New Species 13 Smiley (8 page)

Rage twisted inside Smiley. “You mean the son fooled Vanni
into believing he loved her when he just set her up to be killed?”

Tim shrugged. “I don’t know much about him but I’ve done my
research on Gregory Woods. He’s a piece of work. I wouldn’t put it past him to
have chosen her out of maliciousness. He wasn’t happy when their engagement was
announced. It might have been a way to just stop the wedding and get a shot in
at us at the same time. Either way, I bet he’s thrilled their wedding is off.”

“Unless the son still wants to marry her.” Tiger frowned.

Tim snorted. “No guy is going to still marry her after that
video went viral. He’d be a laughingstock.”

“Why?” Smiley thought that seemed insulting to Vanni.

Tim met his stare. “Pride. She was all over you. No one
would ever let him forget it.”

Flame grinned. “Not to mention, would she still want to
marry him after Smiley? That was one pathetic-looking human male.”

“Flame.” Fury shook his head. “This is no time for jokes.”

“I’m just saying the son looks puny.”

“What if she got pregnant?” Jericho frowned.

“She’s not. She is on birth control.” Smiley clenched his
fists. “I wasn’t that out of it. I asked.”

“What kind?” Bestial peered at him.

“I’m not certain.” Smiley shrugged.

“The breeding drug can override certain contraceptives.”

Smiley felt sucker punched. “Are you certain?”

The council member nodded. “Pretty certain. Condoms work but
only if they don’t break. I don’t suppose you used one?”

“No.”

“Did you release inside her?”

“Yes.”

Bestial grimaced. “Then it’s a possibility we need to be
aware of and make a contingency plan for.”

Vanni pregnant with my child
. Smiley bolted to his
feet, unable to remain seated any longer. “We need her brought to Homeland.
Where is she?”

“Calm,” Jericho ordered.

“What if she’s carrying my child? She’s out there alone.”
Smiley refused to back down. “Our enemies could go after her to steal my son or
kill her outright to prevent his birth. Tim said she’s in danger from that
church. Someone from there set her up. We need to retrieve her now to secure
her safety.”

“Smiley?” Fury drew his attention. “We’ll keep a surveillance
team on her but we can’t send a team to pick her up. It would seem as though we’re
kidnapping her. That would be bad publicity.”

“They said she was in seclusion at her home. Do we know if
that’s true?” Smiley wasn’t even sure if she was okay or not.

“Yes.” Tim nodded. “I have a two-man team outside her
apartment masquerading as paparazzi. We went to the wrong address last night.
The one listed on her driver’s license was outdated. She moved last month. We
have visual confirmation that she and her roommate, an Elisabeth Goss, are
holed up inside. They are refusing to take incoming calls or answer the door.
The only reason we know for sure she’s there is because someone called the cops
reporting a possible suicide.”

“What?” Smiley snarled.

“She’s fine. It’s a bullshit ruse some of the paparazzi pull
to draw out whomever they want to photograph. It’s standard procedure for the
cops to do a wellness check and interview the residents to make sure there isn’t
a real problem. My men verified the call didn’t come from inside the residence.
In this case the police had Travanni and Elisabeth talk to them on the doorstep
after the apartment manager unlocked the door for them. They weren’t opening it
up for anyone.”

“Your team actually saw her? They are certain?” Smiley
needed confirmation.

Tim nodded. “Yeah.”

That calmed Smiley a bit. “Did she look well?”

“I don’t know.” Tim frowned. “She was talking to the cops
and they left without calling an ambulance so I assume so.”

Fury drew Smiley’s attention. “I can only imagine the stress
you are under right now but this isn’t the time to pull her into Homeland for
questioning. This is a media frenzy and all focus is on her. We need to wait
for things to blow over a little before we make a move.”

“She’ll pay for what she did,” Bestial promised. “We’re good
with patiently waiting when we need to.”

“Pay?” Smiley glared at him. “I’m not even sure if she did
it. She denied drugging us.”

Bestial blew out a breath. “She’s associated with a group
that hates us. She also escaped rather than come here.” He paused. “How many
Species ate and drank in that bar when she wasn’t there, yet nothing happened?
She comes in and you’re drugged. Do I need to continue? It all points to her.”

Smiley hated to admit that it did sound bad. He kept silent.

“We aren’t certain if she was aware of the danger but no
good comes of dumping a drug into someone’s drink. That female had to know it
was potentially harmful.” Bestial inhaled and blew out a deep breath. “She’ll
be prosecuted under New Species law.”

Jericho cut Smiley off before he could speak. “Either way,
she needs to be brought in for questioning at the first opportunity.” He
flashed Smiley a warning look to keep him silent. “She can link this crime to
the Woods Church. We have to locate that drug and make certain all of it is
destroyed, otherwise none of us are safe in the out world. They could launch
more attacks.”

