Page 401 of Castings & Curses

"It would explain the situation," Raphael agreed. "We've ruled out the other gods who are known to operate in New York. A dark entity of that power level is highly unlikely, and a fae, even less so. We need only find the correct frequency of their magic to see when and where their powers flare. Its difference from the full-blooded varieties might be why it's so well hidden from us. We will work on it. Until then, you may go witness Melinda's questioning, should you wish to do so."

"Thank you for that," I replied.

"Oh and Aurelia," Uriel said, "please bear in mind that a conflict of interest could prove disadvantageous to solving this case, hmm?"

I nodded. "I understand." I bowed before leaving the room. My heart was beating wildly, but they didn't have any way of hearing that, as far as I knew.

I hurried down to the security office and gave my authorization. A viewing portal was opened for me to watch Melinda being questioned. I'd have reached through and held her hand, if it were possible.

MELINDA

"You will wait in here,"the angel said as he led me into one of the interrogation rooms.

I knew they were seldom used, as it was rare for non-angels to be allowed in to heaven, except for when they were serving the angelic hierarchy in some capacity… as I had been, until recently.

The interrogation room sounded terrifying, but I had a degree of trust in the angelic hierarchy to treat me well. I knew I'd gained Raphael's trust, and as he was an archangel, his voice carried great weight in heaven.

Then there was Aurelia. I had faith in her, and given what we'd shared, and our time spent investigating the crime, I wasn't going to let fear overtake me. Even though it was mildly intimidating being left in the interrogation room alone… to ponder.

An older female angel entered the room a short time later. There was no reason to believe she was actually an older woman — largely, angels could appear however they wanted to. That was food for thought for me. They obviously had ways of recognizing each other, and I knew I would sense Aurelia based on her energy.

The angel stated the time and date, and I realized in some way she was recording our interview. Perhaps that wasn't surprising.

"I am Seraphim Ranley, serving as a local security officer. You're the goddess Melinda Grace, previously serving as a muse for the angelic hierarchy, and you were assigned to inspire and support the human artist, Misha Drake?"

"That's not correct," I said, slightly confused that the angel would phrase the question the way she did. "Well, not all of it is. I am the goddess Melinda Grace, but Misha Drake wasn't human. He was a fallen angel in human form. You haven't been told this?"

She looked taken aback. "You… are you sure?" she asked.

I was surprised she showed more shock than doubt, and I nodded. "That was what I was told after his death. We believe it might be why he was targeted."

Ranley looked set to leave the room, but then she sat back down.

"Who was it that told you Misha was a fallen angel?"

"I think… Riga was the first one to talk about it, after the archangel Raphael confirmed it to her. Aurelia and I later spoke of it, and…"

"Who is Riga?" Ranley asked with some confusion.

"She's my friend," I explained. "She's old — approaching ninety now, and she's a mostly-retired witch. Someone tried to kill her by teleporting her above the city and Raphael saved her life. He flew right up there and caught her."

"I see," Ranley replied with a frown.

I got the impression there was a lot Seraphim Ranley hadn't been told.

"So what is it you want to know?" I asked her.

"Everything," she replied.

I knew that was going to take a while.

"I'll start at the beginning," I replied.

Tempted as I was to start at the very beginning of existence, I didn't fancy being here all night long, so I gave Ranley the information that was directly relevant and hoped it would be good enough.

* * *

Ranley leftthe interrogation room about an hour into the interview, and another, male angel came in to take her place. He named himself as Seraphim Leoriel, and the questions changed — taking on a rather odd shift toward my angelic acquaintances.

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