Jack of Ravens

7

‘She’s not there. I’ve got an address for her flat.’ Laura marched down the path from the care home, Shavi and the Bone Inspector hurrying in her wake.

‘They gave out her address?’ Shavi said.

‘Not exactly.’

Laura paused as she neared the van. Someone leaned jauntily against it: long, dark hair, a grinning, charismatic face.

‘Who the fuck are you?’ Laura said.

‘Ryan Veitch,’ he replied. ‘Ring any bells?’

‘We were about to search for you,’ Shavi said.

‘And I’ve been searching for you.’

Veitch held out his hand. When Shavi took it he was surprised by the coldness of the grip.

‘Yeah,’ Veitch said. ‘I’m not all there.’ He held up his silver claw.

Shavi felt he should be remembering something, but it failed to surface.

‘See?’ Laura said bitterly. ‘I told you — he’s already lost a hand. Well, I’m too beautiful and sexy to give up any body parts.’

‘You’re right there, darlin’.’ Veitch held his arms wide and Laura gave him a tentative hug.

‘You don’t get any more until you get me drunk. I’m not a cheap date.’

‘How’d you find us?’ The Bone Inspector watched Veitch suspiciously.

Veitch tapped his nose. It’s a Brothers and Sisters of Dragons thing.’

‘We were looking for another of our group,’ Shavi said. ‘Ruth Gallagher?’

‘I know exactly where she is,’ Veitch said. ‘Come on — I’ll take you right to her.’