“Agreed,” Fury stated. “We’ll wait until the media hype dies
down and have Tim’s team grab her.”

Smiley stewed in anger. The meeting broke up and he stormed
out, needing time to think. Jericho caught up with him and gripped his arm.

“She did drug you. Don’t forget that.”

“Vanni was frightened and she suffered. I don’t want her
sent to Fuller. She paid enough even
if
she was the one who did it.”

“I spoke to Ned. He said the three of you entered the bar
and you sat alone at the counter. No one approached you except her. That female
was the only one who sat next to you. He noticed you turn in your seat a few
times and it would have given her an opportunity to dope your soda.”

He couldn’t deny that. “There can be no crime if there is no
victim. I’ll refuse to state otherwise.”

“You can’t deny what happened, Smiley. You weren’t hurt this
time but who will be the next victim if we don’t stop this now? This concerns
all Species.”

“Perhaps she was forced. Just consider that possibility.”

“Stubborn male,” Jericho grumbled under his breath. “You’re
going to pull a True, aren’t you? Should I prepare for that? Will you take her
from our custody when she’s brought here and make your home her sanctuary?”

It was a good idea. “Are you going to try to stop me if I
do?”

“Damn.” Jericho’s expression softened. “I don’t want you
hurt. I’ll make a deal with you.”

“What kind?”

“You don’t sign mate papers if they ask you to.”

Smiley frowned.

“They asked True to sign mate papers when he kept Jeanie in
his home. I’ll argue your case if you take her. Just promise not to do anything
rash. I don’t trust this female and I don’t believe you’re being completely
rational. I want to make sure you get to know her before you possibly make a
mistake.”

“I agree.”

Jericho nodded. “She also needs to help with discovering
where more of that drug is. I doubt the Woods Church only had two doses for
your drinks.”

“She’s kind, Jericho. I know she’ll help. She wouldn’t want
what happened to us to happen to others.”

“You
hope
she’s kind. You barely know her, Smiley.”

He couldn’t argue but his gut instinct screamed that she
was.

“I’ll go with you. He’s a dick. Who knows how he’ll react
after seeing that video clip.”

“He’s not going to hit me, Beth.”

“I wouldn’t put anything past that asshole.”

“You’ve never liked him.”

“With good cause. He’s selfish and never thinks about you.
That thing he has going on with his dad is creepy as shit too. He’s a grown man
but it’s as if he’s so far up his dad’s ass he can’t think for himself. He said
he wasn’t part of that church but he’s never publically opposed them either. I
checked online. He was photographed a lot with his daddy before you dated him.
I think he hid the association because he knew you wouldn’t date him otherwise.
He sure as hell wouldn’t want to marry one of those insane groupies that hang
with that church.”

“What does that mean?”

Beth sighed, looking frustrated. “They are a bunch of
paranoid idiots. You were perfect, Vanni. Your brother is a cop, your sister is
the poster child for housewives and your parents have been married forever. You
clean up nice and have no criminal history. The perfect wife, image wise.”

Vanni shrugged. “He did ask me to marry him against his
father’s wishes.”

“I bet that old son of a bitch is happy as shit this
happened.”

“Maybe.”

“Is he going to be there? He’s so nasty.” Beth frowned.

“No, Gregory isn’t there. Carl said his dad is too busy at
the church to get away. This is a nightmare for them too, with all the
reporters. I’m just going to drop off the ring, grab my stuff and get out. He
said he had to hide there from reporters.”

Beth lifted one hand, fisted it by her shoulder and pinched
the thumb and forefinger of her other hand together, swinging it back and
forth. “That’s me playing the violin.” She dropped her hands to her side.

Vanni laughed. “You’re so mean.”

“He’s holding your shit for ransom.”

“I owe him the courtesy of doing this in person.”

“I’m going with you.”

“You are supposed to have dinner with your parents and go
out with your sister tonight. I’m not ruining your plans.”

“You think it’s going to make him less pissed that you
cheated on him because you were drugged? You might need some backup.”

“I’m not going to tell him about that.”

“Why not? Are you nuts? Otherwise he’ll just think you’re a
total bitch.”

“He’d tell his father and he’ll twist it somehow against the
NSO. He’s a dick like that.”

“That’s true.”

“I’d rather just take the heat and get out as fast as
possible. He blew it before I ever did by pulling that stunt with the weekend
getaway. I had my eyes opened that he’s kind of a jerk.”

“I’d use stronger words like douche bag but all right. You call
me if shit hits the fan and you need me to come home and eat ice cream with
you.”

“Deal. Right after I get my cell phone returned.”

