Gabriel frowned. “But you said Blake gave you his name?”
“He did,” Axel offered. “But we need more than his word to go on.”
What he didn’t say was that we needed solid proof so that the high court would authorise a forced extraction of Melhak’s memories. It was more complicated than what Axel had done with Blake because we’d also need to use a different kind of magic to force Melhak to think about the correct time periods. I doubted very much he’d do it willingly.
Not that I could share any of that with Gabriel.
“We’ll talk to him when they bring him in, explain his options, and take it from there. If he refuses to talk, then it might be a day or two before we can get the high court to sanction a more thorough investigation.”
Gabriel met my gaze, and I knew he wanted to ask what that would mean, but he bit his lip and remained quiet. Instead, he set the tablet back on the table. “What now, then?”
“We wait,” I said, glancing between the two of them. “We’ve asked for the records of who was on guard duty when Axel was through the gateway. Hopefully it’ll show that Melhak was there.”
“Don’t you have cameras or anything so we can see for ourselves?”
Axel snorted. “That would be far too easy. We don’t have security cameras like the human realm. We rely far more heavily on magic. When anyone travels through the gateway, they leave a magical signature, so we can trace them that way. And we’ve already asked for that to be looked into. But unfortunately, just like security cameras, signatures can be altered or erased.”
“So we’ve essentially got nothing.” Gabriel slumped in his seat.
“Not true,” I said, shaking my head. “Even if the signatures have been erased or tampered with, there should still be a trace that something was there. If we can find that and prove that Mehlak was on guard duty for the gateway when it happened, then we have cause for further investigation.”
“So for now, all we can do is wait?” Gabriel looked less than pleased at the prospect, but I nodded because it was all we could do. He sighed. “How long do you think we’ve been gone?”
I glanced outside. We’d arrived mid-morning and Blake’s interview had taken several hours. The sun was way past its high point for the day. “Hard to be exact, but I estimate at least a day has passed in the earth realm.”
I wondered what Nick was up to. I knew from Axel that Midnight was closed on Monday and Tuesday. What did he do with his evenings when not at the club?
The idea of Nick going out and meeting someone who wasn’t me made my magic stir. It skittered under my skin, agitated. I rolled my shoulders, forcing it back down before Axel caught on and asked me about it.
When I looked up, I caught Gabriel watching me instead, gaze far too sharp for my liking. I raised an eyebrow at him, and he smirked.
“Nick usually meets up with his coven on a Monday night. Well, those that live near him anyway.” Gabriel faced me as he spoke, and out of the corner of my eye, I caught Axel turning to look at me.
I hated that I was so obvious, but there seemed little point in protesting. “They’re close?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Gabriel’s brow furrowed. “I think so, from what he’s told me. More so with those than the rest of his coven. Especially Jasmine.”
Ahh, the one who gave him the cats.
Before I could comment, the door opened and Lady Sarhin walked in, Nathan Calder hot on her heels. “Gren Melhak has been located and is currently on his way here. He’ll have to go through security and processing before they take him to the interrogation rooms, so I suggest you take the opportunity to get some food while you wait. The high court would like an update in the morning, so I’ve made arrangements for you to stay the night here rather than return to your homes. I’d prefer to keep Axel’s involvement quiet for the time being.”
I resisted the urge to groan in disappointment. This was my job, the reason I’d been sent through the gateway in the first place. I had no business complaining because I couldn’t go back straightaway.
“Since you’re here, Axel, I’m going to go through the gateway myself to send word to Chief Inspector Thornton.” Nathan Calder crossed his arms as he spoke, muscles straining against the material of his shirt. He didn’t wear ceremonial robes like his wife, but the suit he wore was equally impressive, and it was easy to see where Rys got his looks from. His gaze swung to Gabriel. “I’ll let Rys know that you’re staying longer.” His lips quirked into a wry smile. “I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see me.”
Gabriel grinned. “I’m sure he will.”
“They’re expecting you on the third floor,” Lady Sarhin said. “After you’ve been shown to your rooms, food will be provided.” With that, Lady Sarhin and Calder left us alone again.
As soon as the door closed behind them, I let out the groan I’d been keeping in. “I could really do without having to explain myself to the high court tomorrow.”
“I thought it was just an update.” Gabriel was already reaching for his rucksack.
I did the same, then stood. “It’s been a week. They’ll expect more progress than what we’ve currently got.” As far as I was concerned, the week I’d spent through the gateway had been enlightening in a way I hadn’t expected. But I doubted the high court would be as thrilled as I was at the way my magic had responded to Nick’s. In fact, I’d go out on a limb and say they’d be furious.
We weren’t supposed to bring attention to our magic, let alone do something that would incur the scrutiny of the witches’ council.
Had Nick told them about his mark?
