moved his chair, because though I had my legs pointed away from him, he managed to run his toe up and down my calf. He might be wearing shiny leather shoes, but somehow it felt like skin on skin.
And that dark part of me wished it was.
"As I mentioned," he said softly, amusement playing around the corners of his delicious mouth again, "he was ashes by the time I got there."
That raised my eyebrows. "You went to the crime scene?"
"The man who reported it was a little on the inebriated side. I thought perhaps a customer had merely fallen down."
"So why not send one of your lackeys to investigate?"
"Employees," he corrected gently. "And we were full that night. I could not afford to take anyone away for even a few minutes. "
"So you don't personally service the blood whores?"
"No." He was still caressing my calf, and the movement, though gentle, was extremely erotic. "I prefer to take what I need the old fashioned way."
And he'd be damned good at it too, I thought, then pushed the thought away as his gaze met mine. He gave me a wicked smile.
Though he wasn't reading my thoughts - I would have known if he tried - I had a feeling he knew exactly what I was thinking.
Thank God the full moon wasn't near. I probably would have been all over him otherwise. My self control was barely hanging on as it was.
"Do you know the name of the man who found the body?"
"His name was Henry Gateway. He's something of a regular here."
"Human?"
"Vampire. He's not in my employ, but I do have his address."
At least that was someplace to start. But that didn't explain Starke's inebriated comment. "Vampires can't get drunk. "
"If they consume enough, any vampire can get intoxicated. Trust me on that. And Gateway doesn't normally imbibe, but he lost a close friend recently." His shrug was elegant.
I frowned. "Wouldn't it be dangerous having a drunk vampire serving the customers?"
"He is extremely popular with our customers." Starke waved his hand airily, the movement oddly sensual.
"Something to with his dark good looks and French accent, I suppose. We keep a close eye on him if he's drinking."
"And you had his address because - ?"
"Because, as I said, he's good for business. It pays me to keep him in once piece." He drained his glass then rose. "My presence is required outside. Are there any further questions, Ms. Jenson?"
He was standing right in front of me, which meant I was staring straight at his family jewels. And they were impressive, if that bulge was anything to go by. I forced my gaze upwards, and saw the laughter there. "No, but I'd appreciate it if you could start sending people in. The sooner I interview them, the sooner they can go home."
"Most will not be in a hurry," he said, then bowed slightly. "It's been a pleasure, Ms. Jenson. If you come and see me before you leave, I'll have that address for you. "
"If you just give it to the barman, that'll be fine."
"What, and rob myself of a final glimpse of your beauty? Never."
I rolled my eyes. "You know, sweet talk isn't going to get you anywhere."
"Ah, but you hunger, and that's a start."
"I'm a werewolf. Hunger comes with the territory. But believe me, we know the fine art of self control."
Even if mine seemed to be hanging on by threads.
"It's still fun to try."
"And I think its fun to haul people back to the Directorate and interrogate their asses. But I'm willing to give up my pleasure if you'll give up yours."
He laughed - a warm sound that trembled up my spine. "If there were more guardians like you, Ms. Jenson, I believe there would not be as much disquiet in the community."
He walked out without waiting for a comment, and I sighed in relief. At least I could now concentrate on the business of finding our witness.
* * *
My long night did indeed turn into an interminable morning. Over the course of the next six hours, I consumed two glasses of Starke's fine Bollinger then moved on to coffee. Several cups later, I still felt like shit.
There might have been only thirty people plus Starke's bar staff to interview, but they were all reluctant to talk.
I leaned back in the chair and rolled my neck, trying to ease the cramp in my muscles, but it didn't help the tension any more than the coffee helped boost my energy.
I took another