WARLOCK_His Coven. His Magick. His Soulmate. Page 6

  "You're not allowed to rain," she mumbled, wishing she'd brought a jacket.

  Leaning against the wall to wait for Lenny, she heard voices coming from the enclosed porch. Whoever was speaking couldn't be seen, but they could be heard. Sidling along the wall to get closer, her footsteps silent in the dirt, the conversation made her stomach churn.

  "It doesn't matter if you think it's him, you have nothing to prove that it is. Just because the guy is a bit strange, dresses the way he does, and owns a flashy restaurant and club, it doesn't make him a lunatic who goes around attacking innocent young women."

  "This is true, Sam, but the victim was at that club, and she was seen leavin' with him. It wasn't much later that her neighbor found her with her throat slashed and barely alive. He's a medical student so he knew what to do to save her, but Grigore was the last person she was seen with. A bit too coincidental if you ask me."

  "We have no weapon and no prints. Everyone we spoke with at the club said Grigore came right back after walking her home, and her screams were heard much later. Several people swear he was in his office working at the time, and don't you think that would be a really stupid thing to do? Be seen with your victim the night you intend to attack her?"

  "Or really smart. As far as I'm concerned, Laszio Grigore is my prime suspect."

  "But he has an alibi. Even Katherine swore up and down he couldn't possibly be involved."

  "From what I understand she only talked to him for two minutes!"

  "That woman is famous for her great instincts. The only reason Katherine and I went back there was because the Captain's frustrated."

  "Until someone more interestin' comes along, my nose is gonna follow his scent. I'm goin' to Grigore's right now. Do me a favor. Tell forensics to quit draggin' their feet. We need to catch this lunatic."

  "Sure. I'll see you back at the station."

  Vanya studied the man who strode from the porch. He was tall and lanky, walked with a long, purposeful stride, and was dressed like a cowboy. Blue jeans and a check shirt. Though appearances could be deceiving, he looked like he belonged on a ranch, not a crime scene in the city. The detective on the case was Charlie Wyatt, a big man with an even bigger waistline, so who was he? But as she watched him climb into a black sedan and drive away, a more important question burned through her head.

  Should she call Laszio and tell him what she'd just heard?

  The answer came in a flash, and unzipping her bag, she pushed her precious pink scarf aside and grabbed her phone. He answered immediately.

  "Vanya. What a surprise. I'm so pleased you called."

  "Hi, are you busy? Is this an okay time?"

  "For you, anytime is an okay time."

  "What a lovely thing to say," she said, a smile crossing her face. "Thank you."

  "It's true. Are you calling to say hello, or is there something on your mind?"

  "Uh, there is something I think you should know. It's a bit weird, but…"

  "Weird can be good."

  "I'm not sure this is. I'm at a crime scene where a woman was brutally assaulted."

  "Are you talking about Mary Cavalier?"

  "Yes, it's pretty grim. Anyway, while I was waiting for my boss I overheard a conversation. Apparently there's a new detective on the case. I don't know his name, but he's on his way to see you. I heard him say you were his prime suspect."

  "I see. I appreciate you letting me know. That's very thoughtful."

  "I know you have nothing to do with it, and at least now you'll be prepared when he walks in the door."

  "The whole thing is extremely unsettling. I'm very grateful Mary is going to be all right. I actually walked her home that night. I didn't like the idea of her on those back streets so late."

  "She might have been in even worse trouble if you hadn't."

  "We'll never know, but on to brighter things. Do you have any plans this evening? I want to collect on that dinner bet."

  "So soon?"

  "Don't tell me you're tired of me already."

  "Hardly. It's just, most guys—"

  "Let me stop you right there. We both know I'm not most guys, right?"

  "Definitely right."

  "Can I pick you up around seven?"

  "Sure. That would be great. Good luck with that detective."

  "I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll call you later, and thank you, Vanya."

  "Oops, there's my boss. Gotta go," she said hastily as Lenny approached.

  "Morning, Vanya," Lenny said as she ended the call. "How are you feeling?"

  "Still a bit tired, but fine. Did you see that new detective?"

