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  Moving down the hall to one of the closed doors, he paused, hearing the soft sound of weeping behind it. Gabriel moved up behind him, whispering, “She is the only one in there that I can detect."

  Adrian nodded and slowly opened the door. Mrs. Masterson was lying face down on the bed, crying. When he said her name, her head came up with a frightened look, but she calmed immediately when she saw Adrian. Her face was badly swollen and beginning to bruise.

  Keeping his voice low, Adrian gestured for her to come to him. “We've got to get out of here, Mrs. Masterson."

  Dakota moved over to her, taking her arm, and Gabriel stayed behind, keeping an eye on the hall. As fast as they could, they hurried back down the stairs and out the front door. Thankfully, the house was quiet, and they didn't come across any of the servants as they bolted for the outside.

  Before they made it back to the car, somebody ran out of the house, yelling. When a shot rang out, the bullet hit Adrian's upper arm before he could dive into the car. The piercing sting drew him up short for a brief second as it went through his arm. Gabriel snarled, whirling around at the guard. Dakota hurriedly got Mrs. Masterson into the car before running for the drivers’ side.

  "We've got to get out of here now!” Adrian yelled, grabbing Gabriel's arm and dragging the vampire into the back seat with him. He'd barely gotten the car door closed before Dakota peeled out.

  Breaking the speed limit, Dakota got them back to the club in record time. Adrian had decided to return there because Masterson wouldn't be able to get past Gabriel's people while they reworked the ritual. Gabriel tore off a piece of his shirt and made a makeshift bandage for Adrian's arm before they reached the bar. After Dakota parked the car in the back lot, everyone climbed out and hastily got Mrs. Masterson inside.

  As they moved down the hall, nobody said a word or approached them. In the office, Dakota quickly shut the door and Gabriel grabbed Adrian's arm, examining the wound. Working quickly, Gabriel bandaged it more tightly while Dakota set things up. Luckily for Adrian, the bullet had only grazed the fleshy part of his upper arm. The bleeding had already stopped, and he would get the damage taken care of, but he wanted to get Mrs. Masterson laid to rest first. He'd never been shot before and it hurt like a bitch; any movement of his arm sent pain through him.

  Mrs. Masterson joined them in the circle as Gabriel stepped away from Adrian, moving to his desk. Adrian let Dakota lead the ritual and lent him energy once the circle closed. Studying her, Adrian felt bewildered. There was solidity to her body, and he couldn't explain that.

  "This just isn't possible.” He frowned, trying to understand why something impossible stood right in front of him. When he reached out, his hand met the resistance of flesh where it touched her arm. He could feel her, but she still had the energy of a wraith, not alive but very much solid.

  Black curls bounced slightly as she shook her head, her brown eyes showing as much confusion as Adrian felt. She clearly couldn't understand what had happened either. She quickly hugged him tight, expressing her gratitude. “I only wanted to thank you for helping me."

  Gabriel stayed silently by his desk, watching both of them with an enigmatic smile, satisfactorily smug about everything. When Gabriel's eyes rested on him, Adrian could feel the touch of ‘mine’ and accompanying self-satisfaction.

  The ritual only took thirty minutes, as Dakota worked like Adrian usually did. The appearance of Mrs. Masterson's body faded to its normal transparent state before she disappeared with the final chant. Adrian started cleaning up the circle of salt and blood with a broom and dustpan, thankful it was all over, as Dakota put his equipment away. Gabriel remained relaxed on the corner of his desk, waiting for them to finish.

  "You better get that arm checked out sometime tonight, Adrian. And while you're at it, keep an eye out, I doubt Masterson will let this one go."

  Adrian swept the mess into the dustpan then moved to the trashcan, dumping it in. “I will on both counts, Dakota, but there's not that much Masterson can do. He can't get his wife back now."

  "Just be careful, okay? Any clue what happened out there?"

  "No, but I'll find out, and keep what happened to yourself, all right?"

  "There go the millions I planned on making off of it.” Dakota grinned, teasing him.

  "Can it, Dakota. Just see if you can come up with anything to explain a solid ghost, and I'll see what I can find."

