Page 197 of Black Bird

“Nick.”

“Well, Nick … how can I help make your night go smoother?”

Nick turned in his stool and looked towards the back door of the club. “I’m looking for a guy named Decclan. Do you know him? I was told he was a bouncer here.”

Tony’s brows raised. “He is. He’s taken the past few nights off. What business have you got with Decclan?”

“I was also told I could trust you. I’m associated with a certain detective? He’s the one that has the business. I’m just the messenger.” Nick took a long swig, and then made another sad attempt at trying to smoke again. Tony felt his skin prickle.

“You’re in a very dangerous situation, mate. I trust you know that.” Tony nervously looked around for Dahlia but knew she wouldn’t be anywhere other than that office, or her chambers. Honestly, she’d been in her chambers more often than not lately.

“I don’t really have much choice in the matter, sir. Can you help me, or not?”

Tony lifted an arm to Devin, who was standing at the back door, and whistled loudly. Devin took it as a cue to escort his patron out of the bar—willingly, or unwillingly. As he made his way through the dancers, Nick glanced at Tony in shock.

“Play along, or this is gonna go the opposite of how you hoped it would go. Let him toss you out. We’ll get Decclan for you. I dunno what you’re up to … but Kane must not think too highly of you to send you in here with the smell of blood all over you. You best put on the show of your life, mate.” Tony nodded behind him, and Nick turned just as Devin grabbed him by the jacket and hoisted him out of the stool. He must have taken some heed to what he’d said, because he started throwing arms—weak, and inexperienced—but arms, nonetheless.

“This is bullshit! I was just having a beer!” Nick fought, and Devin cut Tony a glance, pausing while the poor guy squirmed in his hold.

“He’s got a mouth. Better grab Decclan …” Tony widened his eyes and cut them toward the man in his grip. “Maybe haveDecclan… deal with him outside?”

“Noted,” Devin said, dragging Nick towards the front entrance.

Tony hadn’t seen or heard a word from Athan Kane since he’d come in that afternoon and sat at his bar. Everything just continued to plummet after that visit. There had to be a good reason for him to send an amateur into a coven full of half-starved vampires. Whatever it was, Tony felt overwhelmed with the need to redeem himself for what Kane would no doubt see as a betrayal. If his loathing for their leader hadn’t changed, then that glimmer of hope that Kane was about to try and take her down shined a little brighter … and Tony would gladly give his life to help him do it.

He had been bold to ask for a few days off duty. Had he given half a shit about whether or not she deigned to bleed him dry, or burn him alive, he might have been surprised that Dahlia allowed him that time. Decclan turned over onto his stomach in his sorry excuse for a bed and stretched his legs. The sounds of the club were barely audible from this far into the coven’s housing. It made the sound of footsteps easier to hear as a set paused at his door. He turned his head just as the knock sounded.

“Decc … you in there?”

Devin.

“Bugger off, Devin. I’m still onvacation.” The knob turned, and he came in anyway, quickly closing the door behind him as he checked over his shoulder. Decclan raised his head from his forearm. “Something wrong?”

“I need you to get up, mate. I’ve got a fresh one outside that’s asking to see you.”

Decclan snorted, laying his head back down. “A fresh one? There’s no fresh one that knows me, chap. You know better than that.”

“Decclan …” Devin knelt at the side of his bed, lowering himself to eye-level, and placing a hand on his bare shoulder. “Kane sent the guy in here. Guy says he’s waitin’ for ya out back.” He had lowered his voice into a whisper. Decclan raised onto his elbows, eyes widening.

“Bullshit. Did youseeKane?”

Devin shook his head. “Nah, I didn’t. But it was obvious to Tony that the dude I just bounced was dressed up, lookin’ very outta place, and pretended to be a greaser just to get your attention. Something’s up, and I don’t think the kid woulda risked his life if Kane won’t out there.”

“I’ll be fucking damned …” Decclan sprung off the bed, grabbing his shirt.

“Decc …” Devin raised himself to stand. “The girl … the one she’s after? Dude said she’s with him.”

He pointed his finger, poking it into Devin’s chest as he spoke, “Do. Not … let her find out. Do you understand? And no matter what you hear, or what happens, don’t you come out of this club.”

Devin raised his palms. “Alright, alright … I won’t. But if you and Tony are planning something that’s gonna get us all killed, I’m—”

“What the hell are you talkin’ about, Dev? Get outta here, man … go guard that door before she suspects something, would ya?” When Devin didn’t move, Decclan leaned forward. “Go!”

Devin left, and he quickly dressed, sneaking quietly down the halls, and through the club to the front door. When he stepped out, a man leaned against the brick wall with his hands nervously shoved into his pockets. Decclan approached him.

“Are you Decclan?” The guy asked, looking as if he were about to piss himself.

“Show me where he is … now.” He didn’t waste time with pleasantries, or questions. The timid impostor didn’t bother trying to hide his fear. He could smell it all over him. Decclan followed him around to the back of the building, and a familiar face stepped out of the shadows into the flickering light of the narrow alley.

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