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Act XIV: Were-Sin City

San Francisco, California. It had been quite a while since I had been here last. But while it felt good to be here again, I really only had one destination in mind for stopping here. Xim's burial site. It didn't take me long to find it. I walked over to the spot and knelt on all fours and let loose a guttural howl that Sebastian had taught me. Then, I whispered softly.

"Xim. The hunter isn't dead, but he isn't human any more either. He's been changed into a chipmunk by that beautiful sorceress Circe for shooting a hole in her lovely dress. Every time I try to kill the man, he seems to slip through my fingers. How you must hate me for failing you so often. I have no idea what to tell Jael. I know I promised to spill his blood. In a way, I did spill his blood. Though, my twin killed his future self, while his past self later became a chipmunk. The only thing I have left is to grant you your last request. To see me one last time. How can I accomplish this? I am only mortal, Xim. There must be a way."

Just then, a furry wolf claw petted my shoulder. It was Jael. He had heard everything I had said. He knelt with me and hugged me.

"Dry your eyes, Jansen Tanner. Xim would be proud that you ran Hogan Slade down. True, he may yet live, but he will never heft a gun again. As for seeing Xim again, I too wish for that. The pain I felt to have him pass away in my arms... but that is the past."

Jael turned to me and licked my face.

"You look good in that Chess jacket. I've been hearing how you've been treating beings of supernatural power. And the things I hear are all good."

I turned to Jael and hugged him.

"I was awarded a complex of my own to built anywhere in the world, Jael. I had it built in the Rainbow Range. I named the place the Xim Complex."

Jael smiled and nuzzled me again.

"I think Xim would be very pleased. It is good to see you again, Jansen. What was the howl you let off earlier? It sounded masculine."

I grinned, explaining who taught it to me.

"By the way, may I be privileged enough to consider your clan as allied wolves?"

Jael hugged me again.

"You were our ally when you swore that oath for Xim."

Jael and I spent the rest of the day together. We watched the moon rise, then eventually, Jael heard the clan call and licked me again, before leaving. I smiled and returned to my sports car. It was time to head to Las Vegas. From San Rafael, I drove up 101 to 37, then arced around to Vallejo, where I merged unto 80 going to Reno, Nevada. This took me about three hours. After passing through Reno, I drove on 80 to Alt 50, then at Fallon, I pulled my sports car unto 95 South, which would take me all the way into Las Vegas, Nevada. This took four more hours.

Once I was in Las Vegas, I took in some shows, did some sightseeing and did a little gambling. Note that I said a little gambling; we Tanners try hard to keep some manner of purity in our lives. While I was having fun, I looked up the address of the Manhole Nightclub. It was in an area of Las Vegas where most people would hardly go, yet findable enough for the truly needy. When I arrived there, I was pleased to see that they also served meals. I was a little hungry.

While I was having my meal, I almost choked on my steak. The stage show had begun. The Manhole was an all-male strippers club. Well, to say the least, I was shocked. I mean, this is the sort of place I'd imagine my sister Jo coming to. I never thought I'd be watching something like this. I did my best to finish my meal. I was in Las Vegas for a reason, after all.

After I finished my meal, I approached the bartender and asked him if I could speak with Mr. Sterling Hawk. The bartender looked at me carefully.

"You want to see Sterling? Funny, you don't seem like his type. I'll go see if he's busy. Wait here."

The bartender was pretty serious about his statement. That almost surprised me. The bartender disappeared through the curtain in the back. I decided to watch the show a little. I was already here. After ten minutes, the bartender returned.

"Sterling will see you. He's a really nice employer. Go easy on him, okay? Through this curtain and up the stairs to the left. If you go down the stairs to the right, you might see things you don't want to see."

The bartender winked at me, then resumed his work. I was indeed curious, but I wanted to talk to Sterling Hawk first. I passed through the curtain and found the stairs to my left. I proceeded up the stairs, and knocked on the door. There was a response to the effect of inviting me in.

