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“Alexis informed me of the crime last night and I shared the information with Orpheus,” Tanith said. “Before we could call Mr. Corbin in to question his knowledge of the matter, he’d contacted us about the second killing. He told us everything he knew about both when he came here early this morning.”
“Including the fact that you knew about the human murder and did nothing,” Orpheus said, his tone accusing. “Why didn’t you come to me about this, Sabina?”
“It’s true that I saw the scene in Central Park and assumed that the killer was a vampire.” I shifted uneasily in my chair. “However, in my defense, I didn’t come to you with that information because I believed it was a vampire problem and should be handled by Slade.”
The Despina leaned forward. “Yet, Mr. Corbin asked you to assist him in tracking down the killer and you refused. Isn’t that also correct?”
Why was I suddenly on the hot seat? “Again, I didn’t think it was my concern.”
“You were correct on that account. I’d have preferred you told me, but I understand you were following protocol,” said Orpheus, surprising me. “But the mage murder is very much your concern.”
Adam stiffened beside me. I frowned at Orpheus. “What?”
“You and Lazarus will take the lead on the investigation.”
“Sir,” Adam said, clearing his throat. “Forgive me, but shouldn’t this still be Slade’s responsibility?”
“Normally, yes,” Orpheus said. “However, Mr. Corbin’s failure to report the human murder and the fact that the second murder happened in his own club casts serious doubt on his ability to handle this sensitive matter. We have already informed him of our decision that you and Sabina will lead the investigation.”
Oh, I bet that went over well. “Sir, no offense, but I think that’s a really bad idea. Slade’s got more contacts on the streets than Adam and I,” I said. “Besides, he’s done a damned good job for you for decades.”
“Regardless, he failed to inform me when the first murder—”
I cut him off. “Dude, it was a human. They die all the time—it’s what they do.” I raised my hands in a what-can-you-do gesture. Next to me, I felt Adam shoot me a hot, annoyed glance. Whether he felt I was being disrespectful or he believed I was overdoing the Slade defense, I didn’t know. Frankly, it didn’t matter. I was so focused on not having to do this job I’d argue all night long in Slade’s favor if that would do the trick. “And Slade deserves more than to be tossed aside because he didn’t call you the minute he found out. If the second killing hadn’t happened, you wouldn’t have batted an eyelash at one dead boy in the garbage.”
“If Slade had told us about the garbage boy,” Tanith said, raising a single, rusty brow, “then we might have been able to prevent the murder of a mage.”
“She’s right, Sabina,” Orpheus said. “Look, I respect the hell out of Slade but this is not a game. I want whoever did this found and ended ASAP. And I want you to find him for me. Got it?”
I blew out a long breath. Despite my plan to filibuster on Slade’s behalf, I knew when I’d been beaten. “Yes, sir,” I grumbled.
“In addition,” Orpheus continued, “the Despina has graciously offered the assistance of her personal guard, Alexis.”
I gritted my teeth. It was one thing to force me to head an investigation I wanted no part of. It’s not that I wasn’t sad Marty died, but I didn’t necessarily have a burning desire to declare a vendetta against his killer, either. However, one rarely won an argument with the leaders of not just one dark race, but two of them. But forcing me to work with Alexis? No f**king way. “No offense to Alexis,” I said, “but her assistance won’t be necessary.”
“On the contrary,” Tanith said, her voice steely. “It is quite necessary.”
I looked up at Alexis. She raised a single mocking brow in challenge. Bitch.
“I understand,” I said, gritting my teeth.
Under the table, Adam squeezed my hand as a warning. “With all due respect,” he said, “if Sabina and I are to take point on this investigation, we expect Miss Vega to follow our orders.”
“Naturally.” The Despina nodded. “However, I will remind you that the true chain of command begins with Orpheus and me.”
“Of course,” Adam said quickly.
“We’ll expect daily reports on your progress,” Orpheus said. “And I can’t stress enough how important it is to settle this situation as soon as possible. We can’t afford to have the peace process compromised.”
“Not to be contrary,” I began. Orpheus shot me an ironic look. I ignored it and soldiered on. “But how can we be sure this is all related to the treaty?”
“Mr. Corbin showed us pictures of the murder scene,” Tanith said. “The way that body was staged was clearly a message.”
I flinched. Ever since my freak-out at seeing the mage’s body, I’d managed to not think about the chillingly familiar pose.
“Whoever did this,” she continued, “was familiar with the Dominae’s rituals and wanted us to know that. We’d be fools to not take it as a threat.”
“Sabina,” Orpheus said, his tone dripping with patronizing empathy. “I understand your reluctance to get involved. It’s common knowledge you and Mr. Corbin are old friends and no doubt his ego has taken a hit over our decision. However, given all the trials you endured to stop the war, you of all people should want to ensure nothing stands in the way of getting that treaty signed.”
I clenched my jaw. Normally, I would have argued with him, but it was clear the noose had already tightened. Arguing would only make things worse. “Of course I’m committed to peace.”
Orpheus clapped his hands together. “Then it’s settled.”
Adam raised his hand. “Just to be clear, what exactly is our focus? The human or the mage?”
“The mage. At this point, the human death is low priority unless information comes to light connecting it to the other one. But for now you will follow the trail from Vein.”
“And once we find the vampire responsible?” I asked.
The Despina smiled, flashing fang. “You bring them to us.”
After the meeting, I stormed out of the room, leaving Adam to say his good-byes to the Despina and Orpheus. I’d just made it to the door of the outer office when a female voice called out. “Sabina?”
