He turned and greeted the woman that stood at the end of the bed. “Sister Bernita.”
“And my newest patient is obviously an acquaintance of yours.” She stared pointedly at their joined hands before shifting her gaze back to Stone’s face. “The guards reported you were almost pounding down the gates this morning.”
“This is Christina. The woman I told you about.”
“The one you thought was dead.”
Tina chimed in. “From what I’ve heard, I might very well have been dead right now if it weren’t for you removing the bullet from my leg. Thank you, Sister.”
“I did what I could.” Sister Bernita inclined her head.
“We’re both very grateful.” Stone stood up. “I need to talk to Esteban. Do you know where he might be?”
“He’s in the dining hall.” Sister Bernita frowned. “I didn’t know he was a friend of yours.”
“A recent acquaintance.” Stone hedged. “We have a small business deal to discuss.”
“You don’t strike me as a business man.” Sister Bernita raised her brow.
“There are many kinds of business.” Stone stroked a finger along Tina’s cheek. “I’ll be back in a little while.”
“Be careful.”
The two women watched Stone leave then Sister Bernita turned to Christina. “I came to check on my handiwork. How are you feeling this morning?”
“Pretty good. My leg hurts and I feel weak but otherwise okay.”
“Pain and weakness are to be expected after what you’ve been through.”
“Was it a difficult surgery?”
“Each brings its own unique circumstances.” She eased the dressing off the wound. “Did you know that when a person is shot, the hot bullet is actually self-sterilizing? Any infection usually comes from bacteria on bits of debris, such as the victim’s clothing, that are carried into the wound.”
Christina raised her brows. “I can honestly say I didn’t know that.”
Sister Bernita glanced up from her work. “I read that just before I started working on you. I’m not a trained physician but circumstances have had me attempting things I never believed I could do. Setting bones, delivering babies...removing bullets.”
“I’m impressed. And you do this all by yourself?” Tina looked around the room noting there was only a young girl doing some cleaning at the far side of the room.
“I have some local people who assist. They help with cooking and cleaning, teaching the children, guarding us.” She shrugged. “But no matter how many help, there’s always more to be done.” She paused and seemed to be weighing her words. “When Mr. Stone appeared I wondered if he was the answer to my prayers. A strong man such as himself would be of great assistance around here.”
“I…” Tina wasn’t sure how to respond.
Sister gave a soft smile, her voice tinged with regret. “Never fear. I’m not about to steal him away from you. I can see now his heart is taken, that his destiny is elsewhere.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No need.” The nun reached for a fresh bandage. “I’m an opportunistic woman and sometimes I want too much. Greed is a sin and I should just be thankful for the missionary group that has befriended us recently.”
“A missionary group?” Tina twitched the covers back over her leg.
“The Brothers of Virtue. Brother Dan and Sister Denise have been helping us for several months now, delivering food, clothing and medicine. The children are much stronger and healthier now than ever before.”
“There are some really good people in the world, aren’t there?”
Sister Bernita nodded. “I’ve sent a letter of thanks to their head office in the States but, as yet, no one has replied.” She stood up. “I’ll have Anna bring you some breakfast.”
“Thanks, I’m famished.”
Tina watched the woman leave. Sister Bernita didn’t exactly fit her mental image of a nun. In fact she—
The room dimmed suddenly and a vision came to her. Sister was surrounded by children, all of them clinging to her, crying and fearful. Hands kept reaching for the youngsters, hands that appeared out of murky darkness, pulling at the children’s arms, tugging on their legs. Sister Bernita kept pulling the children back, shouting at unseen persons to leave them alone. There were the sounds of explosions and the children screamed. The wind picked up, whirling dust into the air and the very ground began to shake…
With a jolt, the vision disappeared. Tina slumped feeling exhausted, light-headed. Her hands were fisted, her nails dug into her palms. Shakily, she leaned back in bed and wrapped the thin sheet around herself, inexplicably chilled despite the already rising temperatures.
She’d never had a vision affect her like that before.
Chapter 17
Stone found Esteban pacing the length of the dining hall. There were no children about, breakfast having finished, though sounds emanating from the backroom indicated someone was putting away pots and pans.
“I said I wanted to see you straight away. That usually doesn’t mean you can arrive in your own time.”
Stone arched a brow but didn’t bother to try to placate the man. Instead he got right to business. “Dante escaped yesterday. Any idea where we should look now?”
“We? Don’t you mean you? I upheld my part of the bargain. Your half is still unfulfilled.”
Stone didn’t even try to hide the fact that he’d rolled his eyes. “Whatever. This is your territory. Dante’s been here for a while so you must have some sense of his patterns of movement. Do you have any idea of where he might have gone?”
“He’s been known to visit Mendoza.”
“That’s where I first saw him.” Stone thought for a minute. “If there was supposed to be a sale yesterday, and if Mendoza was somehow involved, Dante would have had a meeting planned for today to give the guy his cut.”
Esteban nodded. “I suppose it’s worth a try to return there.”
“And what about the other one. Any idea where she might be?” ‘The other one’. That’s what she was to him now. Nothing else.
