Death in the Shadows - 7. Chapter 7: Mourning Man

The red and blue lights glowed. The passing bodies were nothing but blurs. The concrete curb he sat on was cold as ice. His entire body numb. As was his mind.

Dirk swallowed, then winced. Performing the action was intense and difficult. He wanted to hurl, but he knew there was nothing left in his stomach. Finding the strength, he looked up and saw the ambulance’s red strobe light.

Then the blood splatter on the wall again flashed in his mind.

Falling over on his knees, he dry-heaved. Tears, snot, and slobber dribbled from his face. He stared at his trembling hands as they held him up. I… They did…

He pulled the trigger. His fingers pulled the damned trigger. I killed her.

Sounds of wheels rolling managed to annoy him enough to break through his senses. A stretcher was ushered in front of him and into the ambulance. I-Ingle! Dirk fought to rise, but his knee gave out, sending him crashing down to the pavement.

“Dirk! Easy, Dirk!”

His underarms were gripped, and he was carried back to the curb. “Is… Is he—”

“He’s good. Shot, but good.”

Glancing up, he registered that his assistant was Henry. Dirk whispered, “Was… was it silver?”

The Chief sat down next to the bear, keeping a hand on Dirk’s shoulder. “Yes, but it passed through. He’s being treated for internal burns.”

A trickle of solace seeped into his mind. G-good. He pivoted towards the house. Officers and a forensics member were entering and exiting the front door.

Just as he caught sight of his deed, Henry turned him away. “Don’t look at it, son.”

“But I did it. I killed her.”

“You did what had to be done to save—”

“She was my mate,” seethed Dirk.

Henry clasped hard onto his shoulder. “Keep your voice down. Not everyone here is exposed.”

Biting his lip, he didn’t want to give a damn! He clenched his eyelids and coughed, then sobbed. “She was meant for me. Aliz gave us a life together. And… And I tore it up!”

“I’m… I’m sorry Dirk, but what else would you have done?”

The question froze time. Dirk blinked and fixated on the fleeing ambulance. What else… Ingle could’ve died. Did… Did Sarah kill Shaw? “Chief?”

“I’m here.”

“W-what’ve they found so far?”

“I… If she was your—”

“Tell me,” Dirk growled.

Henry’s sigh liquified Dirk’s muscles. “Ingle was shot with a silver bullet. Do I need to say any more?”

“Chief!”

The person yelling was familiar. Dirk looked up as Henry waved at a pair of officers. Seeing a friend, he managed to scramble to his feet. Mason, Vincent, and Tierney ducked underneath the tape. Lumbering, Dirk shamelessly flung himself into the New Yorker’s arms. “Tier… Tierney.”

“Hush, my delta. What happened?”

“I killed my destined!” He cried, gripping the lycan without caring how much strength he was using.

He couldn’t remember when he sat on the curb again, but Tierney’s gaze never strayed. Dirk slurred and stuttered through the entire scene. The only subject he couldn’t explain was his own actions. Why? Why did I pull the fucking trigger?

“Dirk,” Tierney whispered, “stop beating yourself up.”

“But I deserve it. I—”

“And I don’t care.”

The bluntness shook him to his core. His alpha didn’t care? “What?”

“Listen, and listen closely. I recognize she was your mate, your destined mate. But that woman shot one of our fellow pack members. One of your fellow officers.” Tierney’s eyes were unwavering, but Dirk could tell they were about to turn red. “Your actions are justified. Your instincts were justified. Do you hear me?”

He heard Tierney, but it fell on deaf ears. “No, I don’t. How could I do that to my des—”

Tierney slapped him. Staring at the asphalt, the burning pain on his cheek was the only thing he felt. “And what else would you let her get away with, Dirk? Would you let her keep killing if she wanted? She used a silver bullet on that officer. That makes her a hunter. Only people who know our existence would use such a thing. Why your destined was a hunter, I don’t know. But I know Aliz has her ways. She put Sarah on your path for a reason.

“Learn from this. Search within yourself, but don’t let this decision dictate your life.”

The bear trembled. Tierney’s words echoed in his mind. I know he’s right… but I just—

Alpha right.

M-my bear?

Alpha right. No argue. Mate… mate is killer.

But did she kill Shaw?

Not know, but she attack lycan.

So what do we do?

We look.

