“The Variks have a similar understanding,” Rafe agreed cautiously.
This seemed to be going better than he’d expected. Far easier, at least. He needed to get a tentative agreement from Philippe; then he could shove the clan leader off on Marcus for more formal talks, freeing Rafe of any and all entanglements.
“While an alliance could be advantageous to both our clans, I feel that I need some proof of the Variks’ willingness to come to the aid and support of the Arsenaults.”
Rafe pressed his lips tightly together to halt the first harsh words that came to mind. What kind of fucking proof was Philippe looking for? Did he really doubt the honor of him and his brothers?
“As I’m sure you understand, I have to look out for the well-being of my people,” Philippe continued in Rafe’s silence.
Rafe gave a single sharp nod as he pressed down his anger. Philippe was right. He’d loaned one of his clan members to the Variks. He was the one to take a risk. If the Variks had fallen to the Black Wolf clan, the presence of Jullien would have caused problems for the rest of the Arsenault clan. They would have become the next target.
“What kind of proof are you looking for?”
Philippe threaded his fingers together in front of him and frowned. “While I doubt this will be a simple task, I am hopeful that it is not nearly as dangerous as storming the Black Wolf manor.”
“That’s a relief,” Rafe muttered, and Philippe flashed him a grin.
But the smile was gone almost as quickly as it appeared, falling away under the weight of a distinct worry that was plaguing him.
“Piper Arsenault is missing. I would like your assistance in finding her.”
Rafe frowned at the painting in front of him. It was of a woman and child walking through a field of what looked to be red poppies. He remembered seeing the fake in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris years ago, but it barely registered as he turned over Philippe’s comment.
“At the risk of delivering a harsh truth, how are you sure she isn’t missing…”
“But rather, attempting to escape the Arsenault clan?” Philippe finished. There was no anger in his expression. Maybe a little wry amusement and lingering sadness. “I can offer you no definite proof that would likely convince you, but I know Piper. She was happy with us. She had no reason to leave. She’s not one to venture far from the safety of the clan and would not have left us voluntarily.”
“So, you believe she was kidnapped?”
Philippe nodded. “That or she was attacked while out one night, and she has been forced to hide, unable to return to us.”
“Or she’s dead.”
Philippe’s eyes narrowed. Tension in the air ramped up, and it seemed as if everyone shifted a little bit closer. But the Arsenaults wanted the Variks to risk their lives to find Piper, and Rafe refused to do so if Philippe would not at least entertain the very likely truth that Piper had been killed by her attacker.
“Piper has not been destroyed.”
“But—”
“No. I would know if she no longer existed.” Philippe pressed a slightly trembling hand over his heart. “I would feel it.”
“You made her,” Rafe whispered, but Philippe shook his head in denial.
“No, I didn’t. But every member of my clan is important to me. I would know if she was dead.”
Rafe had his doubts, but voicing them wouldn’t get them anywhere. It was best to drop it for now. “I’ll need to speak with my brothers. Discuss this before we agree to anything.”
Philippe nodded. The sadness evaporated from his face, yet the cheerful, sunny look didn’t return. He stared straight ahead at the painting, but Rafe didn’t think he was actually seeing it, his thoughts likely far away. At the very least, he didn’t seem upset that Rafe wasn’t automatically agreeing.
“Should we agree to help you locate Piper, I would expect Winter to start digging—”
“No,” Philippe said, his head snapping around to look at Rafe. “I want you to help in this endeavor. Should the Variks agree, I am willing to speak with you. Only you will have safe passage on Arsenault property.”
Rafe frowned. “This kind of…detective work isn’t my specialty. That’s Winter’s thing. Trust me, Winter has contacts everywhere. He knows a little bit of everything. He’s got the best shot at finding Piper.”
“And you have a way of creating the most popular nightclub within a city. Every clan finds its way to your club. I’m sure you hear plenty of secrets and whispers. You can find Piper.”
Rafe struggled not to clench his teeth. He wanted to help Philippe, but he knew his own limitations. Being sneaky wasn’t one of his strengths. Okay, he was perfectly dreadful at being sneaky. He was bold and outrageous. He was the center of attention.