With a name like Hawk, I was expecting Mr. Sterling Hawk to be a Native American of some tribal nationality. I wasn't expecting the obvious. When I opened the office door, I saw a one were-hawk making love to a younger were-hawk. This seemed to me to be a private affair.

"Have a seat" grunt "and I will" moan "get to you" thrust "in a moment."

I was little shocked, but being the proper guest, I found the only available seat, Sterling's own office chair. I wasn't about to sit on the bed where he and his friend was.

"I didn't mean to bother you while you were sowing your wild oats, but this is a business offer. I am Jansen Tanner, Black Bishop of Chess. You are not being arrested or..."

The rest of my statement was lost as I started really watching the intercourse between the two were-hawks. And to say the least, it was interesting. I couldn't tear my eyes off of the scene. I started thinking that whatever was in the basement could not possibly be more shocking than this. This particular scene continued onwards for about another forty-five minutes.

The office clock chimed midnight just as Sterling gave his friend a warm and wet present. Then, he slowly released the other were-hawk, who got up and left the office with a warm smile. Sterling glanced over at me and patted the edge of the bed.

"Come on over, Mr. Jansen Tanner of Chess. I caught the part about my not being arrested, but you sort of lost your voice after that. Come on, I don't bite..."

I got up and moved over and sat where he indicated. Then, Sterling added more words.

"...Unless you ask me to. But I won't now that I know you're not here to arrest me."

I exhaled a breath of air. Sterling about made me go totally defensive.

"Like I said before, I didn't mean to interrupt your playtime... Um, you're quite the guy. A lot of stamina there."

I was blushing. What was wrong with me? Sterling smiled and patted my leg.

"So, why are you here? I normally don't mate with humans and you said that this was business."

I took a breath and exhaled it slowly, regaining my composure a bit.

"I was asked by my employer to come offer Chess' services to you and your were-sanctuary. Other than that, I have no intention of causing you or those you protect any harm what so ever."

Sterling stopped petting my leg and grinned.

"You see, that wasn't so hard. So you're offering your services... this is surprising to me. We do so well currently that we really have no need to hire or use Chess for any reason. However, that isn't to say I won't make use of you at a later date. If I may be allowed to with hold that option."

I smiled and petted his leg in return. Sterling's leg was a little sticky, but I didn't let that bother me.

"That's all we're offering, Sterling. You can contact me at any time."

I handed him several of Chess' business cards, with my name and pager number inscribed on the card. He took them and smiled. Then, he gave me a little hug and released me.

"Just so you know, Jansen Tanner, not all were-beasts infect through biting and scratching. A few infect through magic and/or sexual intercourse, and usually via willing participants. Though accidents do occur. Those that wish to remain as were-beasts we take to the sanctuary. The others... we put in contact with Reed Huxley. He's a good herbal doctor."

I turned to gaze at Sterling.

"Why are you telling me this?"

Sterling patted my leg some more, then got up and entered his shower booth and started bathing.

"If I were you, I'd wash my hands; You can use the sink over there. I am telling you this because you were nice enough to make your offer and you were polite enough to wait through one of my intercourse matings with a client. Some were-beasts can infect via simple contact. I am not one of them, but why take chances? Oh, and never drink a were-beast's semen or you'll be infected instantly. The viral juices are that powerful. Even a drop would leave you howling."

I blinked my eyes and got up to wash my hands. In a way, I was pleased that Sterling was giving me all this free information. This was something that I had not known before, and it was good knowledge to know. Even our Chess study books didn't reveal that information. Sterling Hawk was indeed one of a kind. He was placing an awful lot of trust in me. Or was planning something.

"Anything else I should know, Sterling?"

He continued cleaning himself.

"All of our performers are were-beasts. They give the normal show by day, and give a special transformation stripping at night. The customers love it. I let my boys keep whatever tips they get and I pay them a fair wage, along with providing them with a place to stay, as well as dental and medical benefits. I have to protect my boys, after all."

I finished washing my hands, and dried them on a paper towel. Then, I walked over to stand near the door.

"Any other words of wisdom, Sterling?"

Sterling emerged from the shower and grabbed a towel. Sterling was in his human form once again.

