Page 71 of Visions in Blood
“I’m afraid the pieces are currently too scattered to provide a coherent picture.”
The Wolf wiped the breadcrumbs away and sat back, sipping his scotch, the roll forgotten.“How long have we been planning our mission?”
Devon refused to drop his gaze, but a flash of caution forced him to change direction.This wasn’t the time to test The Wolf or hold secrets.“We’ve recently discovered the existence of a book that might provide the truth behind the House Wars.”
The Wolf’s gaze widened at that, and he leaned into the table, pushing his bread plate aside.“Go on.”
“It’s not easy to explain.”He pushed a hand through his hair then refilled their glasses.He stared down at the city, and, for a moment, thought about Cressa and what she might be doing.Probably watching old movies with Ginger and eating Cook’s specialty popcorn.For an even crazier moment, he wished he could be there to share it.He gulped two swallows and savored the tang of the amber liquid, giving him the courage to lay it all out for The Wolf.
“We discovered the name of a book that, up until now, seemed to be hiding in plain sight.It’s almost imperceptible as anything more than the chronicler’s random musing.But after further investigation, we traced it to the Renaud Library in Los Angeles.”
Remus grunted, and Devon wasn’t sure if The Wolf found the story interesting or noticed the coincidence that the City of Angels had become the center of perplexing activity.Perhaps it was both.
“But it’s no longer at the library, and though we haven’t had time to confirm this, it’s possible the curator, Philipe Renaud, might have made a hasty departure.”
“Meaning you have no idea if he had anything to do with this missing book, and you have no idea if his absence was planned or unexpected.”
When he nodded, Remus shook his head.“So you have nothing.”
“Except for the four vampires who were sneaking around the restricted areas of the library at the same time as my team was attempting to extract the book.”
Remus fell back in his chair, a low whistle escaping.“Now we have something.”
“My team coordinated the break-in to occur during the weekly vampire gathering at the library.An event that Lorenzo was attending at the time.”
Remus’s earlier whistle was replaced by a low growl.“What are your plans?”
“I’m sending one of my guards to track down Renaud and see if he can tell us something about the book.It’s a stretch, but too many questions are without answers.”And now came the tricky part.“He could use an experienced tracker.”
The Wolf barked out a laugh.“And now you finally admit that shifters make better trackers.”He winked.“When you need one.”
He smiled in return.“Is there a better time?”
Remus shook his head, and he suddenly looked his couple hundred years.“No.I don’t suppose there is.”
They stopped their conversation again as plates were removed and espressos were served.“Will you keep Sergi involved in the investigation of the shifter deaths in addition to the rumor of Magic Poppy?”
“We believe there’s a connection between the incidents, so yes, Sergi is at your disposal.We need answers before we can proceed with the larger plan.”
“This should be our last communication for a while.Will you continue to use Decker?”
“Yes.For all things that need to pass between you and me.”
“You still trust that old wolf?”
“Aren’t you some years older than him?”
Remus’s sharp white teeth appeared in a mischievous smile.“You must admit I look years younger.”Then his smile faded.“I hope he finds the solace he seeks when this is all done.”
But when their gazes met, it didn’t seem either of them held out much hope of that happening.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
The five-story apartmentbuilding was in a decent neighborhood.No bars on the windows, and a flashy awning covered the front door.No doorman, but that would be out of character for this part of the city where young Millennials made their homes.There was even a quaint park across the street with a playground for the local kids, which was currently occupied by two moms and three kids.
I’d watched the building for the last two days.Training and classroom sessions had been postponed in favor of special meetings.Devon and most of his inner circle had moved to Oasis for three days of meetings, including an afternoon with shifters.At least, that was as much as I was able to drag out of Cook.Even Anna had gone with them, leaving Ginger and me behind in the mansion.
I couldn’t complain about spending quality time with Ginger, we’d had so little time to spend together that it was like a mini vacation.After the first evening, our days of doing nothing seemed to be quickly filled with sleeping in, movie nights, and lounging by the pool.Ginger spilled the beans that Lucas has been giving her defense lessons, and to keep up with my own training, we spent an hour every morning going over simpler yet highly effective martial art moves.