“She travels frequently. She was here a few days ago and then left the country. I followed her to the airport. I’ve no idea if she’s returned yet or not.”
“You don’t know?” Stone feigned surprise. “I was under the impression that nothing escaped you.” It was satisfying to see the flare of irritation in the other man’s eyes. “Never mind. I’ll deal with Dante first. The other one will show up.”
“I suppose I could look for her while you deal with him.”
“Thanks.”
“As you said, this is my territory.”
Stone stopped by the infirmary before leaving, wanting Christina to know his plans. He didn’t want her to feel he was abandoning her again.
“How are you doing now?”
“A lot better. I had breakfast and Anna is going to bring me some water and soap so I can have a sponge bath.”
“Really? I’d like to be here for that.” He sat on the bed beside her.
“Stone!”
“I’d help you scrub your back.” He winked. “Or any other parts that you need assistance with.”
“So kind and not the least bit self-serving.” The corners of her mouth twitched.
He smiled. “Of course not.” Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear. “You know, we’ve never had sex in a shower. When we get home I plan to remedy that.”
His comment sent noticeable shivers over her, prompting him to continue in a low voice only she could hear.
“I’m going to strip you naked and lather every inch of your body. Can you imagine my hands on you? How they’ll slide over your curves, stroking, squeezing, but never touching where you need it the most.” He deepened his voice. “You’ll beg for me to touch you. To take your nipples in my mouth and suck on them, tease them until the ache goes straight to your core.”
A whimper escaped her and he smiled, continuing his fantasy. “I’ll slip my hand between
your legs to check if you’re hot and wet. You’ll move against me. You won’t be able to stop yourself, will you?”
She shook her head.
“That’s when I’ll turn you around, press you against the wall and spread your legs so I can take you from behind. Just think of how it will feel. The cool tile against your breasts, your back against my chest, my dick hot and hard moving inside you.”
“Eli!” Her voice came out in a breathy squeak.
“I’ll take you, Christina. Take you so deep you won’t know where I stop and you begin.”
She squirmed, her breathing ragged.
He eased back just enough so he could see her face. “You’re flushed.”
“When you talk like that my heart starts to race.”
“Good.” A smile played over his lips and he sat up straight. “The extra circulation should help you heal faster.”
“You... You…” She sputtered, her eyes flashing with indignation. “You fluff knocker!”
He chuckled for a moment before sobering. “Seriously, I stopped by to say I’ll be gone for most of the day, but don’t worry, I’ll be back.”
“Gone to do what? And don’t say ‘nothing’ because that makes no sense at all.”
He hesitated and glanced around. No one was near but he lowered his voice just in case. “I’m heading back to the Lycan Embassy in case Mendoza is still there.”
“Why? What business do you have with him?”
“There are two Lycans in the area who are involved in some bad shit.” He hated to tell her knowing how much she liked kids, but soft-soaping the issue might come back to bite him in the future given his ex-sister was involved. “Have you heard of human trafficking?”
She nodded.
“Well this is worse. Organ trafficking of both adults and children.”
“Oh my gosh, who would do something that disgusting, that depraved, that...” She shook her head. “I can’t even think of a word bad enough to describe it.”
“I know. I stumbled on the ring yesterday. Both humans and Lycans are involved. I’m going to shut down the Lycan end. I have Reno working on getting the human law enforcement involved.”
“I still can’t—” She paused and looked at him. “The children, Paul and Lily, would they have been…?”
Reluctantly, he nodded. “I think so. We believe one of the Lycans involved, a man named Dante, will be paying Mendoza a visit today. I have to catch him and put an end to this.”
“I understand. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back tonight.”
He put a hand on her nape and pulled her towards him for a quick kiss and then left.
Stone padded around the perimeter of Mendoza’s new headquarters, the former Lycan Embassy. It looked exactly as it had last time he’d been there. Guards around the perimeter, a few signs of activity in the main house. The window to Mendoza’s office was open and he could make out someone sitting inside, most likely the drug lord himself. There was no sign of Dante though.
That the scum sucking weasel would show up here today had been pure speculation, a starting point for his search, nothing else. Should he wait and if so, how long? It would be more efficient to get closer and do some snooping. Maybe he’d get an indication of whether Dante was expected or not.
He began to plot his course towards the house, timing his movements to pass between the guards as they did their rounds. About halfway to the house, he froze. Something wasn’t right. Narrowing his eyes, he sniffed the air finally locating the source of his unease.
There was a sniper a few yards away, his rifle pointed at Mendoza’s window. Probably one of Reyes’ men attempting to assassinate the competition. Stone crept closer and confirmed his suspicion. The sniper had a crown tattoo on his arm, no doubt the sign of Reyes, ‘the king’.
Hunkering down, Stone considered the situation. Mendoza’s death would be no loss to the world but it could interfere with finding Dante. The bastard was too fond of his own skin to hang around here once Mendoza was gone. As an associate of his chief rival, Reyes would be quick to get rid of Dante.
Stone sighed. As much as he’d like Mendoza dead, it would have to wait for later. He’d have to take out the sniper.
