At first, I paced furiously. Peri was at the police station. Not only had she not listened to me, but I hadn’t been able to protect her from herself.

“I’m sure she was just doing what she thought was right,” Stephen suggested.

I paused and turned to face him. I started to open my mouth, but I could actually feel the steam rising up from my gut. Instead, I rushed to the sink, turned it on full blast, and scooped up handfuls of water to guzzle down. After a nasty sulfurous burp, I felt better and there was little danger for our driver at the moment. He wouldn’t become accidentally extra crispy on my watch.

“That’s noble, yes, but not smart. Police…make mistakes. Some are bad…dirty. And since we know Peri’s innocent, there’s no need for her to end up in custody when she could be here, helping us find the actual killer,” I explained as calmly as I could muster.

“I hear you.” He scratched at his beard. “So, what are we going to do?”

“The only thing we can do is find a Draco attorney and try to make sure she’s represented and protected.” I slid my finger across my screen. “Of course, given the fact that it’s a Sunday and we’re nowhere near our Boston law firm, this could be tricky.”

“I’m pretty sure there’s already at least one lawyer here. That should help.” Stephen crossed his arms over his chest proudly.

My eyes narrowed. “What do you mean there’s already a lawyer here?”

“I ran across one yesterday, mid-morning.” He frowned. “He wasn’t on any list for pick up, but he was frustrated…”

"Frustrated how?" I stepped closer to Stephen, who froze. "Relax. This is important so spit it out and try not to forget any details."

Stephen took a deep breath. "Okay, so he rented a car at the airport, Enterprise, but they didn't have the car yet. It was at another lot in the area. He was going to have to wait a couple of hours for it to get delivered. He was furious, and announced he couldn't wait there." He shook his head as he recalled the events. "He spotted me waiting for the next guests near baggage claim and rushed over, demanding I drive him to the other side of town to pick up his car."

"He needed a car?" I frowned.

"Yes, I asked him about that. I explained I had a list of people to pick up and he wasn't on it, but if he wanted, I could drop him at the Biltmore when I brought everyone else. I had room this next trip, since I was only driving a couple."

"How did you know he was a lawyer?" I tilted my head as I waited for his response.

"Well, when I told him I was working for the Draco Corporation and couldn’t drive just anyone who needed a ride, he pulled out a business card and explained he was a Draco lawyer and how else would he know about the event? Then he explained he wasn't staying at the Biltmore, some empty excuse about crowds, but I had the feeling he didn't want to be seen and his presence was a surprise or something."

"What makes you say that?" I eyed him curiously.

"The guy wore a baseball cap and had the collar on his pea coat pulled up around his face.” Stephen demonstrated the posture the lawyer had used.  

"Did you catch his name?" I drummed my fingers on the table.

Stephen shook his head. “His finger covered his name when he showed me the business card. He did it real intentional-like."

"Could you pick him out if you saw him?" I was already opening the browser on my phone and pulling up the Abingdon, Betters, and Morse website. 

"Probably. The man was an ass. He really left an impression." The driver chuckled.

I held up my phone so he could see the screen, which was open to the About page, with a picture of the firm’s lawyers on it. "Is he one of these guys?"

Stephen reached out to hold my phone and enlarged the picture with his fingers. "Yeah. This one right here. He's a real piece of work, but maybe he can help Miss Peri. We don't have to like him, we just have to save her."

I licked my lips and nodded. He'd just pointed out Spencer Morse. Almost everything was falling into place. Now if I could just figure out why he was doing this and how to save Peri, I'd be golden.

I called the phone number found on the website. Naturally, they didn't share the lawyer’s personal numbers publicly, but they should have an answering service. After just two rings, a woman answered. 

"This is the answering service for..."

"I know. I need to speak with Spencer Morse," I announced as I interrupted her. 

"He's not in today,” she replied. "Can I give him a message?"

I could feel the heat building already in my gut. Fearing for Peri was as dangerous as being angry when it came to losing control of my shifting abilities. "Tell him Mishal Draco needs to speak with him. Immediately."

There was a hitch in her voice that told me she recognized the family name. "Yes, Mr. Draco. Is this the best number?"

"It is." Then I ended the call. Through the ages, the Draco name had ensured speedy service. If he didn't respond in a reasonable amount of time, then there was a good chance he was the killer we sought and he thought we were onto him. While I waited, I paced. Then I paced some more. When fifteen minutes had gone by with no phone call, I decided it was time to take action.

"Let's go." I snapped my fingers at Stephen. He jumped, but followed me out the door. 

"Where are we going?" he asked as he held the back door open for me. 

I shook my head and walked around to the passenger side where I let myself in. At the moment, I seemed completely incapable of uttering more than a few words at a time. "Police station," I grunted. “Hurry.”

* * *

The detective didn’t move. Instead, he looked back and forth between us. I couldn’t help but wonder if he knew something I should know. I glanced at Spencer, who had popped open his briefcase and now seemed to be going through his own copy of the file. Seeing him here had me thinking, and the ideas formulated in my mind were disturbing.

“How are you here?” I asked. “You called me this morning and told me to turn myself in. In fact, when we spoke, you never mentioned being in Asheville. That was what…a couple of hours ago at most?”

