"Does putting salt in their mouth work?"
A shimmer of amusement spun around her. “I suppose if you shoved enough down their throats, they're likely to choke to death."
She scowled at him. “I'm being serious, here."
"So am I.” His amusement fled. “Break their necks, and they will die. Otherwise, they cannot. Not until Jasper dies."
"How in hell is that possible?” she said. “How can he raise the dead and make them his slaves?" Michael shrugged. “The ability to call the newly dead back to life—to reanimate their limbs—is a black art that often runs in families. From what we know of Jasper, both his father and grandfather were animators, as well."
Great, she thought, and wondered what other unknowns walked through the darkness, hiding from the sunlight and humanity's sight.
Be careful what you ask, Nikki, or you might just discover the answer. A chill ran across her flesh. A premonition that perhaps it was a warning that came too late. She shivered and rubbed her arms.
"So what do you suggest we do next?” Jake said into the silence. Grim acceptance ran through his voice. He'd finally accepted both the situation and Michael's presence.
"We must find Monica first. The newly turned tend to be unbalanced and dangerous, especially those who, when alive, had no real love for their fellow humans.” Michael smiled grimly, then added, “As you've already discovered."
"Which is where Nikki comes in. Just as well we nabbed that locket." Michael nodded. “Once Nikki finds Monica's hideout, we wait for dawn then go deal with her." Kill her, he meant. She shuddered then frowned, studying him. She suddenly had the odd notion she had not been included in the we .
"Meaning we introduce her to the delights of sunshine.” Jake frowned. “I don't know if I—"
"I'm not asking for help here. I can handle her alone."
"Monica is our client's daughter,” Jake said, his voice flat. “And our responsibility. Go without us, and I'll call the cops."
If the threat fazed Michael in any way, it certainly didn't show. “Then come. Either way, I care not." His gaze met hers. Here it comes , she thought. The statement she wasn't going to like.
"We should be relatively safe from attack during the day,” he continued, his voice as neutral as his face.