Chapter 12

Portlock wasn't that large, so I decided to go down by the docks and look for extra cars around the warehouse district. I went to the South Harbour, my favourite of the harbours, and headed for the fish plant. There were plenty of cars parked out front, but probably no more than usual. Even so, I decided to check inside; if Liv would host a black market, there was every chance that Calliope would as well.

I let myself in and walked around briskly, powering through the overwhelming stench of fish. I'd already covered most of the place before Soapy found me. ‘Hey,' I gave him a jaunty wave.

His dark expression didn't waver. ‘She wants to see you. She doesn't take kindly to trespassers.'

No need to ask who he was referring to. I followed him dutifully to the office knowing I was about to get a verbal spanking for snooping around uninvited.

As usual, Calliope Galanis was sitting at her desk exuding the aura of a general. Today her blue hair was piled on her head in a series of intricate braids. Her light blue eyes met mine, and they were calm like the waters she lived in. I reminded myself that still waters ran deep and Calliope ate people who pissed her off. ‘Lovely to see you,' I started.

‘Indeed. How nice of you to drop by so … unexpectedly.' Her glacial tone made it clear she didn't think it was nice of me at all.

I'd already checked her fish plant and there was no black market there, so I saw little reason in keeping the truth from her. ‘The black market is in town,' I explained. ‘I'm looking for it.'

Her lips curled. ‘And you think I'm hosting it?'

‘Liv was,' I shrugged.

Her smile widened, showing her sharp teeth. ‘Yes, it's her turn. I did it last year.'

I blinked. ‘You take it in turns?'

‘Along with other concerned citizens. Sometimes we need more items than the proper channels allow.' She studied me. ‘Are you going to report me?'

I sighed. Portlock was fifty shades of grey; I'd talk it over with Gunnar but no, I wouldn't be writing up a citation. ‘I doubt it.'

‘I've so enjoyed having you join us here in Portlock. I do love some fresh blood. And I understand Connor enjoys your company…'

I grimaced: our dating was bound to come out but I'd hoped we could keep the whole ‘fated mates' thing to ourselves until we were a little more established as a couple. Everything between us was fresh, wonderful and private. I wanted to keep it that way.

‘I'm delightful,' I said flatly. ‘Everyone enjoys my company. Whilst I'm here, have you made any progress in finding out more about Chris and the general's organisation?'

Soapy spoke up. ‘We've sent three men in undercover to join the remaining splinter military group. Contact has to be sporadic or we risk them.'

I sat up straighter. ‘Any sightings of Chris Jubatus?'

Soapy nodded. ‘He's still hip deep in the organisation, but he's cautious about our men so far. It will take time to earn his trust.'

‘But we'll do it,' Calliope snarled. ‘And when he trusts them, we'll bite off the head of the beast that dared to attack us.' She paused. ‘Figuratively speaking, of course.'

‘Of course,' I said faintly. We both knew she wasn't speaking figuratively at all. I stood. ‘Well, if you don't wish to divulge the current location of the black market…'

‘It has not been confirmed yet.'

‘And when it is?'

She smiled. ‘Of course I'll let you know, Officer Barrington.' She was lying.

‘Thank you for your time,' I said politely.

‘I'll show you out,' Soapy said. It wasn't an offer. I let him herd me out of the building. ‘Next time make an appointment, Barrington.' He slammed the door shut behind me.

After the fish plant, I moseyed around the warehouse district. I passed one empty warehouse but it had no cars outside. The AML warehouse, where Chris Jubatus and his black-ops crew had held my friends hostage, was also a no-go; it was busy, but the workers were offloading a barge.

I was about to continue my search when my phone vibrated with a text from Sidnee: Anissa thinks she can break the curse with the right ingredients for a potion.

Did she say what she needed? Maybe we can order them?

She has to consult her elders. She said she'd get back to me.That was promising.

I continued to drive around. The next warehouse I came to had quite a few cars outside and was large enough to house the market easily. Fluffy and I got out for some more snooping but it was another dead end. It looked like someone was renovating it and the cars belonged to the construction personnel. I was getting discouraged.

My phone buzzed. Bunny, get back here. Anissa came through! Sidnee's text read.

On my way,I replied. I looked down at Fluffy. ‘Let's go boy, we might have a cure for poor old Jeff.'

Fluffy wagged his tail and we hurried to the vehicle. I drove back as fast as I dared, excitement buzzing; if we could cure Jeff, he could tell us who'd cursed him. He must have seen who'd painted runes on his skin.

This was going to be easy! We'd have this case cracked in no time at all.