Page 31 of Deadly Deception
“Boone, I don’t want to know what kind of illegal charms your dad has—”
Boone waved off my concern. “The itching subsides after twenty minutes or so. It’s nothing permanent. Perfectly legal as a gag.”
I wasn’t so certain about that but let it go.
“Anyway, the point is that the guy’s not making it onto my Christmas card list anytime soon. However, occasionally he does or says something that makes me think he’s not horrible at his job and that he actually cares about the people he’s supposed to be protecting. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have agreed with Tompkins to bring me in. Oh, sure, he’s pissy as hell about it, but asking for my help might be even more admirable given how much the guy obviously hates my presence.”
I didn’t completely disagree and kept my silence on the subject. “I want to find out more about Vanja. Around these parts, the name’s synonymous with the bogeyman. His name’s brought up around nighttime campfires where children abound and frightening tales are commonplace.”
“Was he a real person?”
“Once upon a time. Henson’s right. Vanja existed decades ago. Whoever this is, it can’t be the same monster from back then.”
“Hmm…that brings up all kinds of sticking points.” With a deep sigh, Boone said, “You and I both know thatdeaddoesn’t always meandead.” Boone brought up a good point. “Human or not, alive or not, he sounds like a sociopath. Not that I’m medically certified to make such a statement. But anyone who’d authorize the level of torture that was done to DeWayne while he was alive…” Boone shivered despite his heated seat. “Let’s just say I don’t want to run into this guy anytime soon.”
I didn’t either, and hated the niggling feeling that despite our wishes, Boone and I had definitely landed ourselves on Vanja’s radar.
“At least we cleared Navarre.”
Boone hummed. “I’m not sure we did much else for him. I’ll say it again, Navarre needs a medium. He also needs… Honestly, I’m not sure what else he needs. Somewhere safe to stay, somewhere far away from the dead. I just don’t know how to make that happen.”
Traffic picked up the closer we got to the east side of Chicago. Nana’s house was in a suburb on the southeast side. Depending on traffic, it would take us fifteen minutes, more or less, to get there. This time of day, most of the traffic was headed out of Chicago, not into it.
“I’m going to call Agent Frost,” Boone said. “I might be overstepping, but I think it’s the best bet. I’m not sure if the Magical Usage Council can or will do anything to help, but I think it’s worth a try.”
“At the very least, this Agent Frost might be willing to give you the lay of the land. He’ll tell you if it’s a fool’s mission.” Boone had relayed some stories regarding the night Alpha Arie Belview was finally put down. Thankfully, Boone had been out of the heavy fighting, tucked safely within Peaches’s boundary. As a bonded nature pixie, Peaches’s orchard was an invitation-only kind of place, and Boone had the golden ticket for entry.
“I’ll call him later tonight. Thankfully, Sheriff Henson agreed to let Navarre stay for a few days longer. Granted, the accommodations suck, but at least he’ll be safe.”
“From others or himself?”
Boone cringed and answered, “Both? Navarre’s managed to stay alive this long, but I think it’s just a matter of time before that changes. Whether it’s by his own hand or someone else’s, I don’t think Navarre is long for the world without some outside help.”
By way of agreement, I laid my hand on top of Boone’s, entwinning our fingers as I took the exit to Nana’s house.
Boone stiffened and became quieter as we wound through quaint neighborhoods. Nana’s home was a traditional-style rowhouse. Her neighborhood was middle class. Some of the homes were better cared for than others. Nana’s house could use updating, but it was in excellent condition and well kept. My brothers and sister had made certain of that.
I pulled into an open spot by the curb and let the SUV idle, keeping the heat on for Boone. Bending down, I stared across Boone’s lap and out the passenger side window. Nana’s house felt like a second home. While I hated how nervous Boone was, I couldn’t deny the peace seeing Nana’s house brought me.
“I swear, she’s going to love you,” I promised Boone.
His voice shook when Boone replied, “I know you think that, but—”
“But nothing. Listen, I can’t begin to fully comprehend all the shit you’ve had to put up with in your life, and I’m not going to belittle those experiences by telling you to forget them. What I am saying is that the apple doesn’t always fall far from the tree.” Pointing at the house, I said “I’m the apple, and the woman in that house is the tree.”
Boone let loose a weighty sigh, but managed a hesitant smile. “I hope you’re right.”
I patted his thigh and said “I’m always right. Haven’t you learned that yet?”
Boone laughed. “And humble too. Very humble.”
I shrugged. “We all have our faults. Now, come on. Let me introduce you to the most important woman in my life, along with the rest of the family.”
Boone and I slid out of the SUV. He waited by the passenger’s side door while I made my way around the front. Grasping his hand, I tugged gently, and we were on our way. We climbed the three steps leading to Nana’s front door, and she opened it before I had a chance to ring the bell.
“I wondered if you two were just gonna sit out there all night or if you were going to grace this house with our presence,” Nana scolded gently. “Get in here and give your nana some love.” Nana had never been a small woman. Her strong German roots gave Nana a pale complexation and dirty blond hair that was heavily shot through with silver. Nana’s broad, strong shoulders were made for picking up her grandchildren and her ample hips made an excellent spot to park that child upon. Nana never skimped on her affection and believed that tight hugs, warm cookies, and a cozy bed were all the medicine a small human needed to grow into a healthy adult. I didn’t think she was entirely wrong.
“Nana,” I wheezed as she hugged me tight. I would never grow too big or add enough years to my life to not warrant a hug. “It’s good to see you too.” Nana released me, and her attention fell on Boone. Nana’s pale blue eyes were partially hidden behind thick corrective lenses. Pushing her glasses higher, Nana gave Boone a clinical once-over.
