Viv inhaled. “Yes.”
Holy motherfucker. “Are you kidding?” Daire leaned forward and ignored the fire dancing between his fingers. “Who’s leading the charge?”
“I haven’t figured it out.” Her shoulders slumped, and for the first time, dark circles slashed below her eyes. “There are rumblings everywhere, and I have no doubt Simone will be challenged for the seat within the year.”
Daire rubbed his chin. “It’s interesting this coincides with the appearance of Apollo.” He examined scenarios and banished anger. Now was the time for strategy . . . later he’d use the power derived from righteous fury. “Is Simone being targeted because she’s the weakest member, or is this attack personal to her?”
Viv shook her head. “I don’t know. She is the wildest member with the, ah, most interesting lifestyle. Before her adventures were viewed as a possible strength, but there are rumors going around that she’s joined up with Nicholai Veis again, and you know about his troubled past.”
Well, the demon had killed more than one witch sent to assassinate him, so Daire couldn’t exactly blame him. “Nick has proven himself as an ally.”
“Perhaps. But he’s a demon, and you know they can plot for years when it comes to strategy.”
Aye, he did know that, firsthand. Felicity was a master at plotting, and the trait seemed inherent in all demons. It was possible that Veis had been plotting against Coven Nine for years, but Daire’s gut said otherwise. “I won’t allow Simone to be harmed.”
Viv winced. “I’ve heard that evidence against her has been collected by the Guard, but I don’t know what it is or what they think they have on her. If she’s challenged, there’s nothing you can do. Right now, stay on mission and shut down the mining, manufacturing, and distribution of Apollo. We confiscated three weapons on the Dublin streets last week that shoot darts.”
Daire’s head jerked up. “In Dublin?”
“Yes.” She held out a hand as he began to stand. “The Guard is working overtime, Daire. We don’t need the enforcers here; we need you there doing your job.”
If the Coven Nine members were in danger, his first priority was in Dublin. Of course, that would entail his forcing Simone back home, which might be part of the plan of her enemies. “You have no idea who’s behind the rumors?”
“No.” Viv paled. “I have a couple of investigators on the situation, but so far, all they’ve confirmed is that she and Veis have spent time together in Seattle.”
“They’ve worked together—no romance and definitely no sex.” He had to get Simone away from the demon before her past relationships were used against her. “I give you my word it’s just been work, and she’s been incredibly bitchy about it.”
Viv sighed. “She wouldn’t be bitchy if her emotions weren’t involved, and you know it. Whatever is going on between them must be ended and right now.”
“Understood.” Daire flirted with the idea of asking Viv about Triad and Demidov’s company, but if she knew anything about it, she would’ve already told him. There was no reason to worry her about a possible problem until he’d taken care of it. “Be careful, because whoever is after Simone is well funded and has this thought out.”
“I know,” Viv said. “There’s a rumor I can’t track down that somebody has damaging information about Simone beyond her wild lifestyle. Concrete evidence that she’s working against the Coven Nine.”
“That’s impossible.” Damn it. Daire needed to take care of the issue and now.
Viv nodded. “I hope so. Contact me with any new information.”
“Ditto.” Daire punched in a couple of keys, and his aunt disappeared. He dialed another number.
Kellach Dunne came into view, his nostrils huge across the screen.
“Back away from the phone,” Daire rumbled.