Page 53 of House of Ruin
“You know, I think it’s great,” Alecto chimed in before Jolene had mustered enough wit to snap at Leigh, and she sure as Hel did look as if she was about to do just that. “We can show you around town and campus. Not every bad thing you hear about Venefica is true.”
Jolene frowned, her gaze snapping to Alecto. She widened her eyes as if asking,What the fuck are you doing?Alecto just smiled.
“That would be excellent,” Leigh said, completely missing the small exchange between Alecto and Jolene. Or, at least, she had enough common sense to ignore it. “I’ve read so much about Venefica. It’s truly a fascinating establishment with an impressive history, including the founder and alumni.”
“Oh, you don’t even know the half of it,” Alecto said, laughing. She glanced at Jolene, who looked tense as Hel.
If Andro were here, he would be losing his shit already.
“So, when are you moving?” Alecto asked.
“Next week,” Leigh said. “I’ve got a place over some bar. I think it’s called—”
“Sparkling Hoof,” Jolene beat her to it.
“Yeah! That’s right.”
That was just perfect. Leigh would be close enough to the Snakes to hopefully help them figure out details ahead of time.
Alecto hoped Jolene would see it that way as well. Because she was sure Val would be more than pleased to have Leigh on their side.
“They have a wonderful selection of wines,” Alecto said. “We will take you there for their signature tasting.”
“I would very much like that.” Leigh grinned, glancing at Jolene, who was—thank the fucking Gods—also smiling.
21
“Mister Leveau, you’re a hard man to come by.”
Detective Vin was leaning against the wall next to the Garden Fairy when Blaze left the shop.
“Shopping for lectures?” Detective’s dark eyes travelled to the paper bag in Blaze’s hands.
It took a lot to resist the urge to hide the bag that held ingredients for a spell they needed for the party at the House of Rats tonight.
But Blaze managed.
“Do you make it a habit of following all Venefica students?” Blaze strode off down the street. But without even looking back, he knew the detective followed, so he added, “Or is it just me you have a special interest in,Detective?”
“I make it my business to see where the suspects of my cases spend their time when their daddies pay their way out of jail cells.”
Anger roared to the surface, and Blaze came to an abrupt stop. He whirled on one heel, coming to stand eye to eye with Vin.
“I’d be careful about your choice of words.” Blaze measured the man. His camel coat was pristine, tailored to fit his big body well. Yet it showed signs of wear and tear, which meant the detective wasn’t crooked. If he were, he could afford to buy a new coat more often than only after the last one fell apart. “I haven’t heard of any charges being pressed. Nor did I hear that I’m a suspect anywhere.”
The detective’s words were steady even if his eyes were shooting daggers. “Tell me, is this your first time almost getting caught? Your file is clean, no crimes, even petty ones on the record.”
This man was brave. Or very, very stupid.
Blaze cracked a smile. “Is it so hard to believe that maybe I’m not the one you should be looking into?”
“From my long time working as acop, I’ve learned that when someone with money comes in to soothe situation, it’s because they’re trying to cover a crime.”
Blaze frowned. “Again. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“The chief of the police instructed me to drop you from the case,” the detective explained, cocking his head. “Haven’t you heard from your father?”
Of course Blaze hadn’t.
