Page 3 of Dance With Death

Violet turns back, and they face each other, Grayson looking down at her which she hates. "I'm surprised you’re keen to spend a few days with Dorian, Grayson," she says.

"I’d rather do that than risk you getting arrested. Who else usually gets the blame if someone goes missing or is presumed de?—?"

I jerk in surprise as, again, before he finishes his sentence, Violet has Grayson pinned to the door, this time with one hand around his throat. She breathes heavily, but he merely looks back, face calm.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," says Violet.

"Whoever took Holly wouldn't kill her, Grayson," I say. "Taking Holly may be another attempt to frame Violet, but this is different."

"How?" Grayson peels Violet's fingers from around his throat. "Look, I'm being realistic here. And if you were thinking clearly, Violet, you'd consider all possibilities."

"I am." She jabs a finger at the wall. "Multiple. I’ve added the results of Dorian’s initial findings from last night."

"Did Dorian say any more about the Whitegroves?" asks Leif. "I know he pulled Cornelius in for questioning straightaway."

"The man denies everything, claims not to know ‘Joe Smith,’ and says we have no evidence to my fanciful claims that he has a secret son who’s masquerading as an electrician," she says stiffly. “Viktor’s father will regret the lies. Everything.”

“And the witches who own the renovations? Did he speak to them?” I ask.

“The Brightgroves know Viktor as their electrician, Joe, but they have magical blocks in their minds for everything apart from the last ten years. Either the pair are senile, created the block themselves, or someone else did. Dorian’s people plan to interview them again this morning, since they were too shocked by last night’s events. I don’t suppose half-dead shifters often appear on the Brightgroves’ property.”

"But what about Annabelle's evidence regarding Madison’s death?" I ask. "You told Dorian about that earlier yesterday. Has he spoken to Annabelle yet?"

Violet takes a long, slow breath. "No.”

I swear under my breath. “But Annabelle was Madison’s best friend and has information that’s significant. Evidence that Viktor was with her the night she disappeared.”

“Madison's murder is no longer at the top of my priorities. Finding who abducted Holly is. Then, I will find and bring Viktor to justice for both crimes. If he orchestrated Holly’s disappearance, or has harmed her, that moment of justice will arrive swiftly."

“What type of justice, Violet?” I ask cautiously.

“Viktor killed someone, Rowan. Draw your own conclusion.”

Yeah, punishable by death, but at whose hands? Violet wants to finish what me and Grayson prevented. Is that better or worse than Dorian’s justice?

“And what if someone else knows Viktor’s true identity?” asks Grayson. “Dorian will come up against powerful witches. They’d retaliate for Viktor’s death.”

“The witches would be ill-advised to,” she says stiffly.

Leif crosses to sit on Violet's bed and rests his hands on his legs, curls falling into his eyes as he looks at the rug. "I’ve decided I should keep away from you all."

"Why?" she asks. “Because you fear abduction too?”

Leif’s hands tighten over his knees. "Because... my mind. What if Viktor tracks everything we do? The guy told us he knows all my movements due to the spell he put in my head."

"No." Violet's firm as she walks over to Leif and crouches in front of him. She places her hands over his. "Breaking that hold on your mind is equally important to me, Leif. I'm not putting Holly above you but?—"

"But I'm not missing. I know." He half-smiles. “The first few days in a missing person case are crucial.”

“Dorian’s aware of Viktor’s intrusion into your mind and will deal with the issue,” she says. Oddly, Leif pales and he whispers something to her. “No. Dorian agreed to find a witch skilled enough to help.” She pats his hand. “I won’t allow my father to kill you in order to protect me.”

Whoa. What? Grayson looks at me with shocked confusion. Are any of us safe?

“Yeah, I’m your consort, remember?” he says, attempting a jokey tone and falling flat.

Leif is fortunate that Violet's current self-absorption prevents her tuning into others, because if she wasn't wholly focused on Holly, Leif could never hide from Violet how scared he is. My best friend changed over the last few days—the visit to the elders and the truth about Viktor's assault on him have muted Leif. I've tried to talk to him, but Leif won't engage, as if not discussing either situation might keep the reality away.

Violet may be preoccupied right now, but I guarantee she'll sink her teeth into solving Leif’s problems soon too and she won't let go until she does.

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