“What’s your name?”
She hesitated, almost pulling away, before catching her breath. “Aida.” She stared at me for another moment, then whispered, “You’re so beautiful.”
“That’s right,” I whispered, letting my fingers drift down her cheek. “And so are you. Aida, we need a few answers, and we’re really hoping you might be able to help us.”
She was lost now, caught in the waves of my glamour. I poured it on full strength, my gaze holding hers, my fingers lightly stroking her face, promising pleasure if she would only cooperate. I leaned closer, my lips close to her own.
“What do you want?” she asked, lost in my thrall.
“We need to know about the Spooks. I want you to look at a couple of pictures and tell us if you recognize them.” I glanced at Yutani and mouthed, “The victims…the ones we aren’t sure of.”
He looked like he wanted to kill me, but instead, he brought out his phone and tapped away, bringing up the pictures of Patrick and Dorian, the two Amy hadn’t been able to place at Fire & Fang. He showed them to Aida.
“Do you recognize them? Did they come in here? Were they members of the Spooks?” I asked, licking my upper lip ever so slightly as I remained face to face with the barkeep.
She was breathing heavily now. She glanced at the pictures. “Yes, I do recognize them. They used to come in here, but I haven’t seen them the past few weeks.”
I glanced around. Nobody was watching us that I could tell, and I couldn’t see Eldris around. Leaning forward, I placed my lips against Aida’s and gave her a long, deep kiss, breathing energy from her, drinking in her life force. Yutani forcefully grabbed my arm after a moment, and I almost backhanded him, but caught myself. I broke away from the bartender, doing my best to rein in my thirst.
“Please…more…” Aida whispered, looking glassy eyed.
I forced down the desire to siphon off more energy and managed to shake myself free from the urge. After a moment, I said, “You need to lie down and rest. Ask someone to take over your shift. As you sleep, you won’t really remember what happened.”
She nodded, shaking, and turned away.
“What the hell was that?” Yutani asked, keeping his voice low. But he looked fit to be tied. “That wasn’t keeping a low profile. What if Eldris had seen you?”
“I don’t think he did, and what it was, was me gathering information. Otherwise, we’re just sitting here, waiting for Raven. Now we know that all five victims belonged to the Spooks.” I glared at him, feeling testy, then with a shrug, turned back to the bar. I wanted to go home, grab Herne, and work off the energy that had built up in me. I was so horny I could barely stand it.
“Come on, let’s wander over toward the Spooks and see how Raven’s doing,” Yutani said, still looking pissed.
I followed him, keeping a step behind, as we approached the seating area where Raven was talking to a group of what I could only assume were fellow bone witches, necromancers, and other members of the magic-born who used death magic.
As I tried to maneuver around a couple who were dancing, I jolted into someone. I turned to apologize and found myself staring at one of the Ante-Fae. I wasn’t sure whether they were a woman or man, but they snorted, graciously stepping out of my way and motioning for me to proceed. I tried not to look back as I passed by, but I couldn’t help but wonder what business the Ante-Fae had here.
The pall around the Spooks was heavy, looming like a cloud. Most of them were men, but there were a few women. One in particular caught my attention, but I couldn’t figure out why. She was gorgeous, with long blond hair, an athletic, lithe figure, and ruby lips. Her eyes sparkled but in the dim light, it was hard to tell what color they were. She was wearing leather pants, a black V-neck sweater, and a pair of black stiletto ankle boots. And she was talking to Raven.
Raven caught a glimpse of us out of the corner of her eye and very softly inclined her head, then turned away, ignoring us. After a moment, she excused herself and headed for the sign indicating the restrooms. I waited for a beat, then followed her, with Yutani behind me. He stood outside the door, keeping watch, as I entered.
