Page 95 of Soul Sucker

Vadim sat down. “I went to see if I could offer her any help and she wouldn’t let me near her.”

“That sounds like Ella.”

“I tried to be sympathetic and respectful but she wouldn’t give an inch.”

“She’s a very private person.”

“Iunderstandthat. I’m the same.”

“So how would you take it if someone tried to comfortyouat work?”

Vadim thought about that. “Not very well.”

She clucked her tongue at him as if he were a child. “Then why are you surprised Ella was ticked off?”

“She’s always ticked off with me. That wasn’t a surprise at all.” He contemplated Liz for a long moment. “She’s insisting on going out to work the Bonetti case tonight.”

Liz finished her coffee and threw the cup neatly into the trash. “That doesn’t shock me either. Ella’s remedy for avoiding emotional stuff has always been to work and play harder.”

“I’m going with her.”

Liz’s faint smile faded. “You must go with her. In fact, you must stay with her as much as you can.”

“Is that an order?”

Liz’s Fae-Web shimmered around her and her eyes turned gold. “Yes. You need to face this danger together. Your destinies are linked.”

“Not a problem.” Vadim hesitated. “Does Alexei know what you know?”

“Not in quite the same way, but he’s probably got some idea of the bond between you and Ella. Why?”

Vadim switched on his computer. “No reason.”

“What don’t you want him to know?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“He’s your friend.”

“He’s almost one hundred percent Fae. He’s no one’sfriend. He was sent here to report to our boss in Russia.”

“So he told me.” Liz nodded. “But I don’t think he’s going to have you sent back now. You’re far too central to this investigation for that to happen.”

“Don’t count on it.” Vadim clicked on the SBLE website page.

Sam came bounding into the office. “Hey, Liz, Ella’s taking me out on a case with her tonight! Isn’t that sick?”

“It’s great, Sam.” Liz smiled enthusiastically at Sam, who blushed. “Just remember to pay attention and don’t get in Ella’s way.”

He made a face. “It’s okay. She’s already read me the riot act.” He paused at the door. “Do you think she’s intending to hand over all the cases to me before she…?”

Liz frowned at him. “I have no idea. Just take what you can and be grateful.”

Sam gulped. “No offense, Liz.”

“None taken, but don’t say that to Ella, will you?”

Sam disappeared and Liz grimaced at Vadim. “He’s such a kid.”

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