He was describing a batch of masterless rogues, the kind I used to track, stake, and leave true-dead. “I want to see the vid,” I said.
The younger Younger nodded.
Wrassler said, “Yes, ma’am,” like a good Southern gentleman of a recent but bygone era. “And some good news. Derek showed up on the HQ steps. He’s been beaten to a pulp and bled nearly dry, but he has a heartbeat. Vamps are feeding him and will turn him if needed. He signed the papers.”
Derek had signed papers permitting himself to be turned if he died? “Oookaaay. Tell him if he grows fangs, we’ll get Amy Lynn Brown down there to get him through the devoveo as fast as possible. And make sure his mother has someone to continue her treatments.” Derek’s mom had cancer and Derek was working as the full-time NOLA Enforcer to keep her fed and healing. Last I heard she was holding her own. And then it hit me that Amy was here in Asheville. In danger.
I cursed again, this time under my breath. One step at a time, my old life and responsibilities in New Orleans were descending on me. I could run away again. I could turn human and die. Or I could stay in half-form and deal with treachery. Save my friends.
Gee and Shaddock entered the back door. I could smell their magic and mixed scents on the air. “Gee, Lincoln, get in here,” I called. “I need advice.”
“I attend my queen,” Shaddock called back. I had a feeling he was picking on me and when I saw his face, I was sure of it.
Brushing sleet off his shoulders, Gee said, “The little goddess has my attention.”
I would deal with the goddess stupidity later. I didn’t know if Gee called me that because I could timewalk, or because of the power I had over le breloque, or if it was because of the curse of the Anzu that kept his kind from truly shifting shape. Or just to be annoying. And I didn’t have time to figure it out now.
“First, is Amy safe?” I asked Lincoln.
“Yes. The little girl, my scion, is safe,” he said, his expression going grim.
Relief eased the unexpected tightness in my joints, but a tension headache was starting behind my eyes. I used to have a lot of those in NOLA.
I nudged Alex. “Explain it to them all so we’re all up to speed. Wrassler, you’re on speaker. It’s Alex, Gee, and Shaddock. Everyone else is stuck in Asheville in a snowstorm.”
“Huh. It’s spring here. We got green tomatoes in the garden. I’m putting you on speaker here so the security team can listen in. The cops are banging on the door, but they can wait.”
Alex talked. Wrassler talked. It didn’t take long to get everyone properly debriefed, except Eli and Bruiser, who weren’t here to advise me. Wrassler said, “We got a warning from a loyalist in Spain who says Shimon is in the U.S. for several things: he wants le breloque, new territory, and Amy Lynn.”
“Everyone wants Amy. Okay. Go talk to the cops,” I said. “If they don’t have warrants, don’t let them in. If they do have warrants, stall. Remind them that the HQ is actually a sort of ambassadorial location and get the State Department involved to slow them down. If they are there to ask for vamp backup at NOPD, call the local clans and get some experienced fighters there to help law enforcement. Call . . .” I stopped, a stutter of surprise at what was coming out of my mouth. “Koun. Did he accept the position as Acting Enforcer of Clan Yellowrock until Derek is found and can resume his duties?” I asked.
“Yes,” Wrassler said. “He said he’s yours to command.”
I’d be testing those bonds of loyalty. “Tell him I said to organize the Mithran resistance.”
“Yes, my queen,” Wrassler said.
“Call the Robere twins in Europe and get them to talk to the cops if needed.” I paused, thinking through the list of things I needed to do, like acquire new legal counsel. I needed a high-profile, high-powered legal team. “We need a legal office on retainer in NOLA, someone with experience in international law and finances. Is that something you can handle?”
“I can make some calls. I’m thinking ABC—Aurieux, Boutté and Cuvert De Boisblanc. They’ve got thirty-five lawyers on retainer and can help with everything from family law to customs problems. If they don’t deal with it, they’ll find someone