her stirred, but Sebastian kept a smile painted in place.
“So impatient. Part of your American manners, I suppose. Very well. We shall get on with it. What brings you to my city? We rarely have foreign visitors, especially from the States. And never from Riverdale.” His smiled broadened, displaying yellowed fangs.
Ari shrugged. “Nothing that concerns you.”
“But everything concerns me. You visited the wizard. Why?”
“How did you know we were there?” she countered.
Sebastian giggled, an unexpected sound that made her skin crawl. “I know everything.” He spread his hands in a wide arc. “Or I will when we are finished.” His reptilian eyes focused on Ari. “Would you like to answer my question now? Or do you need further persuading?”
No thanks. Not the kind of persuasion he could deliver. Besides, what did she lose by telling him? Maybe she’d learn something useful if she dropped a hint or two.
“I wanted to talk with Dubrey about drug trafficking. Do you know anything about his drug experiments on vampires?”
Sebastian studied an invisible speck on his sleeve. “Experiments? On vampires? It sounds highly unlikely. Enlighten me.”
“A drug called Fantasy. That Louie Molyneux is busy distributing to the vampires in Riverdale.” Ari watched closely, but Sebastian gave nothing away, except by his silence. And that could mean something—or nothing. “Do you know Louie?”
Sebastian smiled. “You tell me. You seem to have all the answers.”
“I think he works for you,” she said boldly. “Or maybe you work for him,” she added, seeing if she could prick his pride. “And you’re both connected to the wizard. Did you order Dubrey’s death? I can’t help but wonder why. Afraid he was going to control your mind?”
Sebastian giggled again. “How accusatory you are. It all sounds so fanciful. I have no knowledge of such matters. I am very distressed that you believe me capable of such bad behavior.” His singsong voice rang with insincerity.
Ari snorted. Bad behavior? More like evil. Zoe stirred beside her. Anticipating more action? Reminding Ari to tread lightly?
“How is my old friend, Prince Daron?” Sebastian asked abruptly, a jovial smile creasing his face.
Ari chose her words with care. “I wouldn’t know. I’m not personally acquainted with Prince Daron.”
“No? Did I misunderstand?” The prince cocked his head. “I thought my people said you were bringing a greeting from his court.”
“I lied.”
Sebastian covered his giggle with a lace handkerchief. “A pity. But you know his lieutenant, Andreas, I believe. Another very old friend of mine.”
“Isn’t that nice. I’ll be sure to tell him you said hey.”
Sebastian’s eyes slitted. “You are a disagreeable witch, and you have involved yourself in matters that do not concern you. If you hope to live a long life, Guardian, stay out of my affairs.”
“By affairs, do you mean the drug traffic? Or the murder of the wizard? Your old friends in Riverdale will be so disappointed that you threatened me.” Ari knew she should stop pushing. Sebastian had already proven he could breach many of her defenses. She braced for his reaction.
A wicked smirk crept across the old vampire’s thin lips. “If Daron or Andreas object to my behavior, tell them to come see me.” His nostrils flared above the bristles as he waved an imperious arm. “Get these females out of my sight. I have heard more than enough.” He left through the double doors, another giggle escaping his lips. His departure left behind a power vacuum in the room and a dry taste in Ari’s mouth.
The guards hustled the guardians down the elevator. The tattooed vampire’s face twitched, obviously disappointed Sebastian had let them go. As soon as Ari closed the passenger door of the VW, Zoe floored it. She was as anxious as Ari to put distance between them and the vampires before someone had second thoughts. They didn’t speak until they were more than half a mile away.
“What the hell was that about?” Zoe demanded.
Ari swore under her breath. “I don’t know, Zoe. Way too weird.” Ari clasped her hands together to stop the post adrenaline trembling. “If he wanted to scare me, he succeeded. Beyond that, I’m not sure. Did they hurt you?”
“I’m fine.” Zoe glanced at her passenger. “But how about you? For a minute there…”
“Yeah. It was close.”
Zoe drove straight to the airport. Once Ari was safely in the air, Zoe intended to take the whole story to the Magic Council. The wizard’s death, the notebooks, the confrontation with Sebastian.
While on the drive, Ari remembered to ask about Molyneux and his wolf pack.