The women’s bathroom was luxurious, with a leather sofa in one corner, stools in front of a vanity, and high-end fixtures everywhere. Raven sat down on one of the stools and began to touch up her makeup. She said nothing as I sat beside her, staring into the mirror, but she pulled out her phone and mine suddenly vibrated with a text message. I glanced at it.
i don’t want to talk in here. chances are they have the room bugged. but i’ve found out quite a bit. i think we should leave soon, though, because the longer we stay, the more chance we have of bringing undue attention to ourselves.
i agree, I texted back. i already have the manager of the club on my back, wanting to rent me from yutani. i found out a few things too, so let’s get out of here before things go south.
Without saying a word, I stood, put my phone back in my clutch, and headed out the door. Yutani and I began heading toward the front of the club. I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see Raven following us.
“Leaving so soon?” The voice was unmistakable. Eldris stepped out of the crowd, in front of Yutani. “I was hoping we’d have a chance to discuss my proposition.”
Yutani paused, motioning for me to stand behind him. “She’s not feeling well. I’m taking her home.”
I immediately adopted a stricken look, placing on hand on my stomach.
Eldris crowded in closer. He lowered his voice. “Somehow, I don’t think that’s the truth, Yutani. Herne sent you, and I want to know what you’re doing in my club.”
Chapter Fourteen
I caught my breath as Yutani glanced at me, then turned back to Eldris.
“Is there somewhere we can talk?”
Eldris let out a slow laugh. “I thought you might change your mind. Follow me.” He turned and began walking briskly through the crowd. They parted for him as though he were royalty.
Yutani and I followed. I wondered what Raven would do—she had already exited the club. But I didn’t want to give her away. We followed Eldris to the spiral staircase. He lightly took the steps two at a time and Yutani and I followed. At the top, Eldris opened the door into a long hallway.
“Shut the door behind you,” he said.
I obeyed. The hall looked utilitarian, the walls were painted a light cream, and the bulbs along the way were fluorescent. Eldris marched down the hall, all business now, until he was halfway to the end. He stopped in front of an office door that had his name stenciled on the frosted glass pane. He opened it, ushering us in, then shut the door and flipped on the lights.
A large oak desk sat toward the back, with two computer monitors, a desk blotter, what looked like a planner, and a large accessories tray. It was the desk of someone who actually got things done. Behind it sat a leather chair. On the opposite side, toward us, were two leather wing chairs. To the left of the door was a loveseat covered in a blue microsuede along with a matching oak table. To the right were a series of filing cabinets and a smaller desk with a laptop on it.
“Sit.” Eldris motioned toward the wing chairs. He positioned himself behind the desk and adjusted the mouse, staring at the screens. I wanted to peek over the top to see what he was looking at but decided that wouldn’t be the best idea.
“So you know who we are?” Yutani asked.
“Of course. I make it my business to know who walks through the doors of this club. We’ll wait for a moment while Larry brings up your companion.”
Uh-oh. I glanced at Yutani. That must mean they knew about Raven.
Sure enough, not five minutes later, someone tapped on the door. The front door bouncer was standing there with Raven and the other Ante-Fae I had seen. Raven looked irritated as hell. The other Ante-Fae looked bored. The bouncer motioned for them to enter and then closed the door as he left, all without a word.
“Raven BoneTalker, welcome to my humble abode.” Eldris’s tone was a combi
nation of suave and sarcastic. It reeked of arrogance. “And Trinity, as well. Wait for a moment and I’ll get you another chair.” He stood, brushing past them to the desk with the laptop. He pulled the chair over beside me, then motioned for Raven to sit down. With a sigh, she did as he asked.
“I’m afraid, Master Trinity, you will have to stand.”
Trinity shrugged, remaining silent.
I glanced at Raven, then at Trinity with a questioning look. Raven shook her head.
“Since we’re all here, let’s begin. I’m Eldris, and I’m the manager of Fire & Fang. You are Yutani, once known as Yutani the Fire Walker, but you left that last name behind.” He turned to me. “Ember Kearney, I believe, the consort of Herne? Raven BoneTalker, the Daughter of Bones. And Master Trinity, Lord of Persuasion. So why are the Wild Hunt and the Ante-Fae prowling through a vampire sex club? What are you looking for?”
