Remy steadfastly refused to look down at the partial leopard print. Forensics would find it, that and the fur, but he preferred not to help them. He and Drake needed time to warn the leopard community and get damage control underway before the news broke. He would suggest the fur and print were easy enough to fake, and clearly no animal had committed such a crime, not even the legendary Rougarou.

“Call me the minute you have anythin’ at all for me,” Remy instructed LeBrun. “I’m headin’ back to the station.”

LeBrun nodded, and Remy abruptly turned away. Gage fell into step beside him as he made his way to the sheriff’s boat. The moment he was in range to use his cell phone, Remy called Drake and told him everything that had transpired.

“Drake’s already on his way back. Robert and Dion are at the Inn with Saria and Bijou,” Remy told Gage. “I don’ like that one little bit. I can’t get back there to protect Bijou, and neither can you.”

Gage grinned at him. “I get your meanin’. The Lanoux boys are about to meet up with Lojos, Dash and Mahieu. They’ll be enjoyin’ their time with our brothers while we take care of business.”

“You know Saria won’ like it,” Remy said.

“Which is why you’re makin’ me make the call,” Gage guessed. “But that’s all right. I figure a man should be in trouble with only one woman at a time. From the way you’re tiptoein’ around I’d say your lady was truly aggravated with you. And probably for good reason.”

“Why would you say that?” Remy demanded.

“Because you’re smooth with all the ladies you don’ care about and a bit of a jackass with the ones you do care about.”

Remy glared at him, although he had a suspicion Gage’s observation might have some truth to it. “I’m smooth.”

Gage snorted. “You’re an idiot, and I say that with love in my heart.” Dramatically he placed his hand over his heart, his eyes laughing at his brother.

“I’ve got a gun,” Remy reminded. “You’re pushin’ the borders of my leopard’s ability to rein in his temper.”

“You blame that poor leopard for everythin’. You’re the one with the foul temper. Is that what happened? Did you manage to lose your temper and yell at that poor woman?”

“No, I didn’t yell at her. Although I thought about it. She could make Mother Teresa angry.”

Gage snorted again. “You’re so clueless, bro. Seriously. You’ve got the catch of the century and leave it up to you to blow it.”