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The other vampires were moving nervously now.
“I imagine Nicole takes a pretty dim view of that, and theCanonprobably describes very specific penalties. Unlike the Bureau, which hasn’t even been codified, has it? It’s just an idea. A proposal, and one that can be ended at Nicole’s whim.”
“I will destroy you.”
“You won’t, actually. I’m not sure if I mentioned this, but the roadblocks you put up between us and Nicole are toppling as we speak. She’s going to know about the lines you’ve crossed, and the lines your brother completely obliterated. And I’m pretty sure any regulatory violation I committed by saving Carlie is going to be a mere drop in a very large bucket.
“So here’s what’s going to happen,” I said. “You can tell me where your brother is, and the CPD can pick him up and deliver him to Nicole and tell her what’s gone on here, and see how she wants to handle it. Or you can lie and delay and, like I said, maybe we find him first. It’s up to you.”
“I wish he’d never heard of Cadogan House,” Clive said, freeing his arms and standing straight again.
“We all wish that for you, Clive. Where is he?”
“I don’t fucking know where he is.” He straightened his sleeves, grasping for dignity. “He’s supposed to be here.”
I could feel the truth of that, and I nodded. “Okay, then.”
There were footsteps behind us. Gwen stood in the doorway, cops arrayed behind her. She stepped forward, holding up her screen in one hand, badge in the other. “Detective Gwen Robinson,” she said. “I have duly authorized warrants for the arrest of Clive, for the arrest of Levi, to question you, and to search any rooms reserved or paid for by the AAM.”
“I did nothing,” Clive said, attempting to lunge again. But cops moved in, replacing the vampires who’d held him.
“Oh, I guess I forgot to mention,” I said. “You assaulted a guard at Cadogan House, and he’s going to press charges. Rules matter, after all.”
He was cursing when I glanced at Gwen. “Have fun in here.”
“Oh, we will,” she said with a thin smile. “It’s going to be a funnight.”
TWENTY
That was neatly done,” Theo said, when we made it down to the lobby again.
“I’ll be honest—it felt good. Really good. But it’s not over.” I rolled my shoulder, trying to spin out some of the residual ache. “I know the CPD won’t be able to hold Clive long. And while he’ll probably back off investigating me because of his brother, Levi is still out there and the AAM proper thinks I broke the rules. I’ve still got to fix that.”
“How?” Theo asked, concern lacing his voice.
“I’m not entirely sure. I want to talk to my parents.”
“I’ll take you,” Connor said.
“I’m going to go back up and help the CPD,” Theo said. “Stay in touch.”
I nodded my agreement and, when he’d disappeared behind gilded elevator doors, looked up at Connor. “Can we refuel first? I fought and lost some blood—”
“And argued with assholes,” Connor added.
“And argued with assholes, and I could use some coffee. And a muffin. And possibly a scone or seven.”
“You assured me you didn’t have your mother’s appetite.”
I smiled. “My mother would have ordered three of each and growled if you got too close to the bag. If you don’t enjoy the adventure of a hungry vampire, I can leave you home next time.”
He laughed. “At least you admit your being hungry is an adventure.”
“Vampiric hunger is a strategic choice.” I narrowed my gaze. “Much like you flashing your shifter eyes in a room full of vampires.”
“Amusing, wasn’t it?”
“And you say I’m a troublemaker.”
