Page 26 of Brimstone Bound
‘I can help you,’ he said. ‘I assume your important police business involves finding the real murderer. I can help you with that.’
I glanced over my shoulder. ‘Why would you want to do that?’
‘I told you. Your murder took place on the edge of vampire territory. That makes it as much my business as yours.’ He smiled, amused at himself. ‘Well, almost as much.’
The last thing I needed was a dodgy vamp tagging along with me, whether I trusted him or not. ‘I don’t need your help.’ In other words, fuck off before I decide that youweremy murderer after all.
‘What if you’re attacked again?’ He nodded at the paperweight. ‘That ridiculous thing you’re waving at me won’t do you much good, even against a wolf.’
‘I’ll be fine.’
‘There are appropriate weapons in the Supe Squad building. On the third floor. As long as you’re a member of Supe Squad, you’re permitted to carry a crossbow. There’s not much else that will stop both vampires and werewolves in their tracks.’
Huh. How did he know where the crossbows were kept?
‘Thanks for the tip,’ I said grudgingly.
‘I’m Lukas, by the way.’
‘Yeah. I’m sure that’s your real name.’ I started walking. It was time to get out of there. ‘I’m D’Artagnan,’ I muttered. ‘It was nice to meet you.’
I held my breath, waiting for the vampire to catch up with me or continue the conversation in some way. He didn’t. I picked up speed. When I reached the end of the street and looked back, he’d already gone.
Chapter Ten
Despite being dumped in Supernatural Squad to live out the rest of his career, Tony had done well for himself. Not only was his flat in central London, a mere stone’s throw from the office, it was in a pleasant street and hidden behind the façade of a well-maintained, eighteenth-century building. He was in 2A, from which I surmised he was on the second floor. I couldn’t see any lights on from my spot in the street, and there was no indication that he was home. His flat might look out onto the back of the property, however.
Rather than jiggle the door or attempt entry by other means – and potentially alert Tony to my presence or upset his neighbours – I banked on the fact that it was the end of the working day. Other residents would be returning home. Sure enough, I barely waited ten minutes before a car drew up and a young woman stepped out, walked up the steps to the door and used her key to open it.
I crossed the street and reached the door before it locked shut again. Catching it with my fingers, I nipped inside. So much for security. The woman’s heels were already click-clacking up the stairs and she was none the wiser.
I double checked that I had my trainee’s ID in case I was stopped and questioned, then I started up after her. By the time I reached Tony’s flat, she’d vanished into her own home.
Pressing my ear against his door, I listened for signs of life from within. The walls were thick and, considering the upmarket nature of the building, it was entirely possible they were also soundproofed. If this had been an action film, I’d simply have raised my foot and kicked my way in, but I suspected that trying that here would only result in me breaking my ankle.
I pursed my lips, wishing I had my phone so that I could text Molly and tell her where I was in case things went wrong. Then I gripped the paperweight with one hand and knocked sharply on Tony’s door with the other.
There wasn’t any answer. I knocked again, more loudly this time. Still nothing. I was about to give it yet another shot when the door across the landing marked 2C opened and a bloke about my age peered out. When he saw me, he seemed to relax slightly. I guess I didn’t look much of a threat. ‘Is everything alright?’ he asked.
‘I’m Tony’s niece,’ I improvised. ‘I’ve not heard from him for days and I’m getting really worried.’ I widened my eyes and did my best to look anxious. ‘You’ve not seen him lately, have you?’
‘Yesterday morning,’ he said. ‘We bumped into each other on the way to work.’
I noted the man’s starched shirt and plain suit before I spotted the gold ring adorning his little finger. It was difficult to be sure from this angle, but it looked to be engraved with an XP. Chi Rho. I sent a brief prayer of thanks to my old Religious Studies teacher for having a penchant for old symbols. Chi Rho was formed by putting together the first two Greek letters for Christ, and it was one of the earliest symbols of Christianity. A man whose only extravagance was a religious gold ring was not the sort of man who would approve of supes.
I wrung my hands. ‘You must know he works at Supernatural Squad. I worry about him so much. All those vampires and werewolves…’ I shook my head. ‘Forgive me for saying so, but it’s not natural. Any of them could turn on him. We were supposed to meet for lunch today. He didn’t show up, which isn’t like him at all.’
The man’s expression softened. ‘You’re from Melissa’s side of the family?’
I had no idea who Melissa was. ‘Uh-huh. I’m Emma.’
‘I’m Will. I was sorry to hear about what happened to her.’
I dropped my gaze. ‘Yeah,’ I mumbled. ‘Me too.’
‘Well, you’re in luck, Emma. It turns out that I’ve got a spare key.’
My head snapped up. My daft ploy had actually worked. Unbelievable.