He was polite, I’d have to give him that.
I let out a sigh. “We have no clue what…Trinity, is it?…is doing here. But how did you know about us?”
“How wouldn’t I know? You come in, bearing talismans that we phased out last year. My guards who are monitoring the surveillance cams run everyone who isn’t a vampire through a facial recognition program. Ember and Yutani, you’re well known in this city to those who have the right information.” Eldris leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over another. “I approached you earlier, hoping that you would reveal yourself, but you chose to play it close to the bone, so to speak.”
Leave it to the vamps to be as high tech as they could get. I glanced at Yutani, wondering just how much we should tell him, at least in front of Trinity. I had no clue who he was or what he wanted.
“Herne sent me to watch over her,” Trinity said, pointing at me. “I suppose you know about that, as well?”
Crap. Of course he did, because it was like Herne to do that. I grumbled under my breath but stopped when Raven touched my knee.
As I fumed, it suddenly occurred to me that the vamps wouldn’t want to be associated with a serial killer, even if it was just by a way of them entering his club. It would bring scrutiny onto Fire & Fang, which Eldris was unlikely to welcome.
“All right. If we tell you, will you help us?”
Yutani glanced at me. “You aren’t…”
“I am. I believe that if Eldris knows the score, he’s likely to cooperate with us. And having his cooperation would make life a whole lot easier.” I cleared my throat. “We believe that a serial killer may be operating through your club, using it to find his victims.”
Eldris shifted. Only slightly, but enough to tell me that I was right. He tilted his head, his long hair skimming his shoulders, a golden halo around his head. Even without using his vampiric glamour, he was absolutely gorgeous. His eyes, which had still been bordering on crimson, were back to their piercing blue.
“Are you serious?”
“As serious as I can get. We have reason to believe that someone’s preying on members of the Spooks. Five victims so far. And all of them have two things in common. They all work with death magic and they all belonged to the Spooks.” I leaned forward. “You wouldn’t want that getting out, would you? I somehow think that the cops would stop looking the other way at some of your more questionable activities if they thought a killer was connected to your club.”
Eldris narrowed his eyes. “I see your point. So that’s why you charmed my bartender. You wanted information.” He ran his gaze over me again. “Leannan Sidhe. I should have known. And yet, you’re not full-blood. Tell me, what other blood do you possess?”
I hesitated, then shrugged. “Autumn’s Bane. My father belonged to the Autumn Stalkers.”
Eldris chuffed like a tiger. “Really? Then Herne must have himself quite a playmate. And an efficient huntress. All right, tell me more. Are you positive that the killer has been operating out of my club?”
Yutani frowned. “Not one hundred percent, but it’s the only connection we can find. The killer has a thirst for pain. I don’t suppose you have a list of regulars here?”
“Of course we do, but you’re not getting it. I somehow think you’d be dismayed by the names you’d recognize on it.” Eldris paused. “And you, Raven. You were scoping out the Spooks, were you not? I can smell death on you like a perfume, clinging to your body and soul.”
Her eyes were dark. “Yes, I managed to convince them that I was lonely for company who understood me. Although my being Ante-Fae put some of them off at first, and scared the hell out of a few others. But I secured an invitation to return.”
“If you need to, the four of you may return then. I’ll give you complimentary memberships for a month and I’ll alert the guards that you’re to be allowed unfettered access. But do not mistake my cooperation for friendship. I simply have no desire for my club to go public as the home of a serial killer. In exchange, you will keep all mention of Fire & Fang out of the news.” He leaned forward, his eyes once again clouding crimson. “Do you understand?”
I nodded. “We’ll keep the club off the official record. We have to move quickly. The killer’s been striking once a week, and right now, one of the Spooks down there could be lined up as the next victim. We’d like to keep the official number at five instead of letting it grow to six.” I glanced at Raven. “Did you find out anything tonight?”
