Page 79 of House of Ruin
“Yes, actually. I have found old records dating all the way back to 1952 that show something like these murders happened once in Venefica,” Leigh explained. “It didn’t make it to the press, as I couldn’t find anything about it in newspapers or magazines. However, I did find an old investigation file in the police records, sealed.”
Val seemed pleased. “Interesting. Is there a way for us to get access to that file?”
“Val, that’s illegal,” Jolene said. She was very visibly upset at Val using her girlfriend, even if Leigh benefitted from this deal just as much—if not more—than they did.
“I cannot give you the file, as it’s confidential police records,” Leigh said. “However, I might be able to get you a copy to read through.”
Val smiled. “That’s what I like to hear.”
30
The moment the Crahen opened the front door of Alecto’s family home, she realized the visit was a bad idea. Andro and Jolene walked through the door first, cheerfully chatting about something, laughing at each other’s jokes, while Val and Blaze dragged behind Alecto. Silently.
This had to happen. Alecto needed to come home the only weekend her father was away to find something,anythingabout her mother’s past. Why inviting the Snakes had seemed like a good idea, she couldn’t tell anymore.
“You don’t have a butler nor a housekeeper?” Andro asked, frowning when another Crahen took his bags and hurried up the stairs.
“No butlers. No housekeepers. No chefs.” No personnel of their kind of thelesserbeings, just the faceless mindless creatures that would ensure plenty of privacy.
Alecto threw her shoulders back, inhaling through her nose as she refused to succumb to the panic rising deep in her chest. Her father wasn’t around. It was just her and the Inner Circle. She was safe.
“Perfect,” Val said, grinning wide as she took in the high ceilings of the foyer, the wreaths of pine wrapped around the railings of the stairs leading to the second floor, and then the glass bowl filled with seashells that Alecto and her mom used to gather and bring home when she was little. “You’ve got a nice house, Black. But I have to say I’m surprised.”
“Are you now?” Alecto asked, making her way to the kitchen at the back.
They had skipped the breakfast back at Venefica, so she knew starting with food was a safe way to live through this weekend. One step at a time.
“I thought it would be more…dramatic. Dark. Red, maybe black,” Val continued. Alecto pushed the door to the kitchen and found the island covered with an array of breakfast foods—scrambled eggs, roasted elephant beetles, pancakes, and bacon. There was even fresh pumpkin pie resting on the corner. “Yours is the only house so far that doesn’t suit the resident.”
“Oh, and Andro’s home does?” Alecto asked, amused.
They settled around the island, and Alecto didn’t need to urge them to pack their plates with food. She went over to the sink. Through the wide window over it, she looked at the blue ocean, calm and beautiful on this bright winter morning.
“Of course.” Val scoffed. “It’s as uptight as his ass.”
Laughter bubbled in the kitchen. Even Andro laughed, which was impressive knowing he had been cradling a bit of resentment towards Val lately.
“Blaze’s place is this pretentious, moody den that screams sex and sins with its dim lighting and heavy dark wood furniture.” Val pointed a fork at Blaze, talking with her mouth full of eggs. “And Jolene, her place is this whimsical manor surrounded by moon lily fields that screams fairies and unicorns. Just like Jolene.”
“You’ve never been to my family home in Old Haven,” Jolene pointed out. “What the fuck do you know?”
“Oh, but I’ve read one of the Weirs’ magazines that had pictures of it, duh,” Val countered, rolling her eyes. “Half Inathis had seen the Frone manor.”
“Ah, right,” Jolene said, cringing.
Alecto laughed.
“So, when are the rest of our guests getting here?” Blaze asked, leaning back in his chair. “When is the fun gonna start?”
“Leigh will be here only in the evening. She’s got work,” Jolene said, finishing the last piece of bacon.
“Gael will get here later as well. He’s in Avalon Hills with his parents,” Andro added.
“What, not yet ready to meet the parents?” Val teased.
Andro’s eyes flashed, but he only tilted his chin up. “No need to meet the parents yet. But it’s not like it’s your business, bitch.”
Val barked a laugh. “Oh, how long are you gonna be mad?”
