Page 68 of Broken Wolf

“It sucks, but we’re overnight on this,” I told them as the first elevator filled up and the doors were about to close. “And we all know why.”

I was glad when they accepted it.

“I don’t actually know why,” Mauro muttered, giving me a curious look.

“Have you ever heard anyone from the military complain that they rush, rush, rush only to wait? It’s common, especially in the US, but I know other countries are the same too.” I waited until he shook his head. “It’s like Murphy’s Law or just the law of shit. There will undoubtedly be another one of these seminars right around the corner.

“And most people would think ‘Oh, that’s convenient and well-timed.’ But the truth is it fucks us. We’re not prepared. The one after it will probably be months out, and that is the real problem because that is too far then. So yeah, we rush, rush, rush to get it all ready fast so we don’t miss the chance but then tend to have to wait for the right timing.”

He nodded but held me back as the next elevator arrived and I waved for the others to go ahead.

I glanced at him when it was just us, waiting for whatever he was going to say.

“I’ll help you.” He gestured around when I couldn’t hide my shock. “What you do here is important and I can’t do it. I think it’s important to admit that and not leave the important stuff up to those who can do it without supporting them. So no matter what is going on, I’ll help. At least for now and make sure your life isn’t about to collapse.”

“Thank you. Really.”

He chuckled as he extended his hand to me. “We’ll see if you feel that way after you hear my opinions… Cousin.”

I studied him and took his hand. It was clear he meant that in the way that all wolves were “related,” but we were the siren strain so cousins like that. So he wasn’t signing up for more than that.

Hey, I was totally cool with that. “Thanks, Cousin. And I can take hard truths. I know we can do better. I don’t tolerate berating or talking down to my people, but we can take criticism and change. We’ve had a lot of both to get this far.”

“Fair enough.”

We went upstairs, and I jumped right into directing traffic. I got Perez on the phone and updated him since this was going to be much deeper now, and with not just one court, but two and maybe more police. Just to be safe, I also called the judge and got a few extra warrants for the website and more… Even if it was dark web stuff that was already illegal.

I liked covering everything so I never ended up in an ethics hearing that a lot of people were itching for. Especially now that I’d pissed off another president.

We worked all night to get a lot set up and ready to hand over to the next group to come on. Right as it was time for some to take a break and move to the next step, we got the call for a kidnapping, which the FBI always handled. It was for ransom, but there were several things that were hinky with it, so it was suspected a family member trying to divert attention.

And now that I could get involved with human crimes like this, I did.

Even if I was exhausted and going on no sleep. I was Alpha and had the best sense of smell of any Chicago supe.

She was four. She was just a baby.

Yeah, I was going.

I showed up on the scene just before nine in the morning and it was already a madhouse. The local police weren’t wanting to turn it over because… I didn’t give a shit. Penises?

I let out a whistle, staring down their ranking officer. “Can you sniff her out? Because I can. Until you can, shut the fuck up and get out of my way because it’s the full moon and I have a trigger fuse and haven’t slept because we’re buried. She’s four. That trumps all else.” I turned to the mother and asked for several pieces of clothing with her daughter’s scent.

“You’re seriously going to strip down and change here into a dog and Scooby Doo the kid?” someone snarked.

“Get out of my house if you wouldn’t do the same to save my daughter,” the mother blasted, waving me to follow her. She apologized that it was dirty laundry but then shook her head, realizing that was what I’d really wanted. She went to hand it directly to us, but I had her bag each item in separate baggies so no one’s scent crossed with it but hers.

“Can you remember if anyone was with her when she wore them?” I asked her as I started handing my guns and gear to Sander to lock up. The mom was confused, so I continued. “My son’s nanny is always holding him, so I would scent her too. Maybe a playgroup or—”

Understanding filled her eyes, and she held up one bag among the rest. “This—it was just us at home. I wasn’t feeling great Friday, so I took the day and we were bums. It should be just me and her and our house.”

“Perfect. Seal it, and they’ll open it where she was taken so I’m better in tune.”

“Thank you, Chief Thomas, thank you,” she rasped, handing the sealed bag to one of the ancients. “I’m sorry they’ll mock you for this and tear—please, just bring my baby home.”

“I’ll do my best.”

And I did.

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