  "I'll get right on it. Consider it part of the package for Denton, Adrian."

  When Dakota left, Adrian plopped down in Gabriel's chair. The throbbing in his arm started to get to him, but, ignoring it, Adrian eyed Gabriel suspiciously. “All right, start explaining."

  "Explain what?” Gabriel turned a mildly inquiring eye on him with no hint of knowing a damn thing showing on his face. However, the looks Gabriel had been giving Adrian earlier had told a different story.

  "Why a ghost seemed to take on some flesh when I tried to lay her to rest, that would be the what, Gabriel."

  "I have no clue, but it is interesting to see you become more powerful, Adrian."

  Adrian could buy part of that; Gabriel being clueless wasn't that part. Adrian could sense something; Gabriel seemed inordinately pleased behind the facade. Shaking his head, Adrian just dropped the subject. Whatever Gabriel thought he knew wasn't going to be shared with Adrian. “Fine. So that leaves the price of tonight's work to be worked out, and keep it reasonable or you can kiss my ass. What's it going to be?"

  Gabriel folded his arms across his chest. The movement tightened the pristine white shirt, defining the muscles beneath. Adrian's eyes had avoided the half-opened shirt for the past two hours. His record remained intact, and he kept them firmly fastened on Gabriel's face, but he hated the way he shifted in his seat.

  "We will be entertaining several guests at the club on Thursday; I need you to be there. You can use that as one of the two nights you already owe me."

  "I'll make sure Charlie doesn't schedule anything for Thursday."

  "Formal dress is required. As far as whatever else you owe me, I will think of something later, Adrian."

  He didn't like an open-ended favor owing, but Adrian let it slide because he felt like hell. If Gabriel got too outrageous, he knew he wouldn't do it, and they'd fight. “This is as formal as it gets, Gabriel, it's not like my closet overflows with designer suits."

  "Then I will order several for you."

  "Uh, no thank you, not necessary at all, Gabriel.” Standing, Adrian wanted to get out of there before Gabriel could argue the point. Plus, he could use a painkiller, and a side trip to the hospital would take a while.

  "One moment, Adrian, there is the matter of your arm."

  His words stopped Adrian. “What about it?"

  "Would you like me to heal it?” Gabriel patiently drew out the words as if Adrian was being slow to understand.

  "Um, no, thank you. You'd take any excuse to use that tongue, wouldn't you?"

  "It would take more than that to heal a bullet wound. But I do have the ability by simply touching you.” Moving in a blur around the desk to get to him, Gabriel had his hand around Adrian's arm before Adrian could blink.

  "Damn it, Gabriel.” Before he could get anything else out, Adrian felt a warm flash in the region of his arm. Gabriel undid the bandage and Adrian's skin still tingled when he looked down at his arm. The wound had fully healed and not even a scar showed he'd been shot.

  "How did you do that?” Adrian hesitantly touched the spot, rubbing his finger over it. The dried blood had remained but there was no hole.

  "A special ability of mine, Adrian.” Gabriel tossed the bloodied bandage in the trash.

  "Uh, thanks.” He wasn't sure what else to say and wanted to get out of there before anything else happened. It wasn't until Adrian went out to the parking lot that he remembered they'd arrived in Dakota's car. Thankfully, Xander offered him a ride and took him home.

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  Chapter 8


  Adrian's idea of fun in the sun included a swim along with lazing under an umbrella, reading a book. In hand, he had Aiken's latest. It helped to know what Adrian talked about when he argued with Charlie. It'd been more than two weeks since he'd been at the convention center with Charlie, and Adrian had yet to read the book.

  Walking across the hot sand, he dropped the book on the blanket Cas had stretched out. She stood on the sidelines of the volleyball game, watching her boyfriend, Jake, play. Adrian was amazed to see Xander standing not too far away from her in the small crowd. Waving, Adrian wandered over to him.

  "Taking a day off, Xander?"

  "I need one every once in a while. How's it going?"

  Adrian saw a spark of interest flicker in Xander's eyes. The sight of him chatting with a guy got Cas’ attention. Her eyes widened, taking in Xander before giving Adrian the ‘what have you been hiding’ look.

