Page 53 of Coming Up Aces

Rev was already up to speed with everything going on with the Feds and David Spencer, so Ace filled him in on what he’d learned in the last few hours. “Rayna went to the Ray Brook facility earlier to see if Grissom had stashed Seth there. He hadn’t, but the agent showed Rayna the paperwork where Spencer was being transferred to a high-security facility, which was contradictory to Seth telling her that Spencer was beingreleased. Seth was the one who took possession of Spencer. Then, when Rayna got home, she somehow found documents and photos buried in her backyard. She’s positive Seth placed them there since only he and his wife have the alarm code to her house, and there was nothing indicating someone had broken in. Plus, her Cheetah sensed he had been in the garage. The photos showed someone had slit her immediate boss’s throat, and the documents were bank statements. There was also a thumb drive, but Rayna didn’t want to access it on her laptop, so she was taking it to Lucy. She hasn’t shown up, and Rayna’s not answering her phone.”

“Where does Rayna live?”

“New Latham, which is less than fifteen minutes from Troy. Shit, I don’t know her address.”

“I’m sure Lucy can get that for you, but I thought we were going to Lucy’s house.”

“Maybe something happened at Rayna’s, and she can’t answer her phone.” Ace called Lucy’s number. When she answered, he said, “Can you give me Rayna’s address? I want to stop by there to make sure something didn’t happen.”

“Tamian already did a drive-by. He’s been riding around searching for her car… Hang on, he’s calling. I’m going to put you on hold.” The line went silent, and Ace drummed his fingers on his thigh.

Rayna needs Tamian.

Ace bristled. Why would his mate need the Gargoyle?Where is she?

“Are you still there?” Lucy asked.

“Yes, but my Gryphon was speaking to Rayna’s Cheetah, and it said she needs Tamian.”

“He found Rayna’s car. From the looks of it, someone pushed her off the road with their vehicle, and there was a scuffle.”

“A scuffle? Like blood or…?”

“Like claw marks on the door as if her Cheetah came out to play. There is minimal blood, so it’s possible she attacked the other person. There’re no shredded clothes, meaning she didn’t fully shift, but there are a set of men’s clothes on the ground for some reason. Her burner phone was in the car, so I can’t track her that way.”

“Lucy, why would Rayna ask for Tamian?”

“Maybe because whoever took her has a gun? She knows he’s impervious to bullets.”

“Oh, that makes sense. Where is her car? We’ll head that way.”

“It’s on Bullock Road, west of 87. I’ll send you the exact coordinates. Tamian will be waiting.”

Ace disconnected and scrubbed a hand down his face.Does her Cheetah know where they are or who they’re with?

Yes. It’s her boss, Grissom. But Rayna’s in control.

If she’s in control, why does she need Tamian’s help?

He’s a Gargoyle.

And?

That’s all she said.

Lucy’s text came through, and after plugging in the coordinates, Ace gave Rev directions to the tree-lined road. Rev’s headlights shined on Tamian who was leaning against his SUV with its emergency flashers on, tapping on his phone. When they parked in front of his vehicle, he glanced up, continued typing, then put the phone in his back pocket. Rev told Ace to stay put, then came around to help him out of the truck.

Tamian inclined his head. “Ace, Rev.”

“Show me the blood,” Ace demanded.

Tamian walked to the side of Rayna’s car and pointed at the ground with the toe of his boot. His Gryphon threatened to come out, and the air swirled around them in a miniature cyclone.

“Ace, control your beast,” Rev commanded while holding his hands in front of his face.

Ace took a deep breath, berating his animal to calm the fuck down. When it complied, Ace gingerly knelt, dipping his fingers in the sticky substance. He brought it to his nose, and after inhaling, let out a sigh of relief. “It’s not hers.” He braced himself against the car and stood. “Rayna’s Cheetah is asking for you. It said Rayna is with the deputy director, but she’s in control.”

Tamian didn’t seemed surprised. “Does her Cheetah know where they are?”

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