Jeff glanced back at the car. “Even if I did, there’s no room in the car for me. But no. Fallon’s waiting.” He gestured to a motorcycle parked a few stalls away. A petite figure in black leather and a matching helmet revved the bike with a flick of her wrist.
Jeff smiled, magic and love blooming in the air.
“I’ll be in touch tomorrow about the alchemy,” he said, shifting his attention back to me. “I’ve been talking to Paige.”
o;You’re frank,” she said.
“I don’t see the point of not being frank.” My voice softened, considering what her family had recently been through. “I’m very sorry about your brother. I understand he was a wonderful young man.”
Her brother, Brett, had been targeted by a serial killer whose latent crazy had been triggered by unrequited love.
Jennifer’s expression tightened. “That should help you understand my concern.”
“I understand it, but I didn’t cause it, and I’m not sure what you think I could possibly do about it.”
“Don’t involve him in your troublemaking.”
I linked my hands on the table, leaned forward. “Ms. Jacobs, I don’t know you. I don’t know your father very well, but like I said, I respect him. His intelligence, his sense of fairness, and his ability to think critically about supernaturals. I would suggest you spend a little less time accusing vampires and a little more time listening to what he actually has to say. Your attitude? It’s exactly what he’s fighting against.”
Her eyes flashed. “I’m not concerned about your people. I’m concerned with mine, as they aren’t immortal. Stay away from my father, and we won’t have any problems.”
She rose, slipping her handbag over her arm before grabbing the notebook. “I’ll advise my father that conditions here are fine, and you’re awaiting your attorney’s arrival. That should fulfill my part of the bargain.”
She walked to the door, glanced back. “Stay away from him.”
And with that, she walked out.
Much like the flowers at the Botanic Garden, nourished by the warmth of spring, our list of enemies was growing.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
FIRST, KILL ALL THE VAMPIRES
The House’s lawyers arrived—a bevy of men and women in smart black suits (of course) who assured me everything would be fine.
They asked me to relay what had happened; four of them took notes while one asked the questions. They explained the process, promised I’d be out on bail in no time, and told me to sit tight, that they’d get the wheels of justice moving.
Having gotten my mandated meeting with counsel, I was then placed in a holding cell for supernaturals. Ethan was already there, sitting on a bench that cantilevered out of the wall. He jumped to his feet when I entered, checking me for injuries.
You’re all right?
I’m fine, I said, taking a seat beside him on the bench. Arthur Jacobs’s daughter, Jennifer, came by to explain how unhappy she is that we’re involving her father in supernatural affairs.
His eyebrows lifted in surprise. What?
She’s an attorney. He asked her to look in on us. She decided to take advantage of the situation.
I wasn’t aware we controlled his behavior. His voice was flat as a windless sea.
I’m sure she realizes that. And yet . . .