Page 39 of Shadow Seeking

“Story for another time,” he said, winking at me. “I’m almost over the memory.”

We were halfway across the level. By now, I’d gotten used to the sound of the crowd, and I was ignoring the neon glow of the signs on either side of us. The entire Underground reeked of stale perfume and strong booze. Everything here was glittery and dangerous, or so it felt.

We finally came to the Green Goblin. From the outside, the windows looked in on shadowed booths, and a polished bar that was filled with patrons. We pushed through the door, filing in one at a time.

The interior of the bar was luxurious, despite its name. The bar itself was a massive slab of rich walnut, polished to a high sheen. The booths, also walnut, were upholstered in a rich green velour. At the end of the bar, the staircase led up to a second level. Two girls in skimpy outfits manned the bar, taking orders, and behind the bar a bear shifter made the drinks.

I could spot most shifter variations, and bear shifters had a particular build and scent that was unmistakable. It wasn’t unpleasant, but an earthy, dangerous scent that made me want to look over my shoulder. Bear shifters were highly unpredictable, and they could go from nice to kill-you in ninety seconds.

Orik looked around the bar and then nudged my arm. He nodded toward a booth in a back. There was a man in the booth, wearing a black suit with a red tie. He was handsome and fit, more than made me comfortable, and he had wavy dark hair, alabaster skin, and his eyes were pale, ringed with crimson. Yep, vampire.

We walked over to the half-circle booth and he glanced up and gave us a nod. As Orik and I slid into the booth, Dante stayed standing.

“I’ll get us drinks,” he said. “What do you want?”

“Beer,” Orik said.

“Club soda,” I said. “I’m driving.” I turned to Lazenti. “And you?”

He cleared his throat. “Jack Daniels, no ice.” Vamps could eat and drink like most people, but the food and booze didn’t affect them. They needed blood to live, and usually drank bottled blood when they were hanging out with the living.

Dante nodded, then headed to the bar. He returned a few minutes later with our drinks, then slid into the booth, as well. We all moved in on one side, so Lazenti wouldn’t feel like we were trying to hem him in.

“So…” Lazenti looked around the table. “You wanted to see me?”

I tried to think of a way to start. “Yeah…we were hoping you might be able to provide us with some information.” I glanced over at Dante. “I guess we should be upfront. Here’s the problem: we’re investigating a death, and because of that investigation, we infiltrated some forums. Our victim’s name was there, as was your handle. We’re wondering if you’ve noticed her there, or if you might have some info on the group. Because, it doesn’t seem like a group you’d frequent, being a vampire.”

He held my gaze. Vampires could magnetize with their eyes, but it didn’t feel like he was trying to glamour me. “So Carson said.”

“Are you willing to talk to us?” I wasn’t even going to ask his real name. First, I knew we wouldn’t get it. Second, I didn’t want to endanger him. Or us, and if we knew his real name, we might become targets.

“Ask your questions. I’ll answer…or not…as I see fit.” He took a sip of his whiskey, then leaned back against the upholstered booth.

I didn’t even ask if we could record him. I’d decided that we’d do so on the sly. That way, he wouldn’t have to say no. I glanced around the room to make sure nobody was in earshot. The booth next to ours was empty. “Are you a member of Brim Fire?”

“Yes, and no.”

“Do you believe in the tenets of the group?” I could tell he wasn’t going to be direct, so I decided to walk around the subject. It felt like we were playing twenty questions.

Lazenti swirled his drink. “Okay, Carson says you have a good reason for asking. But remember this,” he said in a low, gravelly voice, “You owe me one. Onmyterms,wheneverI need it. I won’t force you to do anything illegal, but when I snap my fingers, you jump.”

I considered the bargain. “You tell us whatever we need to know about this. And I owe youone. Not two…not three…but one.”

He considered the deal for a moment, then stretched out his hands. “I’ll tell you whatever I can. Gentleman’s agreement.”

I placed my hand in his. His fingers were icy cold. “Agreed. Now answer my question.”

Lazenti shifted on the seat, straightening up. “No. I do not support their goals. In fact, I’m part of a covert effort to take them down.”

“Who’s in charge of your group?”

“I can’t divulge that information.”

I figured as much, but it was worth a shot. “All right. Do you know Letty Hargrove?”

“We met in the forums. I’ll tell you this much: she doesn’t belong there. I haven’t seen her post for a week or so, but everytime she did, I got the sense there was something going on behind the scenes. She’s been a member since about two weeks after I joined, which means three months? Four?”

“What makes you think she doesn’t belong there?” I asked.

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