Blood and Blade (Goddess with a Blade #6) - Lauren Dane Page 0,42

of food and water and positive encouragement as she worked alongside them.

After sunrise when this bloody business was over, Rowan would check in again with Susan at the Motherhouse and then file her execution report on Rod and Chauncy. David was already working on a search of anyone connected to Rod and his little business. Once they found those connections, Rowan would snuff them out as well.

For the time being, London was quiet except for the creatures who thrived in darkness like DJs and Vampires.

They’d chosen Arthur first because Thomas lived in a house a little further out. Genevieve had given Rowan a small glass globe she’d spoken into and explained it was a spell to knock out electronics so there’d be no opportunity for Arthur or anyone in his flat to warn Thomas.

“Drop us here,” Clive said, pointing to the curb next to a small, gated neighborhood park.

Rowan scoffed, “I’m coming with you.”

“No you aren’t and not because I don’t think you’re capable. Obviously you are. This is Nation business. You’re a Hunter. You’ve already served warrants of execution on two Vampires tonight. One from a very old family. If you come in now it only complicates matters. Watch the back of the flat. If anyone escapes, you’re free to execute him.”

She frowned, knowing he was right. Stupid politics.

“I’m taking you at your word so don’t come crying to me once I slay some asshole running from the scene,” she told him with a wag of her finger she knew would get his back up.

“I’d never dream of such a thing. You’ll also be here to keep watch and let us know if we’re about to be interrupted.”

“Can I kill someone coming to the door to interrupt you?” Rowan asked, feeling sulky.

He gave her a look that made her want to blush and giggle all at the same time. “If the interrupting Vampire needs killing, yes. I trust your judgment.” Unspoken was the use it at the end of the last sentence.

She had lots of judgment. Good judgment. She even used it most of the time.

With one last look at her to underline his point, Clive and his father melted from the car and into the night like shadows.

* * *

While she waited and kept watch, she called to check in with David but before the call connected, she spotted a very familiar best dog in the world just scampering up the sidewalk headed toward her car.

She opened the door, Star scrambled inside, over Rowan’s lap and into the passenger seat.

“Hi there.” Rowan scratched behind Star’s ear until the dog made a growly sound of pleasure. “You’re very helpful. We’re keeping watch in case unsavory characters approach the house where Clive and your grandpa are doing their business.”

Star shook herself and settled, still sitting, this time, her paws up on the dash as she scanned the area.

It hadn’t even occurred to her to wonder where or how the dog had known to come.

Rowan called David to check in. “Star just showed up so I figure you two were close to done,” she said. “What’s your status?”

“We just finished. Genevieve says to tell you she’ll get all the information we’ve gathered into a report that she’ll send to you. Or see you when she wakes up because she’s staying at the house?”

Oh. Well. Rowan figured it would be the right thing to do as Genevieve had flown across the ocean to help out. And she had been a huge help so letting her crash in one of the myriad bedrooms at the house seemed a fair exchange.

“I guess so. Can you please give Betchamp a quick call to be sure one of the rooms is prepared for her? Or if you want her in the mews with you that’s fine. I don’t care one way or the other. It’s a big ass house with plenty of beds.”

“Just so. Would you like Genevieve and I to go to the other uncle’s house to surveil until you arrive?”

She didn’t even have to tell him to be careful not to get caught. They were both good enough that they could watch without trouble so she took him up on the offer and hung up.

Before she could call anyone else, Charles approached the car and while he was her father-in-law and she was totally in love with her husband, there was a moment when she caught sight of the elder Stewart striding through the darkness toward her that made her heart skip a beat.