Henri - 11

 

 

"Not bad," Ransom commented seconds later when he and Henri landed in the middle of Henri's living room.

 

Henri chuckled. "You were expecting a run-down cabin?"

 

"Maybe?"

 

"Sorry to disappoint." Henri went into his bedroom, returning a moment later to find Ransom wasn't where he'd left him. The open door to the front porch told him where Ransom had probably gone. He felt a sudden chill that had nothing to do with the cool breeze from the channel.

 

What if Xavier had someone watching the house? By now he might have found out I own it. They could have…

 

He inched his way to the door and peered outside. With a sigh of relief, he saw Ransom across the yard, staring at the moonlit bayou.

 

Ransom turned with a smile, which immediately became a look of concern.

 

"I didn't mean to frighten you."

 

"I was more frightened for you," Henri replied. "I was afraid maybe Xavier was around and had done something to you."

 

"Hey, if he tried, I'd shift and make mincemeat out of him."

 

"I'm sure," Henri said, but he couldn't stop from checking to be certain they were alone.

 

"It's just us." Now Ransom smiled again. "I can see why you liked living here. It's peaceful and there's plenty of space to run."

 

"It was, until Xavier showed up. I wish I could figure out how the hell he found me."

 

"Best guess… Had there been any rumors at the time about a wolf—or wolves—in the area?"

 

"Yes, a few. Mainly that a red wolf had been spotted. Generally it's because some tourist, who doesn't know the difference, saw a coyote. Seeing a wolf of any kind in this area is highly unlikely."

 

Ransom nodded. "That's what I'd figured. So he didn't just happen to be here. If he'd heard stories of a wolf around here… Meaning you—if a hunter saw you."

 

"I am careful, but you're right, that could have happened. A lone wolf, in an area where they are a rarity, would have piqued his interest."

 

"I think we may have solved the mystery of how he found you."

 

"Meaning, he could know this is my house. I'm glad I had sense enough not to come here after I escaped." Henri shivered. "Let's go back to Taegan's before I start seeing Xavier behind every bush."

 

* * * *

 

Henri and Ransom returned to find Taegan and Miranda in a deep discussion about the merits of a local artist who was showing at Taegan's gallery. Apparently Miranda had found him very derivative while Taegan had thought he'd had a unique style of his own. At least that's what Allyn told Ransom when he asked.

 

Taegan ended the conversation with, "Let's agree to disagree," before asking Henri, "Did you find it?"

 

"Yep. Right where I'd left it before I stripped to shift. It was in the top drawer of my dresser. I guess that means no one prowled through the place since I've been gone. I also grabbed my bank book and checks."

 

"Smart man. We can go look at the apartment first thing in the morning."

 

Henri cocked an eyebrow. "We?"

 

"Sorry," Taegan replied. "You can go look."

 

"Actually I… I wouldn't mind your company, but I don't want to take you away from your business."

 

"I have very good help at the gallery, so my being gone isn't a problem."

 

"In that case, when would you like me here?"

 

"Why not stay the night? It will save Miranda from having to drive you back in the morning."

 

Henri gulped and shook his head. "Thanks, but no. I…have to change clothes and…and all that."

 

"No problem," Taegan replied, disappointment flashing across his face momentarily before he smiled.

 

"Say, nine? Nine-thirty?"

 

Henri glanced at Miranda. "Is that too early for you?"

 

Miranda snorted. "Contrary to popular opinion, I do get up before noon. That would be fine."

 

"Then nine-thirty it is," Henri told Taegan.

 

"Now, we should all get out of here," Ransom said. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Taegan."

 

"You as well." Taegan led the way down to the street. "I'll see you in the morning," he told Henri.

 

"Indeed." Henri was a bit flustered at the intense look Taegan gave him, so he was glad when Miranda and John started down to where they had parked the car. He hurried to catch up with them.

 

"I think you have an admirer," Miranda said to Henri, once they were on their way out of the city.

 

"No. He's just… I think he likes helping people is all. And he wants Xavier stopped as much as the rest of us do."

 

"We'll see," was all she replied.

 

Henri leaned back, closing his eyes. He didn't really believe what she'd said. But…

 

Taegan's a nice man. It would be… No. He's a nice, helpful man is all. Nothing more. Attractive? Sure. Sexy? Uh-huh. Interested in me? Not in less than a day. Hell, not in this lifetime.