Part 3 (1/2)

Please dont make this any more difficult than it needs to be.

But Ive already told you I didnt see anything. Your computers were wrong. So I dont see why you need to come in.

Agent Farley, who seemed to be in charge, addressed his next words to the guys whod spilled out of the second suburban and approached.

Take the woman into custody and then search this place.

Hold on a second, she protested as they advanced on her, three men dressed in black combat gear replete with helmets and holstered weapons. s.h.i.+t was starting to get uncomfortably serious and tense.

Is there a problem?

Viles sudden question from behind her had her almost groaning. So much for bluffing her way out. Agent Farley would take one peek at his purple face and the jig would end.

Except the guys in front of her didnt react, but they did halt as Agent Farley said, Who are you?

An arm slid around her waist as Vile replied. Her mate of course. My name is John. John Smith.

The most ba.n.a.l name in existence, which matched his totally ba.n.a.l human appearance.

Having peeked at Vile when he replied, Jilly had to consciously remind herself to not let her jaw drop as her previously purple, fanged visitor now sported Caucasian skin, normal, flat-edged teeth, and what appeared to be a plain white T-s.h.i.+rt and jeans.

Odd because pressed against him, her hand clearly touched fabric that was not denim-like in texture.

The file we compiled on the way over made no mention of a boyfriend, said the government honcho with suspicion.

I didnt know big brother was interested in my love life, she retorted, quickly recovering from her shock and doing her best to play along.

Not that it mattered.

Grab him too, Agent Farley ordered.

I would advise against it, Vile/John replied in a low voice at odds with the genial expression on his face.

Now listen here, you are going to let us in so we can search the premises.

But we have nothing to hide, Vile practically purred the words.

Well make our decision on that. Move aside. We need to”

Leave and report to your superiors you found nothing suspicious. Again, the words flowed from Vile in a silky torrent that made her s.h.i.+ver.

We found nothing suspicious, the men, all six of them on her porch, repeated in a freaky monotone.

You investigated the premises, questioned its occupant, and are satisfied she is hiding nothing.

Hiding nothing, they aped.

Leave now.

As if possessed of one mind, the men turned on their heels and marched back to their trucks. In moments, they had turned around and all she could spot were their taillights in the distance.

Theyd left?

Just like that.

Impossible.

Holy s.h.i.+t. What the h.e.l.l did you do to them?

I reasoned with them.

That was more than reasoning. Its like you hypnotized them.

Perhaps. But it wont last. With that ominous announcement, Vile relinquished his grip on her and disappeared into her house.

Gaping at the now empty drive, Jilly took a moment to calm herself.

She tried counting.

Oh my G.o.d, the feds were here. But Vile took care of them.

Nails dug into her palms.

He messed with the minds of government agents. That is bad. So bad.

Irritation simmered. Reminding herself that anger accomplished nothing didnt help, especially since Grandma had raised her. Was it any wonder she couldnt stem the explosion?

Chapter Four.

Collector rule number two. Let nothing, especially not morals, stand in the way of you and your needed treasure.

What the h.e.l.l do you mean its temporary?

The human female didnt quite yell at him, but her tone was not docile, or soft. Nor was her expression at all happy.

Mental manipulation is only a short-term tool. Eventually, those with any kind of intelligence will realize theyve been tampered with and override the commands.

So that means those dudes will find out you screwed with them, and come back.

Probably, but by then I should be long gone.

Well la-di-da for you. What about me?

What about you?

Are you truly so self-centered? Thats great that you get to walk away, or should I say zoom off in your flying saucer, but I still have to live here. Id prefer to do so in my house and not behind bars.