I’d never truly considered the impact implementation of Fairy Law had on the governing bodies previously in place. “Was Huxley upset?”
“When Fairy Law was implemented?” Phlox asked.
I nodded, and Phlox answered, “I’m not sure anyone knows for certain. Director Huxley isn’t someone that’s easy to read.”
“It could not have been easy,” Leon said. “Many crave power, and those who have it are loath to give it up. Fairy Law changedall our lives and how we lead them. Prior to Fairy Law, vampires were far less…civilized.”
“I suspect the same could be said for most species,” Phlox agreed. “Some species definitely benefited more than others. Many would say theweakerspecies benefited the most. Pixies are a good example. Holding one against their will is strictly forbidden. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still happen, only that if an ogre is caught doing it, the punishment can be severe, especially if it isn’t their first offense.”
Phlox had a good point. Even necromancers had benefited in some small ways. Lawfully, discrimination against my species wasn’t tolerated. It was a lot more difficult to change someone’s mind, but at least I had some legal protections now. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to purchase my home.
The road stretched before me, headlights speeding by as we got closer to our destination. The silence permeating the inside of my car had nothing to do with the charm Phlox activated earlier.
Thoughts tumbled through my head as I wondered how to slot this new information into what I already thought I knew. Could Fairy Law be the instigating factor behind Huxley’s demeanor change? It was certainly possible, but if so, how did that relate to what was going on all these decades later? And what did it have to do with Huxley’s interest in me? Had Queen Silvidia dispatched someone important to Huxley? Did he want me to bring their soul back? That would make sense except he didn’t need all the cloak-and-dagger to accomplish that. All he needed to do was ask.
My head pounded, and I reached into my pocket, activating one of Pops’s pain charms. It did wonders for my headache. I just wished it would do the same for my heartache.
The sigh that flowed out of me was draining. “I still don’t understand why you’re here now. I mean, how long has Huxley been MIA?”
Phlox leaned back, and when I checked the review mirror, he was snuggled up next to Leon, the vampire’s arm protectively wrapped around him. “We’re not exactly certain, but at least five days. Most likely it is more.”
Five days didn’t really sound like all that much to me. Afterall, he was the director. Couldn’t he take off when he wanted? Did he never leave the building? I verbally asked the last and was surprised when Phlox answered, “Huxley hasn’t physically left the main compound since his private meeting with Queen Silvidia to discuss the terms of Fairy Law.”
My eyes widened to the point of pain. “He hasn’t left? Are you certain?” How could anyone be 100 percent certain about something like that?
“We’re certain enough,” Phlox answered.
I couldn’t imagine that kind of lifestyle. Then again, I wasn’t shadow borne.
Leon’s cool voice echoed from the back seat. “And given his recent interest in you, it seemed prudent to make ourselves available.”
Available. I wanted to scoff. What did that really mean, and would it make a damn bit of difference? I had a sickening feeling I knew the answer. My hands were shaky as I pulled into the cemetery holding Opal Veronal’s remains. Whispers of the disgruntled deceased pushed against my brain, jockeying for attention. I pushed them away. I could never truly silence them, but what I could do was ignore their angst.
I couldn’t help everyone. That was a hard-earned lesson I’d learned years ago. The question now was, could I help myself?
Chapter
Sixteen
Franklin
True to my fears, Bucky had done his job and found one more body. It could have been worse. I suppose that sentiment was commonly true and just as commonly pulled out when things had already gone sideways. It was one of those placating mantras we repeated to remind ourselves that somehow we’d muck our way through the shit currently weighing us down. Most of us had done it before and come through the other side in desperate need of a hot shower along with an added vice or two.
“You didn’t think I had enough to deal with?” Dr. Stowe asked when I arrived back at the precinct. Not much had changed in the morgue, including the good ME’s presence. I’d been gone long enough that she might have actually taken my advice and ducked out for a few hours. Given how harried she still appeared, I sincerely doubted it.
I held up my hands, palms out. “Sorry, Doc.”
Dr. Stowe’s lips quirked into an attempt at a grin. “I suppose that’s something.” She directed the crime techs to a cleared-off table. I wasn’t sure how there was an open surface still available. “Skeletal remains?” she asked while opening the cadaver bag.
“Just like the others.” I stepped closer. “The crime scene techs are still out there doing their thing.” They’d be out there for days given what we’d found. I didn’t envy their job. CSIs had to be beyond meticulous, and all the minutia would drive me crazy.
Dr. Stowe tilted her head, cracking her neck and releasing a heavy sigh. “I’m going to need one hell of a vacation after this.”
“You and me both.”
The techs left, the door easing closed behind them. Dr. Stowe slumped down into a nearby chair, her shoulders hunched and head hung low. Elbow propped on the desk, Dr. Stowe fisted her hand, resting her chin. The woman looked beyond exhausted.
“Let me guess… You didn’t take my earlier advice,” I said.
