Over the next ten minutes, Ewan explains the events from the last few days: the murders, the creatures, Seth and Casey, and suspicions about Nova Pharm. Portia listens without a word, face impassive, blinking in places, such as when the Collector's name is mentioned.
"Do you have photographs of these runes?" she asks.
Xander pulls out his phone and slides it across the table towards her. She purses her lips as she studies. "I have no idea what they are. Sorry."
"We didn't expect you to," replies Ewan. "Even the Collector couldn't identify them."
"The Collector isn't known to be helpful." Her face sours. "Good luck in acquiring his help."
"Do you know anybody who works at Nova Pharm?" asks Heath. "I met a fae there. Kai Fielding. Do you know him?"
"Not personally, no. I'm really not au fait with every workplace my subjects are employed at."
I almost choke on my tea at her calling them subjects, but she's a queen, of course they are.
Heath slides a printed sheet, from Seth's file, across the table to Portia. "We've identified as many names as we can, but there are some we don't recognise. We thought you may know some from your connections."
She scans the document. "There aren't any important fae named here, or any we have any suspicions about. I think you need to look elsewhere for your perpetrators."
"Hang on," says Xander. "What do you mean suspicions? Have you discovered people within your court you suspect, since we last spoke?"
"There are some we watch. Younger fae in particular, which is another reason I want Elyssia away from all this. I believe she'll endanger herself."
Heath taps the paper. "This guy. Have you heard of him?"
"He's new on the scene," puts in Seth. "I think because the board know we're onto them, they've enlisted someone else."
Xander turns a frown to Seth. He never told us this.
"'Onto them,'" repeats Portia, amused by the turn of phrase. She runs a long finger down the sheet, the stops and taps with her nail.
"Alasdair Faulkner? Are you sure?"
Xander leans forward, elbows on the table. "You know him?"
"He's human, and I've been to his events in the past. He throws wonderful parties. Haven't you heard of him?"
"No, or we wouldn't be asking." I shake my head at Xander. "Thanks for offering to help," he adds gruffly.
"I didn't realise he was connected to Nova Pharm. He's from old money and doesn't need to work. He bought an estate in Scotland, and now he pretends he’s laird. A little of a party boy too, shall we say?"
"Have you heard of the Myriad Foundation?" asks Seth. "He's involved, we think."
Portia's brow furrows. "He did mention he was thinking about using his money more beneficially, but I don't know the charity name. Is this relevant?"
"Fundraising for what?" asks Heath.
"He's planning to work with drug addicts, and ex-addicts, to help them find employment and housing. Quite the benefactor. I think he's setting up a rehab facility on part of his estate in Scotland."
Xander's sullen look lifts. "Do you know how he's raising funds for this? How well do you know him? Do you have details?"
"So many questions, Xander! He's approached businesses for sponsorship, including Paul's. My human husband spends a lot of time networking, and Alasdair is planning a launch where businesses donate to charity, and they have the chance to spend a weekend on his estate networking. Also to see where their money will be going, of course. A win-win, should we say."
"Are you going?" asks Heath.
She pulls a face. "No. Why would I want to spend a weekend surrounded by humans I have no real connection to?"
"Is anybody you know going?" presses Heath.
"No. We were invited, but..." She wrinkles her nose. "I like his parties, but a whole weekend... No thank you."
Xander blows air into his cheeks. "Do you have enough of a connection to get us an invite? If one of your husbands was invited, and yourself, can we be your company representatives?"
Portia laughs and then her mouth forms into an O. "Are you serious?"
"I bloody hope not," replies Ewan.
Heath tucks the paper back into the folder. "I think it's a good idea. There's no headquarters for this charity yet, and we can't exactly break into his house to see what we can find. An estate like that will be crawling with security."
Ewan balks. "You're suggesting a whole weekend with humans stuck where?"
"Scotland."
"I've never been to Scotland." Seth sips his tea. "Might be nice."
Ewan's unamused look grows. "What? Would he come?"
"He doesn't leave our sight, remember?" says Xander.
Portia tips her head. "Why?"
"Umm. Because of the threat to his life." Heath and Xander glance at each other.
"I don't mind. I quite like the idea," Seth continues.
"I thought you liked people about as much as we do?" asks Ewan sarcastically.
"You forget how many months I spent investigating this shit. Don't you think I'd like an opportunity to follow up on the lead too?"
"I bet most companies aren't sending six delegates!" retorts Ewan. "Leave me behind, please."
"Not happening," replies Xander. "We stick together."
“Ewan is correct. I can’t ask Paul to send too many delegates.” Portia sets down her mug. “However, the weekend includes partners too so we can work with that. Six of you will be an ideal number."
"What the hell?" asks Ewan.
"I know Vee doesn't like to choose, but maybe she can pretend, just for a day or two. The rest of you can do the same—with each other."
No. Hell, no.
Xander's eyes widen. "Are you suggesting we pretend to be partners? Like, in a relationship?"
Joss chuckles, but none of the other guys shares his amusement. "Can I have Heath, please? The rest of you snore."
"No way." Xander crosses his arms.
"Why? Do you have a problem with same-sex relationships?" Portia asks.
"I couldn't give a crap about anybody’s relationships, or what they do. But there is no way I can pretend to be with Ewan and definitely not Seth!"
"Hey! You can't presume Vee wants to pretend you’re exclusive," protests Heath. "Besides, you won’t fool anyone since you're always fighting. What if she punches you in the face again?"
Xander involuntarily touches his cheek.
"I didn't punch him," I retort.
Portia's smug amusement riles me. "Vee is attacking you, Xander?"
Before he can respond, Joss interrupts. "You and Vee? So that leaves Seth with Ewan! Oh, man."
I sit forward. "Excuse me? Don't I get a say in this?"
Portia sighs. "I haven't promised I can do this for you yet. If I do organise it though, it will be three company representatives and their partners." She pulls out her phone. "Plus, I have a favour to ask in return. I'd like you to deal with this person."
She places the phone on the table, and Heath slides it over to look. "Deal with Mac? If humans aren't threatened, we don't touch anybody. We're not mercenaries."
"Yes. Mac, the man with no surname who violated my daughter."
"Oh, no way. We're not getting involved in this shit. If you have an issue with anybody from that club, get it shut down," Ewan replies.
"I don't want my name connected to anything that could cause trouble."
"No." Xander's response is firm, final.