Henri – 24

 

They did have a long talk with Xavier's man, and learned nothing helpful. The man told them his instructions—if he'd found Henri—had been to bring him to the side entrance of the building.

 

"The guy said there'd be someone there to pick up the package—meaning you." The man looked at Henri.

 

"How did you know what I looked like," Henri asked.

 

"The dude gave us a picture. Looked like it was copped off a TV show."

 

Taegan frowned. "How many people are looking for him?"

 

"Three that I know about. Me and two others. We were at a day labor place and this dude came in looking for guys that had cars. He picked the three of us and offered us good money if we found you." He glanced at Henri. "I got lucky. Saw you at the bus stop in the Quarter. Followed the bus. You must have bought out the stores, from the bags you were lugging. I almost offered you a ride but I figured if someone was looking for you, you might know it, so I just tagged along behind."

 

"What did the man who hired you look like?" Henri asked. When the man described him, Henri shook his head. "No one I know. Did you let him know you found me?"

 

"Nope. He didn't give us a number. Like I told you, we were just supposed to take you there if we found you." The man looked hard at Henri. "How the hell did you get me back here?"

 

"You don't remember? Guess I hit you harder than I thought. I knocked you out before you could drag me from the car, shoved you in the backseat and here you are."

 

::All true, minus the car.:: Taegan's words shocked the hell out of Henri. Not that he'd said them, but the fact they were in Henri's head, not spoken aloud. He knew mind speak was possible between shifters. He'd just never had it happen to him, or tried it with another shifter. ::Close your mouth,:: Taegan told him, chuckling.

 

Henri did, while concentrating on Taegan. ::Can you hear me?::

 

::Loud and clear. Never done this before?::

 

::No. Damn.::

 

::Fun, huh? But right now we'd better do something with our friend here before I return to the gallery.:: Aloud, Taegan asked Henri, "What do you want to do with him?"

 

"I think he's safe enough the way he is. Still, let me gag him so he doesn't try to shout for help." Henri went into the kitchen, returning with a washcloth and a piece of rope they'd used when they'd moved the furniture from Miranda's house to the apartment. He stuffed the cloth into the man's mouth, securing it with the rope.

 

"Do you want to come to the gallery with me?" Taegan asked, after they'd left the bathroom.

 

"No. I'm going take a stab at getting the living room in shape, since I'm having company. Do you still want dinner?"

 

"You bet. I have an unexpected meeting with a patron at seven but it shouldn't take long." Taegan chuckled. "That's why I was calling you in the first place. To let you know I'd be a bit later than planned."

 

"All right. Then I'll see you around eight, I guess." Henri put his arms around Taegan, saying softly, "Thank you for being here for me."

 

Taegan kissed him, replying when it ended, "I always will be—any time you need me."

 

Henri smiled wryly. "I hope it isn't always because I get myself in trouble."

 

"Nope. Even when you just want my company, I'll be here in a flash."

 

"I like that idea." Henri kissed him quickly. "Now, however, you'd better get moving before your employees think you've deserted them again."

 

"Good point." With that, Taegan vanished.