Page 29 of Dead Heat

“Where’s Josie?” The vampire could usually be found scowling at me from behind the counter.

“She saw something on the security camera before you arrived and went to investigate.”

“And she isn’t back yet? Aren’t you concerned?”

He laughed. “We’re talking about Josephine Banks.”

As if on cue, Josie stomped into the lounge, dragging someone by his very large, misshapen ear. “I found this demon lurking outside. Says he knows you.”

“Please, I beg of you. Release me.”

She threw him forward by the ear and he stumbled to the floor in a heap. “There, wish granted.”

Kane froze. “Canto?”

The demon kept his head bowed. “Your Highness, at long last.”

“What are you doing here?”

“More importantly, how did you find him?” Josie demanded.

Canto remained on the floor but shifted to his knees. “I followed the great duke. I knew he would lead me straight to you. We are so very desperate for your governance.”

“Arise, Canto. You have no need to bow to me. I am no longer your prince.”

“You will always be my prince, sire.” Still, Canto rose to his feet and dusted off his clothes. “Your floor is rather sticky, Your Highness.”

“I’ll have someone take care of it,” Kane said. “You said you followed the great duke. When did you see Dantalion?”

“He met with me.”

Kane blinked. “You’re his informant?”

“I am one of them. I heard that he’d been spotted alone, so I tracked him down to ensure his safe passage.”

“He had an encounter with two of Lucifer’s minions,” Kane said. “Did you witness it?”

Canto nodded. “I couldn’t risk being seen, so I waited in the shadows until they dispersed and then followed Dantalion’s trail.”

“Took you long enough,” Josie said. “Your great duke has been back for ages.”

“Once I entered here through the crossroads, I stayed hidden until I knew where to find you. I spent a few days outside a place called Monk’s, thinking I might find you there.”

Kane cringed. “Monk’s? Now I’m just insulted.”

“Did the guards see you come through the crossroads?” I asked.

“Canto has chameleon abilities,” Kane explained. “He can blend in with the background.”

“What about his scent? The wolves should’ve been able to smell him.”

“Chameleons don’t have a scent,” Josie said. “Don’t they teach you anything in human school?”

“How did you find him?” I asked.

“I took him by surprise,” Josie said. “He was too busy trying to peep in the window to notice me.”

“I only wanted to be certain His Highness was here before I entered,” Canto said. “Once I saw the name on the sign, I assumed it was the right place, but one can’t be too careful.”

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