"It might also mean she'll speed up her killing schedule," Russell said.
"Doesn't give us much time to find the remaining woman."
"And doesn't explain why she's still going after Kirby." He frowned. "Have you found anything on that symbol she's carving in the doors?"
"I'm doing an online search through the Circle's library. It's going to take time."
Problem was, time was running out. And with Kirby on the killer's list, he wanted this case solved and her safe, as soon as possible.
He glanced at his watch. Half an hour had passed. They wouldn't be able to reclaim the car just yet. "Do you think it's safe for me to bring Kirby back in yet?"
Camille hesitated. "I'd rather not take the chance. And to be honest, if the killer is concentrating on finding you and Kirby, then maybe Russell and I can catch her unawares."
It was a good plan, but he wasn't happy about using Kirby as bait. Too many things could go wrong—like her running. He had to catch some sleep sometime, and sooner or later she would take advantage of it.
"What's your plan, then?"
"First we get our sunburned friend indoors and out of the light, then I'll continue searching for that symbol. You and Kirby can go on hunting for our final victim. If you have no luck, Russ can go out tonight." Doyle dug into his pocket and retrieved the camera. "Photos of Rachel Grant."
"Such a clever boy," she murmured, patting his arm. "Now, you'd better go find that girl of yours. She wandered off again."
He frowned. "No, she hasn't."
Camille raised an eyebrow. "Are you doubting the eyes of an old woman? She wasn't at the door when I drove up."
"Maybe not, but she's close."
"She has a pretty distinct smell if you can still catch it above the dust and decay in here," Russell commented, eyeing him with amusement. "Not a little smitten with the girl, are we?"
"Believe me, I'm not." He was well past being smitten. "I can read her thoughts, and I have no idea why."
Russ raised his eyebrows. "She telepathic?"
"No, and neither am I, as you know."
Russ snorted. "Yeah. It's easier to draw blood from a stone than it is to reach through your thick skull."
He grinned. "At least it stops you from putting improper thoughts in my head. Like the time you tried to get me—"
"Enough," Camille said, frowning. "What other talents has she got?"
"Energy," he said. "It races across her fingers like lightning, and she can cast it like a net."
Camille's frown deepened. "That sounds like elemental magic, which is damn rare."
"Doesn't mean she can't have it," Russ commented. "And isn't a storm witch an elemental?"
"No. Completely different. Come on," she added, her expression thoughtful.
"Let's get back to the office. Doyle, keep in regular contact."
"I will."
He followed them from the building. Camille opened the van's back doors. The van had been fully lined with sun blocking material. You could never be too careful when a vampire was part of your team.
Russell dove in and Camille slammed the door shut before he started to sizzle. "I think I know what that symbol being carved on the door is," she said.
"And if I'm right, we could be in real trouble. I'll call and let you know in a few hours. In the meantime, you keep that girl of yours safe."