Free Chasing Midnight (Dark of Night Book 2) by Ranae Glass Page B

The problem was that Isabel had proven herself smart, capable, and dangerous. Part of his being sent back to her was that he was supposed to keep an eye on her. Which basically meant make sure she was staying out of Conclave business and keeping her mouth shut about the things she’d witnessed there.
    He strode up to Xavier’s office door, which was closed, and knocked twice. Ahnarra, Xavier’s second in command, answered. She wore a perfectly fitted grey business suit that clung to her, making her look less masculine and more like day-trader Jessica Rabbit. The effect was completed by her long, red hair and vibrant green eyes. She motioned for him to enter.
    Walking past her into the room, he saw Xavier standing behind his tall desk chair, hunched over it as he gripped the back. Other than the three of them, the room was empty. Shane gave Xavier a bow, their formal acknowledgement, and took a seat. Ahnarra slipped out.
    “Shane, how are things at Stone PI?” Xavier asked, his mouth half smiling.
    “A bit slow, truly. Isabel has been worried, but it appears that her sister has gotten some sort of scholarship, so a bit of the financial burden has been relieved.”
    Xavier’s smile widened. For the first time, Shane realized exactly where that mysterious scholarship came from. He clenched his teeth until his jaw muscles twitched. Just another thing Xavier could someday hold over Isabel’s head. Maybe he could subtly encourage her to dig into the foundation. She was resourceful; she would be able to connect the dots. Then she would finally give Xavier the royal kick to the curb he so desperately deserved.
    “I’m glad to hear that. I know how important her family is to her.” Xavier was still smirking. “I called you here because I have an assignment for you.”
    Shane sat forward. His official post was as liaison between the Conclave and the local police, but that had yet to bear any fruit other than a few sound bites about the new level of Conclave and human cooperation.
    “Isabel’s father was looking into something before he died. A file somewhere in his old belongings details that case. I want you to find it and bring it to me.” Xavier stepped forward, leaning on the edge of his desk, folding his arms over his chest. His expression had shifted from mischievous to downright cold. “Isabel must never see that file or know of its existence.”
    Shane swallowed. Biting back the million questions that hovered on his tongue, he nodded.
    “Good. The file will be labeled either Ambrose or Project Genesis. You have access to these files?”
    Shane nodded. “I do. But she has been using this slow time to convert all of her father’s old files to electronic. She has them pretty organized. How do you know she hasn’t already come across it?”
    Xavier snorted. “Because if she had, I’d already have a few bullet holes in my head.”
    “What’s in the file?” Shane blurted. If he was going to go behind Isabel’s back, he’d better have a damn good reason to do so. Plus, anything that would make Isabel want to shoot Xavier had to be a good thing.
    In a blink, Xavier was nose to nose with Shane, his face tight as he bared his fangs. “That is none of your concern. Just get the file and bring it to me. As soon as possible.”
    “Of course.”
    Xavier backed off slowly. “Good. Also, you should know that Mercy will be released on Monday.”
    “So soon?” Shane had been eaten up with guilt since Isabel had been forced to defend herself against his one-time girlfriend. Maybe jumping into a relationship with Mercy had been a bad idea, but Isabel’s rejection had put him in a bad place. Having Mercy had eased the ache. If he’d known how toxic the situation would become for all of them, he’d have thought twice.
    “Her punishment has been served. If you intend to continue your relationship with her, you should be aware that she is forbidden to enter Isabel’s home.”
    “I understand,” Shane said,