"Just this: I don't control or protect every were-beast in Las Vegas. There are a few who choose to deal with their lives on their own. There are a few families who are pure-breeds who occasionally infect someone they love. But mostly, you'll occasionally see a few who think that their gift is a means to commit crimes. I don't go along with that train of thought. Any who commit crimes then seek me out for sanctuary will quickly find themselves either turned away, or turned over to the authorities. Chess could come in handy in those cases."

I nodded my head, and watched Sterling get his clothing back on. I had to admit: Sterling Hawk was one of a kind. He really seemed to care about his people. I then got to see another transaction take place. One studly white-furred panther man wearing a bathrobe entered the office and dropped a large money bag on the desk.

"Here is tonight's profits, Sterling."

Sterling smiled at the panther man.

"Thank you, Adonis. You may go now."

Adonis turned and started out. As he was directly in front of me, he pushed something into my shirt pocket and then, proceeded out of the office. I couldn't help but to smile and watch his tail swish back and forth. Sterling took note of that as he sat at his desk to count the profits.

"You might be careful watching that tail, Jansen. Adonis Rhoades, the white rose of beauty, is one of those types who can infect through sexual intercourse."

I turned back to Sterling.

"Oh. Thank you for the warning."

Sterling winked at me and grinned.

"Perhaps you better get going, Jansen. The Manhole is about to close. I'd hate for anything sexual to happen to you on purpose..."

I didn't need another warning. I nodded to Sterling and headed out. It didn't take me long to get back in my car and head back over to my hotel room. Once I was securely in my room, I looked that the thing that Adonis put into my pocket. It was a small note with Adonis' name and phone number on it. Adonis was probably being a very naughty boy! I chuckled and dialed the number on the hotel phone. The phone only rang once, then there was an answer.

"Adonis Rhoades speaking."

I smiled.

"Jansen Tanner here. You gave me your name and phone number. What do you need?"

Adonis seemed to exhale.

"Good. It's you. Are you a private detective like I was hoping?"

I was surprised by that question.

"You might hang up once you hear exactly what I am. I am Jansen Tanner, Black Bishop of the Chess organization."

There was a pause of silence.

"That will have to do. I want to hire you."

I blinked my eyes in astonishment.

"You're having a problem? What is it?"

Adonis sighed.

"My younger brother has been kidnapped. He's a were panther like me. The people who have him contacted me once already. They said that they knew our secret and unless I paid them one hundred grand, they would end my brother's life with an ebony dagger. Jansen... please... I can pay you whatever you ask... please take my case... I love my brother... his name is Quillan."

I considered this for a moment. It only took a moment.

"Adonis? I'll take your case. But I can't charge you anything to do this. I am a Chess agent, after all. However, I can't stop you from paying me either. Where shall we meet?"

Adonis seemed relieved. He gave me directions to his apartment located nearby to the Manhole. I told him to wait for me. I then hung up and left the hotel room. I was soon in my car again and once again driving back over into that area. I parked my car and activated the Chess security system as I locked up my car. Then, I entered the building and headed up to Adonis' apartment.

Adonis' roommate let me in. He was a very large were kangaroo. He was exceptionally different, to say the least, for he had a full sized pouch. That surprised me, but I wasn't about to draw attention to his pouch. That isn't why I had come. He introduced himself as Ozzy Duguru, and then, had me sit on the couch. Ozzy then fetched Adonis from the bathroom.

Adonis walked in and showed me the ransom note. It was pretty simple. One hundred grand to be delivered by a plain clothes detective to the address given. I pondered this, then looked to Adonis. His facial expression was very telling. Adonis wanted his brother back. I nodded my head and went to make a special phone call. A long distance phone call.

The phone rang twice before it was answered. I was pleased to hear the voice on the other end.

"Hello. Inspector Langston here."

I smiled.

"Hello Gideon. How are you?"

There was a pause of shock.

"Jansen Tanner? Where the hell are you? Everyone thinks you're dead!"

I chuckled at that remark.

"Gideon, I am in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I need your expert help here. When can you arrive?"

