Shadows (Dark in You 5)

So, no, they didn’t have a future. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t enjoy the “now.” He wasn’t sure how easy it would be to convince Devon of that, though. She was skittish around him, and his dominant nature often rubbed her up the wrong way. But he could be patient when it came to hunting prey—it was what he did best.

Larkin’s sigh drifted into his head. I just want you to—

This isn’t your business, Lark, he clipped.

You’re like a brother to me, and Devon’s my friend.

Still not your business. This is between me and her.

Just then, Knox ended the call, his face hard, his eyes darkening with a growing anger. “That was Muriel Tipton.”

Tanner blinked. It had been a very long time since he’d heard that name. Muriel and her brother, Dale, had stayed at Ramsbrook House as children. “What did she want?”

Knox took in a long breath through his nose. “Dale’s dead.”

The news was like a bomb, and pure silence hit the room.

“She called to give me a heads-up because she didn’t want us to hear through the grapevine,” Knox added. “He was mutilated, like Harry. Exactly like Harry. His eyes, ears, and tongue were removed. He was even posed the same way—sitting against the wall, legs crossed, holding the parts of him that had been removed.”

Straightening, Tanner spat a vicious curse, his blood boiling with fury. “When did it happen?”

Knox placed his cell on the desk. “Last night.”

“Can we visit the scene?” asked Levi.

Knox shook his head. “It’s already been cleared up by her Prime.” He drummed his fingers hard on the desk. “That’s two people from Ramsbrook who’ve been killed, and both were killed in the exact same way. I’m not inclined to think that’s a coincidence.”

Neither was Tanner. He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his thighs. “We need to find out if Dale and Harry were in contact with each other—it’s possible that they reconnected and worked on something together that got them both killed. They were good friends at Ramsbrook.”

Knox pursed his lips. “It’s possible. Muriel might know if they were in touch.” He smoothly stood. “I think we need to pay her a visit.”

Tanner had half-expected Muriel to claim she wasn’t in the mood for visitors, but she didn’t object to them appearing at her home. Antonio, a member of their Force, teleported Knox, Tanner, and Levi to her hallway before then teleporting himself back to the Underground.

Muriel was waiting for them. He remembered her as a frumpy, shy little girl who’d trusted only her brother. A brother who’d fiercely protected her, particularly since she’d sat low on the power spectrum as a child. A brother she’d now tragically lost in the worst possible way.

She was no longer weak—Tanner could sense that easily enough. But then, psi-shields were rarely weak when fully grown. The problem for them was that their abilities were usually only defensive. Muriel was impervious to psychic attacks or intrusions, which was no small thing, since demons were predominantly psychic creatures. But that wouldn’t help her in a physical battle.

Face pale and puffy, eyes red-rimmed and raw, she invited them into a small but cozy living room. Although it was warm, she was wrapped up tight in a long, fleecy robe and thick socks. As if unable to ward off a chill.

Her wan smile flickered. “You all look well.” She gestured at the sofa. “Sit down. Please.”

Knox and Tanner sat, but Levi took up a position against the wall.

She twisted her fingers together. “Would you like coffee or something?”

“No, thank you, we’re good,” said Knox, flicking a look at the barely touched sandwich on the table that was set next to a mostly full cup of stale coffee.

Muriel sat gingerly in the armchair and slid her hands loosely onto her lap. “I’m afraid I’m not great company right now.”

“We won’t take up much of your time,” Knox assured her. “We’re sorry to hear about what happened to Dale.”

Drawing her arms closer to her body, she pressed her trembling lips together. “It still hasn’t quite sunk in. I guess I don’t really want it to.”

Shit, Tanner felt for her. He’d never experienced that sort of grief. Or, at least, he didn’t recall doing so. He’d been only two-years-old when his parents were killed; he had no memories of his life before being dumped at the home.

“I appreciate you telling me yourself rather than letting me hear it from someone else,” said Knox.

“You were always good to him,” she said. “I’ll need to call a few others to pass on the news. I’m not even sure where they all are. Dale didn’t stay in contact with many people.”

“Give me a list of people you’d like notified, and I’ll find out their contact information and pass on the news for you.”

She offered Knox a shaky smile. “Thank you. I heard you’re mated now; that you have a son. Dale almost mated a few years ago, but it didn’t work out. Not that I’m insinuating his ex-girlfriend had anything to do with his death,” she hastily added. “No, she would never have done such a thing.” Her dull eyes filled with tears. “He didn’t deserve what happened to him, Knox.”