Fox Dish (Madison Wolves #6) (10 page)

"The Madison alpha has indicated to me that one of her pack members has gone rogue. However, she also informs me that the Madison pack has no current ties or interests extending outside of Wisconsin, and if I were to take any contracts for the surrounding areas, she would not mind."

"I can't afford you, Greg."

"I was given to believe you perhaps had some funds available."

"Some, yes. But not the million you need."

"Perhaps you could use better intelligence gathering than you have at your disposal, Michaela."

"What would a hundred thousand dollars buy me, Greg?"

"I can monitor all their communications. I can also tell you if they move."

"Have you been monitoring them?"

"As soon as Lara called me yesterday morning. You stirred them up good."

"I wouldn't suppose it was Johnny Mack or Brody Mortens in the upstairs window."

"I'm sorry, no," he said. "Or if it was, you missed. We've heard both of them making calls."

"Greg, I don't know how to get the money to you. I moved it, but I don't know if Lara moved it back."

"Give me the account information, Michaela, and we'll see."

I dug some papers out of my bag and read the account information to him. There was a pause, and then he said, "The money is still there."

"Greg, Elisabeth tells me I am banished."

"I know," he said softly. "I asked the Madison Alpha if she would mind if I were to hire any former members of her pack. She told me she had no problem with that."

"Did you just offer me a job?"

"I believe I did," he said.

"Do you have to ask Daniel permission for me to enter his territory?" Lima Consulting, Greg's company, was based out of a compound near Boulder, Colorado. Daniel Bancroft was the Boulder alpha.

"Yes," Greg replied.

I thought about it.

"I'm sorry it's come to this, Michaela. Think about it."

"Greg, grab that money. I'm not going to need it. I'll take whatever intelligence you think is wise. If they move, I really need to know."

"I'll send you another phone," he said. "Where do you want me to send it?"

I thought carefully before answering.

"Michaela," he said. "I just took your money. I never stab my clients in the back. You are now a client. I won't report you to anyone else."

"I'm heading to Eau Claire to hole up for a few days. Let them be on high alert for a while."

I heard keyboard tapping. "There's a motel east of Eau Claire." He gave me the name and directions. "How are you on cash?"

"I'm good," I said.

"Don't use your credit cards," he said. "And Wisconsin plates in Iowa are going to stand out."

"Already taken care of, Greg. Thanks so much. I have to go. I'm sure Elisabeth is surprised to see I'm in Madison and already has every enforcer in the pack heading my direction."

"Be careful, Michaela. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

We hung up and I powered my phone down, then turned around and headed for Eau Claire.

The motel was exactly where Greg said it would be. This was the big test. If he was lying to me, I could expect company in the next few hours. I checked in and climbed into bed.

I was pretty sure he wouldn't sell me out to Iowa; I wasn't sure he wouldn't sell me out to Lara. I needed to know.

I woke up six hours later to peace and quiet.

I stayed at the motel for four days, venturing out only for meals. I received the phone from Greg and got daily status updates.

"I don't have any ears on the ground," he said. "This is strictly electronic. But they are electronic idiots; they never change out their phones. I am pretty sure your main targets haven't left the house."

"Is anyone from Madison asking about me?" I asked him on the last day.

"No," he said. "What do you want me to say if they do?"

I was disappointed.

I had photos with me of Lara, the babies, Elisabeth, and Angel. I spent a lot of time looking at them. I brushed the photo of Lara with my fingertips a lot. I kissed the babies a lot.

I missed them all terribly.

I called Greg on the last day. "Greg, am I wrong?"

"About what?"

"About my babies being safer if these wolves know what
happens when they mess with us."

He paused before answering. "No, you're not wrong."

"Greg, when this is over, I want you to spread the word. I want you to let every wolf pack in the country know that the Madison wolves are under my protection."

He started laughing.

"It's not funny!"

"Oh, Michaela, it certainly is.
A fox protecting wolves. That's funny as hell."

"I'm hanging up now!"

"No, Michaela, don't. I'll make sure the other packs all know. How much may I tell them?"

