Page 62 of Obsessed in Blood
“I thought we could have afternoon tea in the garden.”
Sergi expected gray cement walls and a single table and cot with this being a monastery. Instead, the fully decorated room was the size of a one-bedroom apartment with a wall dividing the sleeping area from the living area. A movable panel hid the kitchen.
On the far side of the living area was a sliding glass door that led out to an enclosed garden. It was similar to a greenhouse with glass on all sides including the roof, which opened using levers. Plants of various heights and textures filled the space. A small section to the left was nothing but sand with a single stone bench. On the other side was a small waterfall and pool where three fish swam. Songbirds twittered, jumping from one branch to another.
While the stark exterior of the building was too harsh for his liking, Yun’s environment was someplace he could live should he ever leave the cadre. A place of peace.
Yun strode to a bistro table near the waterfall where a tea service had been set with two small plates of sushi.
They settled down and ate quietly. Once they were finished, Yun refreshed the tea then sat back. “I haven’t spoken to the cadre the last two times they got together. I find it more difficult to leave these days.”
“I can understand after seeing this for myself.”
Yun nodded. “It’s not your normal monastery, but there’s no reason not to have comfort while dedicating yourself to the perfection of mind and body.”
“I would agree.”
“I understand from Teller that all is well again with Devon and that Lyra has made a remarkable recovery.”
Sergi suspected Yun knew more than what Teller told him, but he wasn’t there to interrogate. He wanted whatever answers Yun might be able to provide, and this was his turf, so Sergi would play by his rules.
“Devon has recovered from the attempt on his life.”
Yun’s brow rose. “Assassination by addiction isn’t the most expedient or assured.”
“No. But with Devon’s past history with the Poppy, and a new delivery system, the assailant made sure the beast would be difficult to overcome.”
Yun nodded as he sipped his tea. “And as I said, not without risks. Devon recovered.”
“He did.”
“I suppose the more amazing feat was Lyra’s recovery.”
“The House Trelane has been very fortunate indeed.”
Yun gave a slight bow. Neither was willing to give up any more information than was necessary. Not without some negotiation.
After some time went by while the two drank tea and watched the songbirds, Yun stood and went to a side table where a metal pot was plugged into a socket. He refreshed the teapot and returned with a small plate of shortbread. They drank more tea and ate the cookies. When they were done, Yun turned his attention to Sergi.
“I believe the saying is ‘it’s your dime’.”
Sergi liked this vampire of few words. He brushed crumbs from his pants and told Yun of the recent accident, Cressa’s kidnapping, the artificially set fire, and Cressa’s eventual escape from Shadow Island.
“If you came to ask why Venizi did this, I can’t help you.”
“We know why he did it. We’re more concerned about how similar this accident was to the one Devon’s parents were killed in.”
If Yun was surprised by the statement, he didn’t show it. And Sergi didn’t think the vampire was that naive. Yun stretched out a hand, and after a minute, one of the songbirds settled on it. It sang a soulful sound then flew away.
“We suspected Venizi from the start, but there wasn’t any evidence to point to him. This was long before forensics were available, and the fire took care of any fingerprints. Venizi was in the vicinity at the time, but it would have been foolish to question a Council member.
“Do you believe it was Guildford they were after?”
“Who else?”
“What can you tell me about the gardener?”
Yun gave a soft chuckle. “After all this time, I’m not sure what Guildford saw in him. He was sharp for a human, always respectful, and anyone could see he was infatuated with Lyra. From what I remember, she returned the feelings. And, of course, that was easily seen after the accident and her collapse. But I’m not sure why Venizi would go to such lengths for a mere human, though at the time, he had his own infatuation with Lyra.”