  "Who do you mean?"

  "I don't know who he is, but I'm going to nickname him Slim. He looks like a tall, skinny cowboy."

  "Aw, shit. When did you see him?"

  "Just now. I was waiting for you to finish with that woman in the alley, and I heard Sam talking to him. He just left. Why are you looking so aggravated? Do you know who he is?"

  "I'm sorry to say I do. His name is Jim Peabody."

  "Oh, my gosh. Slim Jim. How perfect is that?"

  "Slim Jim the Snake would be more like it. He's a sonofabitch. Problem is, he's all smiles and charm so people think he's a nice guy, and he's anything but! He doesn't care about a person's guilt or innocence. If he decides Joe Blow is his guy, he makes it happen."

  "I heard him say Laszio Grigore is his prime suspect. He just left to question him."

  "Then I wouldn't want to be in Grigore's shoes."

  "Why do you think he's been brought in on the case?"

  "It's a bad one, and Charlie isn't getting anywhere."

  "But it's only been a couple of days."

  "A young woman with her throat slit and almost killed is a big deal," Lenny remarked. "As soon as the news leaks out, the Captain will be under siege to find the culprit."

  "Did that woman you were talking to have anything useful?"

  "Not really. She lives in a front unit in the building next door, and she sits at her window pretty much all the time. She saw a man walk the girl to the front door of the building, stop and hug her, then enter the building with her. But whoever it was didn't stay. He was out in just a few minutes."

  "That would've been Laszio."

  "Why do you say that?"

  "Because Slim Jim said he was seen leaving the club with her the night she was attacked," Vanya replied, not sure if she should tell Lenny about her budding friendship.

  "Ah. I didn't know that. Interesting."

  "Did she see anything else?"

  "Like everyone else in the building, she heard the screams, so she raced to her window. She saw someone run out of the building, but she didn't get a good look at him. He ran under the streetlight but it fizzled out, then she lost sight of him."

  "That's so scary. She needs to tell the police."

  "She won't. She doesn't trust them, but, Vanya, why do I get the feeling you know Laszio Grigore?"

  "Because I do," she admitted, "and I really like him. I'm having dinner with him tonight as a matter-of-fact, and I suppose I should have told you before, but I felt a bit weird. Anyway, Mary Cavalier is a friend of his. He told me he walked her back here that night."

  "You know he's got the reputation of being a ladies man."

  "Every guy's a ladies man until he meets the right woman. Didn't you know that, Lenny?"

  "Every guy is still a ladies man," Lenny said with a grin. "We just control our natural urges."

  "Ha ha, that's good. I'm going to remember that."

  "Hang on, here comes Sam. Hey, Sam. Got a minute?"

  Vanya followed Lenny as he marched towards the junior detective. She'd met him a few times and liked him. He was always upbeat, and gave Lenny time when he could.

  "Hi, Lenny, hi, Vanya. How are you?"

  "Good, thanks," Vanya replied. "And you?"

  "I'd be better if I hadn't started the day with the wannabe cowboy detective. "

  "Why do you say wannabe?"

  "That whole cowboy routine is an act, and not a very convincing one."

  "Anything new since we last spoke?" Lenny asked.

  "Yeah, a couple of things. I can tell you now that it was bloody, real bloody," Sam said grimly. "The Captain wanted to keep that under wraps, but I think it'll be announced tonight. Cowboy Jim thinks it might help to release the information."

  "Huh. Any idea of the weapon?"

  "A sword."

  "A sword?" Vanya repeated. "Holy crap."

  "Yep. It's unbelievable. I've got a feeling about it, but you need to keep it under your hat. It's creepy, and it just got creepier."

  "You know I won't print a word without your say-so."

  "Yeah, I know, and I like talking to you about this stuff. It helps me think."

  "So…what's your feeling? What's creepy about it?"

  "I think it was some kind of satanic ritual. There were signs on the walls painted in blood, but, uh…"

  "But what?" Lenny pressed. "It obviously has you rattled."

  "The signs painted in blood. They're gone."

