When Sam tried to take a jab at him, Tanner swiped out at the guy and had the pleasure of seeing blood streak down Sam’s chest. Sam might be a badass, but Tanner knew the guy’s weak spots. Sam wouldn’t be taking him down.

When Sam leapt back, Tanner raised his claws, preparing for another round. “Just what the hell did you hear?” Tanner asked.

“You killed an angel.” Sam’s voice was lethally soft.

Huh. Looked like word on the paranormal streets had spread fast. But, technically, he hadn’t been the one to take that shot at Marna. The gossips could have at least gotten that part right. The death charge belonged to the detective who’d wound up with a broken nose. Tanner figured that had been a great way to break in a new partner. By breaking his face.

Sam closed in on him. “You’re going to suffer for what you’ve done.”

Perfect. Now he had to worry about Sam going ballistic on him. And Sam ballistic? Not good.

The Fallen reached for him again. Tanner deflected the blow and plowed his fist into Sam’s stomach. Sam didn’t even grunt at the impact, but Tanner’s hand felt as if it had slammed into a brick wall.

Maybe he should have used his claws with that punch. This time, he’d—

“Stop!”

Both men turned at Marna’s shout. She was halfway down the stairs and her hands held tightly to the banister.

Sam shook his head. “Marna?” Yeah, that was shock in the guy’s voice. So much for being all-knowing.

Taking advantage of the Fallen’s distracted state, Tanner punched the guy in the jaw.

Sam growled and lunged to attack him.

“I said . . . stop!” Marna jumped the rest of the way down the stairs.

Sam stopped fighting Tanner. After a moment’s study, he sauntered toward her. “You look good, for a dead girl.”

Marna stared up at the Fallen with wide eyes. “Why . . . why are you here?”

“Because he came to get a little vengeance,” Tanner said, understanding Sam’s rage far better than Marna did. She just didn’t have enough experience with emotions. Not yet. He was working on that issue. Soon enough, he’d make sure she understood everything. “One life for another, right, Sam?”

Sam’s gaze swept over Marna. The Fallen was probably checking her for injuries. “I was told the cops killed you.”

“That’s what we needed people to think.” Tanner strode to Marna’s side. Didn’t touch her, but he sure wanted to. “As you can see, she’s just fine.”

Sam didn’t look convinced. “Are you?” he asked Marna.

“I’m still breathing.” Her soft answer.

Sam’s eyes narrowed, and, after a beat of time, he offered his arm to her. “Come with me.”

The hell she would. Tanner fought to pull back his claws and stay calm, for at least a little longer. Control. “She’s staying with me.”

Sam’s gaze seemed to see too much as he glanced over at Tanner. “Hmmm . . . like that, is it, shifter?”

Dick. “Someone set her up for murder. Some bastard killed two shifters but pinned the crime on her.” It still pissed him off. “You think I’m just gonna let that go?” Then, before Sam could say anything else, Tanner said, “I’m the cop here.” Not some renegade angel out for blood vengeance. “I’m gonna do my job. I’ll track the bastard.”

But Sam still had his hand up. Had the guy even heard a word Tanner had said? With his gaze on Marna, Sam said, “I came as soon as I heard what happened. Our kind should stay together.”

Tanner looked at Marna and was surprised to see that she had actually inched away from the Fallen—and closer to me.

Tanner figured he must be the lesser evil in the room. Nice change of pace.

“I want to know who’s doing this to me.” Her shoulders straightened. “I will know.” Determination roughened her words. “I won’t be leaving New Orleans until I figure out what’s happening and why it’s happening.”

Well, well. It looked like his angel wasn’t going to turn tail and run after all. Maybe he wouldn’t have to chain her to his side, either.

Pity.

He realized that Sam didn’t appear particularly surprised to hear about the murders. Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Tanner charged, “You knew that those two shifters got taken out.”

“Shifter deaths are hardly surprising.” Sam shrugged, looking completely careless. “When I heard, I thought she was just getting some payback.” His eyes raked Marna. “But that wasn’t the way of it?”