Page 15 of Hunt the Dusk
The waiter came over with a bottle of wine and took my order.
I heard what happened at the Midnight Ball,Kaster said. That was the last topic I wanted to discuss, and it must have shown on my face because he sighed and frowned.I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up. It’s hardly dinner date conversation.
No. It’s fine, but you’re right. I’d rather not talk about it.
He studied me for several beats before continuing.How are you settling in to the chapter offices?
Good, actually. We finally have someone who can help us track the missing persons.
Oh?
I filled him in on Holly’s arrival.
I’ve heard of Lorenzo Crescent. He’s a powerful mageri.
I couldn’t help but smile at that.Yes, he is.
Were you two involved?
What? No. It’s not like that.
The look he gave me was a little too knowing.
I don’t date.
And yet you’re here.
I made an exception.
Why?
I guess I felt like I deserved it after…I trailed off with a weak smile.
Silence stretched between us for several beats before Kaster broke it.What you do with the Order…I admire it. The dedication and the strength of character, it’s very…enticing.
I licked my lips and dropped my gaze.And you? What did you do before you took over the Sangualex department?
I was a soldier for a while. I suppose in some respects I still am.
And why did you choose to work with the Sangualex?
He smiled closed-lipped this time.Orina. If there’s something specific you’d like to know, all you need do is ask.
That simple, huh?
Yes. The worst I can say is nothing.
He had a point, and I liked his straightforward attitude. I could play him and string him along, or I could be as upfront with him as he was being with me.Do you know about the fire that killed the ordained?
His eyes narrowed slightly. I do.
Do you know it was arson?
That’s not what the reports say.
The reports are a lie. It was arson. Someone set that fire and killed a bunch of vampires. Do you know who the vampires were?
He stared at me steadily for several beats and then sighed.No. All we found was ash.