Belly to the ground, he inched his way around so he could approach the sniper from behind. When he was in position, he shifted to human form, swiftly snuck up behind the man and wrapped an arm around his neck before the sniper could do more than give a cry of surprise.
That cry was his undoing. A shout rose from one of Mendoza’s men and Stone found himself with several guns pointed at him. Shit.
One of the guards approached, gun at the ready. Using his foot, he turned the sniper over.
“Unconscious, not dead.” He called the information over his shoulder and knelt down to pull the man’s arm out straight so he could see the inner wrist. “One of Reyes’ men.” The man got to his feet and addressed Stone. “Who are you?”
“Who wants to know?”
The guard shoved his gun against Stone’s chest. “I could kill you right now.”
“But you won’t. Mendoza will want to see me.”
“Why?”
“That man was going to kill him. I stopped it from happening. Mendoza is now in debt to me. It’s bad karma to leave such a debt unpaid.”
The man hesitated, likely knowing how superstitious his boss was. After a moment, he nodded. “I’ll take you to Mendoza and let him decide your fate.”
Stone allowed himself to be led to the house. With his Lycan hearing he picked out Mendoza talking on the phone about his latest drug shipment.
“Make sure there’s an observer at the marina when the drugs are being transferred from the fishing boat to the yacht. Tell him to keep his distance but watch for any signs that the police are there. If need be, tell him to terminate the fisherman to keep him from talking. Report back when the loaded yacht leaves the harbour.”
As they entered the man’s office, Mendoza hung up and fixed a steady gaze upon him. Someone must have radioed ahead because the drug lord seemed well-informed when Stone was presented to him.
“Show me your arm.” Mendoza leaned back in his chair, his face implacable.
Stone complied.
“You don’t bear Reyes’ mark.”
“Of course not. If I did, why would I have just attacked one of his men?”
“It could have been a ruse. Reyes might well sacrifice one of his men to get to me.”
“He might have, but he didn’t.”
“So,” Mendoza steepled his fingers. “Why are you here?”
“I’m looking for a job.”
Mendoza laughed. “Did you see a ‘help wanted’ sign in the local paper and decide to apply? If you did, I can assure you I didn’t place it.”
“No. I’ve heard of you. I’ve seen how you operate. I know you’re the stronger player in the war you’re having with Reyes.” He shrugged. “I need a job. I align myself with the person I know will win.”
“Astute of you, but if you really wanted a job you’d have killed the sniper.”
“I only kill when I’m paid.”
Mendoza narrowed his eyes. “Are you a professional mercenary?”
“Whatever you want to call it.” Stone shrugged. “Do I have a position within your organization or not?”
“Why should I take you on?”
“I saved your life. A favour for a favour. Balance must be maintained.” He looked pointedly at the tarot cards on the man’s desk and then a bowl nearby. It was filled with various crystals and stones that were supposed to ward off evil, maintain health and prevent bad luck.
“Balance is important.” Mendoza narrowed his eyes, a shadow of concern passing over his face. Finally, he nodded. “I’ll give you a chance.” He glanced towards the doorway where three of the guards remained. “Take the sniper, get whatever information you can out of him and then kill him.”
“Yes, sir.” Two of the guards left. The remaining man stayed by the do
or, alert to every movement in the room.
Mendoza glanced at Stone. “What’s your name?”
“Stone.”
“All right. Take up a position at the door with Francisco, mi guarda espaldas. I’m expecting company soon. You’ll stand guard, bring us something to drink, whatever is required of you. Francisco will keep an eye on you. You might have saved my life but I still don’t trust you completely. Understood?”
Stone nodded and went to the designated spot. Damn, if the company was Dante all hell was going to break loose. This was not turning out to be one of his better ideas.
Mendoza picked up a file of papers and began reading. Stone noticed that he was fiddling with something in his hand, worry beads or a good luck charm? No, it seemed to be a set of rings that he was endlessly twisting around his finger. Beside him Francisco stood patiently with his hands resting on his rifle. Without his own weapon, Stone felt distinctly at a disadvantage given that shifting into a wolf wasn’t an option with so many possible witnesses around. If need be, he could probably disarm Francisco, quickly spray bullets around the room and get out with his hide still intact...maybe. Dying had never concerned him before, but now that he had Christina waiting for him he put a bit more value on his life; she needed him if only to get her back home safely.
The sound of a vehicle approaching drew his attention. Through the window, he could see a jeep pulling around to the front of the building. Dante. Shit. He’d never catch the man unawares standing here in the doorway.
“I need to take a piss.” Might as well try basic evasion.
Mendoza stood up. “Hold it in. I want extra back up right now. I don’t trust Dante. Something has been off about him this past week.”
Stone nodded while inwardly cursing. It had been a feeble attempt to slip away but all he could think of on the spur of the moment. Well, he’d try to bluff his way through this and, if things got dicey, there was always Francisco’s gun.
Mendoza led the way to the veranda, Stone and Francisco following. Dante was exiting the jeep and Stone took up a position in the shadows; any advantage might make the difference in a situation like this.