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“No—”
“And he wouldn’t tell us if he did.” I glanced at Belle. “That’s ranger business, not witch.”
“But if he wants our help dealing with this vampire—and he’s not dumb enough to think he doesn’t—then he had better start sharing all information.”
“Ladies, I am still in the room, remember.” Aiden’s voice was a mix of annoyance and amusement.
“Totally aware of it,” Belle said. “Otherwise we’d be having this conversation telepathically.”
His gaze leaped to mine. “Don’t tell me you’re telepathic as well?”
“You can relax, Ranger,” I said. “The only thoughts I can read are Belle’s.”
“And as I’ve already said, I have no desire to read yours or anyone else’s at this current point.” Belle paused, her gaze narrowing a little. “Unless, of course, you give me good reason to do so.”
“That is hardly a comforting thought.” He frowned and leaned back in the chair. “I’ll share what I can, and answer what questions I can, in regards to this case. But I expect the same. Clear?”
I nodded. “Then you do have an opinion on the note?”
“There’s been no murders within the reservation that involve hearts being ripped out of bodies, so it’s obviously not meant literally.”
“Unless it’s an event that happened before you were a ranger,” Belle said. “He did say vengeance was best served slow and cold.”
“We’re checking past files, but it would be hard to stop a murder like that being the subject of gossip,” he said. “And it can’t have happened too far back, as he’s obviously targeted Karen.”
“Karen could be an anomaly,” I said. “If he intends to be here for some time, then he does need blood.”
“You believe that no more than I do,” he said. “He made Karen a vampire, and that alone suggests intent.”
“And it also means Marjorie might be the first piece in his vengeance puzzle.”
“Which is why I’ve placed a watch on her.”
I frowned. “But there’re only four of you—”
“Six, actually, and Mac’s leave has already been canceled,” he said. “But that’s beside the point. Is there anything else relating to that note or the vampire himself we need to know?”
I hesitated, and glanced at Belle. Should I mention the pendant?
I would. He’ll shut down if we don’t at least appear to be fully open with him, and we need his help if we’re all to get out of this mess in one piece.
Another warning from the spirits?
Indeed. They’re all gloom and worry at the moment.
Then I’m really glad I can’t hear them.
“I get the feeling,” Aiden said, “there’s a whole separate conversation happening that I’m not a party to.”
“Yes, but in the spirit of cooperation, I’m now going to tell you what it was about.” I flashed a smile that didn’t appease the annoyance in his expression. “I searched Karen’s room after your people did, and found a necklace that held the stain of dark magic.”
“And what did it tell you?”
“Nothing yet, because I haven’t actually attempted to examine it.” I glanced at Belle. “And given what happened at the morgue, I’m thinking it might be better to do so out in the forest, within a full protection circle.”
“Totally agree,” sh
e said. “Especially given he’s already gone to some lengths to wipe out the local witch.”
