Dark Debt (Chicagoland Vampires 11)

“In front of Reed?” Malik asked.

“Reed’s a very powerful man,” my grandfather said. “His wealth, his access, would be very attractive to the Circle. Perhaps the Circle made overtures, and Reed didn’t bite.” He considered, nodded, pulled his earlobe methodically as he concentrated. “I don’t know. I’ll want to think about it.”

“They might try again,” I said, looking at my grandfather. “If they went to this much trouble to take King out, he’s undoubtedly still on their agenda.”

He nodded. “Jacobs is talking to King about protective custody. He might refuse—did refuse during his criminal trial when they wanted him to give up his colleagues.”

“Did he?” Ethan asked. “Give them up, I mean?”

My grandfather released his ear, crossed his arms as if to avoid the habit. “As it turned out, there wasn’t anyone to give up. He was prince of his particular syndicate. When you’re at the top of the pyramid, there’s nothing to be gained by giving over the muscle. ”

My grandfather glanced at Morgan. “It’s unlikely this is the last time you’ll hear from them. They gave you a task, and they’ll believe you failed to complete it.”

“I refused it.”

“But your people said yes,” Ethan said. “And someone from the Circle will have seen the news reports by now, will know that an attempt was made, and it failed.”

Morgan scrubbed his hands over his short hair. “This is going to destroy us. The media, the accusations, all of it.”

“It was attempted murder,” Ethan said, as if to remind him Navarre wasn’t just having a spot of bad luck.

“I know that.” This time, Morgan just sounded defeated. “You think I don’t know that? They thought they were helping me, protecting their brothers and sisters, just as they’re supposed to do.”

“You cannot be blasé about this.”

Morgan lifted irritated eyes to Ethan. “Do I seem blasé? Because I’m not. I’m aghast, sad, worried, completely at a loss. But I’m not at all blasé.” He sighed, look at my grandfather. “Can I talk to them?”

“That’s up to the CPD,” my grandfather said, “but probably not until after they’re processed.”

“What do I do now?”

“How did the Circle contact you before?” my grandfather asked.

“They called my cell or my office phone, the same way they did with Celina. They used throwaway phones. A different number every time.”

“Who called?”

“I don’t know. They used a computer or a voice modulator or something.”

“They’ll know what did and did not happen tonight,” my grandfather said, “and they’ll make contact again. I can have the CPD trace the House phone, your phone. We can put security on the House. The organized crime division will be very interested in the possibility of getting closer to the Circle. They’re very evasive, and this presents a unique opportunity.”

“I don’t want that,” Morgan said. “I don’t want to turn our House into a military state.”

“Morgan,” my grandfather said, “I’m going to be frank. We are well past the point of what Navarre House wants. Murder was proposed to you, and you didn’t report it to the police. Two of your members attempted, at a very crowded event with hundreds of witnesses, to kill a human. Getting an indictment against them will be child’s play.

“But we’re also talking about very dangerous people, as you’ve seen. They are powerful, manipulative, and very, very resourceful. Considering the scope of the House’s apparent debt, I’m frankly surprised they haven’t caused more trouble for the House in the past.”

Morgan just looked away.

I thought miserably of Shakespeare, of his advice not to be a debtor. Particularly when the debt was as dark as this.

Ethan leaned forward, elbows on knees. “Morgan, take Chuck up on his offer. Do what it takes to keep your people safe right now. In the meantime, have someone you trust—someone outside Navarre—look at your books and evaluate the House’s connection to the Circle. Once you have that information, you can figure out a plan to move forward.”

“And who can do that?”

“We can,” Malik said, he of the numbers and figures and general math wizardry.

Ethan nodded in agreement. “We are not your enemies, and we’ve no incentive to lie to you. We have no ties to the old guard, and we aren’t interested in disguising the depth of the problem or the sacrifice you’ll likely need to make to fix it. If you don’t want us involved, talk to Scott. Or another Master that you trust.”