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“It should be in my hotel room with my possessions,” Gisila said.
“We found it on Orrin,” Sarge said. “He used it to open the gates that he pulled the monsters through.”
Gisila sat down with great difficulty. “I see. I would be very interested in hearing how he came to have it.”
“He won’t say.” Captain Reese rested her elbows on the edge of her desk and leaned forward, her eyes gleaming as she studied Gisila. “I’m certain we’ll get it out of him eventually.”
They’re not telling her we think there is a geas on him? That’s interesting.It seemed Captain Reese was serious about treating Gisila as a suspect, even if she didn’t think the dragon shifter was involved.
“Thank you for recovering my treasure,” Gisila sat down slowly, as if she was having a difficult time controlling herself. “I will make a contribution worthy of showing my appreciation to the Midwest Curia Cloisters.”
“Don’t thank us just yet,” Captain Reese said. “The necklace will be staying in our custody.”
“What?” Gisila’s voice was pleasant but there was a tense, crystalline quality to it.
“As we haven’t gotten Orrin to talk yet, the case is still open,” Sarge said. “We will hold onto the necklace until we are certain the issue is resolved.”
“After that, we will send it to you wherever your travels take you,” Captain Reese said.
Gisila tried to smile again, but it looked brittle. “No need,” she said. “I intend to stay in Magiford for the next month.”
Was that the plan all along or is she staying because Orrin failed?
Orrin said he had to “finish it tonight.” As a fae he couldn’t lie. But did he mean there was something special about the night or was it just that he was under orders to end it?
I’ll mention this to Sarge. Later.
“Excellent,” Captain Reese said. “In that case, I hope you won’t mind if we call you in for additional questioning in the future—questions about Orrin, of course?”
“Not at all. Thank you for your hard work.” The black slit of Gisila’s pupil shrunk as she stared at the photo. “You’ll be sending him to Ghast Prison, I assume?”
Captain Reese smiled pleasantly. “Orrin’s future is an issue for our Commissioner and the Midwest Regional Committee of Magic.”
“I see.” Gisila said. “Regardless, thank you for your work. I can’t believe I so deeply misjudged Orrin and that he dared to touch one of my treasures. He’s lucky you found him first.”
The threat matched typical dragon shifter possessiveness, but there was something more to the statement that bothered me.
Captain Reese’s expression was placid and Sarge looked downright bored. I was pretty sure that was the trap they were displaying for Gisila’s benefit.
Glad I have a mask so I don’t need to worry about my expressions!
“I believe I’ll be going—I shall inspect the rest of the treasures I brought with me on this trip as it seems I have rats in my staff.” Gisila stood up, her smile controlled again.
“We understand. Thank you for your cooperation, Lady Gisila.” Captain Reese stood and motioned for me to open the door.
I threw it open for Gisila.
“Grove, Tetiana,” Captain Reese called. “Please see our guest out.”
Tetiana put on a charming smile. “Of course. This way, please.” She guided Gisila down the hallway, Grove trotting after them.
I was going to step out, but Sarge waggled his fingers at me so I slowly closed the door again. “Yes?” I asked.
“Your impression?” Sarge prompted.
I hesitated, my hand on the doorknob. “I still think she might be involved.”
“Reasoning?” Sarge asked.
