"That's not exactly legal."
"We don't have to be legal. The reservation is not bound to obey all criminal laws."
A fact she knew. She also knew that it didn't apply to major crimes, like murder. But maybe he was banking on the fact that Candy didn't know that.
He thrust to his feet. “I think the time is right to question her."
She pressed the record button so they had a verbal record of what was going on and followed him out the door and down the short corridor to the cells. Candy swung around as they entered.
"About f**king time,” she spat. “I demand my rights. I want a lawyer."
Cade leaned against the wall opposite the cell and sipped his coffee. Energy stirred the edges of her mind as he reached out mentally for Candy. “You're getting neither until you answer some questions."
Candy sneered. “That ain't legal."
"Actually, it is. This is a reservation. We don't have to strictly abide by human laws."
"I ain't talking until I get representation."
"Then you can sit in that cell and rot for all I care.” He paused. “I hope you enjoyed what you did, because it's the last meal you'll be getting for quite a while."
He pushed away from the wall and began walking to the door. Your turn, he said, as he passed Savannah. You're right. I can't get through her shields.
It hadn't taken him long to figure that out, but she was more than a little surprised that he'd given in so quickly.
Not given in, he corrected. Just acknowledging a fact. In all my years of training, I've never struck a shield like hers. He hesitated, and amusement rippled through her mind, as warm as summer rain. Or a mind as strong as yours. I'm lucky you didn't kick my telepathic ass to kingdom come that night, aren't I?
She wondered if he realized he'd read her mind as easily as if she'd spoken. Wondered if he knew that only someone extremely close to her could ever have done that. Like immediate family. Or the man who was meant to be her mate.
I was under the impression that was the other reason you'd run that night. She flashed him a mental smile to take the sting from her words.
He paused with his hand on the doorhandle and turned to look at her. I never intended to run out on you, Vannah, which is why I've spent years looking for you.
She smiled. Yeah, so you could give me a piece of your mind.
His smile echoed hers. Yes. And whatever else you feel inclined to take.
She raised an eyebrow. Careful. I might take that as an admission of feelings.
And you might be right. He opened the door. You'd better question our suspect. She's just about to blow her top because you're ignoring her.
Tough. And there's no guarantee I'll do any better than you. Her shields feel as strong as my dad's.
It's still worth a go. If she tries anything, I'll be just outside the door.
"Hey, bitch,” Candy said, as Cade walked out and slammed the door behind him. “You going to let him do that?"
Savannah sipped her coffee and pretended to ignore her. Candy slapped a hand against the cell bars, but quickly ripped it away. Anger had obviously made her forget about the silver. Or was it fear? Certainly there was something that sounded an awful lot like forced bravado in the woman's harsh voice now.
"Hey,” Candy said, louder this time. “Don't you pretend you can't hear me."
Savannah finally looked at her. “I'm sorry. Were you talking to me?"
"Yeah. You gonna let that bastard do this?"
She paused, as if considering the question while she reached out telepathically to the other wolf. Candy's shields weren't actually shields but something far stranger—a swirling vortex of power that threatened to suck her in and then spit her out. She'd felt the power of it briefly on the trail when she'd had the woman pinned, but this was like comparing a sun-shower to a tornado. And it was just as impossible to pass through. Maybe the frenzy—or the bloodlust, or whatever it had been—had caused the shield to weaken earlier. If that was the case, then she had no choice but to try to achieve a similar weakening.
Can't do it, she said to Cade. But I think there might be another way to break her down.