was. “Yep, the joys of the dead coming back from beyond the grave to kill you…can’t hardly stand it!” Shooting him a disgusted look, I admonished, “Do me the favor of staying safe so we can all get through this in one piece.”

Andrew blenched. “I wasn’t trying to make light of the situation. I’m sorry.”

Casually flicking my wrist, I dismissed it. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just tired. I really should get back to work.”

I turned and headed back to my room. Once there I pulled the file off my desk and moved my Surface Pro into position. Reading the last of the notebook, I found an address for Mary Percy, but no number. Typing it into Google Maps, I found a street view of the place. It was an old run down farmhouse from what I could see. It wasn’t as if they’d driven down the long drive to get a better view. Which meant that I’d have to go out there and see if Mary was still at the old address, because I was quickly running out of leads, leaving Walter in the wind.