Page 29 of Deadly Lineage
“That’s…”
“Unhelpful,” I guessed.
“As far as I know, yeah. It might mean something to someone else. I’ll ask Pops first, but I’ve got other networks I can work too.”
“I’ll make sure Captain Cicely knows the report is back. Maybe she can make more of it than me.”
“Sounds good. You’ve got the witch angle covered and I’ve got the warlock one handled. I know a shifter or two and have an in with a vampire. Possibly a fairy, although I’m not sure about that one.”
“When it comes to fairies, I don’t think anyone is ever certain.” I had no desire to track one down and strike up a conversation.
“True.” Boone chuckled lightly. “They’re a tough crowd.”
“Understatement, but not wrong.”
Boone hummed before adding, “Acquaintance adjacent, I might be able to filter some questions to a brownie and a priestess.”
My eyes widened. “You have a much broader social circle than me.”
Boone’s chuckle became louder. “Yeah, well, you’re human and you’ve got good self-preservation instincts. Just to be complete, I know a pixie or four, but I seriously doubt any of them would have much to offer. Except maybe Frost.”
“Frost?” My attention narrowed. “You know Agent Frost?”
“A little. I met him during the same job where I met Aurelia. How do you know him?”
“I don’t, not personally. Captain Cicely mentioned his name earlier. We’d hoped for some help from the Magical Usage Council but evidently, they’re currently short-staffed.” I didn’t care to think about the reasons why that would be. “She was told they’d typically send in Agent Frost, but he’s newly vampire claimed.”
“Well, I can confirm the Magical Usage Council isn’t feeding you a line. Frost is double mated. He’s not your typical pixie. Frost’s both a pixie and a Pallas’s cat shifter. He claimed his vampire mate, and said vampire claimed Frost as his beloved. I don’t think they can spend a lot of time apart right now and his vampire, Leon, is King Lucroy Moony’s second.”
“King Moony?” Even I’d heard the name. Lucroy Moony’s nest stretched to the middle of Louisiana, and Mississippi’s vampires were under his authority.
“Interesting vamp,” Boone said with a hint of genuine curiosity. “Not what I expected when I met him.”
As interesting as this conversation was, we were getting off track. I think Boone realized that too because his next wordsbrought us back to the point. “Anyway, there are some options there I might be able to utilize. I’m not sure if they’ll know more than us, but it’s worth an ask.”
“Agreed. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Like I said, I might not turn up anything.”
“I still appreciate the effort, especially after the week you’ve had.” Clearing my throat, I asked, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m not in danger of passing out in my cereal bowl if that’s what you’re asking.” Boone snickered.
“Good to know, but that’s not entirely what I’m asking.”
“You’re no fun.”
“I’ve been accused of worse.” Interactions with Boone over the past few years highlighted our differences. I envied his relaxed, casual confidence, the ease with which he spoke and his gentle movements when he walked. While Boone stood at the edge of a crime scene in loose cargo shorts, flip-flops, and a worn t-shirt, I sweated it out in a button-up shirt, tie, and jacket. We were polar opposites, and yet I felt more comfortable in his presence than anyone in the precinct.
“I think you could be a lot of fun, Franklin. You just have to be in the right atmosphere.”
I was probably losing my mind, but I swore Boone was flirting with me. I paused, unsure how to respond. Thankfully, Boone saved me by finally answering. “I’m tired and it would be ridiculously stupid to try and pull even the most congenial, willing soul back from beyond the veil. It’ll take a few days, but I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me, Detective. You just concentrate on catching the sick fucker who’s doing this.”
“I’ll do my best,” I promised, hoping it would be enough.
“I know you will, Franklin. It’s what I’m counting on.”
Chapter
