“Right before you and Red split up, he was ambushed by a Rogozin demon and two Duchanes bloodsuckers, yeah?”
Charley nodded. “That’s how I ended up alone outside Perk. Dorian was dealing with the ambush, and I ran ahead to find Sasha. That’s when Silas tossed my ass into the limo.”
“They knew your man was close,” Cole continued. “Knew he’d track you down as soon as he dealt with his attackers. They just needed enough time to threaten you, scare you shitless, and dump you in that other alley, where the grays were already on standby.”
“They wanted to see how we’d deal with the grays.” Aiden’s eyes widened with the realization. “Like a football team watching their rivals’ old games.”
“Which means those sonofabitches are planning something even bigger,” Cole said. “And now they know just what we’re bringing to the party.”
“Do you have any idea where Rudy might be holding Sasha?” Aiden asked gently. “Any other properties aside from his residence? Other associates who might have a place for them to hole up?”
“She could be anywhere, Aiden. Especially now that we know he’s a demon. That opens up a whole new world of horrifying possibilities. God.” Charley closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry. She’d been doing so well with the whole compartmentalizing thing, but all those fears and worries were doing their damnedest to break out of the box. “What if she’s hurt? What if Rudy—”
Aiden gripped her hand, cutting her off. “Your sister is clever and tough, just like you. I’ve no doubts she’s already making them rue the day they decided to mess with her. And just wait untilweget hold of them. Talk about ruing the day.”
When Charley opened her eyes again, Aiden gave her a soft smile.
“We’ll find her, Charlotte. You have my word.”
“I know,” she said, if only because there was no room in her brain for any other possibility. Then, with a surge of renewed determination, “The original plan stands. We’ll hit Estas’ place in Woodstock tomorrow, see what intel we can find.”
“Let’s wait and talk to Dorian,” Aiden said. “I’m certain he’ll—”
“Try to talk me out of it, most likely. Unfortunately forthatbossy vampire, I’m not the sit-home-with-my-thumb-up-my-ass type.”
“No, I suppose you ain’t.” Cole bit back a laugh, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “Bet Red never saw you comin’, did he?”
“To be fair, I didn’t see him coming either.” Charley smiled, but despite their kindness and willingness to help, she couldn’t hold it. “Anyway, with Rudy’s big demon reveal last night, and his connection to that Silas vampire, I’m more convinced than ever Estas has something on him. Maybe even something that can help us find Sasha.”
“All roads lead back to the same scheming demons and traitor vamps,” Cole said.
“And they all want me and Dorian dead.” Charley lifted the mug to her lips, but it was empty. “Awesome.”
“On the bright side,” Aiden said cheerfully, “some couples havenothingin common. More tea?”
Charley passed over her mug.
“We need time to set up another buy,” Cole said. “I came through with the cash last night—Estas trusts me now. So I’ll lure him out for another sale, dick him around at the meeting, and give you and Red time to snoop.”
“Perfect,” Charley said. “When can you set it up?”
“We need to wait for Red. He’s the bankroll here.”
“Not to mention he’d bloody well beat Cole’s ass if we went behind his back on this,” Aiden said.
Cole laughed. “He’dtry, anyway.”
“Whereexactlydid you say Dorian went today?” Charley asked.
“Not to worry.” Aiden forced a smile, then headed to the stove to put the kettle on for Charley’s tea. “He’ll be back soon enough. He’s just… cooking up a little something in Queens.”
Chapter Four
“Ah, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fire-roasted demon.” Gabriel took a deep breath and grinned. “Reminds me of that time in Paris. Do you remember, brother?”
“Summer, 1941?” Dorian laughed, adjusting the flame on the blowtorch to its highest level. “Goodness, I haven’t thought of that trip in an age.”
“Father always said French demons burned the hottest.”