Agreeing with his animal instinct, he bit his lip and looked at the house. Patting Tierney’s shoulder, Dirk walked toward Sarah’s home. He was about to pass Henry before being stopped by the human. “Let me in.”

“No way. You’re in no shape to investigate this.”

Dirk snarled. “Ingle’s out, so that makes me your only detective. I need to figure out if she…” He rolled his neck and shoulders, pushing his feelings away. “If she’s behind Shaw’s murder.”

The chief had a stern grimace, but after a few seconds he stepped to the side. “I’ll take the bedroom.”

Not sure if I could handle that right now. Best he takes her room. Grunting, the bear stepped inside. The scent of her was intertwined with blood. Clenching his fists, he focused. He found one of the officers and approached. “What’ve you found so far?”

“Not much yet. The forensic guy went out with the coroner, but we bagged the pistol and the shells.”

“What’s the model?”

“Nine millimeter Browning.”

Matches the caliber from Shaw’s wounds, but that’s not a lot to go off. “Send for the FBI team, if they’re not already on the way. I want them here to help canvassing.”

“On it, boss.”

As the uni called for assistance over the radio, Dirk took to the kitchen. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, so he started with the drawers. Giving a few junk-laden ones a thorough search, he found the utensils and seethed. The scent was unmistakable. Silverware. Forks, knives… they’re all silver. Add another chalkmark to being a hunter. Stooping, he opened the cabinet under the sink. He felt his heart plummet. In a planted holster was a revolver, stocked with more silver. Was she paranoid? Recalling all of his encounters, he dismissed the notion. No, she was calculating. She could read minds. I’ll probably find more than this. Five bucks says one’s under the couch cushions.

Finished, he went into the living room. As expected, he found a Glock in the sofa. “Henry! Found two more guns.”

“That’s cute.”

The remark piqued his curiosity. He was about to pass the splatter, but he stopped. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and hugged the opposite wall, avoiding the mess. Before he entered the bedroom, he shivered. Sarah’s scent was strong. It took every ounce of willpower to continue forward. I… I need to see this through!

That’s when he saw what Henry had found. A pump-shotgun laid on the bed, as well as two pistols and a few knives. The silver in the air was suffocating. He took a step back and shielded his eyes. She… She’s actually a hunter. Why? Why the fuck would Aliz do this?

Not know.

This looks bad, but still nothing connecting her to Shaw. “Did Sarah ever talk about her dad to you, Chief?”

“Nope. She was real quiet around me after she moved here. Why?”

“None of this makes sense. Her file says her dad’s dead. Passed about a year ago, but she talked as if he was still alive. Hell, she had a call from him over a week ago.”

Henry straightened. “Sounds like we need to find her phone. Check with the unis outside and see if it’s been bagged.”

Following the order, he got the evidence log and saw the phone was there. We’ll look into that later. Let’s go to the backyard. Thought I saw a shed back there.

Along the way, he walked slowly, not wanting to miss anything. He scanned the yard. There’s the shed… and no recent digging. As he reached the door, he noticed two things. A padlock prevented him from opening it. His nose also twinged. No…

He gripped the door and tried to open it, but the odor blasted his nose. Turning towards the house, he yelled, “I need bolt-cutters!”

An officer came running just as he headed to find them himself. The lock snapped off and he entered the small barn. Nothing was aflame, but the scent burned. No… I don’t believe it. I can’t believe it!

Behind a push-mower was a black duffel bag. The cop shined a light on it. Dirk shook as he knelt. Pulling on the zipper, he gagged and covered his nose with his arm.

“What is it, sir?”

Dirk remained silent as he stared. Black boots, black pants, shirt, socks, and underwear. All of it stinks of smoke. He stood and left the shed. Needing support, he leaned against the wooden fence, slid, and sat. Hearing the human’s steps, he sighed. “She did it. She’s the one who killed Shaw.”

He wanted to cry and roar. He wished to shift and run into the woods, never to see civilization again. The one he loved was a hunter and a murderer. Where… where were the signs? Dirk lifted his head and whispered, “Get the Chief. Tell him to come here.”

“No need, sir.”

When he looked to his left, Henry was sauntering to him. “I’m assuming the worst?”

Dirk nodded lackadaisically. “Black bag in the corner. Clothes that smell like a burning building.”

The chief nodded his head to the officer, who took the signal to leave. “Can you tell if it smelled like Shaw’s?”

