Page 26 of Dead End

Camryn jumped to her new boyfriend’s defense. “They’re only a small office, Lorelei. Even with the pack patrolling for them, they’re stretched thin, and no cops are setting foot near the club with Lucifer inside.”

The ring of Josie’s phone interrupted the conversation. She glanced at the screen and barked, “Dantalion, with me. Lorelei, drop the ward.”

The two of them exited the house.

Camryn stared at the empty doorway. “What was that about?”

Gun gave his fingernails a cursory glance. “Josie’s gonna Josie.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been here to help with all this,” I said. “I know Fairhaven is my responsibility.”

West’s face softened. “We’re all responsible for the safety of the town, Clay. There’s no need to apologize. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

The sounds of a scuffle alerted me to Josie’s return. She and Dantalion entered the parlor room, dragging a cloaked figure between them.

“One of my scouts spotted this one stalking your house,” Josie snarled.

“Lucifer sent her to spy, no doubt,” Dantalion said, as he glowered at his captive.

“Traitor,” the woman rasped at Dan. At least I thought she was a woman. Her matted hair and misshapen cloak made it hard to tell. There was also the small matter of her face, which seemed to be missing a crucial feature.

“She only has one eye,” Goran blurted.

“It’s rude to point out someone’s flaws,” Dantalion said. “Likho is well aware that she bears a passing resemblance to a cyclops.”

“Likho,” I repeated. “The Evil One.”

“That’s right, dearie. And I’ll tear the flesh from your bones and then wash it down with the taste of your blood,” she spat. “Starting with you, abomination.” Her single eye fixed on me.

Josie gave the demon a nod of begrudging respect. “I’m warming to her. Can we keep her?”

“Quiet, vampire,” Likho rasped.

“What do we do with her?” Goran asked.

“Interrogate her,” Josie said. “This is the break we’ve been waiting for.”

“I’ll tell you nothing,” Likho said. “You might as well riddle my body with sharp blades.”

The vampire showed her fangs. “It would be my pleasure.”

West gave her a dark look. “We agreed to a certain level of decorum, Banks.”

“Getting soft is what got us into this mess,” Josie said. “I would like to think we’ve learned our lesson.”

“If we torture her for information, then we’re no better than Lucifer,” Dantalion said.

Josie huffed. “Then what’s the plan? We let her run back to daddy and tell him Lorelei’s back?”

“My master already knows. Why do you think I’m here?”

I gestured to the demon. “Look at that. An honest answer and no torture necessary.”

Likho’s eye gleamed with hatred. “Your beloved is on the brink of death. Oh, how he suffers at my master’s hand. His screams are like music to my ears.”

I fought the overwhelming desire to cut off her head. A tarot card shot through the air and skimmed the demon’s head. She slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Josie glared at Gunther. “Why did you do that? She was finally talking.”

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