She grabbed her spare keys and hoped she didn’t get pulled
her over since her wallet was with her purse. Her car was in the underground
parking garage, which exited behind the building. Beth should be able to
distract the press while she slipped away.

The twenty-minute drive was uneventful but Beth’s parting
words kept repeating in Vanni’s head as she drove up to the gates at the Woods
estate.
Don’t do this. It’s stupid.

She’d only been there once with Carl when they’d first begun
dating. It was when she’d met Gregory, who owned the reclusive vacation home in
the hills. It hadn’t gone well. They’d disliked each other on sight.

A man in uniform stepped out of the tiny guard shack and
held up his hand. She slowed to a stop and pressed the window button. “I’m
Vanni. Carl is expecting me.”

He frowned.

“He called and told me to come here to collect my things.”

The guard used a two-way radio to contact someone at the
house. “A Vanni is here to see Carl.”

“Send her up,” another voice ordered.

The guard hit a button inside the shack. The gates slowly
rolled open and Vanni pushed down on the gas pedal. The paved, narrow road
wound upward around a few turns and opened into a vast circular driveway. She
parked in front of the house.

Her nerves were a mess. The plan had been to return the
engagement ring to Carl by mail but that was before he’d held her belongings
hostage. The message he’d left had been clear. She could either come to meet
him or not get her things back. It was possible he was afraid she’d keep the
expensive ring that had belonged to his grandmother. It was insulting that he
thought so little of her.

She climbed out of her car and gripped the jeweler’s box in
her fist as she climbed the stairs and rang the doorbell. Waiting for the door
to open so she could finally face Carl was torture on her queasy stomach.

The door opened and a man peered at her. He was a tall man
with a blunt haircut and harsh features. It was difficult to determine because
all Gregory’s people wore suits but he was probably one of their many
bodyguards. “This way.”

She blew out a breath and followed him down the hallway to
an office. Carl sat behind the desk. He hung up the phone and stood.

“Thanks, Bruce.”

“No problem, sir.” He shot Vanni a dirty look. “I’ll be
close.”

She managed not to roll her eyes. It was ridiculous if he
thought she was dangerous. The grim situation dampened her attitude though when
she saw how tired her ex looked. Dark circles rimmed his eyes and his normally
perfect hair was a bit mused.

“Here’s your grandmother’s ring.” She set it on the edge of
the desk. “I wanted to apologize. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

He reached over and snapped open the lid and examined it.

“It’s the right one.” His action irritated her.

He closed the lid, opened a drawer and dropped it inside. “I
don’t know what you’re capable of anymore.”

Her lips remained sealed.
I deserved that. Ouch
.

Carl kept the desk between them. “Why didn’t you just go to
the room the way I told you to? None of this would have happened if you had.”

She knew he deserved some answers. “I was mad at you for
tricking me into going to that hotel for the weekend. The last thing I wanted
to do was pace around the room after our argument or get more lectures from
Mable about how I’m not good enough for you. I told you she’s mean. I just
thought I’d have a drink, relax a little and then go to bed.”

He stared at her, his mouth a tight line of anger. She knew
that expression well. Disapproval was something she often got from him. Their
relationship was over but she felt no pain at the loss. Beth might have been
right. It would have torn her apart if she’d really been in love with Carl but
instead she just wanted to get away from him.

“I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have been engaged to begin with. I
concluded that over the weekend. You’re always saying mean things to me and I
resented it more than I realized. It’s best for both of us that our
relationship ended. I’m never going to be the kind of woman you keep trying to
mold me into. I wish you a happy life, Carl. I’ll get my things and go. You’ll
never hear from me again.”

He inched around the desk. “That’s it? That’s all you have
to say?”

“I never meant to hurt you.”

He stepped a little too close for comfort. “No excuses?”

“It happened. I would have told you even if it hadn’t been
all over the television. I had planned to see you tomorrow when you came home
from the hotel. Obviously you had to leave early. I’m sorry. I don’t know what
else to say.”

He appeared a little shocked and irate at the same time,
while he closely studied her eyes. Vanni wasn’t sure what he hoped to see but
he took a step back and anger won out when he cursed.

“You can’t be that stupid.”

“Excuse me?” That wasn’t a response she expected.

“You were drugged. Why aren’t you telling me that? Didn’t
you realize? Feel weird? You should throw yourself at my feet and beg me to
still marry you. Dad said you’d do anything to gain my forgiveness.”

The world tilted a little as she stumbled back a step.
How
did he know I was drugged? Has it leaked to the press?
She hadn’t told
anyone except Beth. Her best friend wouldn’t betray that secret. It was
possible the NSO had released the details. She gripped the desk to steady
herself.

“Say something!” Carl yelled, making her jump. “Beg me to
forgive you and tell me how it wasn’t your fault.”

