Page 11 of Hunt the Dusk
“So you now know everything.” Edwin sounded relieved. “We told you a couple of times, Merry, but then…It just seemed cruel.”
Merry sat with her head in her hands. “I understand. But I want to know. If I forget again—I…I’m going to write this down in my journal tonight.”
Ordell had given her the idea of keeping her own record, and it was good to see that she was following through on it.
Padma, however, was silent, fingers tapping a staccato rhythm on the rim of her empty teacup.
“I’m so sorry,” Merry said to Padma. “For everything you’ve been going through.”
Padma shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“She will be fine,” Edwin added. “We’ll figure this out.”
Sleep had organized the details of last night neatly in my mind, leaving two glaring questions. “Who were the murdered vampires in the restaurant, and who set the fire to kill them?”
“We don’t know,” Padma said. “The case was marked classified by the Sangualex. Even though the Order dealt with the fire, even though our people lost their lives, they claimed the files. And then a week later we found out the case was ruled as an accidental fire, not arson.”
“But it was arson,” Edwin said. “The fire started in the boathouse, and there was nothing in there that could accidentally combust. They found traces of an accelerant, though. The investigator said as much when I spoke to him.”
“But then he changed his story,” Padma said bitterly. “Next thing we know, Kaster Black is appointed as the head official for the Longlier branch, the same branch that took the arson files.”
“All our friends…” Merry’s mouth wobbled. “Gone because someone wanted a bunch of vampires dead.”
My gut told me that figuring out what had happened was important. “So it’s a cover-up. The fire, the dead vampires, but what are they covering up? Why were those vampires there that night? Who were they?” I chewed on my cheeks. “Do you think Kaster was sent to investigate?”
Padma shrugged. “No idea, and it’s not like he’d tell us.”
“Maybe not us,” Edwin said, his eyes lighting up. “But if he started seeing someone…” He raised his brows my way. “Started to trust them. It could start with a dinner date.”
What was he…Oh…I yanked open my desk drawer and found Kaster’s note inviting me for a meal sometime. His phone number was printed on the bottom. “You want me to fake date him?” I wasn’t sure that I was comfortable with that, especially considering my ordained status, and it must have shown on my face.
“You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with,” Padma said.
“I know. But this could be our only chance of finding out what happened that night, not just with the fire, but with Merry too.” I looked over at her. “Someone hurt you bad enough to mess with your memories and your mind. They need to be held accountable. Maybe Kaster can help us do that. I’m not going to fake date him, but I will extend the hand of friendship and see where that leads.”
Was it wrong to become friends with someone just to get information from them? Yes, yes it was, but wasn’t every friendship some kind of transaction where the participants each got something from the relationship, be it someone to talk to or someone to listen or someone who you knew would be there at the drop of a hat if you needed them?
I picked up my mobile and dialed, then killed the call when I remembered that he couldn’t speak. I saved the number and keyed in a text to him instead.
Hey, Kaster, it’s Orina Lighthart. I’d love to take you up on that offer of dinner. When’s good for you?
I was aboutto tuck my phone away when it pinged in response.
How about tonight?
“Was that him?” Merry asked, sitting forward eagerly.
“Yeah. He said he’s free tonight.”
“Do it,” Padma said, eyes bright.
Tonight sounds good. Let me know where to meet you.
I can pick you up.
No need. Just text me the time and place.
Seven at the Royal House.
