Free Scorched Fury: A SkinWalker Novel #5 (DarkWorld: SkinWalker) by T.G. Ayer Page A

smile and a wave. Inside, I sat in one of his wingback armchairs without being asked, my fatigue over-ruling my manners.
    At this point in my day, not to mention my life, I didn't particularly care. Horner didn't seem to care either as he got to his feet and joined me in the chair beside me.
    "What did you discover?" His voice was, as always, calm to the point of irritation.
    I liked that he'd dispensed with all formality. "I have it on good authority that the Chicago Tree isn't the only one to be affected." I blew out a soft breath.
    "Which tree?" Curiosity.
    "Boston."
    "Any others?"
    "That's your department." I wiggled my fingers. "Use your contacts. I suspect you'll find the problem widespread."
    "Why do you say that?" Concerned now.
    "Because of the toxin."
    "I've received a copy of the tox panel." He gave a nod, urging me to go on.
    "Because of the nature of the toxins. Firstly, they're not of this earth."
    A neutral nod.
    "Secondly, I know someone who suspects the toxins have a Faeland origin."
    "Which would explain why we don't have a record of the plant." Calm observation.
    I shifted in my seat, picking at a loose thread on the arm of the chair. "We still getting nowhere with the Fae High Council on info sharing?"
    He shook his head. "Not when it comes to cataloguing their flora. They seem to think our awareness of their plant life would endanger their very existence."
    "Where there's smoke..."
    He huffed and sat back. "You have a point. I'll pursue it with the Elders. In the meantime, what's your next move?"
    I hesitated.
    He tipped his head to study me, then said, "Speak." Admonition and encouragement in one word. How did he do that?
    Clearing my throat, I said, "I've gotten as far as I can go with the Chicago Ash. Until I hear back from my contact there isn't much I can do except twiddle my thumbs." I rubbed the armrest of the sofa. "I need some personal time. Logan needs . . . I . . . there is something I need to do."
    He got to his feet. "If it's concerning Westin then I consider that Elite business."
    I frowned. "He was never officially made an agent."
    "Be that as it may, I'm confident that he would have accepted our offer, and as such I consider him an agent. Any time spent on helping him will be treated as official Elite business. If that helps you at all."
    "It does, thank you." I got to my feet too.
    "You may report to me whatever you deem necessary. I'm well aware that this is personal, but there may be other factors that you'd prefer to use your discretion with in terms of making it public knowledge."
    My turn to watch him carefully. What was he trying to tell me?
    I nodded, then cleared my throat. "I'll let you know the moment I hear anything about the tree. Thank you."
    He gave a regal nod. "And do keep us updated where Westin is concerned. I trust he is well?"
    "As well as can be expected."
    I backed away and exited before he asked me any further questions. Horner and Carson, his co-director at the Elite who concentrated more on Forensics, had always given me an odd feeling. My gut said they weren't entirely who they claimed to be. They didn't feel like simple Mages. And they weren't of any other major paranormal species that I recognized.
    Immortals? I'd played around with the idea that they were Ancients, like Darian, who'd saved me a few months back.
    I'd often gotten the feeling that both men could be just like Darian. But unless they confessed, I had little chance of finding out the truth.
    For now, my mind was focused on Logan.

CHAPTER 12

B ACK IN L OGAN ' S room I sat on the loveseat by the window, my cup of tea sitting on the sill, long cold as I stared at nothing. I knew I had to call Darcy, but a part of me was hesitant. As if I knew that taking that step would change things forever.
    At last I grabbed my phone and made the call. Darcy answered on the second ring and sounded keen on helping, especially if it concerned Logan.
    Before I could offer to arrange transport, Darcy assured me that