  "Gone?" Vanya repeated. "How is that possible?"

  "It's not. I tried to tell Peabody there was no way someone could come back, clean the blood off the walls, then leave the building without being seen or heard."

  "Let me guess," Lenny muttered, "he wasn't interested."

  "Nope," Sam sighed, shaking his head. "It's like he's got blinders on."

  "A ritual sounds plausible," Lenny said thoughtfully, "especially with a sword involved, but the blood disappearing? I can't imagine how that could have happened. Damn, you're right, that is creepy. Okay, my turn," Lenny continued, lowering his voice. "It's not much. A witness saw the attacker run out of the building. Says she didn't get a good look because the streetlight went out."

  "The old woman?"

  "Yeah. She sure doesn't like you guys very much."

  "I knocked on her door this morning, but she wouldn't talk to me. Thanks, Lenny. At least now I know she doesn't have anything that could crack the case. I'd better get back to the station."

  "Bye, Sam," Vanya said. "Nice to see you."

  "You too. Bye."

  As the young detective walked swiftly to his car, Vanya noticed Lenny staring at the building, then up and down the block.

  "What is it? Are you looking for someone?"

  "This is odd."

  "What is?"

  "Look at this street. Apartment buildings. Windows everywhere. Street lights."

  "What are you saying?"

  "Why pick this place? It's dark and quiet, sure, but it's also exposed. If the streetlight hadn't gone out he would have been seen. The attack might have been related to a ritual, but why her? Vanya, my gut is telling me this case is going to throw us a whole lot of curveballs before we get any answers."

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Detective Jim Peabody pulled his car to the curb, stepped out, and strode up to the front door of the high-end restaurant and club. He'd done his homework and knew all about Grigore's. It was clean. Squeaky clean. Never any issues with the law, no drugs being dealt, no fights, no nothing. He didn't believe it for a minute. There was no such thing as a squeaky clean club. He spied the security cameras. He didn't trust them either.

  Pushing the call button, he was ready to identify himself when the door buzzed open. He frowned, then decided they must have been expecting someone. Passing the coat check, he moved through double doors and entered the club room. The lights were on and cleaners were mopping the floor. Not sure where to go he paused, but then spied Laszio Grigore walking towards him. The photographs the detective had seen didn't do justice to the good-looking entrepreneur.

  "Hi. I'm Laszio Grigore. May I help you?"

  "Yep. I'm Detective Jim Peabody," Jim said, flashing his badge. "I'm investigatin' the attempted murder of a young woman who lives close by."

  "Yes, Mary Cavalier," Laszio said solemnly. "She's a friend. It's a terrible business. Please, come and sit down. Can I get you anything, some coffee perhaps?"

  "Nope. Thanks, though. Sure is a beautiful place you've got here," Jim remarked, shooting Laszio an approving smile. "I've always wanted to own a nightclub. Must be fun. All those good-lookin' women dancin' up a storm."

  "It's not as glamorous as you think. I only added it to the restaurant as a place for people to enjoy their after-dinner drinks, and it took on a life of its own. We can sit in the corner over there."

  As Laszio led Jim towards the private both, Jim's feigned smile quickly faded. Laszio was too attractive, too smooth, too friendly, and too rich. The ambitious detective could feel the jealousy burning a hole in his gut, and he considered planting cocaine and calling in an anonymous tip.

  They'd reached the booth, but just as Jim was about to slide into the seat, he felt Laszio grasp his arm, and a strange sensation began to move through his body. His stomach stopped churning, he felt the stress in his shoulders dissolve, and when he turned his head, he found himself sinking into Laszio's dark brown eyes.

  Laszio had known Jim Peabody's happy demeanor was a facade the moment he'd laid eyes on him, and as he entered the detective's energy, he discovered the man possessed a restless soul, an empty heart, and a lust for power and control.

  He was a psychopath.

  "Why are you here, Jim?" Laszio began.

  "I've decided you were the one who tried to kill that woman."

  "How did you come to that conclusion?"

  "You were seen walkin' her home, then she was attacked. It's good enough for me. If I pin it on you, it'll make the powers at the top happy, and I'll have another win."

