Page 3 of Craving Their Mate

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“Ouch. So what did you end up doing once you healed?” If the two of them were going to work together, Rider wanted to understand if his friend had some useful skills.

“I started a software company.”

“You fuck.” That was what the two of them had planned to do.

Grayson pulled out his wallet. “I figured you’d say that. It’s one reason why I wanted to partner with you again. Here is a check for the money you lost, as well as what you would have earned the first year I was in business. I owe you that much.”

Rider whistled. The sum was staggering. “I can’t take this.”

“Why not? I know that the money you invested was non-refundable if I didn’t come through with my half. Trust me, I want you to have this.”

“To free your conscience?”

Grayson shrugged. “Conscience or not, it’s the right thing to do. You can rip up the check, cash it, or decide what to do with it later.”

It took a big man to admit he’d been wrong. “Thanks.”

“Now that the air is cleared, tell me what you’ve been up to,” Grayson said.

“After that venture fell through, a cousin of mine, who lives up in Canada, needed some help with addiction. Since I was free, I came up here and never left. I have a place about two hours west of here. It’s quiet, peaceful, and just what I needed at the time.” He explained about the company he’d started.

“Sounds like you landed on your feet. I’m happy for you.”

“I like the physical portion of my job a lot,” Rider said.

“Have you done much contract work for the general?”

“Some. Actually, I just finished a job with him.”

“He mentioned that, but Armand didn’t give me any details.”

Rider shrugged. “Not much to tell. I came in at the tail end of the investigation.” Rider explained about Dr. Elkhart and what he was doing. “The general thinks that Harrison Industries might have paid for Elkhart’s illegal and very unethical operation.”

Grayson whistled. “What proof does he have?”

“I don’t know yet. The general sent an email that I was about to read when you showed up. I do know that Elkhart was on the Board of Directors of the pharmaceutical company. Since there have been an unusual number of overdoses in the area, the general wants us to investigate the company’s owner, Dr. Richard Delancey, for possible cocaine manufacturing.” Rider held up a hand. “I think the thing that pushed the general over the edge was that Delancey was Paul Statler’s step-brother.”

Grayson’s eyebrows rose. “And we know that Paul Statler was as evil as they come. The general never mentioned to me whether Delancey was a Colter. Do you know if he is or isn’t?”

The Colters were a group of unethical werewolves who took what they wanted, whether it be women, drugs, or money. “No, but like I mentioned, I haven’t read his report.”

“Can you print a copy for me? It’s easier than reading it on my phone.”

“I can. Give me a sec.” Rider’s computer case came with a printer.

He quickly ran off two copies and then handed one of them to Grayson.

For the next ten minutes, they both studied the report. Rider tried not to show his disappointment at the lack of concrete facts. “It doesn’t seem as if Delancey and Paul Statler were particularly close in the last few years.”

“Since they lived in different countries—or they did until the general killed Statler—maybe not, but perhaps Delancey agreed to support his brother’s Colter activities.”

“I think that’s what the general wants us to find out,” Rider said.

Grayson pointed to something on page 4. “At least we know the addresses of the young men who overdosed.”

“How will that help? I mean, we can talk to the parents, but I doubt they can tell us where their child bought the drugs.”

“Agreed, but if their child went to a party, the parents might know where,” Grayson said.


Tags: Vella Day Paranormal