Page 24 of Death Raiser

“That’s okay,” I said. “Why don’t we start with how you met Gregor?”

“Ah, well. That story is one and the same, but I appreciate your attempt to steer the conversation to happier memories. Let me tell you about the time Gregor asked me to befriend a Canadian politician for our benefit.”

She scooted over to my side of the bench so she didn’t have to yell and I sat back to listen. It came as no surprise to me that Estelle had easily infiltrated the politician’s inner circle and became the focus of his obsession. Her influence had been crucial to the law that recognized vampires as Canadian citizens.

What surprised me was the politician, quite elderly now, still sent her flowers even after it became apparent she had used him and that Estelle spoke with a kind fondness for the man. It hadn’t all been an act.

“Relationships between humans and vampires aren’t meant to last,” Estelle explained. “The same can be said about a human servant and a human. Even if one sought to unnaturally prolong the relationship, the dynamics are never the same. It’s easier to say goodbye than let a love linger and fester.”

Ouch. That sounded rough.

“So, you were instrumental in developing the Vampire Act?” I frowned at my empty drink. When did I finish it?

“It was a group effort,” she said, placing her empty glass beside mine. “Pierre, we need another round.”

Pierre grinned in response and slipped into the crowd, the throng of humans parting for him. Apparently, Gregor never allowed bar staff to serve Estelle drinks when they were out. Too many things could happen to the beverage from the bar to the table, so the guards always acted as go-betweens. They watched the drinks get poured and then brought them straight to the table.

“That should’ve been my round,” I said.

“Pffft. Let me get the drinks tonight.” Estelle waved her hand in the air royally.

“Ladies.” A familiar voice spoke at the edge of the table where Pierre had stood. The other guard had shifted to the side to watch the club owner as the newcomer spoke to us.

Grant wore a gray suit and a crisp white collared shirt with just enough buttons undone to show off his gold chain and toned, tanned chest. He’d slicked his dark hair back with gel.

“I hope you’re enjoying your night.” His gaze flicked between us.

Surprisingly, he didn’t flinch when he met my gaze. “Always a pleasure to see you, Ms. Morgan.”

Pierre returned and slid our drinks across the table. He frowned at the owner, but Estelle nodded, and he moved to the side to resume his post. The other guard followed suit. They might have their backs turned to the table, but they could hear every word spoken and one wrong move from Grant and he’d find himself in some deep trouble that being a club owner wouldn't get him out of.

“Does your partner know you're here?” Grant asked me.

I took a sip of my new crantini and used the moment to collect my thoughts before answering. “I’m not a cop, Mr. Malone, and even if I was, I don’t need permission to have a life.”

“I wasn’t referring to that kind of partner, Ms. Morgan.”

Oh.

“I saw the security footage of the two of you.” He shrugged as if the images of me dancing with Kang and basically having sex with clothes on didn’t bother him, but the tension in his hands gave him away.

“Imagine my surprise,” he said. “Your dancing skills magically improved.”

“Did you not enjoy our dance together?” I batted my eyelashes. Look at me. Super bold with two vampires and a human servant to back me up.

Instead of scowling, Grant smiled slowly. “Let’s just say, watching you with him gave me something to aspire to.”

Estelle watched the entire exchange with an impassive expression and sipped her martini.

Grant turned to her and performed a weird half-bow. “Please pass along my well-wishes to Gregor. Your table will be taken care of tonight by me personally.” He stepped back and opened his arms out. “Please enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Estelle waited until Grant disappeared in the jumble of dancers before snorting. “I take it you didn’t perform satisfactorily when you danced with him?”

Estelle was quick.

“That’s putting it mildly.”

“And then, to rub salt into the wound, you danced with a cop and showed Grant what you could really do?”

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