Penumbra (Spook Squad 3)

The black sphere responded immediately, zipping into the room to hover inches from his head. “Image recorded,” a metallic voice stated.

“Resume original position.”

Gabriel put on a glove, then reached in and grabbed the dark feather. “It would appear our murderer is a crow.”

“A crow shifter wouldn’t have the strength to tear someone apart.”

“This one obviously did—unless Douglass herself is a changer.”

“She’s not listed as one.” Illie frowned as he handed Gabriel an evidence bag. “A crow is a fairly large bird. Would it even be able to get through a gap like that?”

“Obviously, since that feather is inside rather than out. Crows don’t exactly make great pets, so why else would the feather be here? Besides, there’s blood on some of the quills. Could be an indication that he or she injured themselves coming in.”

“Or going out.”

Gabriel nodded. “Are any of Douglass’s known associates shapechangers?”

“Not that I’ve discovered.” Illie hesitated as Marsdan’s phone buzzed. He gave them an apologetic look and stepped away. Illie continued. “I requested a computer search through Pegasus’s employee files. So far, there are several shifters listed, but none are crows.” He paused, eyeing Gabriel critically. “You’re not expecting a result, are you?”

Gabriel rose. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because this attack came a little too soon after the attack on us. I think someone is either covering his tracks or sending a warning. Maybe even both.”

Illie raised his eyebrows. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

Gabriel told him about the message on the wall. “Penumbra is an old military project whose records were all destroyed in a fire. Given Pegasus’s military links, it’s possible that Douglass knew something about the project.” Especially given her request that he and his partner investigate a break-in and her obvious disappointment—or concern—that the partner he’d turned up with was male. They’d wanted Sam there. Wanted her to do those tests. Douglass might have known why, but her death certainly ensured they’d never be able to ask her.

It was just too damn convenient.

And yet, if the military had killed her to prevent her from talking, why would they leave a message about Penumbra? That just didn’t make sense.

But if not the military, then who?

Sethanon? But what reason would he have to kill Douglass and stop the military from revisiting an old project?

Though if he did know of Sam’s history, maybe he was still trying to protect her. But why would a man who possessed a ruthless and bloody determination to start a war want to protect someone like Sam? If he planned to use her abilities for his side, why wouldn’t he have snatched her long before she’d come to the notice of the SIU or the military?

What was the damn connection between the two of them?

No one knew, not even Sam. Though given what she’d admitted this afternoon—that she was in telepathic contact with a man she recently met—maybe she wasn’t being as truthful as he’d presumed.

And that made it more important than ever that he keep an eye on her. If Sethanon was looking out for her, then maybe his brother was right after all. Maybe she would lead them to the one criminal they’d never been able to see, let alone catch.

“So you think the military was behind the murder?” Illie asked, his voice holding a hint of skepticism.

“No, actually, I don’t.” Gabriel glanced past Illie as Marsdan walked toward them. “Yes?”

“Seeing as you SIU boys are taking over this one, I thought you might like to handle this. We’ve two military men outside who want to come in and view the scene.”

“Talk about timing,” Illie muttered.

“Let them up, Captain. I’ll talk to them.”

“And the first question that has to be asked,” Illie commented, as they followed Marsdan back into the living room, “is how they found out about the murder so quickly. Hell, the press aren’t even here yet.”

“Maybe they were coming to see Douglass anyway. Why don’t you see if you can find an appointment book?”