Book 1 - Page 41 (1/2)
”Adam was hurt,” I said. ”The people who did it took Jesse.”
”Tell him not to let anyone else know,” said Samuel.
”Who was that?” Warren's tone was suddenly cool.
”Samuel,” I told him. ”Bran's son.”
”Is this a coup?” Warren asked.
”No,” answered Adam from the backseat. ”At least not on Bran's part.”
”Excuse me,” I said. ”But this is my phone call. Would you all please pretend that it is a private conversation? That includes you, Warren. Quit listening to the other people in my van.”
”All right,” agreed Warren. Having heard Adam, his voice relaxed into its usual lovely south Texas drawl. ”How are you today, Mercy?” he asked sweetly, but as he continued his voice became gradually sharper. ”And have you heard the startling news that our Alpha's house was broken into and he and his daughter disappeared? That the only clue is the phone message left on the d.a.m.ned Russian witch's phone? A message that she has refused to let anyone else listen to? Rumor has it that the message is from you, and no one can find you either.”
Samuel leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and said, ”Tell him you'll explain when we get there.”
I smiled sweetly. ”I'm doing better all the time, Warren. Thank you for asking. Montana is nice, but I don't recommend a November vacation unless you ski.”
”Haven't put on skis for twenty years,” murmured Warren, sounding a little happier. ”Has Adam taken up skiing during this jaunt of yours to Montana?”
”He has skis,” I said, ”but his health wasn't up to it this time. I brought back a doctor, but the two of us found out that we need to go out tonight and were wondering if you were up for a little nursing.”
”Glad to,” said Warren. ”I don't work tonight, anyway. Did you say Jesse's been kidnapped?”
”Yes. And for right now, we need you to keep it under your hat.”
”I drove by your houses on the way back from work this morning,” Warren said slowly. ”There's been a lot of activity there. I think it's just the pack watching, but if you want to avoid them, maybe you all ought to spend the night at my place.”
”You think it's the pack?” asked Adam.
Warren snorted. ”Who'd call and talk to me about it? Darryl? Auriele called to tell me you were missing, but without you, the women are mostly left out of the business, too. The rest of the pack is supposed to be keeping their eyes out for you-all three of you-but that's all I know. How long do you need to keep them in the dark?”
”For a day or two.” Adam's voice was neutral, but the words would tell Warren all he needed to know.