The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jenson Guardian 6)

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."

"Thanks, I will."

I headed down, taking the stairs rather than the elevators, not wanting to risk another of those stomach-churning stops.

The smell of coffee hit as soon as I pushed open the door and I breathed deep. It wasn't a particularly fresh smell and it had a slightly burned edge, but any coffee was drinkable when you were as addicted to the stuff as I was.

I looked around for the two women, spotting the blue of a police uniform in the far corner, then headed over to the counter, grabbing two white coffees and a couple pieces of chocolate cake. Once they were paid for, I picked up some sugar and walked across the room.

"Can I help you?" the cop said, green eyes as cool as her voice.

"Riley Jenson, Directorate." I dumped the coffees and cakes on the table, then dug my badge out of my pocket and showed her.

She didn't look impressed. No surprise there. Though the police in general were thankful for our presence - particularly given it freed them from dealing with the worst of nonhuman excesses - there were still pockets who considered us little more than licensed killers. Which, in many ways, was nothing but the truth. It looked like this woman might be one of those.>"Oh, great," he said, his voice heavy but amusement sparking in his pale blue eyes. "Beauty and the beast have arrived."