Magic Misled (Lizzie Grace #7) - Keri Arthur Page 0,35
good-looking men. “A long black with whatever cake is on special would be perfect. Thank you.”
I gave the order to Penny, then sat down opposite him and raised the muting spell. “I take it you’ve finished your investigations here?”
“I’ve still a few ends to chase up, but basically, yes.”
“And?”
“And, after visiting Émigré’s remains and talking to survivors, I agree—off the record, of course—with your earlier summation. The bastard deserved the death he received.”
I glanced up as Penny appeared with our drinks and food and thanked her. “You surprise me.”
Amusement lurked in his emerald eyes. “That’s hardly unexpected given you don’t know me.”
“True.” I picked up my fork and scooped up a large piece of salted caramel cake. “I take it one of the ends you need to chase is the vampire you refused to name?”
“Indeed.”
“Care to explain why you won’t name her? It is rather odd.”
“Superstition.” His lips twitched. “By saying evil’s name, you invoke it into your life.”
“Investigation wise, that’s exactly what you want.”
His smile widened. I had a suspicion he was simply teasing me. “We do need to get her statement, but in truth, there’s no DNA evidence actually linking her to Clayton’s murder.”
I frowned. “But you have the recording of her stating she intended to kill him.”
“Yes, and any decent lawyer would argue that it was nothing more than shock—an expected sentiment after watching both her establishment and half her staff being blown up.”
And there was no doubt that Maelle would have a more than decent lawyer if they ever did manage to get her into court. “So, what will the official record say? Or aren't I allowed to know that?”
“It’ll recommend that—pending an interview with Émigré’s owner should she materialize at any point—the case be closed. Your actions in setting Clayton up as a target were a result of his kidnapping and torturing your familiar. Even if charges were brought against you, no witch court would ever convict you.”
“The case being dropped is exactly the result Clayton’s family wants.”
“Yes, but my recommendations don’t mean the end of all investigations. The Black Lantern Society is still pursuing the case against your father.”
“At least they won’t be swayed into dropping the case.”
“I’m not being swayed, if that’s what you’re implying.” He hesitated. “There is, however, something pertinent to the current situation you need to know.”
The edge in his voice had my heart rate skipping. “And what might that be?”
“The other reason I’m here.” He paused, plainly waiting for me to ask the obvious question.
I obliged. But deep in my heart, I already knew.
His gaze met mine, and there was an odd sort of anger in it. “I was asked to check you out as a potential wife.”
Chapter Six
I cursed and leaned back in my chair. “Well, it certainly hasn’t taken the old fucker long to get back to his matchmaking ways, has it?”
“Given the resonance evident in the spells that protect this place and his notorious determination to maintain his power base,” he replied, voice dry, “did you really expect anything else?”
“Yes, actually. I thought he’d at least wait until all the current investigations were finalized.”
“Your father has little fear of consequences. There are more than a few in Canberra who hope the Society’s case against him will change that.”
“I take it your parents are not amongst that number?”
“Oh, they are, but just because they don’t like the man doesn’t mean they don’t want the alliance.”
I raised an eyebrow as the edge made another appearance. “I get the impression your dislike runs a whole lot deeper than theirs.”
“That’s because I’ve worked for the High Council for a while now, and I’ve seen what goes on behind the scenes. But, that aside, I’m not keen on anyone who’d force an underage child into a marriage. Hell, any alliance in which there is no attraction or at least friendship should be outlawed, in my opinion. It very rarely leads to any sort of happiness.”
A comment that had me remembering what he’d said earlier. “So who in your family was forced into such a marriage?”
“My sister, and in truth, the decision to go ahead with the arrangement was in the end hers.” He grimaced. “She divorced after the first child, but for three long years she was utterly miserable.”
“Why did she agree to the marriage then?”
A smile touched his lips. “Because she was young and romantic, and because she was a dutiful daughter. She was well aware it would increase the family’s profile and reach.”