Page 93 of Fight
He nodded, continuing."It looks like a single blunt force trauma to the head.There's nothing in the van to trace back to you but I scented a Kitsune and asked if there had been any trouble."He motioned towards the Anikitos sitting at the other end of the table in front of him."He brought me to see you.From what I could tell, you're right, there were four in the van, the one you killed and three more, all human.The dead man had several small darts in his pocket, testing revealed that they contained ketamine, a strong drug often used as an anesthetic on both humans and animals, it sometimes goes by the street name animal tranqs."He seemed to be watching our reactions as he gave us the information.
"That's one of the few things that acts quickly on us.It knocks us out pretty easily but it takes a lot of it to keep us out, we burn through it fast."Alexis spoke up.
"From what I can tell," William continued."these guys had no idea they were after anything but a human.The chain was a standard bike chain and the tranquilizers are nothing out of the ordinary, they could be stolen or bought off the street.I assume the cuffs were standard?"He looked at Ridges.
"Standard police issue cuffs."Devon said."They're issued all over the country to police officers, corrections officers and MP's, not to mention available on the net to anyone who cares to order them."
William nodded."That's what I suspected."He glanced around the room, looking at all of us in turn."This is both good and bad.If they didn't know she wasn't just like any other human we can assume that's not why they targeted her.But it leaves us with few leads as to who they were and why she was taken.We have an identity on this guy," he waived his PCD indicating the man in the photo."and a few names of known associates but if you never saw them we have no way for you to confirm if it was them."He was looking at me again.
"It will also make it harder to track down why they were after her."Caden said from where he stood near the door.
"Yes."William agreed, looking back at him for a moment."We're looking into financial records for this guy and his known associates, but so far, nothing."
"I guess it's better to know something, even if it's that we don't have anything yet."I glanced around the room as I took Devon's hand.
"What can we do to help?"Devon asked.
"Right now?Nothing."Ridges said."Let her heal and keep her safe.I've contacted Bill about this kid you told me about, this Brandon.He's looking into his whereabouts and he'll get back to me.I'll take care of things on this end, at least until you're in top shape and more able to participate."
"I don't like not being able to go hunt them down."Devon growled."But at the same time I know she's not up to hunting them down yet and I'm not willing to leave her, not with anyone.So I appreciate the help you're giving us here."
"It's the least I can do.After all, you were attacked in my territory, I should have seen to it that you stayed safe."
"From what we know, this isn't something you could have predicted or prevented.As far as I'm concerned, the only ones to blame are the ones who took me and whoever paid them to do it."I said, trying to smooth any ruffled feathers.
Ridges nodded slowly."Alright, I'll accept that.But if there's anything you need, let me know.I'll do my best to see you get it."
"Actually," Alexis spoke up."we could use someplace to run.Nickie can shift here, and it will speed healing, but with everything going on it would benefit us all to get out and run, to expend some of our nervous energy and aggression."
"We have a place not far from the city where the pack runs.I'll have my assistant make the arrangements for you to have access and contact you with the details.Is that good?"Ridges offered.
"Wonderful."She smiled back at him, satisfied.
"If you need anything else, please let me know."He pulled a small card out of his jacket pocket and offered it to Alexis."This is my private number, contact me any time, day or night, should something more come up."
Alexis took the card and only glanced at it before sticking it into the pocket of her jeans."Thanks," She said."I appreciate it."
Ridges looked at the detective."If you're through here?"Without a word William nodded and Ridges turned back to Alexis, Devon and I."And if you're good for the moment?"Alexis nodded."Then we'll leave you to the rest of your afternoon."He started for the door."Thank you for answering our questions, and I'll let you know what we find out."He said, stopping beside the door to wait for William and Bennett.
"Thanks for letting us know what you've found out so far." Alexis stood up to see him out."And thanks again for letting us use pack land to go for a run."
"That's not a problem, standard courtesy.I should have thought to offer."He waved his hand in the air, dismissing the issue.
Bennett left first and I saw him standing in the doorway for a moment, blocking Ridges from leaving as he looked up and down the hallway, making sure it was safe before stepping out into the hall and letting the others follow him.
After Caden closed and locked the door, he turned back to the rest of us.
"Well, what now?"He asked.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to go lay down for a while."I released Devon's hand and started to push myself up.
"I'll come with you," Devon volunteered.
"I won't tell you not to come but you don't have to," I said."I plan on reading for a little while then probably taking a nap before it's time to eat again."
"Let me get you settled in, then if you don't mind I'll come back out?"he suggested.
"If that's what you want."I went to the kitchenette where I'd set my purse and dug out my PCD before heading into the bedroom.
