Page 86 of Visions in Blood
“The police might think she was rattled afterward.People who commit rage killings aren’t usually thinking straight,” Bella countered.
“Agreed.”Sergi placed his tablet on the desk and turned toward her.“But what if the killing was an execution due to an unsatisfactory performance?The drawing the reason for the hit, or more accurately, his failure to obtain it was his undoing.This would make the drawing a message to others of what happens when you don’t perform.”
“Or a way to draw out the one who has the necklace.”Devon’s blood chilled at his own enlightenment.
Sergi and Bella both nodded as they each mentally raced through the implications.
Bella was the first to respond.“If anyone discovers Cressa has the necklace, it could lead Lorenzo straight to your doorstep.”
Sergi gave Devon his first concerned look of the morning.“Perhaps this would be a good time for that visit to New Orleans.”
The breezeoff the ocean was cooler than yesterday, and I wrapped the blanket tighter.High-peaked clouds were nothing more than a haze far off on the horizon.Perhaps a spring storm was on its way.Or maybe it was the gods sending me a rare gift in an attempt to wash away the earlier images of a horrific death.
After Lucas had delivered me to my room where Ginger waited with a hot bath, I made Ginger leave.She’d wanted to talk but had guessed correctly that I needed time to process the last few hours.
When she’d gone, I drained the tub, preferring the stinging beads of a hot shower.I blow-dried my hair until every drop of moisture had been whipped from it, dressed in my sweats and sweater, then sat in front of the cold hearth.Too tired to start a fire, I found an extra blanket and wrapped myself in it.I was still chilled to the bone with dozens of thoughts bouncing around in my head, yet I couldn’t sit still.
I found my way to the kitchen and mumbled something about hot chocolate and brandy.Devon’s last words to me were the only thing I seemed capable of holding onto.I must have said something else because Cook pushed me out the door, and next thing I knew I was on the widow’s walk.Maybe not the best place to be, but the wind on my face worked as well as rain.
I don’t know how long I stared out to sea before I heard the barest sound of footsteps.Maybe it wasn’t their sound but the connection between us that told me Devon had found me.I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his condemnation, his questions, or anything to do with reality.
“I intercepted Cook on his way here.It’s not often he leaves the kitchen for any place other than the dining room.”
His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket.Not enough to stop the soft tremble in my hands or legs, but enough for me to turn to him.I couldn’t help but smile at the insulated mug one would expect to find coffee.Somehow, I’d expected a big cup that could have been used for soup, but the one he held would keep the hot chocolate hot.
He handed it to me, his hand brushing mine.“How are you?”
I took the mug, and when I opened it, the combined scents of chocolate and brandy rushed over me.For an instant, I remembered the sweet taste of his blood.The spicy drink warmed me even though I hadn’t taken a sip.Then I did, and I closed my eyes as the ice fell away like glaciers calving into the sea.
“Better now.”I turned toward the ocean and waited for Devon to step close, our arms touching.
“I asked Sergi to stay involved with the investigation.”
“Doesn’t he have enough to do?”
He laughed.“He’s good at multitasking.”
“You know this is going to blow back on me.This will impact your mission.”
He turned me to face him and lifted my chin.I closed my eyes.“Look at me.Look at me and tell me you didn’t do this.”
It took me a moment, and when I opened them, I could tell by his raised brow he’d seen the anger burning in them.“You think I could have done this?”
“No.”Not a second of hesitation.“I wanted to hear you say it.I can see the frustration in your eyes, hear it in your voice.But I also see doubt and fear.That with your history with Underwood, no one will believe you didn’t do it.”
There wasn’t much I could add.He’d wrapped it up rather succinctly.And when it appeared he wasn’t going to let go of my chin until I said what he wanted to hear, I caved.
“I didn’t do it.”Each word whispered in short gasps.
His sapphire-blue gaze held mine.“I believe you.”
When he finally released my chin, he steered me to a chair like I was some feeble old woman who couldn’t think straight or put one foot in front of the other.Though he might have been right on the latter.He took the seat next to me, holding my hand while I sipped brandy-laced cocoa with the other.He rubbed his thumb over the soft web of flesh between my thumb and forefinger, and a low hum ran through me, soothing my nerves.My shoulders dropped, and I snuggled into the blanket.Content.
Until Devon went where I didn’t want him to go.He’d been prepping me like some smooth-talking trial lawyer.
“Was it just seeing him dead or the manner of his death that bothered you most?You seemed more shook-up than I expected.”
I took a longer swig of the cocoa, giving me time to sort thoughts I’d already tucked away.“I’m not sure how I feel about it.It’s been something I’ve been wishing for years.But now…” All I saw were Christopher’s expensive oxfords in a thick puddle of blood.A slow stream drained from his wounds.There had been so much blood pooled on the seat that a thin trail flowed to the edge.Every few seconds a drop would fall and thud into the puddle below.Bile rose, and I used the cocoa to wash away the foul taste.“This has to be a vamp kill.Lorenzo no longer having use for him.Right?”
