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“I…” I glanced at Julian who stood waiting as though they’d just exchanged an entire conversation. “Why couldn’t you have just texted that?” I finished, instead of stating my own business. “And when are we going?”

Julian pressed his lids closed for a moment. “The summons does not concern you, Doctor. Nor does my communication method.”

My mouth dropped open, shocked that he would speak to me that way, even in front of the general.

“Doctor, report,” the general barked, startling me back to reality.

“As soon as the lieutenant leaves, since this doesn’t concern him either.”

Julian dipped his head and stalked back to the waiting elevator. I waited until he disappeared then blew out a breath.

“First, I want to know the status of the babies,” I said, arms folded.

“That’s classified. What else?”

Bristling, I took a moment to formulate somewhat appropriate words in response. “I not only discovered them but helped deliver them. I’m working on their mother’s murder investigation. I want to know they are safe and cared for.”

The general’s face purpled slightly, as did his aura. “They are safe and cared for.”

Since it was crystal clear I would get no more information from him, I changed subjects. “I was told you put a stop to me receiving a vehicle.”

“You have nowhere to go outside of the island, as per our agreement. It’s an unnecessary expense. “Anything else, Doctor? I’m busy.”

“This island isn’t entirely walkable,” I argued.

“The base will pay for the island taxi when needed.”

Island taxi? Before I could ask, the petite woman I recognized once again as Private Jensen approached the general’s side. Something moved behind her, and I thought for a moment it was some of the general’s aura tendrils, but it was more like shadows in the shape of a bunch of bushy tails. Then it was gone, and she was asking the man at least twice her size to sign something on her touch screen. Bushy tails? Was she a… I paused, trying to pull the name from memory. Yes, a kitsune. They were fox spirits, sometimes with multiple tails. Very rare and, as far as I knew, kept to themselves. That would explain her shy attitude.

“Thank you,” she glanced nervously between us and took a step backward.

“Please get some coffee for the doctor,” the general said, bringing her attempt at retreat to a stop. “Three creams, two sugars, isn’t it?”

I swallowed and nodded. He was making a point. If he knew my coffee order, he knew a hell of a lot more. But was it more than that? Was it a threat? I reached out with my senses but jerked back when the thick, dark tentacles snapped out toward me like Cthulhu opening his mouth to devour me.

Private Jensen scurried off, and the general gestured to a seat positioned near a control panel to his right. I accepted his offer, expecting him to pull up his own chair. But he didn’t, he just towered above me as Jensen returned quickly with a Styrofoam cup for me, which I took gratefully as the general’s imp assistant, Tittwell, scampered up onto the glass panel beside him and began whispering and gesturing widely with his leathery arms and tail.

That imp had posed as my lab assistant to spy on me, likely on the general’s orders. Thankfully, Julian had somehow taken care of it, but every time I saw him, my gut twisted. And I always listened to my gut.

“Are you talking about the murder?” Jensen asked in a tiny voice while the general was distracted.

I glanced up into her sharp grey eyes and nodded. “He’s not being forthcoming with information though. I don’t suppose you know what they did with the—” I stopped, unsure if I should mention the babies to anyone or not. If it was classified from me, then what about her?

“The what?” she asked.

I checked her aura. It was filled with curiosity tucked tightly to her body. She wasn’t the type that liked to advertise what was inside. I understood that, not only if she was a kitsune, but for anyone working for the general.

“The evidence?” I asked, shifting in the chair.

“I wasn’t aware there was any,” she answered with a tilt of her head.

I shrugged. “I guess I just hoped there was more to go on than I knew about.”

“Good to see you again, Doctor,” Tittwell said, appearing between us and causing Jensen to shudder and hurry off after another spike of orange jumped from her aura, landing over myself and the imp.

That must be an anxiety response to men she’s nervous about, I thought as Tittwell took my hand and lifted it to his mouth.

Yanking my hand back under the pretense of taking a swig of coffee, I murmured a hello. He winked one of his giant eyes.