Page 46 of Addicted in Blood
“Yes,” Simone answered.“But I’d like to discuss it with Cressa first.It was her observation that led me to Gheata.She might want to be involved in the plan.”
“Do we have time?”Lucas asked.
“We need to confirm Gheata is still at the address.”
“I can—” Before Bella had a chance to finish, the door to the office burst open.
Decker rushed in, slamming the door behind him.He wiped his brow.“Sorry, I’m late.”
“Is Devon all right?”Lyra had risen when the door opened.
Decker looked sheepish.“Yeah.Well, he’s safe.He’s a bit more cognizant, but his physical condition hasn’t changed.”
“He’s been off the Poppy for a couple of days now.”Lucas walked to the espresso machine, making a cup as if by rote.
“I agree.”Decker grabbed one of the barstools and turned to face the group.“From what I’ve been told by the other victims, even those that were dosed several times never had this severe of a reaction.”
“Is it because he had a prior addiction?”Bella asked.
“Maybe.Though it doesn’t match what we’ve seen before.He might have been given higher doses, or perhaps he was dosed by means other than drinking the tainted blood.”
“What do you mean?”Simone didn’t like where this was leading, and she waved to Lucas, who brought over the espresso before returning to make another one.
“Injection.”
Someone swore.
“Direct to the blood?”Lucas shook his head.“That would explain a lot, but it makes a full recovery almost impossible.”
Lyra had pulled into herself, her focus on some point on a far wall.Whether she was upset, considering options, or hearing her voices again, Simone had no idea.
“We don’t know that for sure.”Bella had the opposite reaction to Lyra’s.She began pacing, her increased heartbeat more an indication of anger at not having an enemy to attack than fear.
“No, we don’t.”Decker’s breathing had settled.“Maybe some fresh blood would help.”
“We can’t risk a donor in his condition.”Simone could see it now.Devon’s beast taking control and draining the donor dry.
“That doesn’t give us much to work with.”Decker reached across the bar and poured a whiskey.
“Is he safe where he is?”Simone asked.
Decker shrugged.“I haven’t seen any prints around the perimeter.No scent trails other than some wild game—a couple deer, a fox, some rabbits.How long do we have before the Eliminators are set loose?”
“Three days.”
“What if we take him to Oasis?”Lucas asked.“The Eliminators could look all they want.It would give us more time.”
“If they find out we hid him there, it will be our necks on the block,” Bella said.When the group turned to her, she added, “I’m not saying not to do it.It’s just, if we don’t find the real murderer, our association is enough for the Council.We need to be in agreement.”
“Bella is correct.”Simone stood, suddenly needing something to hit, and the training room was the best place to burn off her growing aggression.“It’s Lyra’s decision, but I think you should all consider whether you want to risk it.We can make that call when the deadline is upon us.For now, let’s see what Boris Gheata can tell us.”She turned to Bella.“Can you confirm the address today?”
“No problem.”
“Take Jacques.”
Bella shook her head.“It would be best if I was on my own.If this guy has been a fixer for centuries, we need to play this smart.I have more options for cover stories when I’m working alone.I’ll have my cell, and you’ll know when I arrive and when I leave.”
“I want Jacques positioned no more than four blocks away.”