“I met several people who might be nursing a grudge. But honestly, I couldn’t pick out any one in particular. Truth be told, they all seemed pleasant enough.”
“Sociopaths usually are,” Eldris said. “I know that from my days when I walked among the living.” He paused, then added, “Give me names, and I’ll have my guards shadow them if they come in during the week.”
Right then, I realized just how anxious he was to keep this out of the news. If he worked for KL-Type A, his job would be on the line if the news hit the streets. Perhaps, his life.
“I only know them by their first names, though I did manage to take pictures of them on my phone. I’m good at hiding what I’m doing.”
Eldris reluctantly gave us his phone number, and Raven texted three pictures to all of us. The men were dour looking, and one made me nervous by just looking at his eyes. They were dead. Flat, devoid of emotion. That was an alarm trigger right there.
“Who’s that?” I asked, pointing to the picture.
“His name’s Michael. He’s a necromancer, and he has a huge chip on his shoulder. He was bitching about one of the local guilds and how they turned him away twice because he was unfit for membership. He even said he wanted revenge.”
“But…the victims are—were—members of the Spooks. Why would he target members of a group that accepts him?” Yutani asked.
Raven paused. “I don’t know. Maybe the victims told him to shut up. Most of the Spooks tensed up when he started ranting. One of them, I think her name was Pam or something, told him to shut the fuck up, that they’d heard it before and he needed to get over it.”
“That could trigger someone,” Eldris said. He folded his arms. “Scorn from those who supposedly accept you has tarnished many a friendship. If I were you, I’d look into his background more. Hold on a moment and I’ll give you his full name.”
“You really do know the background of every single person who walks through those doors, don’t you?” I asked as he swiveled his chair and began typing away on his keyboard.
Without looking up, Eldris said, “I told you, we use facial recognition software. And when it doesn’t come up with a name, I have my own investigators. Every person who comes into this club is logged and filed.”
Raven snorted. “Blackmail. You use the information against them, don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily call it blackmail, just…persuasion.” He snapped his fingers. “Here we go. Michael Gould. By day, he works as a…a janitor? Well, that just goes to show that being a powerful spellcaster doesn’t guarantee riches. Michael worked for a tech company until he was fired for leaking secrets
. He was blacklisted. After that, he couldn’t find a job in his field anywhere, so he took a job as a janitor in… How interesting.” Eldris looked up. “He works in the same building where his former tech company—Hi Rez—is located. I wonder if they know he has access to their offices at night. They close down at seven-thirty each day and he works the night shift. So he has keys to his old company, even though they unceremoniously showed him the door. How fascinating.”
“Wow. He could be stealing secrets from them still,” I said. “Do you think he’s capable of murder?”
“Well, he’s into rough sex play. He was a member here before he joined the Spooks, and one of our girls refused to be in the same room with him,” Eldris said. “She agreed to rough play, so we had to let her go for refusing to entertain our clients.”
I glanced at Raven, who winced right along with me. “Seriously? You let them rough up the girls? What kind of fucked-up joint are you running?”
Eldris paused, looking up from his screen to stare at me. “Do I come into your place of business and ask what kind of half-assed work you’re doing? No, I do not. You’re allowed to have an opinion, but that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to share it with me.”
Yutani glanced my way, just enough to tell me it was time to shut up. “We wouldn’t think of questioning your operations. We’re just grateful you’re willing to help us.”
Eldris snorted. “Yes, I’m sure. Is there anyone else you need information on?”
“Do you have any background information on our victims that we should be aware of, that might not make it into the official reports?” Raven leaned forward. “You know what I mean.”
Yutani fed him the names and Eldris typed them in. “Most are clean, given what I usually see come through here. There might be a few tidbits, but I doubt it.” He printed out a couple pages of information and handed them to Yutani. “Now, you do realize you owe me a favor.”
Sun Broken: A Wild Hunt Novel, Book 11 Page 15
