Page 26 of Dead Wrong

“No dogs or creatures,” Lucas said.

“It was a quiet night,” Ivan added. “I assume because of the shit weather. Didn’t even catch a glimpse of the regulars.”

“The regulars?” I queried.

“You know, the squirrels and deer,” Ivan replied. “In fact, the only living creature we saw that night apart from each other was Kane Sullivan.”

It took me a split second to register the response. “I’m sorry. What now?”

“The demon dude who owns the nightclub,” Ivan explained.

“I know who Kane Sullivan is. You’re telling me he’s back in Fairhaven?”

“Sure is,” Ivan said. “He sauntered straight out of the crossroads. Said “good evening” to us like he was wearing a top hat and a monocle, and carried on walking like it was all perfectly normal.”

The prospect of Kane’s return both thrilled and terrified me. I’d decide which one the next time I saw him.

“His suit was immaculate,” Lucas commented. “If I owneda suit like that—well, I wouldn’t because it would be dirty and ripped by sundown. Complete waste of money.”

My whole body tensed at the thought of him. “We’re not here to talk about Sullivan.”

Lucas cracked his knuckles. “We are if he had something to do with Chutney’s death.”

“I’m not worried about Sullivan,” West said.

Maybe he wasn’t, but I was, albeit for different reasons.

“Next time somebody enters town via the crossroads, I want that reported,” West told them.

“But he lives here,” Lucas protested. “We didn’t think it was necessary.”

“I want a complete and accurate list,” West said. “I’ll decide later whether the information is necessary.”

“Yes, alpha,” the guards said in unison. West was diplomatic and considerate, but he could be tough when the situation demanded it.

I had a hard time concentrating on the remainder of the conversation. My head was pounding, and my mouth was dry. That bastard had been back in town long enough to contact me. I would’ve even accepted one of those vague “hi” texts men were so fond of sending.

Except Kane Sullivan wasn’t a man. He was a demon and a prince of hell and, apparently, he was above communication with mere mortals—or goddesses reincarnated.

I heard West arrive at a natural stopping point in the conversation and jumped in. “If you think of anything else, I want to know sooner rather than later, got it?”

I didn’t wait for their response. I turned to retrace my steps along the trail. My mind buzzed with angry facts. If Kane came home the night Chutney died, that meant he was more than likely at the nightclub when I was there. The fact that Josephine had lied straight to my face didn’t surprise me,but the others… I’d bet good money therehadbeen an impromptu guild meeting. My blood began to boil.

West hurried to catch up to my long strides. “You good, Clay?”

“Just releasing a little energy like your friends.” I had no interest in confiding in West. The alpha already disliked me. If he knew my secret, he’d want me gone now more than ever. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more helpful.”

“You ask good questions, and you get to the point. There’s a lot to be said for brevity.”

I squinted at him. “Thanks,” I said. I heard the note of suspicion that inadvertently crept into my voice.

West must’ve heard it, too, because he said, “Look. You didn’t have to agree to help me. I know I haven’t been the friendliest guy.” We reached his truck, and he unlocked the doors. “I guess what I’m saying is, I appreciate your willingness to help the pack.”

“Despite your unwelcoming attitude. You forgot that part at the end.”

He dragged a hand through his thick hair. “Yeah, and that.”

“I’d like to know what happened to Chutney, and I’d like to know whether this mysterious animal was a figment of Bert’s imagination. If you figure it out, please let me know. I may be new to town, but I still care about what happens here.”

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