The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jenson Guardian 6)

"What have you seen?"

"Scratch marks."

I moved around the desk to look. Gerard's shiny butt loomed large. Fitness and careful eating had obviously not figured on his agenda. Still, some of the most powerful men in history had also been some of the most un-appealing when it came to physical attributes. In life, it was the power of these men that attracted. In death, that power was never obvious.

"What sort of scratch marks?"

"Cat, I think." He pointed to the three slashes etched deep into Gerard's neck. "The wound smells fresh."

The scent of blood, though faint, was evident this close to the body. I leaned closer still, and lightly pressed one of the wounds. They opened a little at my touch, showing how deeply the claws had sliced into flesh. "The wounds haven't healed, so he didn't shift shape at any time before his death." I glanced up at Kade. "You think it possible his partner was a cat-shifter?"

"Well, I doubt he has a pet cat. Bird-shifters and feline pets have something of an aversion to each other."

I glanced at the wound again. "Those cuts are definitely from cat claws, not human ones, so why would she even be in cat form if they came here to fuck themselves silly?"

Amusement glinted in Kade's eyes as his gaze met mine. "Maybe he just wanted to play with a bit of pussy before he got down to business."

"As puns go," I said heavily, "that sucks. It would be interesting to view the security tapes, and see if there's any record of her entering or exiting in either form."

"Why?"

"Just a feeling. She didn't report his death, wasn't here when the PA found her, and the place was apparently locked up tight. All of which smacks of secrecy. So, why would she let herself be seen coming into the building?"

"Assuming, of course, we are dealing with a female."

That perfume definitely seemed female-oriented, but given I didn't even use the stuff, I could hardly claim to be an expert. "Were there any rumors about Gerard being gay?"

Kade shook his head. "But politicians are great at covering that sort of shit up. And the positioning of the body is suggestive."

My gaze skated down his spine to his butt. "Not if she was underneath him at the time of the death, and merely moved him enough to get out."

He stripped off his gloves and dumped them into the disposal unit. "I don't think we're going to uncover much here. You want to head over to his apartment and see if there's anything - or anyone - there?"

"You do it. I'll go talk to the PA."

He nodded and walked out of the room. I took a final look at Gerard, waiting a little longer to see if his soul would come out to play, then shrugged and headed into the outer room.

Cole looked up. "Leaving so soon?"

I smiled. "I'll stay if you really want me to."

"I'm afraid I don't."

"You lie, wolf man."

He didn't deny it, which was a nice change, but his blue eyes were still cool. He was a man not easily swayed by hormonal attraction - not that I really wanted to get anywhere, particularly not at the moment - but half the fun was in the trying. I'm not sure what I'd actually do if he ever said yes. Besides the shock such an event would cause, there was Jack's ruling to consider.

I flung a hand in the direction of the main office. "You noticed the scratches on his neck?"

"I did."

"Want to send me the full analysis and autopsy report when it's done?"

"I will."

"Thanks. I'm off to chat to the PA - what's her name, by the way?"

"Rosy Ennes. You can let her go once you've spoken to her."