Carnal Sin by Allison Brennan Read Free Book Online Page B

his lead.
    "We have battles all over the world," Rico said. "Our Order is spread thin. Losing Father Philip was a severe blow--he was our spiritual center. He was our advocate. He was the reason the Order had quiet sanction from the Vatican to continue our thousand-year mission. I went to the sanctuary in Italy to solidify our position and ensure that we wouldn't have to go underground, as the Order has had to do from time to time. That's when I convinced Dr. Lieber to meet with you."
    Anthony said, "That's good news. I've been trying to reach him for the last two weeks. But I haven't heard that St. Michael's is worried about going into hiding. Has something changed?"
    "For now, nothing. But make no mistake about it: we have been put on notice. We must be discreet. We must be swift. This age--with the Internet and instant information, instant news--it both helps us tremendously and severely threatens us."
    Moira returned, her dark hair wet from her shower. She'd pulled it into a tight ponytail, water still dripping down her back, her black high-necked shirt molding to her skin. She didn't sit with them at the table, but perched on the edge of the buffet--both physically above the men and separated from them. Rafe wished she'd join them, and hoped she didn't think that because she was the only female hunter she didn't have equal say, or because Anthony dismissed her that she wasn't part of the group. But he realized that Moira had the best vantage point. She could see everyone at once.
    Moira said, "Speaking of the Internet, I've been monitoring the message boards and there's been increased chatter about paranormal activities. Most are garbage, but I've been following up on a few. In fact, I was planning on heading to San Francisco to check out a coven that may have been connected to Walker while he was up there."
    Rafe stiffened and Anthony glared at her. They hadn't known she was planning a trip. There was no way Rafe was letting Moira run off on her own. He had confidence she could handle most anything that came her way--she was unusually resourceful--but she was still threatened by Fiona O'Donnell and Matthew Walker, who had nearly killed her.
    Rico said, "The situation has changed. No one goes on any assignment alone. And right now, I don't have anyone to spare, especially with Anthony's trip to Italy."
    "What?" Anthony asked.
    "I told you that Dr. Lieber has agreed to meet with you. John is driving him from Switzerland as we speak. You'll meet him at St. Michael's."
    "With all due respect, Rico, I have a lot of work to do here."
    "Dr. Lieber takes precedence. He refuses to fly, and will speak only with you. There's no other option."
    Moira said, "I can still check out the situation in San Francisco. I don't need backup--I've been on my own for the last seven years, and a few days by myself isn't going to kill me."
    "I'll go with you," Rafe said.
    "We will discuss it later," Rico said in such a tone that Rafe knew he'd never consider sending Rafe with Moira. Was it because he didn't trust him? Because Rafe hadn't finished the training at Olivet? Or because Rico just didn't like him? The feeling was mutual.
    Rico continued, "Ensuring that the demon you captured is secure is our number one priority, followed by Anthony's trip to Italy. Dr. Lieber is a brilliant man, if extremely paranoid, and while I don't think he knows the answers, I believe he has information that could lead us to the solution on how to send the Seven Deadly Sins back where they belong."
    "How long will he be gone?" Skye asked. She was trying to sound nonchalant, but Rafe sensed she was upset about Anthony leaving.
    "Two or three days. I don't want him away from Santa Louisa too long. We've decided that the Santa Louisa mission is, for now, one of our most important bases. We must continue rebuilding. We need a place for our people to regroup. We've lost many in the battle. And many like Father Isaac, who've provided sanctuary in the States, have grown