Page 32 of Don't Bait Me (Nora Jacobs 3)

He says the last thing I expect. “Humans. I think we have a human hunter in our city.”

I jerk back in surprise. “You thinkhumansare killing fey? Why…how?”

He leans forward, coming alive with intensity and the thrill of the hunt. “Certain humans are blessed with the sight.”

“The sight?”

“They can see through glamour,” he explains.

My mouth falls open. “That’s possible?”

“It’s rare. Very rare. The gift is hereditary, passed down through families. These families don’t understand the fey. All they see are monsters that most humans can’t see. They feel it’s their duty to exterminate the hideous creatures that don’t belong in their world.

“Whomever we’re dealing with is only going after fey because shifters, vampires, and demons all appear human. They don’t have to hide behind glamours. They’re also using weapons specifically designed to kill fey and only fey. I’d bet the killers don’t even realize other underworlders exist.”

I take another sip of my water, mulling over his theory. It makes sense. I didn’t know it was possible for humans to have the sight, but it’s easy to believe that if some did, they’d do exactly what Illren is suggesting. I know I would have if I could have before I was dragged into the underworld. I’d been terrified of the monsters in this city.

“So the victims are random, then,” I say. “They’re just going after any fey they come across.”

Illren nods. “But how are they finding them? Are they just driving around the city until they come across something that looks like a monster to them? And if that’s the case, how do we find them to stop them? This is where I am stuck.”

I think about it and then let out a gasp. I lean forward, slapping my hands on the table in front of me. “The casino!”

Illren perks up. “What about it?”

“That’s where they’re finding their victims. They’re casing Henry’s casino. You said yourself that you were having drinks with Shael and Nei in the casino bar and that they were killed when they left. Terrance was the same. He’d just come from a business lunch there when he was attacked, and Kimrel, the brownie that died recently, worked there.”

Illren grins at me, impressed by the connection I’ve made. I’d be insulted by his surprise if I weren’t so excited to have a lead. “That makes sense,” he says. “Like this club, many underworlders feel comfortable in the vampire’s casino. They consider it more of an underworld establishment. Many fey work there or enjoy its pleasures. The hunter probably came to the casino when he first got to town, hoping to hear local gossip, and realized he’d stumbled onto a fey playground.”

“You’re right. That has to be it. But how do we—”

I’m so engrossed in the conversation with Illren that Terrance’s low, rumbly voice startles me. “Nora.”

I grip his arm. “Terrance, I think we’ve found a lead. We…” My voice trails off when I realize how grim Terrance looks. “What is it?”

He grimaces and holds up his phone. “Gorgeous called. There was an incident down at the Riverfront. They used arrowsandguns this time. Iron bullets. It was a slaughter.”

I gasp. “How many?”

Terrance swallows. “Enough that the FUA has been called in to clean up the mess because it’s too big and threatens exposing us to humans. Gorgeous is willing to hold off on the cleanup if you want to go over there, but you’ll need to hurry.”

I jump out of my seat before he’s even finished. “Parker!”

He’s at my side in a blink. “I’ll grab the car.”

“Why would they ask you to the crime scene?” Illren asks, climbing to his feet as well.

“I’m going, too,” Rook demands.

I flash him a grateful smile. “I’d appreciate the backup.”

“What’s going on? How do you know Nick Gorgeous? Why would the FUA wait for you?” Illren demands, angry that no one is answering his questions.

Wulf steps up to me, holding out my coat and scarf that he’s already retrieved from the coat check. “I can help,” I tell Illren as I push my arms into my coat sleeves. I grimace, thinking of how little use I was at Kimrel’s crime scene. “At least, I hope I can.”

“You’ll find something,” Rook assures me, wrapping my scarf around my neck.

We head for the exit, and Illren keeps pace at my side the entire way. “How can you help?”

---