Page 71 of Betrayed in Blood
I looked at Ginger.
She nodded. “Go ahead. I have your back.”
Then we both snorted as if that would matter one iota to either Devon or Sergi.
I pushed the send button.
Ginger pushed her blanket off and slid over to sit next to me, shoulder to shoulder, as we watched the phone.
After a couple of minutes, she asked, “How long are we going to stare at the screen?”
Then we got the giggles. Maybe I should have considered this when I was more sober. I finished the cocoa in one large gulp. Too late to worry about it now.
We both jumped when the ping came.
I rolled my eyes again as I read the text.
“We’ll be in touch.”
Devon arrived backat the coastal manor later than he’d planned. At breakfast, Simone mentioned a rumor she’d received in the previous evening’s reports.
She had picked at her spinach and egg-white omelet but looked better than when he’d first arrived. The shadows under her eyes told him she’d taken blood. At least he didn’t have to remind her.
“I don’t know how accurate this information is, but word has it that Venizi is holding a Family-only party on the island.”
“Who’s the information from?” Devon always asked even though he knew Simone might not answer. She was cautious about her informants.
She shrugged a shoulder and nibbled on a scone. “I should ask Lucia to get Cook’s recipe for scones. These are good but not as good as his.” She swallowed another bite. “All I can say is that she’s connected to a House faithful to Venizi. She has considered requesting a transfer to another House or going rogue, but she realizes she’s in an opportune position to help us. And before you ask if she could be providing false information, that, of course, is always possible. However, I knew this vampire before she was traded to her current House. Her previous reports, while rare, have always been accurate.”
“Alright. Did she give you a date?”
“Friday.”
“Interesting. You think this might help us with what April might be up to?”
Simone leaned back with her cup of coffee and stared at him. “That would best be answered by Bella and Cressa. But I think it gives you an option.”
“I agree.”
Before he left the manor for the helicopter, Simone stood next to him, watching the rotors spin up.
“Do you need me to assist with this Rasmussen problem?”
“No. At least, not yet. If we plan something where we need you, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, I think you have your hands full completing the security precautions.”
“Alright.”
Before he stepped out the door, Simone touched his arm to stop him. She appeared uncomfortable. “Tell Cressa that I’ll be there if she needs me.”
He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Her request wasn’t a platitude. She didn’t believe in those. He placed a hand over hers. “I’ll tell her. And keep me posted on your friend. I’m serious when I say if you don’t hear from him soon, I’ll help you locate him.”
She kissed his cheek, then turned and walked away. A sign that the discussion had become too emotional for her.
Devon smiled as he ran for the copter. She’d changed over the last year and was almost ready for her own House. He had Cressa and Ginger to thank for that, though he’d never tell Simone that. Although she probably already figured it out, which no doubt irritated the hell out of her.
He watched the estate as the copter lifted and flew toward the coast. Oasis was in safe hands and ready for anything Venizi might throw at them next.
He sent a text to Sergi to prepare for a meeting upon his arrival. The drive to the manor from the airstrip took longer than expected due to an accident. When he arrived at the manor and strode directly to his office, the cacophony of voices, some raised in heated discussion loud enough to be heard through the closed door, made him grind his teeth.
