LYKOS
Asharp knock echoed through the penthouse, tearing through the fragile silence and admission Violet and I had shared.
For one selfish second, I considered ignoring it. Violet was pale, with dark circles under her eyes, and she still smelled like smoke and gas. I was in no better condition.
But then another, firmer this time, knock sounded.
“Who could it be at this hour?” she murmured.
I exhaled slowly and forced myself to relax and said, “Probably the police.”
I crossed the marble floor of the penthouse, Violet following close behind me, and I opened the door.
Chief of Police Nikolaou stood outside in a dark police suit, two officers lingering behind him. The chief looked exhausted, deep lines etched into his face, silver streaking the hair near his temples.
“Chief,” I greeted.
“Mr. Costello.” His gaze flicked briefly toward Violet before returning to me. “Sorry to disturb you.”
“It’s fine. Come in.”
He stepped inside while the officers remained outside, and I shut the door.
“This way, Chief,” I said, gesturing for him to follow me to the living room.
“Actually, let’s just stay here,” he replied. “This won’t take long, and I’m eager to get home to my family as I’m sure you’re eager to deal with yours.”
I nodded.
The Costello family had always had a close relationship with Chief Nikolaou and with his father before him.
“Is everything okay?” Violet asked, her gaze darting back and forth between the old man and me.
The chief shot me a look, unsure whether he should talk freely in front of her.
“It’s okay, Chief,” I said, wrapping my arm around Violet. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it in front of Violet.”
He gave me a terse nod.
“The fire inspector completed the preliminary investigation.” He paused carefully. “The fire has officially been ruled an accident caused by a fault in the gas line.”
Beside me, Violet went still.
“Anything I need to worry about?” I asked flatly.
“The villa is completely destroyed,” he continued. “But there’s sufficient evidence to support the conclusion.”
Violet’s voice came quietly. “And… Amara?”
A shadow crossed the chief’s face.
“Her remains were found amidst the rubble.” His tone softened slightly. “The report will be written up and probably a short investigation by another fire inspector.” Violet stiffened beside me. “But there should be no cause for concern. He’ll agree with me.”
“That’s good. Right?” Violet asked, studying Chief Nikolaou.
“Unofficially,” he said slowly, “there are already rumors regarding Amara’s ghost haunting the estate. You know how people gossip and how wild their superstitions are. It doesn’t help that she hadn’t really been spotted in over a decade.”
“I don’t owe anyone an explanation,” I gritted. “And I certainly wasn’t going to parade Amara around so people can snicker and laugh at her.”
