Page 28 of Betrayed in Blood
She hugged him, her cheek against his chest. “You give them hell and then come home.”
He closed his eyes. What would he do without his thief? He kissed the top of her head. “That’s my plan. I need to ask you one favor.”
She pulled back and gave him a wry smile. “Stay out of trouble.”
He grinned. “That should go without saying. I need you to call Colantha.”
She nodded. “I was already planning on doing that. A second language.” She stared off to some distant point before meeting his gaze. “But it makes sense, right?”
“It does.”
“Consider it taken care of.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Watch your back.”
“Always.”
He was almost out the door when he turned back to her. “I almost forgot. You’ve been cleared of Underwood’s murder. They’ve closed the case and put out a warrant for Gheata.”
“They’ll never find him.” Her words didn’t hide the tension that seemed to roll off her. She’d never said a word about the investigation, but it had to have been bothering her, even if she refused to talk about it.
“No. But the important part is that you’re cleared. Maybe you should call your mother.”
She bit her lip then grinned. “I think I will. Come back soon.”
He smiled as he walked down the stairs, not in any particular hurry. His agenda might be growing, but it had been a relief to know the SBPD had closed the case on Underwood. It was one item off his list.
He met his cadre in the foyer. “Simone, contact Decker and see what you can do to shore up defenses at Oasis as quickly as you can.”
“He’ll be here this afternoon.”
Devon turned to Lucas. “Cressa will reach out to Colantha today. Can you share a couple passages from the book with her?”
“I have them ready.”
He turned to Sergi and Bella. “Let’s see what has the Council worried this time.”
The motorcade, three vehicles total, included two SUVs and one limo. Sergi and Bella were in each of the SUVs, along with four other security personnel. Devon rode in the limo with four guards. He stared out the window for the entire drive, his mind on what the Council could possibly want. The only thing he could think of was the raid at Venizi’s party. And that was none of the Council’s business.
He pushed the meeting aside. Rather than review the long list of things still needing to be done, he returned to his days with Cressa and their time spent in the infinity pool. He was lost in the memories until Mateo cleared his throat.
“Sorry, sir, but we’re here.”
Devon refocused on the view outside his window and glimpsed the Council building as the limo drove up the circular drive and stopped at the front steps.
“Thank you, Mateo. I’d like your and Sergi’s teams to join me. Bella’s team will remain behind to give us cover if required.”
“Very good, sir.” Mateo exited first and scanned the area for threats before nodding to the rest of the team, who covered Devon’s exit from the limo.
Sergi’s team was already on the steps leading to the front door in a defensive posture. Devon nodded to Bella, who had her team spread around the entire motorcade. The drivers remained in their vehicles in case a quick escape was required.
Sergi followed him up the steps with the security force trailing behind and Mateo taking up the rear position. Once inside the building, they strode two abreast with Sergi at his side.
“I didn’t see Venizi’s limo.” Sergi’s gaze moved left to right as they marched toward Council Chambers.
“That’s interesting.”
A lone Council page stood at the doors to the Chambers. The page lifted his head when the sound of boots on stone reached his ears, and he turned to face Devon. There was no expression on the older vampire’s face. Everyone in this place was excellent at retaining blank expressions.
“Master Trelane, your presence is requested in the solarium. If you would follow me.”
