Chasing the Shadows (Nikki & Michael 3)

I know. He smoothed the hair from her eyes, fingers still hot against her skin. The caring in his gaze almost liquefied her insides. If you're not up to talking to them yet, I can sidetrack their thoughts . Annoyance swirled softly, but she ignored it and touched a hand to his cheek. No, I'm fine . Harris came into the kitchen. His hands were thrust into his pockets, and his expression was a mix of anger and hope. “Well, did anything happen?"

She sighed and dropped her hand. “Yes. I found her."

Her words seemed to galvanize everyone in the room.

"What?” one of the blue suits said. “Where?"

She grimaced. “I can't pinpoint it exactly without leading you there. But she's in a tunnel of some sort."

"Lady,” the Fed said dryly, “between the Bart and Muni tunnels, the sewers and storm drains, this city is a labyrinth of tunnels. Care to be a little more specific?" A train ran past. Ten minutes ago. Michael twined his fingers through hers.

"It's near a train tunnel, I think, because one went past when I made contact—about ten minutes ago."

"Well, gee, that narrows the search area."

"And you were searching where, precisely, before now?” she asked. The Fed smiled reluctantly, blue eyes crinkling near the corners. “Okay, so you show us. Boys, make arrangements."

The police began making frantic calls. Harris thrust a hand through his hair. “Was she ... is she....?"

"She's alive, Mr. Harris. She hasn't been hurt yet.” The lie tasted bitter on her tongue. She swallowed heavily and looked away.

Michael squeezed her fingers lightly and turned. “Tell me, Mr. Harris, just how did those men get in here this morning to kidnap your wife?"

Harris shrugged. “I'm not sure. Anne apparently left a window open in the dining room, and the police think they may have climbed through there."

Michael didn't glance at her, but she knew he was thinking the same thing she was: Vampires couldn't enter a private residence unless asked, so there was no way in hell they could have climbed through that window to kidnap her.

"Did you have any odd callers during the week? A salesman, perhaps, that insisted you invite him in?”

she asked.

Harris shook his head. “Though we did have to call the plumber during the week because our hot water heater stopped working."

She shared a glance with Michael. “What time of day did the plumber arrive?" Harris frowned. “Evening. We were both out during the day, and it was dark by the time we got back."

"And he was the only stranger you let into the house?"

"Yes."

"Do you keep your hot water heater in the house or the garage?” Michael asked.

"The house. Why?"

"Do you mind if I take a look?"

Harris’ frown deepened, though he shrugged. “Sure. It's through that door there.” He pointed toward a door to their right.

Michael squeezed Nikki's fingers then released her hand and headed for the door.

"Hey,” a police officer said, “Where are—"

Power slithered through the air. The officer's words died, and he turned and walked to the window, staring outside. Michael's gaze met hers, almost challengingly. She didn't say anything, and after a moment he disappeared through the door Harris had indicated.

A blue suit approached. If he noticed Michael's absence, he made no mention of it. Maybe Michael had touched his mind, too. She crossed her arms and tried to ignore the rising tide of annoyance. He was right. There were times, like this, when it was simply easier to control everyone's thoughts. It sure beat answering difficult questions.

"There's no way you could define the search?” the Fed asked.

"As I said, not unless I take you there—and I'll need the necklace as a guide. I feel her vibes through it.”