That seemed like a massive coincidence.Something told Rex that Brian hadn’t wanted to be part of the fight.He couldn’t blame the guy.He wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with that, either, if he’d been in his place.
But how had Martin and Lou taken it?They were dead, so they couldn’t be Brian’s killers, but Brian wasn’t the only supporter they’d had.
“Who would want him dead?”Merrick asked.
“I don’t know,” Jacob stuttered.He got more nervous every time Merrick talked to him.
“We need names, Jacob.I imagine that any other supporter of Martin would want their rival out of the way.We need the names of every single one of those who are still alive.What kind of person was Brian?I can take a guess, but I want confirmation.”
“Well, he supported Martin,” Jacob said.
“Which means he was an asshole.”
Merrick was saying what everyone thought.Brian being one of Martin’s supporters meant that he’d made plenty of enemies within the clan.They all knew what Martin had done to his people.He’d forced them to fight for him, to create drugs and sell them, and to hurt people.He’d taken their family members as hostages.Rex wouldn’t be surprised to find out he’d killed some of them.He’d ruled his clan with fear, and it had worked.
But he was dead.That was why the next leader would be so important.With Martin gone, the clan could finally have a peaceful life.Rex didn’t really care about any of the dragons who still lived here, but he didn’t want the clan to be an enemy.That was why they needed someone decent as a leader.
He wasn’t sure Jacob fit the bill.
That was a problem.They needed someone to be in control of the clan if things here went south.They knew that none of them had killed Brian, but Rex was pretty sure that most clan members would be eager to point a finger at them anyway.Jacob’s earlier outburst hadn’t helped.He might not be the official leader, but people looked up to him.If he said that the vampires had killed Brian, there was a good chance he’d get support if he decided to kick them out, or worse.
They really needed to solve this murder as soon as possible.
“I can give you a list of names of Martin’s supporters,” Jacob offered.
“We can start with that,” Merrick confirmed.“We also need the names of all the people Brian’s hurt.”
“Who said he hurt people?”
Merrick arched a brow.“He was one of Martin’s supporters, and he wanted Lou’s job.That means that he had to get his hands at least a little bit dirty.He’d have wanted to show Martin that he could do the job.”
Jacob’s throat made a clicking sound when he swallowed.Rex was surprised he was still there.He supposed that Jacob felt he didn’t have a choice, which was good because he didn’t.
Someone found a notepad and pen somewhere and handed them to Jacob.He stared at the blank page for a few moments as if trying to gather his thoughts.His fingers shook slightly when he picked up the pen, but he didn’t hesitate to start writing.
Rex leaned back in his chair and bumped his shoulder against Harmon’s.He hated the way their night had begun.He’d thought they’d have a little time to talk in bed, maybe make out for a while.It was still early in the evening, at least for them.The dragons would be going to bed soon, though.
That was one thing that further complicated their situation.They needed to talk to people, but these people were sleeping when they were awake.They’d have to be careful to go to bed as late as they could and get up as early as possible.Maybe they could take naps.
Rex almost snorted.Merrick, taking naps?That wasn’t a thing.
Jacob wrote for a while.He was fidgeting with the edge of the paper, still visibly nervous.When he finally put down his pen, he tapped his fingertips on the table.“This is everyone I’ve been able to think about.I’m sure there are more people, but I really need some sleep.”
Rex and Harmon exchanged a glance.Rex was sure that Harmon was thinking the same thing he was.It would be useless to keep Jacob on his feet in the middle of the night, and sending him to bed would give them a little time to regroup and decide what to do next.
“You should go to bed,” Rex said.
Merrick made a sound, but Rex didn’t look at him.He already knew that Merrick wouldn’t approve.He wanted this mess to be resolved as quickly as possible, and something told Rex that he’d be willing to keep the clan awake for days if it meant he could go home to Alpin.
“We’ll get a few more hours of sleep, too,” Rex continued.“You’ll have to get up early, though.”
Jacob didn’t look happy, but he nodded.“What time do you want to see me?”
“How about four?That should give you enough time to sleep.”
“I’ll be here.”
Because he knew that if he wasn’t, Merrick would find him and drag him there.It was good that Merrick had come.He was putting the fear of God in people who would otherwise start trouble.
