And wouldn't again, Nikki thought with a shiver. She watched a wisp of blanket turn in the breeze. The intensity of the fire had left the soil under Monica's body a charred mess. She doubted if anything would ever grow there again.
"She was a vampire.” It was time MacEwan knew the truth, whether or not he chose to believe it. “They can't stand the sun."
He made no comment. She'd always found MacEwan hard to read and had no idea if he believed her or not.
"And this madman we still have on the loose?"
"Monica's lover. Another vampire."
"I see."
Did he? There was little emotion to be seen on his face, but his eyes were thoughtful.
"And do you intend going after this madman?"
She nodded, half expecting him to warn her off the case. As usual, MacEwan did the unexpected.
"Keep me informed of all developments, then.” He dropped the half-finished cigarette on the ground, crushing it under his boot heel. Then he gave her a wintry smile. “I am not as blind as you might think. I've seen things—” He hesitated and shrugged. “Lets just say I'm not unwilling to believe there are some things on this earth that defy explanation. Just be careful. I can do without the extra paperwork." He gave her a brief nod and walked away. She turned her gaze to the priest, watching him sprinkle water over the soil.
The back of her neck tingled in warning, and she turned. Jake walked across the road and entered the church through the main gate. Michael wasn't with him, but he was near. His anger washed over her, almost smothering in its intensity.
"Heard over the police radio they'd found Monica.” Jake stopped and regarded the priest's actions with interest. “This all that's left?"
She nodded. “She went up like a torch."
"One down, one to go.” There was little remorse in his voice. Taking her elbow, he pulled her away from the church. “But just what in hell did you think you were doing? You could have gotten yourself killed!"
She wrenched her arm out of his grip and stopped to glare at him. “What in hell did you think you were doing, leaving without me this morning?” If they'd been here with her, Monica might still be alive. And maybe, just maybe, she'd be less worried about Jasper being able to control her.