Page 56 of Sinner's Salvation

“Information is easy to obtain if you know where to look and who to talk to.” Jie said, with only the slightest curve of her lips.

What a lovely, polite non-answer hiding a threat.

Still, it was better than the Italian’s approach, who couldn’t be bothered with something as simple as a conversation.

“Was there something of particular interest?” Anna asked. “I haven’t been in the city long, but my son, Bazyli has lived here for years.” She gestured at Baz, who stood with his feet planted shoulder width apart and his arms crossed over his chest. “Perhaps he could help you?”

All four Chinese vampires bowed to her son, lower than they had bowed to her.

Interesting.

“You didn’t decide to meet us down here for shits and giggles.” Baz said, his tone flat, but not hostile. Yet. “Why are youreallyhere?”

Jie glanced at Anna, then glanced at Baz again, before dropping her gaze to the cement floor. “We need your help.”

Baz didn’t relax his posture at all. “With what?”

“One of our family members...” Jie’s voice cracked. “Broke the law.”

“One person?” He made a show of looking at each of them. “There are four of you, and more at home. Why do you need my help?”

Jie visibly shook. The vampire Baz had grabbed by the throat took a half step forward and bowed. “What we mean to say is, our family member went to the Chinese government and revealed herself to them. We believe she is dead now, killed in an effort to determine the mechanism of her enhanced healing and strength. They know that there are people who have enhanced abilities.”

“You’re being hunted?” Anna asked.

The man bowed to her. “Yes. We’ve come here with our entire household.”

“Why would you come here, with all your dependents, without talking to us first?” Baz asked, in the same flat tone.

“We are fortunate to get here at all,” the male said. “The Chinese military arrived to storm our most remote stronghold only minutes after our plane took off.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Baz said.

“You...” The younger vampire glanced at Jie, who nodded. “You protect your people, your vampires, your potentials, and your normal humans. You defeated the South Americans, and repelled the British. You are the strongest.”

Baz sighed and rolled his eyes. “This again?”

Next to him, Nika chuckled. “He’s right, though.”

“We can help you,” Jie said. “As we just did on the train platform.”

“How long do you think it will be before one of you disagrees with me or a member of my family?” Baz asked. “And kills someone or does something visible to the world?”

“You are the strongest,” Jie said, and bowed.

The other Chinese vampires bowed again, and stayed bent over.

Anna studied them. Their bodies were stiff and hands clenched.

They’re desperate.

Desperate people do dangerous things. She glanced at Baz, who met her gaze and raised an eyebrow.

She could almost read his mind from the arch of that eyebrow.

Are they serious?

She nodded.

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