Jeffries hesitated a moment then disappeared while I was trying to get an answer out of Spencer, who seemed determined not to respond to my questions and I had to wonder why. I scanned the room. One wall was a huge mirror. There was a distinct possibility we were being watched.

“So, you’re still mad that Devon changed his will instead of signing the one you provided?” I shook my head. “I had nothing to do with it. I was completely unaware of either will until he sprang them on me right before the party.” I rubbed my hands together. Suddenly, I felt cold, except for the burning in my gut, but I had to press on, keep pushing. “Devon was so young, and given the longevity of his family, I never would’ve even thought to suggest a will, but you did. You’re a lawyer. You’re pretty smart.” In my mind, I wondered if flattery would have any effect. His head was buried in the file. I might as well not have been talking at all. Then I considered someone might be on the other side of the glass. If that were the case, I could talk to them instead.

“Tell me about this pet foundation you wanted Devon’s money to go to…the Reclaim the Kingdom Project. What does that even mean? Why would he leave all his money to some random foundation you suggested anyway?” I stood up and stretched, testing my boundaries. When he didn’t even look at me, I began to stroll around the room, finally coming to rest against the two-way mirror.

“You know, I’m pretty sure I can decline your services and request someone else.” I watched for a reaction, but Spencer didn’t so much as flinch. “I mean, why would I want you to represent me? Your clients have a history of dying. By last count, Devon was thirteen, right? Of course, until last night, you wouldn’t have even bothered with me. Now…because of the inheritance, I’m worth your time, huh?”

Finally he glared at me. “Stop talking,” Spencer growled. He set the file in his briefcase and strode over to me. “As your attorney, I suggest you remain silent. I’m pretty sure I can get you out of here.”

Fuck him, dangling freedom like a carrot in front of my face. I tried to hide my emotions, but this burning in my body had weakened my resolve. I didn’t feel nearly as tough as usual. In fact, I felt downright weak both physically and mentally. I needed Mishal and I sure as hell couldn’t see him in here. The door opened and the detective nodded at me.

“The results I was waiting on finally came back.” Jeffries tried to make Spencer ask, but the man was cold as ice. “Well, none of these tests point to you, Miss Winkler. You’re free to go.”

I wanted to be excited to leave, but I had no vehicle and there was no doubt in my mind that Spencer planned to take me with him. “Detective, can I have my phone back now? I need to call for a ride.”

“Not necessary. I’ll be happy to drive you wherever you want to go.” Spencer’s tone was crisp, professional, but I could feel him seething below the surface. He started toward the door, passing the detective. Spencer had his hand on the knob when he realized I hadn’t moved. “Let’s go.” Then he pushed through the door and exited the room.

I swallowed hard and nodded. Clearly, I had a choice to make. I could run from this, from him, or I could face him head on. I’d never been a runner. Someone needed to stop Spencer. Looked like it was going to be me. I took a deep, bolstering breath. “Coming.” As I walked by the detective, he passed me my phone.

“You can wait if you’d like a different ride.” For the first time, I read sympathy in his eyes.

I forced a laugh. “I’ll be fine. It’s not like he’d do anything now, right?”

“Hard to say,” the detective whispered. “People react differently when you push them into a corner. And you gave him a colossal shove.”

“Go big or go home,” I joked as I walked out of the interrogation room. I turned and gave him a little wave.

“Be safe!” He called after me.

Without responding, I trekked down the hallway and toward the front door, holding the phone in my hand. As I walked, I slid my finger across the screen and was about to hit my last call, Mishal, when Spencer appeared and ripped the phone out of my hand.

“Thought so,” he muttered as he glanced at the screen, then tossed the phone over his shoulder.

I watched it go skidding across the parking lot and slide under a parked car. Wrapping my arms around my body, I sighed. “Well, this feels strangely familiar. What happens next?” I looked around. “We are a little far from the woods for a good chase.”

“Get in the car, Peri,” Spencer ordered as he shoved me down the steps. “I grow tired of your games.”

I stood my ground. “We’re in front of the police station. Why the fuck would I get into a car with you?” Shaking my head, I murmured, “I’ve always wondered why women do that, why they let some asshole get them in a car when they’re better off staying put. Do I look stupid to you?” I frowned.

Spencer laughed. “Oh, no. You’re very clever, but so am I.” He pressed his pocket against my side and I could feel the hard metal against my ribs. Obviously, he was still carrying the gun from last night.

“So shoot me,” I suggested. “The police will get you before you can harm anyone else.” I raised my brow and shrugged.

Leaning close, he whispered in my ear. “I’d like nothing better. After all, taking you out would soon end Mishal too.”

I froze. “Why would you say that?”

“Rescued by a dragon last night. Then I get a call from Mishal today. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you’re mated.” He sneered.

“We’re not mated yet.” I shrugged. “Won’t matter.”

Spencer nodded. “Oh, but it will. See, once a dragon has found his mate, he’ll get heartsick from not being together even before the mating. Without you, he’ll be dead in a matter of weeks. I’m surprised he didn’t mention it.”

My shoulders drooped. Of course Mishal wouldn’t tell me this. I was in an impossible situation. “And now I know,” I mumbled.

“Know what?” he snapped as he opened the car door for me.

Slowly, I sank down onto the seat. “How the women end up in the car.” I sadly looked up at him while he slammed the door in my face.