The King sitsbehind his desk, hands folded, expression unreadable as he says, “Update.”
We’d been called into the office just after midnight. I’d just parked the Charger next to Hunter’s truck when I saw Graves at the front door, waiting to inform me of the King’s summons.
The truck's engine ticked away, letting me know that they’d recently returned home. Did the session with Perilini last that long?
I don’t get a chance to ask Hunter that question. He was already in the library when I came in. I’d assumed that maybe the King was angry we’d separated, that I’d left her during the hypnosis, but if he is, he’s not planning on dealing with it tonight.
Hunter steps in without hesitation. “The hypnosis helped. Arianette remembers the day clearly, at least up until a certain point. She recalls a stranger telling her that her uncle wanted her to go to his office on campus. He led her down one of the walkways, but the memory cuts off there.” He slides his hands in his pockets. “I speculate that at that point something was pulled over her head or she was drugged.”
“If not both,” the King agrees with a grimace. “Any description?”
“Not of the person, although she said she felt cold and there was a scent, something sweet, right before things went dark.” Hunter’s eyes dart to mine, then back to the King. “She did say she felt the presence of someone else.”
The chair creaks as he leans back. “Did Perilini have anything to say?”
“He believes that now that memories have surfaced, it’s likely more will come.”
The King’s expression shifts, and he asks Hunter directly, “And after? Any problems?”
After?Something passes between them. Quick. Controlled. A flicker of understanding that doesn’t include me.
“No,” Hunter says evenly. “If anything, I think it took the edge off. For both of us.”
I look between them, trying to catch what I missed.
The King turns his attention to me, his eyes locking on the new tattoo for a brief moment. “Anything you’d like to share?”
I straighten. Even though I didn’t plan on informing him that I’d been to East End, the information rolls off my tongue. “I went to the Stacks and talked to a few people I know from the neighborhood. I may have picked up some possible intel.”
The King’s eyebrow lifts. “Go on.”
“I’m not sure if it is anything, but apparently, there’s been someunusual movement. My source has seen boats on the river at night, running without lights.”
“Interesting,” the King says, standing and moving toward the map. He studies the river, fingers tracing its edge. “The river’s been left unmonitored since the North Side fell apart.” He pauses. “Could be something there.”
“We could set up surveillance,” Hunter suggests. “Rotate shifts down on the water at night.”
“I can get us into the Stacks with no problem.”
“You’ll need to clear it with the Princes,” the King says, eyeing his maps. “I know it’s your home, and they won’t hassle you for going down there, but we don’t need extra trouble.”
Seems to me like it’s more trouble going through PNZ, but what the fuck do I know?
“If that’s all, shut the door on the way out.”
It’s an abrupt dismissal, and Hunter exits quickly.
“You let my son give you a tattoo,” he states before I leave.
I resist the urge to touch the spot over my eyebrow. “I did.”
He gestures for me to move closer and I step forward.
“Let me see.”
I peel off the plastic cover and tilt my head. His eyebrow shoots up. “He gave you that? Willingly?”
“His idea actually.” I fight a grin. “Thought it would piss you off.”
