“With Tatiana in town, we’re going to let things ride.” His shock must have registered on his face more than he realized since Annika continued. “Trust me, the KM aren’t going soft, but the grand masters believe the ring’s power might give the comarré the edge she needs to take Tatiana out once and for all.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
Annika stared into the street below. “You’re assuming she’ll live through a fight with Tatiana.”
“She’s done it before.”
“She’s had the vampire with her.” Annika faced him again. “But we both know that situation’s changed, don’t we?”
He played dumb, something he hated to do, especially with his sector chief. “What do you mean?”
“We know he’s still alive and we know something’s changed between them. That’s all I can say.” Then she dipped her head toward the County Coroner’s truck that had just arrived on the street. “Who do you think is responsible for these murders?”
“Not Mal.”
She raised one brow over the rim of her sunglasses. “It wouldn’t take much to return him to his previous state. Especially if he and the comarré have parted ways.”
“They haven’t. I just spoke to her and that’s not the case.” Was it? After everything Chrysabelle had said and the way she’d been acting, he wasn’t so sure.
She shrugged. “Keep an eye out. That’s the only directive I’m giving you for now.” She stepped back from the lookout point. Her wings unfurled through the pleats in her jacket. “Just don’t be surprised if our killer turns out to be someone we already know.”
“Shall I hold dinner, Maddoc?” Isaiah asked.
Fi frowned. This dinner was specifically for Remo to get to know them better, but he wasn’t here yet. Not a great start.
Doc looked at his watch. “No. Everyone else made it on time.”
Barasa cleared his throat. “Maybe we could wait another minute?”
“Absolutely,” Fi answered, shooting Doc a look. He hadn’t been a fan of this idea, but she was determined to give it a go.
Frowning, Doc rolled his eyes. “Fine. Two more minutes and that’s it.”
“More than generous,” Omur added.
“Very good, Maddoc.” Isaiah nodded. “I’ll keep things warm.” He headed back to the kitchen, passing Channa, a female varcolai who’d been brought in to help serve.
She brought two wine decanters to the bar. “Can I pour anyone a glass?”
“A small glass of white,” Fi answered. A little wine might help take the edge off, plus with Doc here, she wasn’t as worried about drinking with Remo around.
A chime sounded, indicating the elevator was on its way up.
Isaiah reappeared on his way to the foyer. “At last, our missing guest.”
“About time,” Doc said. Omur and Barasa snorted in agreement.
“Be nice,” Fi said softly. “We’re trying to make friends.”
Doc patted her hand. “I know. You’re right. Sorry—”
“Out of my way.” Remo stormed into the room, eyes gold with anger. “You.” He pointed at Fi. “You murdered my sister and I have proof.”
Fi’s mouth gaped open. “What?”
Doc and his council members jumped up as Isaiah came running in after Remo. Doc stepped in front of Fi, flaring his arms out and clenching his fists. “You better step back before I—”
“Before you what? Murder me too? Look at my hand,” Remo shouted. “Look at it.” Fi stood as he shoved his palm at Doc. Tiny inflamed cuts covered it. The rest of the skin looked sunburned.
Doc’s lip curled. “What does that prove?”
“Silver poisoning.” Remo glared at Fi. “She gave me the vial of sand from the arena. I accidently crushed it in my hand.” His pupils thinned to vertical slits. “That’s when I felt the silver burning into the cuts. The sand was tainted. The fight was never fair.”
Omur and Barasa exchanged a look. Doc shook his head. “This is as much news to us as it is to you.”
“Your lies won’t save her.” Remo growled low and threatening. “Pride law says a life for a life.” He pointed to Fi. “And I call for hers.” Then he lunged toward her like he intended to make that happen.
Barasa and Omur leaped forward, grabbing his arms and taking him to the ground. Doc hoisted Fi over his shoulder and hurtled the couch. “Isaiah, now.”
The butler followed them. Doc ran into the bedroom. Isaiah shut the door after them. “What can I do?”
Doc put Fi on her feet. “Tell her driver to meet her downstairs right now.” He turned to her as Isaiah slipped out to call for the car. “Go to Chrysabelle’s. It’s the safest place I can think of. I’ll make this go away.”
“Is what he said true?” She stared into Doc’s eyes, trying to find answers. “Was the fight unfair?”
Something broke, then someone cursed. Doc glanced at the door. “We don’t have time for this—”
“Yes, we do.” She grabbed his arm. “Answer me.” His hesitation told her all she needed to know. “Who do you think did this?”
“No idea, but we’ll figure it out.”
“If the fight was unfair, then I didn’t really win, did I?” She sat on the bed, her head reeling with the news. “Which means I’m not really qualified to be your mate.”