I heard Gideon close his office door.

"Las Vegas. And you need my help. Okay. I can probably be there in a few hours. Are you going to tell me what's going on now or when I get there?"

I smiled again.

"I can't tell you over a public phone. But I will promise that you'll be fully updated once you arrive."

I then told him what hotel I was staying at, and to tell the desk clerk that Mr. Tanner was expecting him. Gideon could tell there was something serious in my voice's tone.

"Jansen... You're not in financial trouble, are you?"

I chuckled again.

"Gideon, this is semi police business. I cannot tell you any more. Just be here by tonight."

I hung up the phone quickly. Gideon would've badgered me for more information had I let him. Gideon "Thor" Langston was a good man, but very suspicious. Though I wondered who had started the rumor that I was dead, I had my suspicions, but they were only suspicions. Now, however, I had to await Gideon's arrival. I returned to my apartment and waited there.

Within a few hours, there came a knock at my door. I peeked through the viewing hole and was relieved to see Gideon. But then, I saw the tall female with him. This was not going as planned. I pulled my gun and opened the door, my gun fully viewable.

"Both of you, inside. Now."

They both obeyed as I closed and locked the door behind them. Then, Gideon was relieved when I put my gun away. But he raised an eye when I pulled out an electronics detector and scanned his and his friend's bodies.

"Remove the tracking beacons and place them on this table please. And don't give me a hard time about it."

Gideon almost snarled, as he proceeded to placing the items on the table. The woman hesitated, but only until Gideon told her to comply. Once I was satisfied, I placed all the trackers into a device that blocked tracking signals. Then, I pulled out my badge and flashed it to my guests.

"Jansen Tanner, Black Bishop of Chess. Thank you for accepting my invitation, Gideon. Who is your friend?"

Gideon's eyes went wide when he heard me say "Chess". Then, he turned to the woman.

"Jansen, this is special agent Krystal Silverly of the FBI. She's been aiding us in Phoenix, Arizona, these last few months. When she heard I was heading to Las Vegas on business, she insisted upon coming along."

Krystal placed her hands on her hips and studied me. I likewise studied her, but only for a moment. I then pulled out a Chess Via Satellite Cordless Video Phone.

"Danath? What can you tell me about a Krystal Silverly? United States. Supposedly with the FBI."

Gideon and Krystal both looked at me, then at each other. Then, Danath's voice answered.

"Ms. Krystal Silverly was born in Indiana, attended high school in Ohio, then attended MIT. After graduation, she did join the FBI..."

Krystal smiled at that point, but she was about to frown...

"...for about five months. Then, she was recruited by an organization called PSI. Psychic and Supernatural Investigations. They are the American version of Chess. Though I have nothing to do with them, we have clashed together before. They are trustworthy, though..."

I grinned as Krystal's composure seemed to dwindle.

"Thanks, Danath."

I deactivated the phone, then nodded my head.

"I won't ask why PSI is in Arizona. Now, listen carefully... we're on a schedule here."

I explained the situation about the kidnappers, who they had, and what the victim was. That really got Gideon's attention. He wasn't expecting a were panther. Krystal took it all in stride. Of course, Krystal was about to get a taste of dealing with a Tanner.

---

She blinked her eyes, as she read this section.

"Another new organization? Knowing Jansen, he probably enjoyed meeting another special agent. Though... he did handle himself quite well with the lycanthropes there in Las Vegas. Were-beast strippers? Now ain't that a twist and a half? Now I know where I can send Wendy Gliddle next month! I am sure she'd love it. Though, she'd probably kill me for sending her to a all-male strip club."

Just then, the phone rang.

"Hello?"

There was some general speaking.

"Um, yeah... I was mentioning your name. I was just thinking about where I can send you on a vacation to next month. I found a cute little club that has male strippers."

There was some pretty loud laughing. Then a tone of seriousness.

"Right. I'll talk to you later, Wendy. Goodbye."

She hung up the phone and shivered. How did Wendy know that her name had been mentioned? Ah well... she grinned and resumed reading Jansen's agent history.

---