"I'd like." I dropped a big slab of cake onto a plate and headed into the living room. Tao followed with the coffees, handing them out once we'd sat down. "But be careful. We don't want the wrong people aware that we're asking any questions. That could get dangerous."
And things were dangerous enough as it was.
She lightly blew on her coffee, then asked, "So have you any idea why Handberry was killed?"
"None whatsoever," I said as the doorbell rang.
"Who the hell could that be at this hour?" Tao said, frowning as his gaze met mine.
"Well, I'm sure not expecting anybody—are you?"
He shook his head. Flames danced briefly across his fingertips, then were extinguished. "I'll watch your back."
I regretfully dumped my cake onto the table, then walked across to the door. A quick look at the monitor revealed a small, slender woman with dark hair and the most amazing green eyes. It wasn't anyone I knew.
I pressed the intercom and said, "Can I help you?"
"I need to speak to Risa Jones rather urgently."
"And who can I say is calling?"
"Madeline Hunter."
I knew that name. It was a name that had been spoken in whispers by both Riley and Rhoan. This woman—this tiny presence standing outside my door—was one of the most powerful and feared vampires in Melbourne. And if it was her, she was rarely seen outside the halls of the Directorate.
So what the hell was she doing standing on my doorstep?
"Prove it."