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“He didn’t, but we did ask around and confirmed Sam’s story.”
“The gang?” Chase asked. “You got something?”
“We’re still confirming some things,” Burnett said. “Word on the street is the gang is new here. But it has roots in France. Most of the members are mixed species—meaning their powers are limited, so we’re not considering it a huge threat at this time.”
Burnett’s direct eye contact with him seemed to mean he didn’t think Chase should be concerned about staying here. Chase wasn’t so sure he agreed.
“So Sam was a member?” Della asked.
“No, but Stone might have been trying to recruit him.” Burnett’s phone dinged; he checked it and then looked up. “I have something this morning to cover, but I wanted to go with you to the shoe stores. So check out a few of those addresses, and see if you can run down Stone’s girlfriend. We’ll meet up somewhere to hit the shoe stores together later.”
“Got it,” Chase said.
Della handed Burnett the baby.
Burnett took the child and made holding something so small and fragile look easy. “And remember, one hint of danger and you walk away and call me.”
“We know,” Della said.
Burnett frowned. “And don’t cause a mess for me to clean up.”
“Don’t worry,” Chase said.
“Right,” Burnett said. “And in case you don’t know, by ‘clean up’ I mean: no breaking and entering, no trespassing, no using excess force. You have your badge?” He looked at Chase.
Chase nodded.
“Everything you do reflects back on us. For all intents and purposes, you are to appear like humans. No jumping off tall buildings or bench-pressing cars. Keep your fangs in. You understand?”
“Yes.” Chase resented the insinuation that he would screw up—but he knew better than to argue. Then he remembered: “I spoke with Leo last night. The guard at the prison.”
“And?” Burnett asked, and his eyes widened with interest.
“He said that after seeing Kirk when he came to get me, he realized he had gotten him mixed up with one of the other councilmen. Councilman Powell.”
“So someone’s hiding something?”
Chase nodded, trying not to feel as if he were betraying the council. And he shouldn’t, because if any of them knew about Stone, they had betrayed Eddie.
“Let me ask you something,” Burnett said. “Since you still have connections with the prison and some of the council, what are the chances of getting them to transfer Pope into one of our facilities so we might question him?”
“Impossible,” Chase said. “Leo told me last night that Pope was killed.”
“Convenient,” Burnett said.
“I wish I could disagree,” Chase said.
Burnett nodded. “Well, you two get going, but I mean it: don’t create any shit.”
Hannah bounced up and down. “Chit. Chit. Chit!” she squealed.
Holiday glared at her husband. “I’m gonna wash your mouth out with soap for a month of Sundays!”
“Bye,” Della said, shooting Burnett a parting smile, and walked out. Chase was right behind her. They laughed.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Della asked, “Do you think they killed Pope because he talked to you?”
“I … I’m suspicious,” Chase said.