Bad Blood

The maid nodded and left, only to return a minute later with the police chief. Vernadetto’s cap was tucked beneath his arm. “Ma’am.” His face was drawn from lack of sleep, and he wore a look that said the man would rather be anywhere than here.

“Chief.” Lola lifted her mug. “Coffee?”

“No, thank you.” He flipped open his e-tablet. “Forensics confirmed that the material beneath the second victim’s nails matches what was found under your daughter’s. We also identified the second girl as Amy Montrose. She worked at the nightclub Seven. The owner of that club, Dominic Scarnato, has been less than forthcoming, but we’re working on him.” He shifted nervously. “Also, the ME found something new in the last round of tests from your daughter’s autopsy.”

Lola placed her mug on the table and pushed back in her seat until she sat straight up. “Yes?”

Vernadetto dragged his fingers through his close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair. “Perhaps you’d rather discuss this in private.”

Without a glance at Havoc or Creek, she answered, “No. Go on, please.”

The chief sighed. “The ME found elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin in your daughter’s blood.”

“What does that mean in English?”

He made eye contact with her briefly, then broke it to stare at the table. “A few weeks before your daughter’s death, she gave birth.”

With Octavian and the surprisingly willing Daciana at her side, Tatiana, now blissfully in her own skin, strolled back into the salon to confront Laurent. Daysleep tugged at all of them, but things had to be taken care of. After only a few minutes of conversation with Daciana, Tatiana had revised her previous plan and brought Daci, as Tatiana found her new acquaintance liked to be called, into the fold. Daci might prove to be an exceptional asset. Provided she was as trustworthy as she claimed to be. If she wasn’t, and the next few minutes went poorly, she would not get a second chance.

Octavian went ahead of them and pushed open the doors. Laurent stood, his face brightening into a well-pleased smile despite his obvious tiredness. “My lady.” He sketched a short bow, then held his hand out to Daciana. His smile faltered as he took her in. “Did you change? I don’t recall your blouse being blue.”

She shook her head as if saying, Not now.

Octavian closed the doors behind them, as Tatiana faced Laurent. “Be seated. We have much to discuss, and I’m sure you’re as eager to sleep as we all are.”

Without waiting, she took a chair. Octavian sat beside her as Daci and Laurent settled into their seats. “Laurent, Daciana did not accompany you to New Florida. I did.” She paused, waiting to see his response. Daci’s gaze was fixed on him as well.

“What? That’s impossible. She was with me the whole time.” He frowned, studying his wife for a brief moment before looking back at Tatiana. “Is this some sort of test? I’m too tired for games.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, it is a test.” Sitting made her want to lie down, so Tatiana stood and walked to the bar. “My powers are great. They allow me to mimic anyone I choose. I took on Daciana’s appearance and went with you to Paradise City. Daciana remained here.” She poured a glass of wine for herself, then lifted the bottle toward Octavian. She’d rather have blood, but this would have to do for now. “Would you care for a glass?”

Laurent sputtered to life. “How can you offer him wine after telling me such a thing? Explain yourself. Why would you do this?” He stood, his gaze flicking from Daci to Tatiana. “If you harmed my wife in any way…”

In a nanosecond, Tatiana set the bottle down and flew to face Laurent head-on. “Do not threaten me, Laurent. You’re not in any position to make such statements.” She thrust her metal hand against his chest, putting enough force behind it to push him back into his seat.

He popped up as quickly as he’d gone down. “Now see here, I did as you asked. I brought back the comarré.” His eyes silvered around the edges, narrowing as they took her in. “Which is more than you were able to do on your previous trips.”

All traces of humanity left her face as she bared her fangs in a hiss. “You’re a bloody fool, Laurent. A pompous, prattling fool.” She leaned in, hating that she wasn’t tall enough to stare down at him. “You brought back the wrong comarré.”

He deflated a centimeter. “What? No. I did exactly as—”

“Oh, be quiet, Laurent, will you? Or do you just enjoy the sound of your own voice that bloody much?” Daci snorted softly in disgust. “You just can’t stand taking orders from a woman, can you?”

He whirled to face her. “How dare you speak to me that way.” His hand cocked back as if to strike her.

Daci flinched. Octavian jumped up, moving with extraordinary speed, and restrained him. “If you think you’re going to hit a woman in my presence, you’re dead wrong.”

Laurent snarled. “Take your hands off me, vampling.”

Daci leaped to Tatiana’s side like a frightened doe. “Please, I just want to be done with this. With him.”

“What are you talking about? Let me go or I’ll thrash you within an inch of ashing.” Laurent struggled to get free of Octavian’s grasp. “Now, vampling.”

“Not a chance.” Octavian’s face colored with the exertion.

Laurent had years of strength on him, but Octavian was fed and rested. Still, chances weren’t good Octavian would be able to hold him much longer. Tatiana gave Daci one last out. “You’re sure?”