He didn’t sound happy about that, but he did sound determined.
“I have a few national media connections I could use, as necessary.” Max’s pretty-boy features hardened with matching resolve. “The culprits might still push the demon-blame angle, but it’s not the sort of slam dunk case that would prompt an interspecies war anymore.” He hesitated. “I hope.”
All that was good, but…
Gwen rested her fork in the glass container of polenta. “The conspirators might have other plans already in progress, ones we haven’t discovered yet. And if they don’t now, they will soon.”
“You’re right.” Hugh didn’t sound happy about his agreement. “They were willing to kill the entire Containment Zone population to achieve their goals. They won’t stop with one attempt.”
“What, precisely, is their endgame?” Sabrina shifted restlessly in her chair, polished fingertips drumming on the upholstered arms. “Figuring that out would help us predict and prevent the next horrible incident.”
“We could use SERC’s assistance in determining the conspirators’ overall goal.” Max’s fatigue had carved brackets around his pressed-thin mouth. “But without sufficient evidence, we’ll never get the councilors to act. Unless they’ve changed significantly in my absence, no one will willingly move against the fae or our ostensible allies in the human government without incontrovertible proof of their guilt.”
“Then getting that proof has to be our new priority.” Lorrie looked around interestedly. “Who, pray tell, is going to spearhead our evidence-gathering efforts?”
Gwen ticked off the requirements on her fingers, because they all knew where this was going. “We need someone with enough time to devote to the investigation. Someone with power and discretion. Someone trusted and respected by SERC councilors.”
Inevitably, they all turned to Hugh.
His frown’s intensity ratcheted up to eleven, but he didn’t reject the leadership role the group had just bestowed upon him.
“I’ll take the lead in our investigation.” He paused for emphasis. “On one condition.”
“Oh?” Max tucked a blanket more tightly around Edie. “Do tell, Blacke.”
“Gwen stays with me,” Hugh declared.
10
Startled, Gwen twisted her neck to stare up at Hugh. He intercepted her stare and held it unapologetically, his angular face taut with tension.
“Shocker,” Lorrie whispered far too loudly to her cousin, who snickered in response.
Sabrina snorted. “Oh, Starla’s going to love hearing aboutthis.”
Max’s arms folded across his broad chest, and he raised a brow at the demon. “Explain your reasoning, Blacke.”
For another moment, Hugh’s sharp brown gaze clung to hers, and her chest tightened with something that could have been either dread or excitement. Then he turned toward the vampire, and she could breathe freely again.
“For the purposes of my investigation, I need to know about the content of any future visions she might have without delay,and I don’t want her left alone. She’s been far too helpless during her recent prophecies.” His words as bland as unsalted oatmeal, Hugh laid out his reasoning. “I have a guest room in my apartment, so the solution seems obvious.”
Max’s tone was knowing. “I imagine it does.”
Hugh pressed his lips together and said nothing more.
“Are you okay staying with him, Gwen-my-sweet?” Lorrie tipped her head toward Hugh. “Because if you’re not, we’ll figure something else out.”
Playing the uncultured country mouse to Hugh’s sophisticated town mouse in his my-family-is-the-greatest penthouse might prove a bit uncomfortable, and her proximity to his power might draw the attention of some very hungry, very dangerous cats. But…as pathetic as it might sound, she’d take any excuse to feed her growing fascination with quiet, upright, steadfast Councilor Hugh Douglas Blacke, Esquire.
“I’m fine with that plan.” Gwen offered Lorrie a smile of gratitude, then caught Hugh’s eye. “We’ll just need to stop by my apartment first so I can pack a few things.”
“Of course.” Hugh’s tense thigh relaxed against hers, and his brown irises warmed to liquid honey. “If Lorrie is willing to take us there, we can go after this meeting.”
Lorrie nodded agreeably. “After I drop Kip off at our condo, I’ll bring you two to Gwennie’s apartment. I’ll run some errands while she packs, then come back to take you to your car.”
“Hey, demon-bro. I have the best idea ev—” Kip began.
“Do not forget, Councilor Blacke.” All amusement had fled Max’s expression. “Your investigation needs to remain unknown to the conspirators. They must continue to believe that your presenceat their crime scene was an accident. More importantly, they must continue to believe thatGwendolen’spresence was an accident.”