"Tell them I am like a ghost. Tell them they won't see me coming. Tell them I have faked my own death six times so far. Tell them I killed my first wolf when I was six and have..." I counted briefly. "A hundred and eleven so far."

"Seriously?"

"Yes," I said. "Seriously."

"Michaela," he said. "There were rumors, about ten years ago, of a fox in New England."

I didn't say anything.

"You're that fox."

"No one messes with me, Greg. No one!"

* * * *

I drove to Iowa City late that night, arriving at four AM. I found a spot a quarter mile away, loaded the gun with standard rounds, but had a clip of silver handy, and stepped out of the car. I kept the engine running and the car turned towards my escape route. There was no one on the streets. I
threw a foam pad over the hood of the car, leaned down, worked a round into the chamber, and looked through the scope at the front of the house.

I put a round through one of the three visible security cameras. Then, working carefully, I took out the other two
, catching my cartridges as I worked the bolt. I took out the security lights. And then I emptied the rest of the clip into the side of the garage, not caring what I hit.

Then
I calmly got back into the car and cautiously drove away.

Total duration from first shot to driving away:
forty seconds.

I crossed back into Wisconsin at Prairie Du
Chien. No one followed me. I swapped the plates again and returned to Eau Claire. My phone rang when I was halfway back.

"Busy fox," he said. "You missed that time."

"I wasn't aiming at anyone," I said. "Do you suppose they'll be on high alert for a few days."

"I would think so," he said. "Do you know what you're doing?"

"Winging it, Greg," I said. "Any sign the police are looking for me? I made an awful racket."

"And yet, somehow, you got away with it. Your luck won't last."

"I don't need too much more," I replied. "Anything I need to know?"

"They're buttoned down tight," he said. "That's all I know."

"Good," I said. "Have they called Lara?"

"Not through any channel I am monitoring," he replied.

"They must know it's me," I said. "There would be fox scent all over."

"Would you like me to call Lara?" Greg asked.

"No," I said. "It doesn't matter."

I slept for a few hours then got up for a meal. I drove west an hour and called Angel.

"Hey," she said when she answered.

"Can you talk?"

"I can listen," she replied.

"I'm fine. Please, tell me, are my babies okay?"

"They miss you."

"They miss being wolf pups. I think perhaps they'll figure out how to shift all on their own much earlier than most wolves do. They know it's possible."

"They miss you," she said. "Everyone misses you."

I didn't respond to that. I sat on the phone. "Anyway. I'm fine. I'll call you tomorrow."

* * * *

I drove back to the motel and slept for a few more hours. Then I returned to Iowa City
, again changing into the Iowa license plates. I approached from the west. I found a secluded location to park, stripped out of my clothes, and shifted into fox. I shrugged into the harness I used to carry things while a fox, and I went hunting.

It was four AM. Watchers would be sleepy, alertness having faded hours ago. I circled Brody's house, a mile away, listening very carefully. I did nearly a full circle before I thought I heard someone. I heard a brief scraping sound, perhaps the sound of someone scuffing at the snow with his boots. I listened carefully, and it came again, giving me a direction and distance.

I moved south, then east, listening very carefully, but hearing no other noises. I took my time, then slowly moved north.

I heard him again. He wasn't very good at remaining quiet. I stopped and listened for a good fifteen minutes. I could hear small noises from the houses around me, the furnaces running mostly, and a car drove past now and then.

I moved closer to the noise, closing to within forty yards directly downwind before I saw him; his back was turned, and he never saw me. A large male wolf was watching the street where I had fired from last night. I watched from cover. Every now and then, he scuffed at the snow with his boots and stamped around a little, perhaps trying to stay warm. He wouldn't need to worry about that much longer.

I stepped away carefully, silently, and disappeared around the nearest house. I shifted into human, grabbed two knives from the harness, and then crept back around the house. He had his back to me, and I didn't see any weapons. I picked my path, deciding I could get within ten yards while remaining in cover.

It was cold being in skin, but this wouldn't take long.

