Page 39 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Thank you,” I said, also ignoring her rare expression of emotion.

“This one has caffeine in it. You’re going to need it.”

“Great. So, they’re keeping you filled in?”

She curled her lips. “It’s excessively complicated, but know this, I am on your side. Even in the times when I might appear that I am not.”

“You can trust her,” Oliver said, touching my shoulder and gesturing toward the back.

I took a calming breath and nodded. “Cool. Thanks.”

Nimbus trotted along at my side as we headed into the back room with the comfy couch. Katsuro lounged in a chair and Davin sat on the couch arm. They both stood when we went in. Katsuro’s eyes narrowed, and he glared at Oliver. Davin’s nose twitched, and I swear he lifted his lip as if he were going to growl at the shade. For his part, Oliver managed to keep his expression neutral.

“So, what’s up?” I asked to forestall any posturing. I wasn’t interested.

Katsuro dragged his attention from Oliver back to me.

“I understand why you were reluctant to share your past. I’m assuming this is related to you?” He picked up a paper from the table and handed it to me.

I took it and gave it a quick scan, but I knew it was. I recognized the picture from a news article about shutting down the trafficking ring. They’d kept my picture out of the media, amazingly enough, but I’d seen this article a few times. I sank down onto the couch. Oliver leaned against the doorframe and Nimbus sat at my feet.

“Yeah. What brought this up?” I gave it back.

“Kerin had a lot to say,” Davin admitted. “She won’t be a problem any longer.” His expression turned to sorrow. “However, it appears that there was more depth to this trafficking ring than the human authorities knew.”

I buried my hands in my face. “Fuck.”

“They were apparently blood suppliers for a less ethical group of vampires, along with their other unsavory activities,” Katsuro added. “The human authorities shut down the operation, leaving the supernatural side of the equation extremely displeased. I suspect Drake is involved with that, but I don’t know. Jaz will do her best to discover more.”

“Do they not know she is loyal to you? I’m confused.”

“They know. They also think they can win her away from me. Her story is one she should tell, but I trust her.” Katsuro steepled his fingers and studied me while he talked.

“Old debts, etcetera,” Davin added.

There was too much to untangle, and in the end, it didn’t matter. I hadn’t been able to leave my past behind as I’d hoped. Somehow, I’d arrived in the very worst place possible and come to the attention of vampires who wanted blood slaves. Oliver was right; there were worse things than getting killed.

“Okay.” I couldn’t think of what else to say. Clearly, Nimbus and I had to leave. Now. I’d have to figure out what I could tell my contact in Washington as to why I was moving again so quickly. A few tears burned in my eyes. I really liked it here.

“Something else.”

I looked up, and Davin held out my phone.

“It’s been ringing off the hook, as it were.”

I glanced at the caller ID. Max. My contact in D.C. had called half a dozen times in the last hour.

“That’s weird.” I took the phone.

“Hannah, perhaps you should answer it where we can all hear. If you think that activity is strange, perhaps one of us can hear something you can’t,” Katsuro suggested gently. “I understand if you want to call in private, but it may not be wise.”

“Think they hacked my phone?” It wasn’t out of the question.

“Call your friend,” Katsuro said instead of answering.

I hit the button to dial.

“Hannah?” Max—that wasn’t his real name—picked up on the first ring. “Are you all right?”

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