  "Quiet today. Just planning strategy on Charlie.” Chuckling, he introduced Xander to Cas. “Cas, this is Xander, a friend of mine."

  "You and I will talk later, Adrian.” She waved at Xander. “Hey there."

  "Nice to meet you, Cas."

  She suddenly applauded wildly, yelling, “Way to go, Smith!” Jake's team had scored, and her mind had obviously returned to the game.

  "You'll have to forgive her; she's a sports nut, and her boyfriend is playing."

  "Not a problem."

  "Do you want to join me for a swim?” Adrian didn't think Xander would mind him asking.

  "Sure, Adrian. Haven't had the chance for one yet."

  Adrian removed his T-shirt as they walked over to the blanket before tossing it down. Seeing the appreciative gaze from Xander, Adrian's eyes dropped to Xander's chest. The play of lean sculpted muscles held Adrian's interest as Xander threw his shirt down, and it kept Adrian's gaze pinned there until his eyes drifted upward to Xander's face. Clearing his throat when he noticed Xander had caught him staring, Adrian wandered off in a dignified walk down the beach to the water's edge. Xander ran past him, getting to the water first, and Adrian waded through the surf shortly after.

  "Try and catch up, Adrian.” Laughing, Xander teased him before diving into the water.

  He ran after Xander, splashing through the water and then swam, cutting through it to gain on Xander; Adrian never could resist a challenge. Reaching the buoy first, Xander treaded water as he waited for Adrian.

  Once he got close enough, Adrian splashed some water at Xander. “Show off."

  Xander appeared to be in a playful mood, and it rubbed off on Adrian. After winking at him, Xander disappeared beneath the water. He grabbed for one of Adrian's ankles and tugged on it, pulling Adrian under as well.

  When Adrian surfaced, sputtering and wiping water from his face, Xander laughed at him.

  "Oh, now I need revenge.” With a smirk at Xander, Adrian quickly dove under, getting a hold of Xander's foot. He tickled Xander, refusing to let go. Xander tried to push him away, but Adrian stubbornly held on. When Adrian decided Xander had had enough of a thrashing, and he needed air, he pushed back for the surface.

  "How about we call it a draw?"

  "Help me find some seashells, Xander, I could use a few more. Then I'll consider it a draw.” Collecting them was a hobby of his, along with his predilection for Scooby Doo memorabilia.

  Xander joined Adrian, fishing at the bottom, though they only found a few shells worth keeping. After a very lazy, enjoyable swim, they headed for shore. By the time they got out, Jake's game had finished and the players were heading into the water.

  Flopping belly-side down, Adrian placed the shells at the corner of the blanket. He rested his head on his arms as Xander stretch on his back next to Adrian.

  "Are you working tonight?” Xander asked, staring up at the sky.

  "Nope, it's a night off for me."

  Xander remained silent for a minute before turning his head, studying Adrian intently. “Would you be in the mood for dinner?"

  "Are you asking for a date, Xander?” It sounded like it to Adrian, but he couldn't resist asking for clarification.

  Xander reached over, taking a strand of Adrian's hair between his fingers and tugged lightly at it. “I believe I am."

  "Then I believe I'll accept,” Adrian tried to remind himself that he really shouldn't be doing this. He liked Xander; anything more was a complication. Unfortunately, his brain didn't listen, and his gaze slid down to Xander's lips as he smiled.

  "Where do you want to go tonight?” Getting up, Xander offered Adrian his hand. “Does Mariners sound good?"

  Xander kept a firm hold of Adrian's hand, fingers twining with his. Adrian liked the sensation of Xander's thumb rubbing across the back of his hand as they walked down to the water's edge. “I could meet you there; it'd save you driving out to my place."

  "I'd rather pick you up at your place. Maybe I can talk you into staying out a little later that way."

  "You're taking lessons from Charlie, aren't you? I agree to one thing and before I know it, I'm roped into five."

  "That was the hope."

  Adrian had to laugh at Xander. “Fine, you can pick me up. How was the lecture Charlie and you attended?"

  "It was very interesting; Professor Sanderson had some good points. You missed a really good lecture, Adrian."