I moved closer, fighting to remain silent, choosing each step carefully. When he stomped around again, I moved quickly, closing the distance.

He sensed me right at the last moment and spun around, but I closed the last few yards in a rush, ducked under his attempt to fend me off, and slammed a dagger into his leg, ripping open his femoral artery.

I cut off his scream with a slash across his throat, earning myself a grotesque, bloody shower.

The wolf dropped to his knees, then fell onto his face.

I ran back to my harness, stuffed my knives into it,
then shifted into fox. I ran back, brushing away at my footsteps. I brushed away all signs of me, then I ran.

If the humans found him, it would leave them with a puzzle.

I made it to my car. I shifted to human, threw the harness into the car, and quickly cleaned myself in the snow. I jumped into the car and drove away. Ten minutes later, sure no one was following me, I slowly worked my way back. I was very careful, but I drove right past where the body was lying in the bushes. There was no sign it had been discovered yet. I got out, looked around, and found a place a few blocks away with line of sight with this location.

I drove there then waited, first loading silver rounds into the rifle then watching through the binoculars.

It was another two hours before they sent anyone to check on their fallen wolf. I saw another wolf, still on two feet, approach the body. I waited for him to make a call before rolling the passenger window down. I sighted through the rifle scope, chambered a round, and squeezed.

That was four and five.

My ears ringing for hours, I drove carefully away.

I called Greg after I had cleaned up.

"Any sign of human activity?"

"None."

"Anything else I need to know?"

"Nothing you can't guess," he said. "They aren't discussing their plans over their phones, but every indication is they aren't moving on."

"Any sign they're calling in for reinforcements?"

"Yes, but they aren't getting any." He paused. "Lara called."

It was my turn to pause. "What did she want?"

"Nothing in particular," he said. "She said they had refugees."

"From me?"

"Not specifically. More people running from Johnny Mack."

"Was she telling me something?"

"Maybe that the wolves aren't supporting them."

"All right. Any idea how many enforcers are left?"

"Maybe three or four," he said.

"Thanks, Greg," I said.

"Michaela, she doesn't ask about you, but she knows if there was anything she should know, I would tell her."

"Thanks, Greg," I repeated. "I'm going to go now."

I climbed into the shower and cried.

Afterwards, I was too tired to drive anywhere to call Angel. I slept through the night. I stayed in the motel the next day, eating cold meals in my room.

I couldn't imagine it was going to get easier. I didn't like using the gun, but because they were so heavily armed, I had little choice of my own.

I stayed another day at the motel before returning to Iowa City.

I spent four hours scouting the area before taking up a new location. I couldn't see the deck from my new location, but I could see two upstairs windows. I hunkered down and watched.

I got cold.

I got bored.

But still I watched, listening the entire time.

When the sun began to brighten the eastern sky, I climbed back into my car and drove back to Wisconsin.

It was three more nights before my luck changed.
Someone became complacent. Someone stood backlit at the window.

I squeezed the trigger slowly.

* * * *

I drove to Superior via Minnesota, stopping only in out-of-the-way places for gas. I found another motel and slept until noon.

I called Greg. He had no news or me. "They aren't moving."

I drove into Minnesota and called Angel.

"You were supposed to call days ago!" she said. "I've been frantic."

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Lara will forgive you if you come home."

"She banished me, Angel."

Angel didn't respond to that.

"Where are you?"

"Right now? Duluth. I'm not staying, of course."

"There's a wolf pack in Duluth, and they aren't very nice."

"I know," I said. "I'm not staying. Maybe I'll go to Bayfield for a few days. Do you think Elisabeth would look for me there?"

She laughed weakly. "She will after I tell her what you said."

She had to report the conversations, and I understood that.

We talked for a few more minutes. I asked her about school. "You don't really think it's going well, do you?" she replied.

"I'm sorry."

"I know," she said. "Haven't you hurt them enough?"

"I promised them they would all die, Angel. I won't chase after the enforcers, but Johnny Mack and Brody Mortens are going to die."

