The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3)(40)

I wanted to stop him when he walked away, to get some f*cking answers for a change, but as quickly as he appeared he was gone.

The police arrived two minutes later.





Chapter Ten


I had planned on leaving work and returning to Disco’s. I had planned on handing over the knife to Marius and finding some measure of relief, no matter how small.

The New York Police Department had other things in mind.

Childhood flashbacks had flooded my mind when I’d stepped into the building, taking me back to another time and place. Even though I’d been questioned about the death of my foster father in a temporary home—until I could be relocated—for some strange reason police stations reminded me of Ray. Maybe it was the uniforms, or because I knew when I stepped into their inner sanctum I had to live by their rules. Either way, I wasn’t pleased when the medical unit had looked me over, deemed me safe to transfer to the station, and I had been brought in to answer questions.

By the time I’d finished, it was past six in the morning. The popo had taken me to the station, grilled me over the coals despite the fact I told them the same story and had refused to relent with their questioning until I’d fallen asleep at their cheap-ass interrogation table. Someone shook me awake later, telling me it was okay to go home. The only bonus was the police were so concerned with Deena that none of them had remarked about how quickly my split lip seemed to heal, or how lucky I was to escape without a bruise or broken bone after such a brutal assault.

When I’d asked about my co-worker and friend, I learned she was going to be just fine. Turned out Deena was resting comfortably in the hospital and would be back to fighting form in no time—at least physically. I’d seen her put up with some crazy shit at the bar, but she’d never been attacked at knife point and almost raped. I had a good feeling her experiences were going to require a dose of counseling and time to get over.

There wasn’t a big enough jimmy club in this world to conquer her demons now.

The detective who’d introduced himself as Andrew Cohen gave me his card, told me to call if I thought of anything else and sent me on my way. I knew Disco had to be pissed I hadn’t called him. I’d promised I’d be home after work and that I wouldn’t keep him waiting. Not only had I kept him waiting, but it was almost dawn. More than likely Marius was already planning my early demise, convinced I couldn’t be trusted.

My thoughts turned to Bane.


What in the hell had he been doing in that alley? True, he could have been looking for the men who were attacking women like he said. It wasn’t uncommon for people to take matters into their own hands when it came to crime in the city. Of course, it was uncommon for people to run around hunting down vampires.

What was the connection? Was there one? As far as I knew he didn’t know either of the deceased victims. Had he been watching me? Hoping to scope out vampires? I quickly ended that notion. I’d traveled to Disco’s home already. If Bane wanted a piece of the Master of New York he knew where to get it. Perhaps he’d stalked out my place of employment because of the person I reminded him of? Maybe he decided to swing by to check things out after I got off work? Most of the clubs shut down after 2:00am. There was also a good chance it was blind luck.

Then again, maybe it was something else.

I’m something worse. What kind of something worse? Was he the man he appeared to be? A simple gun dealer and part-time vigilante? Or was he something more?

Shape shifter.

He moved with a grace that was fluid, and he killed the men in the alley without hesitation. Just like the werewolves in the future would have. When it came to the pack, or protecting their territory, there were no limits. Life, death, none of it mattered. They lived and breathed for each other. If more shifters lived in the city, Bane was probably the alpha, which meant he had to keep peace on the streets.

The thoughts of Bane were obliterated when I exited the station and saw Hector’s waxed and shiny Mercedes waiting out front. The black paint was as pristine as the day he drove it off the lot, the chrome rimmed tires gleaming. He opened the driver’s side door and climbed out as I came down the stairs. I tried to mask my shock. I couldn’t believe he’d come to the police station. Maybe they’d brought him in for questioning, too.

“I’ve been waiting for you. They said it wouldn’t be much longer. I figured you might want a ride home.”

“A ride home would be nice.” I tried to smile, to show some level of bravado as I approached his vehicle, but it was piss poor. Although I was healing fast, I was tired and achy.

“Hop in.”

He slid into his seat and closed the door as I did the same. The leather smelled brand new, and there was no trace of cigar smoke. Hector might light up a spiff at work, but not in his baby. We bucked our seatbelts and settled in. Something nudged my feet and I glanced down. The large UPS box was there, as well as my duffel and coat.

“I saw you stuff them under the counter. I didn’t want you to have to make a trip to the club.”

“Thanks.” I brought the box into my lap first, tossed the duffel on top, and retrieved the amulet from my jacket. I hesitated for a second before I put it on. Jesus, it was like a drug, calming me the instant I put the leather around my neck and the stone settled against my shirt.

“You want me to take you to your apartment?”