Deceptions (Cainsville 3)

"It's also the version that makes sense. That suggests a purpose. A reason for the Hunt."

"That's it, then?" I said. "You're executioners?"

"Not quite the word I'd--"

"Vigilantes, then."

"We exact justice where the human world cannot. Our purview is crimes against those from the Old World. All manner of fae. Them and their descendants."

"What does this have to do with my parents?"

"What indeed."

I looked up at him. "You aren't going to tell me, are you?"

"No, I am not, because as much as you complain about not getting answers, you don't trust any we give. You need to find them for yourself. I will say only that your parents are not as guilty as you fear. Nor as innocent as you hope. Do you want a hint? To start you on your way?"

"Will it cost me?"

He smiled. "I rest my case. You are too suspicious. It will serve you well."

"Uh-huh."

"Here's the hint, freely given. Focus less on your parents. Look at the victims. Connect the first pair to the second, and keep an open mind. The connection will not be what you expect. Forget the third for now. Focus on the first two pairs."

"More," Ricky said.

The Huntsman looked at him.

"She needs more," Ricky said.

"She needs to find answers for herself--"

"Agreed. We need to find answers for ourselves. But Liv needs a concrete place to start. Gabriel has been charged with murder, which puts us on a tighter timetable."

A twist of the man's lips. "I'm not particularly concerned with Gabriel Walsh."

"Because you were involved with that, too?" I said. "Getting Gabriel framed for James's murder?"

He frowned. "What would I have to do with that?"

"Someone visited Pamela and told her Gabriel did it. I think it was you."

"I haven't seen your mother in many years. Nor have any of the Cwn Annwn. We have helped ease her situation, but only from a distance. We had nothing to do with either James Morgan's murder or Gabriel Walsh being implicated."

"But I do," Ricky said. "Because I'm the one who attacked James Morgan and beat the shit out of him."

"You didn't kill--"

"I'm also Gabriel's alibi. At the time, I was with him getting legal advice, which he can't admit without the police thinking it's awfully suspicious I was asking for legal advice the night my girlfriend's stalker ex was murdered. If there's any chance he'll be convicted, I'll turn myself in. Does that concern you?"

"You should not involve yourself--"

"Yeah, actually, I'm pretty sure I should. It may not be in your best interests, but I get the feeling it's in mine--in ours. We'll stick together. Me, Liv, and Gabriel. Arawn, Matilda, and Gwynn. You can deal with that later. What I want now is a starting point. Don't tell us what the connection is. You're right--we won't trust you. But where do we look first?"

"Marty Tyson's girlfriend."

"The second pair of victims. Tyson and his girl-- Wait, no. It was his wife, wasn't it?" Ricky glanced at me. "Tyson was killed with his wife."