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“Oh no,” I laughed. “I’m happy being a hotel manager.”

“I’m sure you are.”

What was that supposed to mean, and why did his smile look hungry?

“It’s a mystery isn’t it,” he said, no longer so jovial and friendly. In fact, he looked at me now like Reynard had, as though I was a riddle to be solved.

“I’m sure you’ll solve where Mr. Reese went,” I said.

“No, I mean you. Did you know half the Lost Ones, when polled, consider humans beneath them? A fifth consider humans to be prey. Did you know that? When they’re not hunting us, they hunt each other⁠—”

“We have a strict No Bounty Hunter policy here.”

“Of course you do, you’ve thought of everything.”

That didn’t sound like praise, and I wasn’t sure if Detective Somers was as nice as he’d first made himself out to be.

“This hotel is a sanctuary, isn’t that right?” he asked.

“That’s correct . . . for all Lost Ones. We don’t turn anyone away, unlike most hotels in the region.”

He nodded, making an agreeable noise. “What are you hiding from, Adam Vex?”

I laughed. “Me? Hiding? I’m not hiding. If I were hiding, would I open a very controversial hotel? That would be insane. Why would I do that?”

“Right.” He laughed along with me. “Why would you?”

“Oh, look at the time.” I glanced at my wrist, but wasn’t wearing a watch. “Well, I must get back to work. It’s been nice meeting you. If we can help with Mr. Reese’s whereabouts, please let me know.” I slapped my thighs and stood. “No rest for the wicked.”

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Vex, and good luck with your venture.” He followed me out the door and into the brightly lit, surprisingly bustling lobby. “Oh, one more thing.” He stopped halfway toward the main door and turned on his heel, finger raised in question.

“Yes?”

“Zodiac, your business partner . . . He worked at the Razorsedge?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It’s not my department, but three demons were found slaughtered near the club just last night. Gruesome stuff. Quite violent apparently.”

“Well, that’s Demontown for you.” Oh dear. “It’s why we have wards. Good day, Detective—” I turned away.

“I heard about it, see, since Zodiac works there.”

“How . . . terrible.” Facing him again, I offered a sympathetic smile. “But Zodiac doesn’t work there anymore.”

“That’s right. Just a coincidence, I suppose.”

“They happen all the time, Detective.”

“Where was Zodiac last night, Mr. Vex?”

I hadn’t found him, but he also definitely had not been responsible for three dead demons near Razorsedge, which was clearly what this detective was implying. I cleared my throat and glanced around. We had an audience—some staff members, a few guests. While they weren’t overtly listening, they also couldn’t not listen, since the detective had chosen this very public place to ask his final questions.

“He was with me,” I said, knowing exactly how it sounded.

“I see.” He smiled, pleased with himself now he’d gotten something out of me, even if it had nothing to do with his missing person. “All night?”

“All night. Good evening, Detective.” I turned my back on him and headed into the bar.