He snorted, shaking his head. “You’re crazy.”

“I’d have to be to be with you, wouldn’t I?”

He nodded. “I guess so.” He leaned his head against the wall. The flames seemed like they were getting smaller. “What am I going to do about Barasa and Omur? Just the fact that they’re being taken in for questioning will make them guilty in a lot of people’s eyes.”

She raised her brows. “Do you think they’re guilty?”

With a long sigh, he shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t want them to be, but what if they are? They had access. They had motive.”

She came closer, but stopped before the shower’s threshold. “Hire that retired JAG lawyer who was at the cocktail party and get him down there ASAP. As soon as he can get Barasa and Omur bailed out, we need to sit down together and figure this out.”

He squeezed his eyes shut, his face a mask of concentration. A second later, the flames went out. He got up, walked out of the shower, and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She punched him lightly. “Yeah, you’re a lucky guy.”

He laughed. “That’s for damn sure.”

She went up on her tiptoes and kissed him back. “Too bad Remo wasn’t one of your council members sooner or they’d be hauling him downtown too.”

Doc’s mouth came open and he stared at her like she’d just said something crazy smart. Then he snagged her hand and started leading her out of the bathroom. “You’re a genius.”

“I am?”

“My council members. Fritz. Don’t you get it? Fritz was a council member, but he quit because he was loyal to Sinjin. If anyone knows who might have wanted to kill Heaven, it’s him. As soon as I call that lawyer, I’m going to talk to him.”

“But I thought he moved out after he quit?”

“He did, but no one ever really leaves the pride.” He winked at Fi. “Or I guess I should say, the pride never really leaves them.”

Chapter Thirty

Creek would have been lying if he’d said he didn’t enjoy trussing Octavian up like a pig for a roast. He cranked the winch one more time, lifting the vampire into the air in the center of the machine shop. He knew living in this place would come in handy someday. Being able to hang Octavian off the old pulley system was a great way to keep track of him.

Swinging gently in the air, Octavian mumbled something. Apparently, the laudanum was starting to wear off.

“Sorry, can’t hear you through the gag. I’d take it off, but you threatened to kill me so getting close to your fangs seems like a bad idea.” He locked the chain in place, then stood in front of Octavian, staring up at him. “Annika will be here soon, so just hang in there. No pun intended.” He laughed. “Okay, maybe a little bit.”

The metal door behind him squealed. He turned to see Annika coming in. Her gaze was aimed at Octavian. “What the hell is this? Get him down right now.”

“Sector Chief, good to see you.” He imagined the eyes hidden behind her permanent shades were probably glaring at him now.

“I said get him down.” She didn’t bother shutting the door behind her, just stood there, hands on her hips, waiting.

“Listen to this first.” He pulled out his phone and played the recording he’d made.

She took it all in, her expression changing very little. When it was over, she pointed to Octavian. “Get the gag out of his mouth. I need to talk to him.”

Creek unhitched the chain and lowered Octavian to the floor, then carefully removed the gag. He tossed it aside and stepped back. “He’s all yours.”

Octavian rolled his shoulders. “You’re going to pay for this, you stupid—”

“Octavian, enough,” Annika snapped. “Killing a vampire without orders is a breach of conduct. Such a death can only create issues for all involved. You know how these things can affect—”

“She was going to blow my cover,” Octavian argued.

“You shouldn’t have gone to Seven in the first place.” Annika scowled. “And you had no order to kill her. You broke a rule.”

Octavian shook his head slowly and began to laugh. “I am so tired of your rules and regulations. I’ve given my life to the KM and what did I get back? Heartache. I was forced to betray the woman I loved and now I’m stuck in this dump of a city? I don’t think so.”

For a moment, his body seemed to ripple, and then he burst apart into a swarm of clicking metal scarabs. The tiny gunmetal wings whirred through the air as his restraints fell to the ground. The cloud of beetles streamed out through the open door and into the night.

“Stop him,” Creek yelled. “Turn him to stone.” But it was too late. Octavian was gone.

Annika shook her head. “Wouldn’t have worked. I couldn’t make eye contact.” She ground her teeth in frustration. “Bring him in alive. Do nothing else until that’s accomplished.” She started to leave, then stopped. “Let the mayor know Octavian is now considered a threat. Tell her whatever you like, but don’t disclose that he’s KM.”

Creek nodded. “Will do.”

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Watch yourself. If he stays in the city, I’m sure you’ll be a target.”

“Where else do you think he’d go?”