He nodded. “I’m sure they can bring their laptops in here.”
With perfect timing, Charlie strode back in, still in her off-the-shoulder evening gown and borrowed diamond necklace. “Letter’s drafted.”
“That was fast. Thank you.” And of course she’d done it while still in her party clothes. “Why don’t you bring your laptop in here and work with us after you change? I’m sure Van Marten’s will want their jewels back too. Can we get that taken care of? That would be one less thing to worry about.”
“Absolutely. I’ll call them on my way to change and tell them they can send a messenger anytime. Back in a few.”
“Thanks, Charlie. And ask Temo to join us when he can as well. Tell him to change too. I’m sure he’d like to get out of that suit.”
Charlie nodded. “Will do.”
“Oh! Sorry, one more thing. I want to bring Jerabeth in on this. Rixaline said fae magic was involved at the stronghold, so I thought maybe Jerabeth could help with that. You have any objections to including her?”
“Not at all. But…” At the mention of the elemental witch who worked as the governor’s gardener, Charlie hesitated, but only to look at the time. “She won’t be in the greenhouse yet. Still pretty early for her. I could call her and see if she could come in sooner.”
“Do you think she’ll be useful? Because if you don’t, tell me now.”
“She knows about your…special abilities, and she’s definitely skilled. She could absolutely be an asset.”
“Any downside?”
Charlie thought for a second, then shook her head. “At worst, she might not be able to help. But I don’t believe that will be the case.”
“If you trust her, then that’s good enough for me. Bring her in.”
She pulled her phone out. “Sending her a text right now.”
“Thanks. See you when you get back.”
Charlie nodded as she walked out, thumbs flying over the screen.
Donna went back to her coffee. Pierce fixed his cup, then put the creamer back in the fridge. “You’re going to need to feed soon if you don’t sleep.”
She nodded, her mug cradled between her hands. “I know. But that can wait a little longer.”
He gave her a look that said he wasn’t going to let her forget. She smiled, despite everything else. As if there was any other way to respond to the dedication he showed in looking after her.
The door chimes rang.
She straightened and stared at him. “Who could that be? Security didn’t call up that anyone was coming.”
He put his cup down. “Then it has to be someone who’s on the vetted list. I’ll get it.”
“I’m coming with you. If they’re on the list, then they can’t be an enemy, right? At least I’d hope not.”
He glanced at her, frowned, but said nothing.
“You’re thinking about Fitzhugh, I can tell. Hey, maybe he’s come to apologize.”
“In the state he was in, I’m guessing he’s passed out somewhere.”
She didn’t argue as she followed him to the door. Fitzhugh had been pretty drunk. She stayed back a little as Pierce reached for the handle.
He opened the door, revealing two women who looked like they could be Italian or Hispanic. One was probably a decade older than Donna and had a definite chip-on-her-shoulder vibe. The other one was another decade or so beyond the first, more like Francine’s age. They were petite, well dressed, and looked like they could hold their own in a fight. Or start one.
Pierce greeted them with a smile. “Can I help you ladies?”
The younger one looked past him to nod at Donna. “You’re the governor? Belladonna Barrone?”
She took a few steps closer. “I am. How can I help you?”
The older woman answered, an icy-blue, othernatural light flashing in her eyes as she lifted her chin. “I am Louisa Valentina Medina.” That was a mouthful. And she shared a last name with Rico. Coincidence? Donna didn’t think so. “I am the alpha of the New Jersey pack. In case you don’t know, that means I’m the leader, vampire.”
Donna canted her head slightly. “I know what alpha means.”
“Good. One more thing. I am also Rico Medina’s grandmother.”
Chapter Two
Louisa Valentina gestured to the younger woman beside her. “This is the pack’s alpha-elect, Maria Antonella.”
Maria Antonella’s eyes narrowed, and the same othernatural light sparked in them. “I’m Rico’s mother. LV and I would like to have a word with you.”
Donna nodded, a little stunned that the women at her door weren’t just werewolves, but also Rico’s grandmother and mother. And they were the leaders of the New Jersey pack. She’d been right about it not being coincidental, but it also seemed like a thing Rico might have mentioned.
But if being married to the mob had taught her anything, it was how to deal with the unexpected. “Please, come in. It’s good you came, actually. I would have called you in a little while anyway.”
Maria Antonella made a face. “You would have called us?”
“Absolutely. We’re just getting ourselves organized here. I didn’t know you knew already.”
Donna’s answer did nothing to erase the look on Maria Antonella’s face.
Pierce stepped back, opening the door wider. They came in, studying the penthouse as if it had secrets to share. Their nostrils flared, and they seemed to be sniffing the air.
No, they were definitely sniffing the air.
“He’s not here,” Maria Antonella said to LV.
“I don’t think he has been either.” LV finally made eye contact with Donna again, scanning her like something on her person might be of interest.
Donna felt like she’d missed something. Did they think Rico was here? Unless there was someone else they were talking about, but that seemed highly unlikely. “You’re talking about Rico, right?”
Maria Antonella glared. “Who else would we be talking about?”
Pierce shut the door, then rejoined them. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Water? Juice?”
“Black coffee, two sugars,” LV answered.
“How about my son?” Maria Antonella shot back.
“Toni,” LV chided as Pierce went off to the kitchen.
Donna did her best not to react too strongly. “I understand you’re upset. I am too.”
LV’s dark, penciled brows lifted. “What do you have to be upset about? That he isn’t here? That you can’t get to whatever love nest you have him stashed in?”
Donna slowly closed her mouth but continued staring at the woman. “Um…you think I have him stashed in a love nest? We need to back this conversation up. There’s been some misinformation somewhere.”
“Listen, vampire, I know what I know. He’s sweet on you and now this,” Maria Antonella snarled.
Rico liked her? That was news. Donna blinked as she tried to process the rest of the situation. “And by ‘this,’ you mean—”
“He didn’t show up for the pack run last night,” Maria Antonella said. “He isn’t answering his phone or his texts either. We figured he’s shacked up with you. We know you two have been working closely together. We know he has feelings for you. And we know the allure of a strong, virile male wolf to the female vampire. So where is he?”