Page 32 of Eternal Surrender

“Where do I know you from?” Her frown deepened. “How are you acquainted with Orpheus? How did you get that tie off Blake?”

I punched the button again. “Should I be listening?”

“He better not be harmed.”

The elevator doors slid open and noises from the bar encroached into our small space.

She pointed a black manicured fingernail at me. “You’re going to get a taste of a real cell when I lock you in jail.” She turned slightly and there, standing right behind her were six leather-donned nightwalkers waiting for us to exit so they could enter.

Ingrid spun round and froze, looking at me for guidance.

“After you,” I gestured.

The crowd of nightwalkers made a pathway for her, bowing in a gesture of respect. Ingrid squeezed through them, only faintly aware of their regard of her.

I stepped out and grabbed hold of her hand again, guiding her through the bar. “Ingrid, not one more word.”

Belshazzar’s Friday night crowd mingled, but we ignored them, pushing our way toward the long chandelier lit hallway that would lead us out. Vampires watched us in passing interest.

The bouncer opened the front door for us with a half-bored consideration. We were soon welcomed by the brisk night air.

“Be thankful.” I wrapped her leather jacket around her shoulders. “It could have been a lot more interesting.” I pointed to Blake’s car.

She reached into her jacket. “Where the hell are my handcuffs?”

“Marcus has them. There’s probably some unsuspecting punter wearing them right now.”

“That’s misappropriation of police equipment.” She was walking too slowly.

I hurried her up. “This embarrassing charade of yours can be our little secret. How about that?”

“Have you any idea how serious this is?” She raised her left forearm.

“You consented.”

“The hell I did,” she screeched. “You’ve branded me? This is permanent!”

“Did you really believe you’d mingle in?” I frowned. “How did you get in there anyway?”

“I walked in with a group.” She formed her lips into a pout and blew cold air on her arm.

“Promise you’ll never return.” I glanced up, scanning the windows for any sign we were being watched.

Ingrid grabbed my sleeve. “You have the right to remain silent. . .”

I slid out of her grasp and continued pulling her along toward Blake.

She tried to wriggle out from my hold. “Anything you say can and will be used as evidence against you in a court of law⁠—”

“What will your colleagues make of your slutty attire when you parade me through Scotland Yard?” I asked. “And just try to explain what you’re doing out of your jurisdiction.”

She slowed her pace. “I need you to get a message to Jadeon. Tell him I need to speak with him. Tell him it’s urgent.”

Proof she didn’t know me. It hurt. But it was better this way.

Blake had exited the Rover and was closing in on us.

Ingrid ignored him and faced me. “Where’s Orpheus, a.k.a. Daumia Velde?”