It took her a few moments to pull herself together. He
appeared to be having a meltdown. It was a bit surprising since she didn’t
think he’d take their breakup that hard. He’d been kind of remote emotionally
the entire time they’d dated.

“I wouldn’t do that. I slept with another man. I know it’s
over. I don’t expect you to still marry me. I couldn’t go through with this
wedding even if you somehow managed to get past what happened. I can’t.”

His complexion reddened and he started to breathe faster,
almost panting with rage. It scared her a little.

“Where is my stuff? I’ll go.”

“Just like that?”

“What else do you want me to say? Neither of us can pretend
nothing happened. Everyone is talking about it. I’m so sorry if this hurt you,
Carl. I think I should just get out of here and you’ll never have to see me
again. I honestly believe this is for the best. We wouldn’t have had a happy
marriage.”

“Did you know you were drugged?” He seemed to be working
himself up into a temper tantrum.

“I realized. It doesn’t change the outcome though.”

“What are the police going to do about it?”

“I didn’t go to them.”

“Why not?” He advanced, getting too close again, and kept
yelling. “You should want that rapist in prison!”

“He didn’t drug me and it wasn’t rape.”

Carl grabbed her arm. “What?”

Vanni really wanted to get out of there. “You heard me. Just
tell me where my things are. I want to leave.” She tugged her wrist, trying to
break his hold. “Let go. You’re hurting me.”

He released her and stepped back. His expression changed.
The anger left, to be replaced by something cold and calculating. “You liked
being fucked by that creature, didn’t you?”

“My things,” she got out. “I’m leaving.”

“I told you she was a slut.” Gregory spoke from behind
Vanni. “I kept warning you she wasn’t worthy of being included in this family.
Now you see the truth in my assessment.”

She twisted her head, aghast to find him in the room. She
hadn’t heard him enter and Carl had told her his father wasn’t going to be
there. The older man eyed her disdainfully.

“It’s not going the way you said it would.” Carl sighed. “What
now?”

Vanni glanced between them, a bad feeling rising. She wasn’t
sure what was going on but wanted to leave. “Where are my things? I’m leaving.”

Gregory snapped his fingers and the bodyguard who’d let her
inside the house stepped into the room. He kept his gaze locked on Vanni. “You’ve
met Bruce. I wouldn’t attempt to leave just yet if I were you.”

It was a threat. “You know what? Keep my things. I’m out of
here.” She tried to walk around Bruce but he blocked her path. She halted and
stepped to the side to get past him but he moved with her. “Get out of the way.
You can’t keep me here against my will.” She was scared.

“I can.” Gregory sounded confident. “You and I need to come
to an understanding.”

She turned and stared at Carl. “Tell them to let me out of
here.”

Carl rounded the desk and took a seat behind it. “We’re not
engaged any longer.” He glared at her. “Don’t speak to me or expect me to help
you. You fucked that creature. I will never forgive you for humiliating me this
way. I’ve lost clients since the news broke. Payback is a bitch and so are you
for doing this to me. You deserve whatever happens next.”

You asshole
. Vanni faced his father. “Tell your
bodyguard to get out of my way.”

“Have a seat.” Gregory pointed to a chair by the fireplace. “We
need to discuss what you owe us.”

“No.” She backed away. “I returned your mother’s ring to
your son. I don’t have anything else that belongs to your family.”

“You’ve cost us a lot of time and money.” Gregory pointed
again. “SIT!”

“You can get your deposits refunded for the reception. They
said four weeks’ notice was the cutoff point. I paid attention to that. Send me
a bill if they don’t return all of it. I’ll put it on my credit card.”

“I’m not talking about the wedding.” Gregory’s voice rose,
his expression angry. “Sit your ass down in that chair.”

She refused. “I know everyone is upset about what has
happened but I think we should take a few days to calm down. You especially. I
don’t know why you’re so upset. You always hated me. You should be throwing a
party to celebrate that the engagement is off.”

“Bruce.” Gregory jerked his head in her direction.

The large man advanced. Vanni tried to get away but found
herself trapped in the corner. She tensed when his beefy hands gripped her
upper arms and he yanked hard enough to take her almost to her knees. He
dragged her over to the chair and dropped her into it.

“Stay there.” He backed up a few feet and opened his jacket,
making sure she could see the shoulder holster and gun.

She was mute and terrified. Were they going to kill her?
Shoot her? It didn’t make sense. She huddled in the chair, too afraid to do
anything else. Gregory strutted to another chair near her and sat, a smug look
on his features. He crossed his legs and his expression cleared of all emotion.

“Here is what is going to happen. We’re holding a press
conference tomorrow. You’ll read the statement we wrote telling the world you
were drugged and raped by that creature in the video with you.”

She opened her mouth to deny it but wasn’t given the chance
to speak.