“Don’t know. The smoke’s strong, but… But everything points to it being her.”

“It doesn’t make sense. How did she get caught up in this mess with Stefan?”

He didn’t feel like having the conversation, so he shrugged.

Henry took the spot next to him, grunting as he knelt. “You were persistent with working the case. This is the time to tell me if you’re good or not.”

Dirk sighed and rested his head against the wood with a thud. He closed his eyes and felt his cheek muscles twitching. “Stefan got to Shaw, so who’s to say he couldn’t talk to anyone on the force. Maybe he’s got an informant with the Hunters Association. Maybe he felt her magic at some point.”

“All sound possibilities. We’ll have to hope she left something on her phone or laptop. Collin’ll go through those over the next few days. Mace said he’ll get the phone Stefan gave Vincent to see if there’s a matching number.”

“Stefan’s smart, so I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”

“Wouldn’t be so sure,” Henry muttered. “Vincent thinks he’d keep the number. The bastard can be across the world in a minute, so there’s no need to ping its location over and over again.”

That’s true. A small pleasantry for him, I guess. “Still, we can see if the EC would get a location on him and send a shadow mage of their own after him.”

“Don’t bother. They’ve tried; it’s in the files. They made an attempt a few years ago with no luck.”

His anger bubbled. The man responsible for coercing his destined was going to go unpunished. He slammed a fist onto the grass. “Fuck!” The rest of emotions flooded within him. Dirk bit his lip and tried to fight the incoming tears.

Henry patted his shoulder. “I’ll give ya a few. I think the FBI team just got here, so I’ll have them take over for our guys so they can head back to the station and pull all info on Sarah.”

Dirk watched as the chief rose and headed for the house. The sun was setting. Seeing the orange sky made him sob. The color… It’s the color of her hair.

***

“Room fourteen. Try to let him rest, okay?”

“Of course,” said Mason. “Ready, pup?”

Vincent nodded. They thanked the receptionist and left to find Ingle’s room. The stench of the hospital was nauseating, but him and Mason wanted to check on him. He got shot because of Stefan. I feel partly at fault for this. “You think he’s okay?”

“Ingle’s a tough guy. Haven’t been shot with a silver bullet, but if anyone can handle it, it’s him.”

The statement sounded ominous. “You’ve been shot before?”

“Yeah, but it was a normal bullet. Nothing a shift couldn’t fix.”

The mage palmed his shoulder, remembering his fight with Griffith in the parking garage. It did hurt, but that was a claw. “What’s it like?”

Mason appeared uncomfortable. “It depends. I was hit in the side when I was in wolf form. It felt like when I was stabbed in the shoulder, but it can be more painful when a bone is struck. Why are you asking?”

“I feel like I should know if I’m ever in a fight.”

The men stopped walking as Mason grabbed Vincent’s shoulder. “Just know that if you’re hit, get out. Got it? I don’t…”

Vincent understood. “I know, big guy. Same goes to you, okay?”

Continuing, they held hands and pumped positive energy into their bond. He’s right; I don’t know what I’d do without him. They reached the room and knocked. “Ingle?”

The lycan was dressed in a baby-blue gown with his shoulder bandaged. Vincent swallowed when he noticed the pink and red blotches seeping through. What bothered him the most was Ingle’s behavior and emotions. The man was trembling, and a blend of anger and sadness wafted through the air. He’s pissed! “Ing—”

“Alpha.”

Vincent looked to Mason. The taller alpha approached. “We wanted to see how you were doing.”

Ingle shut his eyes and growled. “My partner just tried killing me. Doin’ fucking peachy.”

“You’re alive.”

“She shot me with silver. She’s a fucking hunter.”

Vincent leaned against his mate and whispered, “No one knew.”

“But I should’ve,” seethed Ingle. “I rode with her every day. Talked to her every gods be-damned day!”

“She was a telepath. She knew how to act to keep herself hidden. You can’t blame yourself for that.”

The patient stared at him. “What? This entire time, she could read my thoughts?” His lips were pressing against each other before sitting up. “I need out of here.”

Mason got to the bed before he could swing his legs to the side. “Stop.”

“I’m fine, Mace.”

“No shit, but you need to keep up appearances. You were shot. You’ll be out in a few hours anyway.”

Ingle snarled before hurling himself back in bed. “I just need a shift.”

“I get it, but you’ll be wearing a brace for a week or two. Might look suspicious if you go back to work tomorrow without one.”