  "I have many witnesses who can vouch for me."

  "I'll find a way around that."

  "Don't you care that I'm innocent?"

  "No, but I care that your fancy fuckin' life will be over."

  "How was Mary Cavalier attacked?"

  "With a sword. You tried to cut her fuckin' head off."

  Leo caught his breath. A sword! It couldn't be a coincidence.

  "Describe the crime scene."

  "Blood everywhere, and signs written on the walls."

  "What do you mean, signs?"

  "Symbols. I dunno what they meant, but they were gone this mornin'. Fucking weird."

  "I'm curious, why the fake accent?"

  "The ladies like it, and it makes people underestimate me."

  "Jim, listen to me carefully. I had nothing to do with Mary Cavalier's assault. You're going to forget about me and search out the real culprit, Do you understand, Jim?"

  "Yes. I understand."

  "When you leave here, you will feel better than when you arrived, and you will feel positive towards me. Do you understand?"

  "Yes, I understand."

  "You will leave now, and as much as you are able, you'll feel happy."

  Dropping his hand, Laszio saw a momentary look of confusion in the detective's eyes, then he broke into a half-smile.

  "Thanks for your time, Mr. Grigore. I won't be botherin' you again."

  "If I can be of any help, just let me know."

  As Jim turned and walked away, he experienced a rare moment of lightness. It was the only word that came to mind as he pushed through the door and stepped outside. Gazing up to the sky and seeing the grey clouds, he was pleased. The city needed the rain, and walking to his car he felt determined to find the man responsible for almost killing the unfortunate young woman. Sliding behind the wheel, he paused for a moment and shook his head.

  "How could I have been so wrong? Grigore's a solid guy. Strange."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Hurrying through the club and up the stairs, Laszio walked quickly down the hall and entered his office. Anton was lying on the couch wrapped in animal fur. His face was white and his lips were tinged with purple. Tannen was at his side keeping watch.

  "How did it go?" Tannen asked as Laszio entered. "I got a bad feeling when I saw him on the security camera."

  "He's a psychopath, but he was no problem. I'm just glad he came before I was in my sanctuary. How's Anton?"

  "Still as cold as ice."

  "The Book of Spells and Secrets is our only hope. Our enemy has shown us just how devilish he can be, but things are becoming clear to me. You said our protection at the fire escape had been taken down."

  "Yes, and there's only a handful of us who could have done it."

  "It pains me to say we have a traitor in our midst," Laszio said gravely, "and poor Anton has been cruelly used. It's clear to me now. I was seen leaving the club with Mary, and that's why she was targeted."

  "I don't understand."

  "Kalick knew if he broke the pact my eternal love would be revealed to me, and if he killed her I'd be devastated. He could then use my moment of weakness to defeat me and take over."

  "Ah, yes," Tannen nodded, "and he sent one of his minions to surveil you."

  "Exactly. When I walked Mary Cavalier home, I gave her a hug before we went inside. The idiot watching would have reported that to Kalick, and Kalick assumed Mary was my soulmate. That's why he tried to kill her."

  "I knew Vanya was someone special," Tannen remarked, softening his voice. "You were both radiating when you introduced me."

  "Yes, it's extraordinary," Laszio said, unable to stop from smiling as he thought about her. "Anyway, the medical student who lives across the hall from Mary saved her life. That would have infuriated Kalick, so he duped Anton and sent him here with the charmed sword to kill me. Anton was merely the carrier of the weapon."

  "So it's official. We're at war," Tannen said, a grim look crossing his face.

  "I'm sorry to say we are, and Vanya is in terrible danger. Kalick is bound to find out who she is, if he hasn't already," Laszio declared, reaching for his phone. "I need her here with me. It's the only way I can keep her safe."

  "Why did he place a deadly sleep spell on Anton?"

  "If I'd woken him with the wrong spell I would have killed my own nephew. If the sword failed to carry out its mission, that was Kalick's second assault. Anton's death wouldn't have killed me physically, but it would have left me deeply wounded."