Mere was pouring pints for a group of gnomes when I took a seat at the bar. She nodded to me and placed the last pint on a tray for one of her waitresses. Business was obviously doing well, because she’d hired more staff.
A few light fae women were flirting with some of Nathaniel’s wolves in one corner. On the opposite side of the bar, several high demons I didn’t recognize were playing cards with a few dark fae guys. One of the demons nodded at me and I returned the nod, turning back to the bar as Mere slid a vodka soda in front of me.
“You look like you’ve had a rough one.”
“You have no idea.”
“I heard about the fire. I’m so sorry, Dani. If there’s anything I can do…”
“Thanks.” I studied her face. Shit. I’d forgotten. Brooke had mentioned that one of the other witches… Jessica… was Meredith’s bestie.
“I’m sorry about Jessica,” I said.
Meredith’s eyes gleamed with tears and she blinked furiously, glancing at a ticket on the bar as she reached for a fresh glass.
“I just can’t believe I’m never going to see her again, you know?”
“I can’t imagine.”
A tear fell and she glanced around, wiping it off her face. “Jess was one of the few witches who was actually friends with me since I refused to join a coven. Oh, she kept trying to convince me to go talk to Gemma, but she never looked down on me. Some of the witches… let’s just say they’re happy to drink here, but they take my dislike of covens as a personal attack.” She sighed. “Do you know anything yet?”
“No. I’ll let you know as soon as I do. Uh, there’s something else.”
Mere’s eyes met mine, the weariness evident. I got it. Losing a coven of local witches was bad enough.
“Riona,” I said.
“What of her? Has she gotten in some kind of trouble? I won’t believe it.” Her smile dropped at whatever she saw on my face. “She wasn’t in the house when it burned.”
“No. No she wasn’t.”
Meredith put her hand on the bar and one of her bartenders, a light fae guy I’d seen a few times before, came over and rubbed her back.
“Mere. Are you okay?” He shot me a look and I gazed steadily back.
“I’m fine. Just tired.” She met my eyes. “What happened to Riona?”
“She’s missing.”
“God, what is going on? Everything in this city is turning to shit.”
“I’m going to find her.”
“Yeah, but will she still be alive?” The words were bitter. I couldn’t blame her.
“I hope so. Can you tell me anything?”
“I doubt it. I haven’t seen her for a couple of weeks. I’ve been busy with the bar, understaffed as usual, and I had some personal stuff going on that I had to deal with.”
I took a sip of my drink. “She never mentioned having any problems with anyone?”
Mere frowned but she thought about it for a long moment. “Not that I can recall. But let me think about it and get back to you.”
“Okay. Uh, this isn’t any of my business…”
Mere’s eyebrow lifted and I blew out a breath. “Don’t worry about it.”
She watched me. “This is about Vassago.”
