Day retreated back to Seymour’s legs, and she raised her paws.
Seymour scooped her up and cuddled her against his shoulder, waving to the others. “Hey! Mind sharin’ with the rest of the class? What is it?”
“It’s a gay bar,” Lou replied. “But more importantly, it’s a front for a monster club.”
Day looked over at Sariel with a little pout, whispering, “Sorry for trying to bite you.”
“It’s all right, little one,” Sariel whispered back. “The thirst for vengeance can be difficult to quench.”
“Wait, wait.” Seymour scowled. “You’re sayin’ some guy was at this club, went to my dad’s apartment and murdered him fuckin’daysago, I somehow brought the smell here just by walkin’ ’round his place for a few minutes, and Fido over there could still sniff that out?”
“Yes,” Flanders muttered, “but much more intelligently.”
“Asshole!”
“Flanders likes your shoes.” Lou smirked wryly. “His sense of smell is strongest with finer footwear. An odd quirk, but reliable.”
“Okay. Whatever.” Seymour cuddled Day closer. “So, what’s this monster club?”
“You should be very cautious. It is owned by Mr. Kalt.”
“Who the hell is that?”
Sariel made a face, replying quietly, “A demon.”
“Fuckin’ great.” Seymour rubbed his forehead. “Another demon. Awesome. Woo.”
“I have heard the fried pickles are quite delicious!” Myrna said cheerfully. “Maybe you can try some while you’re there!”
Seymour grimaced. “Oh, yeah! Sure! Before or after I’m fuckin’ maimed by a damn demon?”
“You’ll be fine.” Lou rolled his eyes and adjusted his coat. “Let’s go.”
“Huh?”
“I’m going with you.” Lou growled. “I don’t take kindly to being framed for murder.”
“Okay, but is that really what they’re tryin’ to do?” Seymour shook his head. “The only witness is Day, and it’s not like she’s gonna go blab it on the six o’clock news. She only saw you ’cause she happened to come out of the Inro at just the right time. I don’t think they even knew she was there.”
“He’s got a point,” Neil chimed in. “If someone was trying to frame you, you’d think they’d be a lot more public about it.”
“Unless not being publicisthe point,” Myrna said. “After all, they stole that Talos man’s head, yes? So, they had to know Absolis and Vilanos would investigate the theft of an item so precious to their king’s beau.”
Lou narrowed his eyes. “You think they’re trying to pit me against my brothers?”
“Quietly, but yes.” Myrna frowned. “We should probably reach out to your contacts with the police and also take a look at this apartment ourselves. I expect these villains left more direct evidence to point the finger at you.”
“Which means Absolis and Vilanos already know.”
“How do you figure that?” Seymour asked.
“Do you really think they would have sent you there without looking that place over and checking everything out first?” Lou made a face. “They’re probably waiting for you to report back and tell ’em what they want to hear.”
“Okay, but if they haven’t said anything or tried to start a fuckin’ mafia war or whatever, they gotta know it’s bullshit, right?”
“Time to find out.” Lou kissed Neil firmly. “I’ll be back.”
“What?” Neil blinked. “You’re going there without me?”
