Full Moon Rising (Riley Jenson Guardian 1)

"You would have killed yourself."

His smile was grim. "Maybe. Maybe not."

I had a feeling he wouldn't have really cared either way as long as he'd discovered the truth. "Did he tell you he was going to commit suicide?"

"No, but I've known him forever. I should have guessed what would happen."

"How could you guess that a man who had lived so many years would kill himself over a worthless werewolf?"

"Exactly," he growled, then glanced at me, his expression no softer. "Present company excluded."

Present company not excluded, and we both knew it. He might allow himself to want me physically, but he would never allow himself to want anything more. Because of his ex. Because of his friend's ex. Which meant no matter how hard I fought to keep exploring, in the end we would part. And that was a damn shame, because we could have been good together. More than good

"What happened to her?"

"She's dead."

No surprise there. "She didn't tell you anything before you killed her?"

"I didn't kill her. She was dead when I found her."

"And you didn't think that a tiny bit suspicious?"

"Marnie loved fast cars and high speeds. She lost control on a wet road and slammed into a tree. There were witnesses. I thought it justice and let it go."

"Did you question the witnesses?"

His glance was dark. "No. At the time, I had no reason to believe it was anything more than an accident."

"And now that you do?"

"I cannot find the witnesses."

Surprise, surprise. "But why would they snatch someone so famous for the clones? Even if he was the best of the best, surely they must have known the emergence of the clones would eventually raise eyebrows?"

"Not really. Henri's death was widely reported and ten years is enough time to wash away the public's memory of him. Besides, the clones do not resemble him exactly, even if they are genetically identical."

"But if you are old friends with Director Hunter, then she would have been aware of your friendship with Henri. Why didn't she mention Gautier's resemblance to him?"

His expression darkened. "Because she was hoping Gautier would lead her to his source."

I studied him for a moment, then said, "And because she knew you'd want immediate action, therefore possibly fouling her own investigation."

"Yes. Not that her investigation has given any results so far."

That was because Gautier was a sneaky bastard. "And in the year you've been hunting these clones, you've made no inroads on where they might be coming from?"

"No. But I'm fairly certain they're not military."

"Why?"

"Because while I have no doubt the military are striving to create the ultimate soldier, I very much doubt that they would allow their creations to walk the streets and raise suspicions."

"So you think it's a private company with visions of taking over the world?"

He smiled. "Maybe just a country or two. Conglomerates these days are into power as much as money. Control the government, and you have the power."

"So bribing or blackmailing politicians has fallen out of favor?"