Crowbones

CHAPTER 72

Ilya

Earthday, Novembros 4

Ilya got out of the black luxury sedan and looked across the street. A Closed sign on Lettuce Reed’s door.

“Looks like you’re not the only one Grimshaw called,” Boris said.

Ilya resisted looking at the windows of the bookstore’s second story. The drapes were closed, as they always were, but even a look at a place that was supposed to be empty might give Boris a reason to ask questions.

“Go into the bookstore,” Ilya said. “You’ll be able to see this part of Main Street from the windows without being in the open.”

“That leaves the car vulnerable to sabotage,” Boris protested.

Ilya looked at his friend. “The car can be replaced. Besides,” he continued after a moment, “you would see anyone who got near the vehicle and did something that looked sneaky.”

Humans glanced at the two Sanguinati and hurried past. A few women offered a smile aimed more at Boris than at him.

“Be careful,” Boris said quietly.

Ilya smiled. “Worried about me?”

“I don’t want to be the one who has to explain to Natasha that you acted like a human and did something stupid.”

Picturing Natasha’s reaction all too easily, Ilya nodded and went inside the police station.

“Possible situation,” Grimshaw said as soon as Ilya walked into the station. “I don’t like having you and Julian come with me and Osgood, but considering the viciousness of the kills that have occurred around here, I need your experience and skills.”

The last part of that speech seemed aimed more at Julian Farrow than at him—although he was the most dangerous predator among them and his skills might be needed.

“There is a lane that runs behind all the buildings on this side of Main Street,” Grimshaw continued. “We’ll go that way and approach the flea market building from the back. Paige and Dominique confirmed that there wasn’t much out front beyond a couple of long folding tables piled with a dubious selection of goods—some of which were probably stolen. So anything of value would be in the back, and I don’t want to give one of them time to destroy it if we walk in the front door.”

Grimshaw looked at Viktor, then walked over to the front door and locked it. “Remember what I said. You lock the back door behind us and keep it locked. No heroics. That goes for all three of you. Your job is to stay safe and stay alive. Got it?”

“Yes, sir,” Viktor replied.

Paige and Dominique nodded.

“Where is Karol?” Ilya asked.

“I flipped the Closed sign on the door and told Karol to stay there and lock up behind me,” Julian replied.

Ilya said.

Not the answer he wanted, but it was the answer he’d half expected.

he called.

No answer, which wasn’t surprising since the youth wasn’t where he was supposed to be. Viktor would follow orders, but Karol had some driving need that made him act rashly sometimes. Unfortunately, Ilya didn’t have time to round up a foolish youth—which was fortunate for Karol.

Grimshaw led, striding down the parking area that was used by employees in the government building, until he reached the lane. Young trees grew on either side of the lane. The side opposite the businesses was mostly garages with short driveways that belonged to houses that must have faced the next street. That meant there were very few people who would have a view of whatever went on behind Sproing’s primary business area.

They fanned out, Grimshaw and Osgood taking the lead until Julian Farrow let out a low, quick whistle. Grimshaw signaled Osgood to fall back, and Julian took the lead alongside Grimshaw as they reached the paved area behind the flea market.

Ilya stayed alert, ready to shift to his smoke form in an instant. An instant could be an instant too late, but he wouldn’t be able to communicate with the other males if he wasn’t in human form.

Trees on either side of the entrance to the paved area. Grimshaw darted behind one while Julian took up position behind the other.

And they waited. Ilya wasn’t sure what they waited for, but they waited. Then Julian breathed in and out—and shook his head.

Grimshaw looked at Ilya and Osgood and said quietly, “Julian isn’t sensing anything yet, so he and I are moving closer. Wait until we’re halfway to the building before you move forward.”

Grimshaw and Julian drew their weapons and moved forward quickly. Quietly.

They were halfway to the building and Ilya had taken the first step to follow them when he caught a movement near the edge of the pavement. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Grimshaw turn and raise his service weapon. He saw Julian maintain watch on the building. And he saw . . .

Anger flooded him.

can help.> Defiance.

A sharp look from Grimshaw, aimed at Osgood. Osgood nodded and turned his attention to the young Sanguinati.

Ilya moved closer to Julian and Grimshaw, angling his body to keep an eye on Karol.

“I wasn’t sure when we were farther away,” Julian whispered, “but something’s wrong with this place. It feels wrong.”

Karol asked.