Page 26 of Betrayed in Blood
Sergi and Bella strode in and took their usual seats. He watched Sergi open his tablet and immediately start reading. At times, it was odd to see Sergi in his suit, tied to his tablet as he stayed updated on the Family’s security. It was a far cry from when they’d first met on a dirt field so long ago, dressed in armor, ready to battle each other. And now, Devon couldn’t imagine how he would have gotten as far as he had without him.
“Where’s Jacques?” Devon asked, turning his attention to Bella.
“We’ve picked up some interest at the new city safe house. I sent him over with two additional security details to check it out.” Bella was already fidgeting, her leg bouncing.
“Venizi?”
She shrugged. “Most likely. Jacques will tail them if they show up again.”
Lucas burst into the room. He’d taken a few steps before turning back to shut the door. “Sorry, I’m late. I wanted to finish the last of my report.” He appeared tired as he dropped into his seat and must have been working around the clock since returning home.
“Your work is important, but not more than your health.” Devon gave him a wry smile and set the crystal on his desk. “I heard you’d recovered well from your mission, but I think it’s time for another blood donor.”
“Ginger has already sent a request on my behalf.” He shuffled papers, a book, and his tablet before settling down.
Devon immediately focused on the book, and a thrill of excitement ran through him. When he shifted in his seat and glanced at his cadre, he noticed them giving furtive glances to the cooler. Everything was coming together, but there were still loose ends. Ones he hoped theDe første dagewould wrap up.
Devon began the meeting with a review of his visit to Aramburu, including the vampire attack before reaching El Recinto, a brief overview of the extensive security, and a list of businesses the Family ran.
“Sergi, I’d like you to contact Miguel. He’s the second son but runs the Family’s businesses. I’d also like you to touch basis with Alejandro, the oldest, who leads the cadre and include Simone. Let’s see what strengths we have in common and any weaknesses we might be able to shore up.”
Sergi nodded as he made notes on his tablet. “There isn’t anything major to report on security. We continue to make strides on final changes to both safe houses. They’re serviceable as they stand, but the final changes expected to be in place by the end of the week will make them difficult to penetrate.”
“Enough food, weapons, and ammo for a six-month siege will be in place by then as well,” Simone added.
“Has there been any movement from Venizi?” Devon had expected an immediate attack, but Lorenzo had been unnaturally quiet.
“No.” Sergi rubbed his forehead and glanced out the window. Not a normal reaction. “He’s planning something, which is surprising. He prefers to act quickly.”
“Our lockdown might have posed a problem to his typical hit-and-run attacks.” Bella stood and began her pacing. “Our limited movement, except at the safe houses, doesn’t give him much to work with.”
“Which is why his vampires are watching us.” Simone leaned back in her chair, her fingers strumming the armrest. “Have we had word of any other vampires patrolling our properties?”
Bella shook her head, her pacing never stopping. “No. But, if it’s okay, I’d like to set up four teams of four to patrol.”
Devon grinned. “Watchers to watch the watchers.”
Bella returned his grin. “Something like that. But I know we’re already stretched thin.”
“We have several vampires who recently completed their work at the safe houses,” Simone said. “They’re at your disposal.”
“Excellent. Let’s move on to the cooler.” Before Devon could do more than shift the cooler in front of him, Sergi had one last topic.
“I received a call from my contact with the Santiga Bay police about Christopher Underwood’s murder investigation. We were able to obtain the non-secure files from the Gheata sting that were specific to Underwood. They were provided to the SBPD from an anonymous source, and after their own investigation, the police have closed the Underwood murder.”
Devon hadn’t known how important that was until he heard the words. Cressa hadn’t given him any indication she’d been worried, but she’d wanted to contact her mother again. They had decided against it with her stepfather’s murder still an open case.
“That’s excellent news. Thank you for getting that closed.”
Sergi gave a brief nod then looked at the cooler.
Devon didn’t delay. He opened it and removed the dry ice pack that was attached to three vials of blood. He placed the bundle on his desk and noted all eyes pinned to it. Bella returned to her seat, most likely to get a better look.
“Simone told you about the vampire children at Aramburu.” When they all nodded, he continued. “Gregor has been watching the decline in our fertility rates, but never experienced the same issue within El Recinto. He had his suspicions about why that was, and they relate directly to theDe første dage. In pursuit of the truth and our coming challenge to the Council, he agreed to my request for three blood samples. These are from a female vampire, her three-year-old son, and the father.”
Devon hadn’t expected many questions, though the cadre was wide-eyed with interest. Since Simone shared the information before he’d returned, they would have already exhausted most of their comments. They understood the gravity of the situation, but they’d all been surprised by the blood samples. Even so, they understood the next steps. To prove his thoughts, Sergi spoke up first.
“You want me to set up a meeting with Remus?”
