Shadow's End (Elder Races #9)

“Can you take a guess?” he asked.

“At the very least, I would guess you’ll get Peacekeeper troops to back up any independent action you may be prepared to take. It’s not sufficient, but it may be all they offer, although how they could justify that in light of what transpired with Senator Jackson’s son and the current unrest in the human Congress, I don’t know. At most . . .” She shook her head and shrugged again. “Personally, I will be very interested to hear what Soren is going to offer.”

Rune looked at Graydon. “I’ve been meaning to ask, what led you to investigate this?”

Graydon had been expecting that very question. He said simply, “I received an anonymous tip.”

“You’ve put in a significant investment in time and money over an anonymous tip,” Constantine observed. “Since you’ve been so careful to keep this separate from the Wyr demesne, I assume you’ve paid for the whole investigation out of your own pocket.”

Bel’s gaze widened and flew to meet his. He could tell by her disturbed expression she hadn’t thought of that before.

Small though her reaction had been, the room was full of smart, observant people, and her consternation did not go unnoted.

Constantine’s attention fixed on Bel. He said, “I find the compilation of this group fascinating. For example, I know I’m only here because I pestered you until you didn’t have any other choice. How did everyone else end up here, and why?”

At that, Rune spoke up. “Graydon came to us originally to have our agency handle the investigation. We put Luis and Claudia on the case, and we wanted to be part of the concluding consultation, which is why we’re here. Since we had some idea of what was going on, we brought in Khalil and Grace for their input.”

With that, everyone focused on Julian, Melly and Bel.

Melly said simply, “I’m here because Julian is. I had no idea any of this was going on.”

“I’m not going to lie, Graydon knew I’d have a dog in this fight,” said Julian. “Earlier in the year, I helped block Malphas from harming someone in my demesne. Since then, he has nurtured a grudge. He helped to trap me when Justine kidnapped Melly.”

Rune looked at Graydon. “Sounds like you can add another count of collusion to that list.”

Julian nodded and continued. “I have every reason to believe he would act with malice again, if an opportunity presented itself.” He cupped Melly’s shoulders. “I won’t have him coming after me, or anyone else I care about. I want him dead, and I’m willing to help do whatever it takes to make it happen.”

Carling turned to Beluviel. “And you, Bel? What brings you here?”

Bel replied readily enough. “I am interested in the outcome of this conversation.”

Julian shifted, an uncharacteristic sign of restlessness from a Vampyre. From his position by the window, Constantine’s eyes narrowed, and Graydon knew Bel wasn’t going to get away with that nonanswer.

“Why is that, and how did you learn of it?” Carling pressed. “Has Malphas harmed you in some way?”

Bel met Graydon’s gaze. She gave him a small, sober smile and said nothing.

She was experienced at diplomacy. She could have replied in any number of ways to continue deflecting Carling’s questions, but as Bel had said earlier, silence can be its own answer.

As everyone waited for her to respond, the natural pause in the conversation grew prolonged. On the couch, Grace shifted, looking unsettled. Both Rune and Constantine leaned forward, their predatory instincts engaged.

“Graydon, you’ve spearheaded this whole thing,” Rune said, turning to him. “Why did you invite Bel?”

Graydon returned Bel’s smile and said nothing.

Remain steady. Hold the course.

After all this time, don’t falter now.

Constantine remarked, “It appears that either they can’t answer, or they won’t.” Telepathically, he asked Graydon, Is she here because of something that happened when we were in London?

Graydon glanced at Constantine, but he didn’t answer.

Daaaamn, Constantine whispered. Whatever it is, you and she have been carrying that around for a hell of a long time.

Julian said, “Graydon, what you’ve told us is very detailed, but it’s quite clear you’re not giving us all the information. You want to kill Malphas, and you’ve presented an excellent case for doing so, but why do you want to kill him?”

No answer.

Rune had tensed. He asked, “Gray, are you able to fulfill your duties as First sentinel?”

That was one of the right questions to ask. Without hesitation, Graydon said, “Absolutely, I can do the job.”

“Truth,” Carling said. She put an arm around Rune’s shoulders, and he relaxed against her. “At least as far as I can tell.”

“So you are not personally being controlled by Malphas,” Rune persisted.

“No,” he replied. “I am not.”