"I wish you could just challenge them," she said. "You said Johnny was slow, that you could beat him."

"If I thought they'd accept, I'd do it," I replied. "But they're both cowards."

After that, I told her to get back to studying, and to hug Scarlett for me. She was about to hang up and I said, "Angel. Kiss my babies for me, too."

"Come and kiss them yourself," she said, hanging up before I could respond.

* * * *

I stayed in Superior for a week, mulling over my choices. Finally I called Greg. "Do you know the Dubuque alpha?"

"I know of him," he replied. "They stick to themselves."

"Could you contact him on my behalf?"

"Yes," Greg said. "What do you want?"

"I want him to referee a challenge."

The line grew silent.

"Would he do it?"

"I don't know."

"Would I be walking into a trap?"

"Not if I send an observer," he said. "He'll want to know what's in it for him."

"If I die, he'll have the gratitude of the Iowa City wolves. If I win, he'll be rid of a dangerous neighbor. Either way, he wins."

"I'll call him. It might take a few days."

"I'm just chilling," I said. "Let me know."

It took three days before Greg got back to me. "He'll do it."

"Well then, let's find out if Johnny Mack is less of a coward than I think he is."

I hung up with Greg and drove back to Duluth. I used my phone to call Brody
Mortens.

"You bitch!" he screamed at me.

"It's nice to hear your voice, Brody," I said. "How is your sister?"

"Fuck you! Your alpha promised me no retribution."

"I promised you would all die, Brody. But if it's any consolation, I'll make sure Johnny Mack isn't alive to terrorize Iowa."

"What do you want, Michaela?"

"Brody Mortens. You are unfit to rule. I hereby offer challenge."

"You're insane," he said.

"I presume it will be your champion against mine."

"You mean against Elisabeth? I don't think so. If you want us, come and get us."

"No," I said. "Against me. One little fox. Is Johnny Mack afraid of me, Brody? Are you? I'm one little fox. I'm tired. I want this over. I bet you do too."

"Sure," he said. "Stop by. We can do it here, any time," Brody suggested.

"No thank you. I was thinking about a refereed fight. Say, Dubuque? Think about it. I'll call you tomorrow." I hung up before he could respond, powering off my phone.

I spent the night at a motel in Spooner. I called Greg in the morning. "Any news?"

"Brody Mortens called Will Walters after you talked to him."

"Will Walters?"

"The Dubuque alpha."

"And?"

"Will offered to host a challenge."

"Does Mr. Walters know I'll be using silver knives?"

"Yes. He won't allow you to bring any guns with you, but he won't take your knives."

"And he'll make sure Johnny Mack is equally disarmed?"

"Yes."

"How soon can you have an observer here?"

"Wendy can be there with six hours warning. You understand; she is only an observer. She will report to me. You're not paying enough for a full guard detail."

"I understand, Greg. What will you do if Dubuque fails to fulfill the promises?"

"Kill them. And they know that."

"I'll call you back," I said.

I used my phone to call Brody. "So, Brody. Thought about my offer."

"We accept," he said immediately. "Maybe you should drive home to Madison and kiss your babies goodbye."

"I'll take that under advisement. I will have observers. Do you understand?"

"Who?"

"Lima Consulting. This will be a fair fight."

"It will be a short fight," he said. "You're not going to last ten seconds against Johnny. If he were easy to kill, I'd have done it already."

"Well, either way, you get rid of a problem, don't you?"

"Noon, tomorrow," he said. "Say your prayers."

I called Greg back and made final arrangements. Then I called Angel.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey," she said quietly.

"This will all be over by one tomorrow afternoon," I told her.

She started crying quietly. I heard Scarlett in the background, and there was some fumbling with the phone.

I talked quietly, not sure if either of them was listening. I told them how proud I was of both of them. I thanked them for their friendship over the last two years. I promised them they would have good lives.

I didn't promise to call them again.

Finally Scarlett picked up the phone. "We love you, Michaela. Everyone loves you."

"I love you, too."

I
drove back to Eau Claire for the night.