As the lycan grumbled, Vincent bit the inside of his cheek. I didn’t even think of that! Damn… If anyone saw my fight with Griffith, then I’d have to sit and suffer until I got to the hospital. That sucks! “Did you want some food? I can get you anything you want.”

Mason smirked. “He means that. Anything in the world. What was that you got from Calabria last night, baby?”

“Nduja.” When Ingle raised an eyebrow, Vincent chuckled. “It’s a spicy pork sausage from Italy.”

“Oh… Right, shadow magic. That stuff sounds good.”

“It’s a little early there, but I can see what’s open.”

Looking around, he saw no one was around. His vision went gray as he blurred through the hospital. Checking his watch, he ran towards Italy. After traveling with the compass, he knew to adjust his trajectory when crossing the ocean. It’s still weird to see the red needle change direction when I’m going straight.

Arriving, he found his way to Reggio Calabria, but wasn’t satisfied with the options. Figures; it’s one in the morning here. Maybe Okinawa…

Vincent rushed into the country, nearly passing the city. Whoops! I guess I’m getting faster at running. He wandered the streets with a smile. Finding a vendor, he ducked into an alley, emerged, and walked towards him. He opened his phone’s translator app and saw skewers with chicken and vegetables. That’ll do! Asking what they were and if card payments were accepted, Vincent purchased five yakitori. When he was given the container, the vendor bowed his head. Right, I’m in Japan. Vincent returned the gesture and left.

Once in Ingle’s room, he waited for a nurse to leave before appearing. “Nothing was open in Reggio Calabria, so I got you some yakitori from Okinawa. Hope that’s okay.”

Ingle blinked several times as Vincent set the box in his lap. “I, uh… That’s fine? And what’s this again?”

“Yakitori. I think it’s chicken.”

Mason snorted and laughed. “You didn’t ask what it was?”

“It’s what the guy said, but it smelled great.”

The officer slid a piece off and ate. “Shit… that’s good. Damn, that’s really good! You didn’t have to do that, Vincent.”

“I thought it’d be nice. Might convince you to rest in bed a bit longer.”

Ingle huffed while taking another bite. “It helps. Thanks, guys. Do you know how Dirk’s holding up?”

Mason shook his head. “Haven’t heard, but him and Henry are handling the scene.”

“Figured Henry would step in, but Dirk shouldn’t be running around. He might go crazy.”

“Don’t count him out. He’s a tough guy.”

“Yeah, but he shot his destined. I don’t have to have one to think what he’s going through right now.”

Thinking about his bond, Vincent silently agreed with him. Yeah, I’d go nuts if I lost Mace.

Yes. Lose mate not good.

The three hushed when a different nurse entered, but they relaxed as they recognized her as pack. “Sorry, guys! They got me running around with my head cut off. Mr. Ingle, you’re good to go. Just keep this on anytime you go out in public for the next week, all right?”

She handed him a brace, and as he took it, Ingle prepared to stand. “Justin, miss.”

They flashed a smile to each other, and she twirled her hair before departing.

Mason bent backwards to watch her leave, then laughed. “You mustn’t be your normal self if you let Alexis off the hook.”

“Hm?” The lycan struggled to clasp the strap under his arm.

“Alexis. The nurse that asked for sanctuary a few years back. You’ve had the hots for her since.”

Ingle snapped the clasp into place and grunted. “Right, right. Nah, I’m not for all that right now. Just got a lot on my mind, Alpha.”

“All right. Henry told me to tell you that if he sees you at the scene, he’ll rip you a new one.”

“I’ll take it. Can’t even think about being anywhere else. Can either of you pass me my phone?”

Vincent obliged, but felt Ingle was acting bull-headed. “It looked like they had everything covered. You should eat and rest.”

“He’s right,” said Mason. “Your wound’s been cleaned, but it’s still healing. You’re going to need that food to keep up your strength. But if you’re going to be stubborn about this, I’d head to the station and dig up anything you can on Sarah.”

Ingle nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll eat this real fast. Don’t need anyone asking where I got real Japanese food. You guys mind dropping me off? Jeep’s parked at the station.”

The couple agreed and waited for the lycan to finish his food. During that time, Vincent noticed the officer’s mood changing. He’s starting to smile again. At least we can get his mind off everything, even if it’s for a short time.

