windows in this dim, interior room. But she could see Karonski’s expression well enough. Her stomach went tight. “Yes?”
“I’m here for two reasons. Two units, two different duties. I need to deal with the official duties first. You have to turn in your badge and service weapon, pending the results of the administrative hearing. Croft thought it would be easier this way—me picking them up instead of you coming to HQ to do it.”
She swallowed. Swallowed again. Her mouth tasted foul. “My service-issue weapon’s back in San Diego. I never carry it. It’s too big for my hand. I . . .” Her voice wobbled. She forced it steady. “I can get someone to bring it to the Bureau’s office there.”
“That should work. Have them do it pretty quick, though.”
She nodded jerkily. “My badge. That’s in my purse. It’s in the kitchen.” She turned, moving on automatic. She wouldn’t think about this. She’d do it and wouldn’t think.
When Karonski’s hand fell on her shoulder, she jolted.
His voice was low and rough. “You got Ruben out. Even before you decided to join us, you got Ruben out. You did the right thing, and it cost you a helluva lot.”
She swallowed again. Dammit, she was not going to be sick. “I warned him. Rule got him out.”
“And I’d sure like to know how he did that.”
“I’m not sure I can tell you.”
“I can,” Rule said from the doorway to the kitchen. He had her purse in one hand. “And will, but it’s need-to-know, Abel, and I get to pick who needs to know. Not you.” He looked at her. “I can do this. You don’t have to.”
“No.” It was hers to do. Hers to get through. She took the purse from him. Her badge was in a leather folder in the outside pocket. Her fingers were so thick and clumsy it took two tries to pull it out. She held it out to Karonski without speaking.
He sighed heavily. And took it.
Rule moved behind her. She was afraid he’d hug her, try to comfort her. She’d come apart if he did. Maybe he knew that, or maybe he saw her stiff shoulders. He rested one hand there lightly and spoke to Karonski. “Coffee?”
“Sure.”
Lily’s heart continued to beat too hard as she and the two men went into the kitchen. Something seemed lodged in her throat. But she’d be okay. This would pass and she’d be okay . . . for some value of okay. At some time in the future that she couldn’t see at the moment.
Cullen had gone back to messing with his glowing glyphs or runes or whatever they were. The battered journal was open in front of him. Freshly made coffee perfumed the air.
Lily poured herself a cup. Her hands were steady enough for that. Rule handed a mug to Karonski and gestured at the table. They sat. Cullen ignored them.
“So?” Karonski said to Rule. “About that explanation.”
“A brief preface for Lily first.” Rule looked at her. “The communications staff”—his lips twitched—“sent out word that everyone is to report to me rather than Ruben. I didn’t explain. Most will assume it’s because he’s in hiding. I haven’t yet decided who and how much to tell the real reason.” He looked at Karonski. “But you need to know, Abel. Ruben is now lupus and the Rho of Wythe clan.”
Karonski didn’t fall out of his chair. Quite. He wanted explanations. Rule didn’t offer them, save to say that Ruben was well, but as a new wolf he wouldn’t be able to function as a man for some time—impossible to say how long. There had never been a new wolf who came to First Change as an adult. That might make a difference . . . or it might be years before Ruben could rejoin human society.
Assuming he could rejoin that society outside of prison, that is.
Karonski didn’t like it, not one bit. “What the hell were you thinking? If this is supposed to be some kind of improvement, it’s a damn sight—”
“It wasn’t my idea. Abel, think. Do you honestly believe I have the power to turn someone into one of my people?”
He subsided, still glowering. “Who, then?”
“The Lady.” Rule sipped from his mug. “You’ve been briefed. That’s all you’re getting. Now it’s Lily’s turn. Lily, Abel and Cullen will be working under you.”
She frowned. “Abel should be in charge. He’s got twice the experience.”
“Nope.” Karonski gave her a steady look. “I have the experience, but not the time. I’ve got three