“Tell us what you witnessed with regard to Harry Burns,” Nicolette said.
“He seemed to shift against his will. Same with Simon. Simon’s in the middle of brawls all the time and never once shifted. He knows how to control himself.” I heard murmurs of assent behind me. “Harry seemed to suffer some kind of seizure. His body twitched in his wolf form and he…died.”
“No one assaulted him?” Jervis asked.
“It’s hard to say. Fur and fists were flying, but I didn’t see anyone attack Harry specifically. In fact, I’m pretty sure he was the first one on the floor when everyone started fighting. If anything, he should’ve been safer there.”
They consulted each other in silence.
“The participating wolves have a hazy recollection of events,” Nicolette said. “One claimed there were at least six knights fighting them, whereas others identified only two.”
“Kami and I were the only knights present; that is correct.” I made sure to maintain a neutral expression. Let them believe the wolves were too dazed and confused to remember properly.
Nicolette steepled her fingers together and regarded me. “Would you blame anyone for last night’s tragic event? You may speak freely.”
I was tempted to make a joke about whoever supplied the ale, but an image of Harry’s lifeless face pierced my memories and I shook my head instead.
“No, ma’am. As far as I can tell, it was a tragic accident.”
Romeo leaned forward. “And we understand that you and Miss Marwin agreed not to report the death to the authorities.”
“We did for Simon’s sake.”
“We hope you will continue to honor that agreement,” Romeo said.
“That’s the plan.”
“Thank you, Miss Hayes. You are dismissed.” Nicolette motioned toward the double doors.
I walked past the rows of curious werewolves. It seemed like every set of eyes followed me as I exited the room. The double doors closed behind me with an echoing clink.
“That didn’t take long,” Kami said, once the werewolf escorted me back to the waiting room.
“I was concise.”
“Shocker.”
The werewolf smiled at Kami. “Your turn, beautiful.”
“Hey,” I objected. “I didn’t get any compliments.”
The female werewolf held up the tin of shortbread. “Another biscuit?”
“Distracting me with food? It’s like you know me.” I reached into the tin.
Kami’s interview took only slightly less time than mine. We made it to the first floor when we were intercepted by the lumberjack from the tribunal.
Romeo approached us with an easy swagger. “Could I have a word with you in private?”
Kami and I traded looks.
“You, Miss Hayes.”
“Don’t mind me,” Kami interjected. “I’ll just stand awkwardly at the opposite end of the vestibule.”
“No need,” Romeo said. “We can go to my office.” He pointed. “It’s on this floor, just across the way.”
“I’ll wait right here,” Kami said.
Romeo guided me to his office. With its dark wood furniture and musky smell, the room emanated rugged masculinity.
He loomed over me, a good foot taller. I hadn’t realized just how tall he was until now. His teeth were whiter than I would’ve expected. Vampires used special fluid to keep bloodstains off their teeth so I was accustomed to their blinding smiles. Werewolves weren’t usually as fastidious.
“You’re distracted,” he said. “It’s my teeth, isn’t it?”
I was taken aback by the accuracy of his guess. “How did you know?”
He appeared crushed. “Jervis made fun of me earlier. I tried a new product and I guess it works a little too well.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Depends on your goal, I guess.”
He leaned a muscular forearm on the wall over my head. “What if my goal is to attract beautiful women? Is it working?”
“Please don’t tell me you brought me into your office to hit on me.”
“Would that be so horrible?”
I folded my arms and looked up at him. “I’m on a schedule, Mr. Rice. What is it you wanted to say to me?”
“Romeo.”
“I’m on a schedule, Romeo. I only came here as a favor to Simon.”
“The Crown owner is a friend of yours?”
“Friend might be a stretch, but I’m a frequent patron at his pub.”
He glanced at the closed door. “And Kamikaze Marwin? Is she a friend or are you two romantically involved?”
“Does it matter?”
“Not really. I was only curious.” He removed his arm and a professional mask dropped into place. “I’d like to hire you.”
I blinked. “Why?”
He motioned to the chair opposite his desk. “Have a seat and I’ll tell you.”
“If you called me in here to discuss a job, why not include Kami?”
“Because I’m trying to keep this quiet and you impressed me during the tribunal.”
“If you hire me, I have to complete paperwork at the office.” That wasn’t strictly true, of course, but given that I’d recently tried to hide a job for House Lewis from my banner, I wasn’t sure a repeat performance was such a smart idea. I already kept enough secrets from the other knights.
His gaze felt like a weight pressing against my chest. “What if I consider this a matter of national security?”
“Then you should probably contact someone at House Lewis.”
He grunted. “Over my dead body.” His dark eyes glinted. “What if the pack offers to foot the bill to repair The Crown?”
“You can do that?”
“Simon isn’t a paid member of the pack, so we have discretion whether to assist him. I can make certain that we do in exchange for your cooperation.”
“Don’t you think you should offer to foot the bill anyway? If it weren’t for twelve of your pack members turning, the pub would be fine.”
“Seems to me they were overserved.”
“I told you he’s not a friend. What makes you think your offer would persuade me?”
He fiddled with his pen. “You strike me as a creature of habit, London. May I call you London? The Crown is somewhere you frequent because you feel safe there. Secure.”
“I didn’t feel very safe and secure when your friends went nuts.”
His face hardened. “That’s the reason I’ve asked you here. Before I tell you more, I need to know—are you in or out?”
I thought of poor Simon and the damage to The Crown. “In.”
Romeo wore a satisfied smile. “Do you know what a berserker is?”
“Wolves who lose control and go on a rampage.”
“Close enough. Sounds like what happened at The Crown, doesn’t it?”
My hands squeezed the arms of the chair. “You think they’re berserkers?”
“Based on what we know about the condition, yes. I was part of the cleanup crew that showed up after you left.” His expression clouded over. “I heard enough to convince me.”
The news floored me. Berserker wolves in Britannia City was a nightmare scenario.
“But they’re members of your pack.” If they had berserkers among them, I would know. The whole city would know.
“Yes, and they’ve never shown signs before. This has shocked us all, which is why I’d like you to investigate for us. You’ll be compensated. The Crown is only meant to be an extra incentive because of the risk involved.”