Page 5 of Prey It By Ear

I grin broadly as he looks pleased with my agreement, shrugging off the looks of doubt on Felix and Aubrey’s faces. “I know we’re not supposed to split up because someone could kidnap Daphne or whatever. But these two people are connected to high places, so we need more intel on them. It’s not like we’re going to get a day pass onto the Erickson Cloud Campus, is it? No, nor will anyone invite us to tea at the Shirdal Estate. We have to dig when the shovels are handy.”

“I’m ready to make a hole, baby,” Fitz says as he leans over to look at his brother. “Put me in, Coach.”

Felix shakes his head as he gives his twin a reproachful look. “Fitz, you are not in the headspace to slink around a fancy dining room to figure out where either of those people are staying. You also can’t blend in enough to skulk through the cars without being noticed.”

“I can, mon ami.” Renard finally stops his writing to sit up in his chair with a cat-like grin. “Chester and I can, more specifically. We will not be recognized as Khans, nor are we large like Flames. Neither of us sticks out like our rainbow-haired mate, either. It is the best plan; don’t you agree?”

“Actually… I do.” The elder twin looks at Chessie, his eyes narrowed as he inspects the cheetah. “Do you think you can do this? I don’t want to put you in danger, but our stony friend is right about who is innocuous enough to roam the cars without drawing too much attention.”

Chessie nods, reaching up to tie his hair in a loose knot. “I can do it, Felix. Plus, if I take India’s cabin, I’ll know what to look for. It might not be as obvious to others.”

“I assume I’m looking for financial documents, Society or business docs that reveal shady things, and all that, oui? I can photograph everything, and we will examine it later in the day.” Renard winks at me, his face full of mischief.

I’m not thrilled to have either of them at risk and alone, but I wasn’t kidding about taking minor risks when the reward might be worth it. We’re running out of time to get this damn Society bullshit solved before the Fae lady pushes the preds to declare war publicly. “Please be careful,” I murmur to them. “Do not take unnecessary chances. I can’t lose either of you.”

Aubrey and Fitz give their mates stern looks that I guess are the ‘dudes in public’ version of my sentiment, and I watch as my guys rise to leave. Chessie stretches and then heads for the bar, perching on a stool close to the section where the Shirdal chick is located. Rennie passes the Vesper guy completely, exiting the dining car with purpose. I guess he’s planning to find out where the tech snake is staying without being present here.

“So what are we doing then?” Fitz says as he grabs my hand. “I could go for some food with our hot goss. No one ordered before we got distracted by our Sherlocking.”

Felix rolls his eyes, but waves a server over. Once we’ve placed orders for fresh drinks and food, the elder twin scratches his chin. “You know, it’s possible these people are plants for us, too. Awfully big nukes to drive tiny nails by sending such high-profile people, but it’s possible. Have you heard anything about Lucille recently?”

Making a face, I reply, “No. There was a snide voicemail about her not knowing where I went this summer and how I shouldn’t expect her to support me if I’m not willing to play the game properly… but nothing substantive.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Aubrey says firmly. “You do not have to bow to her wishes anymore—not with us as your mates.”

“Most of us…” Fitz says with a sly grin. “C’mon, big guy! You've gotta get with the program!”

I elbow the tiger hard. “Leave Aubrey alone, Fitz. Everyone moves at their own pace, and I care about all of you equally, but in different ways. Don’t be a shit-stirrer because you hate that Felix wouldn’t let you pretend to be James Bone.”

“But Baby Girl, I’m fucking amazing at spy shit—you know that!”

“Fitzgerald, this is not the time or place for your theatrics. Look at how everyone in this car is not acting like a sugar-addled toddler.” The dragon chuckles and arches a brow. “Now convince me you could zoom around the train without humming spy music or get noticed when you’re trying to find out what cabin they are in.”

Glaring, Fitz sighs dramatically. “Fine. Fancy Pants Land is not my optimal secret agent environment. You win, Caliente Caiman.”

Turning in my seat, I pull the pouty tiger closer and kiss his lips lightly. “Admitting our weaknesses is as important as using our strengths to get what we need, baby. Aubrey isn’t gentle with his criticism, but even I know that you and I weren’t the fit for this mission. But we will be for others, and when we do, it’ll be a blast.”

“Like that damned vampire nest area at l’Academie,” Felix says. “We’ll have to go back and check it again when we get back. If the supposed bloodsuckers were gone before, we have no idea if they’ve returned just like us. Knowing they might have been in some of the places our friends visited made me nervous before, but imagining them returning to the school quietly is worse.”

“That’s going on the new planner board when Chessie sets it up,” I say with a grimace. “I don’t know how fast we’ll get to it because we’re going to cut it close to the start of the semester…”

“But we won’t forget, and we won’t let some Lost Bats rejects catch us unaware,” Fitz declares.

Aubrey looks pained, and I chuckle softly. My men bicker, but they love each other and me, so it’s never as dramatic as they make it out to be.

If only that were the case about my enemies—they’re always worse than I imagine.

Sneaking

Renard

I wasn’t bragging when I told my family that I would be better suited for this mission. Each of us has different strengths, and Fitz’s most effective one is being a giant sledgehammer. Chester and I are quieter, less obtrusive, and far more likely to creep through the train without people staring at us. Division of labor is vital when we have so many enemies hiding in plain sight, and, like the Raj, I am concerned that we have seen no one reveal themselves during this trip.

Of course, perhaps the universe thought my parents’ revelations were enough for one season?

It’s possible, but not likely, as Fate is rarely so kind. Our stay within a protected zone is probably why we avoided a trail of spies or assassins, but now that we are in the public eye once more? They will find us if they have not already. Looking around as I check the indicator on the bathroom door, I pretend to be grateful when I can open it and step inside. It’s not nearly as nice as the one in our cabin, but my momentary pause here is only about appearances, not for actual use.

Creating a plausible path to the other end of the train is essential to chatting up staff and locating the cabin that belongs to the Erickson toady. Certainly there will be people who work for the Simplion who are muttering, especially as I head toward the more affordable cars. If I can slink through them without arousing suspicion, I will get near the luggage compartment and the staff areas. That’s where the genuine gold lies regarding gossip, and it’s where I’ll find out what I need for my search.