“I think it’s time we build stronger bridges, and I have a history with them. There’s no use pretending I don’t.”
“Hmmm.” Roch strokes his chin. “There are worse friends to have.”
I can’t help but smile at him.
“That’s a matter of opinion,” Zephirin replies.
I mentally roll my eyes and ignore him. “Thank you for coming. It was an honor to host you. I will keep abreast of any new developments that occur.”
“If we don’t catch them before the equinox they’ll be even more powerful,” Mémé states.
“We know we’re working under a deadline.”
“I’ll clear your shifts at the shop. You need to focus everything you got on this, girl.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“So polite. It’s good to have you back,” Vale says.
“Thank you, Mr. Blanchard. It’s good to be back. I’m excited to make a change.”
I see them to their cars and wave as they drive away.
“I can’t believe we pulled that off.” I jump at Ruby’s voice beside me.
“Me either.”
“Must be luck on our side.” Ruby nudges me with her elbow. Her grin is infectious. I can’t help but smile.
“Let’s hope it stays this way because we need to figure out who’s doing this and time is running out.”
“What are you going to do next?” Ada asks.
“Make her feel the pain she’s inflicted on others. It’s the least we can do for the victims.”
“Another reversal spell then?” Ada whispers.
I worry my lower lip wondering how much to say. “Ada … you know a lot about witchcraft.”
“It’s something I was very familiar with during my lifetime,” Ada admits.
My eyes widen—it’s the most she’s ever said
about her life pre-vampirism. “I thought maybe that was true.”
She smirks. “Because Cristobal is from the Rasputin linage, I got to keep just a bit of my own magic. I think you’ve sensed it, but not been able to put your finger on it.”
“That’s it exactly.”
“Witches know witches.”
“Look at us girls bonding,” Ruby coos.
“Only took murder and a witch inquisition,” I say with mock cheerfulness. Laughter spills free as we walk back inside. We need to regroup and get back on the case.
***
The building reeks with the residue of violence. Emotions thicken the air inside the building like a noxious gas. Pain, fear, and anger swirl together, hanging heavy like rain-filled clouds. The tang of blood and bodily fluids turns my stomach. I fight the urge to cover my nose. How can they stand it? Marcellus and Luz lead us inside.