After dropping Ingle off, Mason decided to call Henry and get an update. Eavesdropping, Vincent heard enough to make his stomach churn. Pistols and a shotgun, all loaded with silver. How did she keep all of that a secret, especially from Ingle?

“—I’ll check with my liaison and see. We haven’t heard anything about HA activity since the attack years ago.”

HA? What’s that? If he’s talking about the attack where Dave’s brother died…

“I’ll give you a call when I hear something, Henry.” Mason hung up, set the phone in a cup-holder, and palmed Vincent’s knee. “What’s on your mind?”

“What did you mean by HA activity?”

“Hunter’s Association. Not exactly a threat to our way of life, but organized enough to be a problem.”

“How so?”

“They operate off outdated chat rooms, from what I understand. No physical headquarters, but they have a few online operators that review tips and rumors, then dispatch hunters based on the threat.”

Vincent scowled. “I haven’t heard about them.”

“They’re more of a threat in larger cities. I’ll give Remis a call and recommend their pack go on alert.”

“I’ll handle that if you need to call Lily.”

“Thanks, pup.”

Both men retrieved their phones. Scrolling through his contacts, Vincent had to smirk, even for a moment. I’ve never had so many numbers saved. Ever since I met Mace, I met so many new friends. He tapped Remis’ name and waited.

“Vin! Been a hot minute since I heard from ya. What’s going on?”

Hearing the Irish accent made Vincent smile. “Sorry, Remis, but it’s business. We’re thinking we had a hunter living in Owensville and they just acted.”

“Aw feck! Think it was a sleeper, or is it HA?”

“We’re not sure. Mace is talking to Lily about any documented rumors, but he recommends you guys to go on alert or something.”

“Better safe than shot, I suppose.”

Vincent cringed at the word choice.

“Eh? Somethin’ happen?”

“One of our members got shot with silver. He’s recovered, but… The hunter was destined to Tierney’s enforcer that moved with him.”

“Ifreann fuilteacha,” cursed Remis. “Did they catch the bastard?”

“Dirk… Well, he killed her.”

Remis sighed. “Hate to hear that. I’ll get with Ashford and put the pack on alert. Suggest you all do the same. Remind me in a week to plan an eatin’ house day with you two. And bring ol’ furball too! Lad owes me a pint.”

Vincent chuckled. “Will do. It’s good to hear from you, Remis. Tell Bartlett and Ashford we said hi.”

“Roger. Stay safe.”

His call ended, but Mason still had his phone to his ear. He’s probably on hold. Vincent whispered, “Remis says hi, and Caleb owes him beer.”

Mason rolled his eyes. “Waiting for Lily to get info from the EC spymaster. Went ahead and had her check for MPCP and SIP as well.”

“I’ll call Fenn while we’re waiting.”

Once connected, he explained the situation to the beta, only leaving out the destined detail. “Thanks for letting me know, Alpha Bolton.”

“Vincent.”

“Right… Sorry, still getting used to that.”

“You probably have your hands full, but we’re here for you.”

“If hunters hit us, you’re my first call.”

Hanging up, Vincent came to a realization. I’m an emergency responder! Thinking of Holly’s offer, he contemplated working for the EC. It allows me to practice running in the shadows, and I’ll be helping out other shifters.

More fight too.

Right, I could use that experience too. It makes too much sense.

Agree. Work for EC.

I’ll… I’ll talk to Mace about it. I want his input before we throw ourselves in harm’s way.

As he pocketed the phone, Mason set his in the holder again. “Lily said the spymaster didn’t have anything for any of our packs, but they advised us to be on the lookout for the next week. Closest area of activity is up in South Bend.”

“So the EC has a spymaster?”

“Yeah, no one but Marlo and Bylus know who they are. They follow the HA rooms, different social media groups, and anything else that might cause shifters trouble.”

“Right. I think I’m figuring out how structured the EC actually is.”

“They’re good, but there’s still some faults. Like how you were awarded Mesker Park. That was a hole in the bylaws.”

Vincent grumbled. They’re not perfect, but still…

“Something on your mind?”

The mage held Mason’s hand. “I want to talk to both you and Cyrus before taking the next step, but… When I helped take Stuerm to the EC headquarters, their shadow mage said they’re always looking for help. I don’t know if it’s from tonight, or when Fenn said I would be his first call if they were attacked.

“But I think I want to work for the EC.”