Darkness Devours (Dark Angels 3)

Hangover? I glanced at Azriel and he shrugged. I guess it was one way of getting around the whole memory problem—you simply gave them a reason not to remember every little detail.

“Well, it was a long night.”

“It sounds like you didn’t enjoy yourself,” Jak said. “I’m totally hurt.”

“Oh, I enjoyed myself.” More than he could ever imagine—only he’d had nothing to do with it. I glanced at Azriel as that thought crossed my mind, and caught the half smile that flirted briefly with his lips. “But I’m not enjoying this conversation. What do you want, Jak?”

He sighed dramatically. “And here I was thinking that after our dance, you might be a little less business, and a little more pleasure.”

“Yeah, well, you thought wrong.”

“Sadly, yes.”

“Jak, the reason you’re calling is…?”

He laughed. “Damn, but it’s fun baiting you. The reason I’m calling is that I found James Blake, the photographer Jacinta mentioned.”

“I’m surprised he’s not dead, like Logan and everyone else who could identify Nadler.”

“Yes—although it does lend weight to the theory that our face-shifter doesn’t believe his past is much of a threat to his future.”

“Which makes me wonder why we’re even bothering to follow up on these things.”

“Hey, we gleaned one vital fact yesterday—the real Nadler had a scar. Who knows what we may gain today?”

“I’m breathless with anticipation.”

My voice was dry and he chuckled softly. “I hope you remain that way until we meet. I’d love a repeat performance of last night.”

I ignored his comment and looked at the clock on the bedside table. It was nearly eleven, which meant I’d had a whole two hours’ sleep. No wonder I felt like crap. “Where is his studio located?”

“He’s retired, so no studio. But he lives in Williamstown and he’s expecting us around lunchtime.”

If he was living in Williamstown, he had to have made a lot as a photographer, because that area—thanks to its proximity to both the sea and the city—wasn’t cheap. “I’ve got to hire a car, so it’ll probably be at least an hour before I can get there.”

“I’m already on my way, but I’ll grab some lunch to waste some time.”

“Don’t go question him without me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said blandly. “I’ve sent you the address, too. I’ll be waiting in a—”

“Red Honda Accord,” I finished for him. He’d been driving them since he’d gotten his license, and I very much doubted it had changed.

He laughed again. “Yeah. See you soon.”

I tossed the phone back onto the bedside table, then sat up and hugged my knees close to my chest. “Just what sort of memory did you give Jak, exactly?”

Azriel shrugged. “You said to give him all the appropriate memories.”

“Meaning not just the dance, but the kiss?”

He eyed me. “Yes. That is what you wanted; is it not?”

“Well, yes. I mean, no.” I frowned. “I hadn’t actually expected you to go that far.”

“Then say what you actually mean.”

I snorted softly and climbed off the bed. “You’re a fine one to be telling me that, Azriel.”