  "I wanted to attend with you guys. From the brochure I read, I have to agree with the theory, at least.” It had bothered Adrian that he'd missed that one.

  "Charlie got an autographed copy of his book, so you can read that."

  "I'm not even through with the last one Charlie got me.” Adrian would probably have to make an exception and read it. The subject of cognitive archaeology interested him a great deal.

  Xander launched into a well thought out discourse on the main points of the lecture. Adrian felt bemused by the amount of knowledge Xander showed on the subject. Body, looks and brains. Adrian had the feeling he might be in trouble here.

  The sun began to set as they returned to the blanket to get their stuff. After talking to Cas and Jake for a few minutes, Adrian headed out to go home.

  * * * *

  Near the front door of his apartment, Adrian saw Gray waiting for him. “Right here, Gray. What are you doing here?"

  As he opened the door and went in, Gray followed him into the living room.

  "Got a few questions, Debrett.” Gray's expression stayed completely blank, which meant it had to be serious business.

  "I just got back from the beach. Mind if I change first?” The damp shirt already felt uncomfortably sticky.

  "I need to see your upper body, Debrett.” It was an odd request, and he knew it.

  "Upper body?” Adrian had a feeling he knew what this was about, but he pulled off a puzzled face. Masterson must have talked to the cops about their little escapade at his house. Adrian started to wonder if Gray had some kind of arrangement with the police department about his name showing up. Given that it was Gray who questioned him, and not the cops, gave the feeling some validity.

  Adrian reached down, starting to peel the wet shirt off. “Do I need a lawyer or something here?"

  "Depends on what I find,” came the cryptic reply.

  Tugging the shirt off, Adrian stood there, holding it in his hand. “Well?"

  Gray closely examined Adrian's shoulders and arms. A deep frown creased Gray's features, the man obviously not finding what he expected. “Where were you last night at around ten?"

  "At the Sang Erotique. Several people can verify that, Gray. Now what is this about?” Adrian knew if Gray asked anybody at the club, they'd say he'd been there. Which he had been, just not exactly at ten.

  "There was a complaint that you broke into someone's house, and a guard claimed he fired a shot, winging you.” Lifting his hand, Gray ran it through his short, already messed silver-streaked hair. It was a sign he wasn't happy with something. As he shared a bit of information, he obviously wasn't holding Adrian accountable though.

  "I don'
t have a bullet hole in me, Gray, and ask around the club. I was there for quite a while.” He'd just have to call Gabriel and let him know; he could spread the story to everyone.

  "I'll be checking it out. You told me before you had a problem with Masterson, what was that about?"

  "You mean at the coffee shop? I told you it was a guide problem."

  "Yeah, so in more detail."

  "A couple of weeks ago he came into the office and wanted me to bind his wife. I tossed him out. Later I was told that another guide might have done the job. You saw the wraith with him. It was Mrs. Masterson."

  "You laid her to rest, didn't you?"

  "Damn right I did.” If Adrian said no, Gray would know it for a lie.

  "That'd explain a few things. Better watch your back, Debrett.” Gray backed off him for now. Once he had a good explanation for something, Gray would ease up. Finding out Adrian had put Mrs. Masterson to rest would be a reasonable motivation for revenge to Gray.

  After he left, Adrian called to leave a message with Gabriel, warning him ahead of time that the cops might be stopping by and why. Next on his agenda, he indulged in a nice, hot shower. He wasn't too worried about Masterson. Since Gabriel's ability to heal wasn't a widely known fact, nobody would connect the fact he had been shot but quickly healed. Witnesses would give him an alibi, and there wasn't a thing Masterson could do about it.

  Normally, Adrian didn't care to operate this way. A twinge of guilt nagged at him over it, but to him, the wrong of Masterson's action outweighed his own. Yeah, he knew it was a poor excuse, but it was all he had.

  Luckily, Mariners wasn't a fancy place. He'd get away with jeans, but he needed something better than a T-shirt. Other than the shirt he'd had worn to the Mayor's big shindig, he only had two others that qualified as dress shirts. He had broken down and bought them so he would have something more decent to wear when needed. It looked like he might have to expand his wardrobe again.