beneath her. She quickly grabbed the towel before the water pooled on the floor. The large soft material that she loved, covered down to her knees.
After drying off, she got dressed and went into the living room. Raveena had said to let her know if she needed anything. She needed a ride. Mara searched for a phone. There were phone jacks in the house, just not a phone connected. Did anyone use landlines anymore?
After looking in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, she almost gave up. The last door down the hall was slightly ajar. A large wooden desk sat in the center of the room. She opened the door to look around the room. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books and the occasional trinket.
“Finally.” She grabbed the cordless phone from its stand.
Pressing the power button, she checked for a dial tone. The ancient tone buzzed in her ear. She dialed Raveena’s number from the slip of paper with the woman’s number on it. Raveena’s voice sounded uplifting and cheery. Mara welcomed the lightened mood. When she hung up, she went back to the bathroom to brush her hair. She would kill for a scrunchie to pull her long mane off her neck. She settled for just brushing it back and twisting it into a makeshift braid.
It’d be nice to go home and get some of her things. No way would she go there until Dr. Phenix was caught. It would be too risky. She missed her shampoo. It’s the little things that you missed most. With a sigh, she left the bathroom. A knock sounded loud on the front door, and she knew it had to be Raveena. She hurried to the front door to unlock it.
“Hi!” Raveena walked in. “I didn’t expect a call this soon. What’s up?”
“I wondered if you would take me somewhere?”
“You’re the alpha’s mate. I’ll take you anywhere you need.” Raveena smiled. “Where do you want to go?”
“I need to go to the bear’s compound to talk to the shifter they brought in last night. It’s important.” Mara wrote a quick note and slipped it under a magnet on the refrigerator.
“I have a few friends over there. I should be able to get us in with no problems.” Raveena nodded. “Are you ready now?”
“Yes, I’m all set.” She didn’t have a purse or phone to take.
Mara followed Raveena out and locked the door behind her. She hoped to be back before the guys got out of their meeting. They would understand why she wanted to go. They may not like it, but they would understand, nonetheless.
Raveena’s silver Altima waited in the driveway. Mara missed the luxury of jumping in her own car and going when she wanted. Once they were in the car, Raveena pulled out of the driveway. They’d been riding for fifteen minutes when Mara looked at the time on the dash.
“How long does it take to get there?” Mara asked. Her chances of being done before Xeon and Kyro were getting slim.
“It’s about an hour away. They’re on the other side of the city, out in the country.”
“Sounds good.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get you there.” Raveena pressed the accelerator to speed up.
“I just want to get there in one piece,” Mara commented, looking at the speedometer.
Raveena laughed at her reaction. She didn’t mind the speed, but she hadn’t ridden with Raveena to know what type of driver she was. Apparently, she liked it fast. Up ahead, a car sat in a small cut down on the side of the road.
“Might want to slow down. I think that’s a cop up there,” Mara warned.
“Shit, you’re right.” Raveena tapped the brakes to slow her speed. The cop didn’t immediately pull out when they passed. “I think we’re good.”
After a few minutes, Mara startled by the sound of sirens behind them. Blue flashing lights approached from behind, closing the distance fast. That wasn’t what she needed.
“Maybe he’s on his way to a call,” Mara suggested.
Raveena eased off the road, hoping the cop would pass them. It became apparent they were his target when he slowed and pulled up behind them.
“Man, shit.” Raveena hit her steering wheel. “Ryder is going to give me hell if I get another speeding ticket.” She sighed and hung her head. “Will you hand me the registration and insurance card out of the glove box?”
“Sure.”
Mara glanced in the rearview mirror when the Officer stepped out of his car. The brim of his hat rode low enough to cover