Page 61 of Scout’s Honor

“Does he… know about… shifters, and vampires, and…?”

Dakota shook her head. “No. He thinks ‘The Cause’ is a political organization.”

“I need to make a phone call,” Bonhi said. “Can we stop somewhere?”

“Sure.” Dakota slowed and maneuvered into the right-hand lane, then pulled off at the next exit, which was a rest stop.

Bonhi strolled far enough away from the car to have some privacy, then called Vernon. He answered on the first ring.

“Vernon, I’m so sorry but the judge ruled early. The government pulled a sneaky move, saying you’ve got nuclear waste in the cabin and so it’s dangerous and they have a right to go in and clean it out without a court order. They’re demanding the key by close of business today.”

“Nuclear waste! Of all the derned malarkey—”

“We can still fight. I can request an immediate ‘show cause’ hearing with another judge and we can move to get this blocked, but it has to happen as soon as possible. Can you meet me at my office in an hour?”

“I’ll be there.”

Bonhi hung up and headed back to the car, knowing she didn’t have enough evidence to sway her inner convictions. She would have to keep quiet about Vernon.

The drive went smoothly, and when they reached Bonhi’s office, the parking lot was full, but Bonhi was able to pick out Vernon’s silver sedan, and the truck that had accompanied him last time. Dallas’ car was parked in her stall where they’d left it.

Vernon stood near her door, arms crossed, forehead gleaming in the sun, shrewd eyes scanning the parking lot.

“He glows,” Dallas said softly as they parked.

Dakota sounded shocked. “What? Glows?”

“Yeah, like our mom did.”

“So he’s got switch blood?” Bonhi asked, her voice also soft, her eyes on Vernon.

“I think so.”

Bonhi opened her mouth to speak about the cabin, but then she shut it again. She couldn’t bring herself to do it.

She opened the door instead, got out, and headed for her office, saying, “Vernon, thank you so much for coming. Please come inside.”

She unlocked the door that still had plywood instead of windows, then ushered Vernon to her inner office. She had him sit down, and she sat behind her desk, thinking of what their plan of attack should be.

“We have to go to the courthouse with the key,” she said. “That shows good faith, but we won’t turn it over right away. Instead—” Bonhi remembered the name she’d seen on the deed and thought maybe it would crack things open for them. "Tell me, who is Maximus Veleno?"

Vernon’s eyes shot to Bonhi’s then down to his lap. His jaw worked, his lips pursed white. He crossed his arms and looked away, then back at Bonhi. “Don’t know.”

Bonhi held out a hand. “You have an obligation to tell me anything that could help.” She wanted to ask him if the guy was a vampire, but again, she couldn’t bring herself to.

Vernon stood up. “I have an obligation not to involve a decent woman in something that could get her killed.”

Bonhi’s heart did a little flip-flop in her chest and her breathing quickened. “Is he a—?”

Vernon interrupted her. “I’m handing the cabin over. Here.” He fished a key out of his pocket and dropped it on Bonhi’s desk. “Send me the bill.”

“What? You’re giving up?”

“I never gave up on anything in my life, young lady, but I was wrong to come to you. I’ve put you in danger.”

“But—"

“Thank you for your help, Miss Candor. I believe the cabin will be fine. It’s special. It’s… protected.” He crossed the room and opened the door without looking back.