Page 34 of Darius

“That’s a great idea. I didn’t consider that, but I have the ages of the employees. Let me look.” Bram bent over his computer and clicked the keys. “The oldest is the bank president and a couple of tellers. A quick search on the guy in charge gives way too many verifiable dates. He can’t be one of us. And the tellers? Vampires wouldn’t remain in the lowest level of employment for thirty years.”

“So, no mental manipulation. Blackmail?” Marcus suggested.

“Not successful over the long term. Statistically, victims of some type of coercion do rebel, eventually. Banking would be easy to report and trigger an investigation,” Bram said.

“Everyone involved is participating voluntarily,” Titus said.

“Yes. If you want my best guess, a programmer developed a routine. When he implemented the code, a notice went to someone in the upper leadership of the bank. That person could have blown the whistle but most likely horned in on the action. I found this person.” Bram displayed a picture of a young, tattooed, and tough-looking guy.

“Meet Stinkeye. That’s his online alias. At the bank, he’s Andrew Poole. No degree. No experience. A vast criminal hacking background under his real name Patrick August.”

“And the bank hired him for a position in their IT department?” Marcus asked. “He doesn’t sit in the branches at a desk where people can see him.”

“He does not. Currently, Andrew Poole is in a private office at the Network Operations Center of the bank,” Bram said. “He came in as a consultant on a project, and they kept him on to maintain the new programming they upgraded recently.”

“That’s not suspicious at all,” Titus commented.

“So, who’s he working with?” Darius asked.

“Someone on the board. The bank president, one of the vice presidents, the tech director? I’m not sure,” Bram said.

Darius could tell Bram wasn’t happy to admit that. The computer wizard prided himself on having all the information about everyone at his fingertips.

“Want me to pick up this Andrew Poole?” Marcus asked.

Darius spoke quickly before Bram could answer. “What about the penthouse and the phone number?”

“My tracer on the phone number is still bouncing from one point of origin to another. Currently, the signal has landed in Europe, Asia, and South America. The penthouse belongs to the bank. That space is used for retreats, meetings, housing for VIP guests, etc.” Bram switched the display to a photo of four men and one woman. “These are the people who have access to that penthouse suite. I’ve sent each of you their names and addresses. What do you think about going hunting tonight?”

“I’m in,” Darius said instantly.

The others chimed in their agreement as well. Immediately Darius shook his head.

“We can’t all go. I don’t want to leave Mara unguarded.”

Alaric nodded. “Marcus, Titus, Darius, bring your mates to stay with me tonight. I will enjoy their company while you investigate.”

No one could keep Mara safer than Alaric. While being in Alaric’s presence was overwhelming to his mate, having Alessia and Carina with her would divide Alaric’s attention. “You’ll go easy on them, right?” Darius asked.

“Yes, Darius. I’ll focus my energy outside my estate to protect all three.” Alaric said with a slight smile of amusement. “Your mates are important to the clan. Besides, I need to practice blunting my powers in case my mate appears. Although after all these years, finding my match seems improbable.”

“That’s what I thought and mine showed up,” Marcus said. Titus and Darius commented, “Same,” one after the other.

“Good point. Perhaps there is hope for me,” Alaric said, looking thoughtful.

Mara turned back to Darius as they walked up the front path to a mansion that resembled a castle from a gothic horror movie. “Alaric lives here? I’m sure I’ll be fine at your place.”

“You are not remaining at home with one guard, Little girl, when you can be protected by Alaric. His power outstrips a hundred vampires in our clan. No, probably closer to a thousand. Maybe more,” Darius said firmly.

“But…” Mara whined.

“Hi, Mara!” Carina called and rushed forward to greet her.

“Hi, Carina. I was just trying to convince Darius to let me stay at his house.”

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Big, tough vampire Daddy. He’s already made up his mind. Did you bring Sparkle?” she asked, completely changing the subject.

“He’s in my satchel.”