Page 94 of You’re So Vein

If the killer is using a di Sangro Siphon, then it could be anyone. Even a human.

The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven Group Chat

Komal: It’s official. Dante gave Jo one of his machines and she matched the marks.

Beth: Wouldn’t that make Dante our number one suspect?

Arabella: Except that he wasn’t here for the murders. I would have noticed if the world’s foremost sommelier was visiting Argleton.

Isis: Oooooh, does Gideon have competition for your affection?

Arabella: That depends entirely on Gideon getting on board with Dante making us a signature vintage for our wedding. I’m thinking a mix of Beekeeper and Elizabethan Bard. Something sweet and fruity.

Arabella: We were saving the Mother Superior for the wedding, but Komal’s boyfriend polished that off.

Komal: Augustin is NOT my boyfriend.

Maisie: Tossing Dante off you was peak rivals-to-lovers material.

Komal: I’m not dating Augustin, and neither Augustin nor Dante is the killer. If Dante was the killer, why would he volunteer this information?

Beth: He’s a vampire. They are rather arrogant.

Arabella: I resent that.

Maisie: You believe that you’re humble?

Arabella: No. I resent the implication that arrogance is a character flaw.

36Komal

Beth: The app is a smash success! I’ve opened up bookings for beauty elixir treatments, and I’ve never been so busy! Both vampires and humans are raving about the idea. You have this election in the bag!

I BARELY HAVE A CHANCE to sort out my feelings around the debate kiss, our new husker clue, Augustin throwing Dante across the room, and my strange, unexpected panic attack, because I’m immediately thrust back into the chaos of family life. Preeti’s clinic lost a doctor to Grimdale, so I babysit the twins while she works long shifts. In between, I visit Dad in hospital, where he’s gone downhill from an infection, do favours for his long list of friends in exchange for the promise of their votes, help in the kitchen at Chirag’s Takeaways in the morning, rolling roti until my wrists ache, and watch Mamma model different coloured sashes for Argleton’s “official real estate agent”. And then there’s Beth, with endless questions about her planning application, and Maisie, who’s worried about the future of the paper, and the aunties, who keep popping over with “advice” and “fashion tips” to help me lure in Augustin, who is once again not talking to me. Or I’m not talking to him. I’m not sure I even remember anymore.

On Friday night, a few days before the election, I collapse on my sofa, hot cup of chai in my hands, and this week’s Nevermore Coven book, which I haven’t even started yet. It’s a small town rivals-to-lovers, which isn’t normally my vibe, but I wonder if maybe it’ll give me some clarity on—

BANG. BANG.

It takes me a moment to register someone thumping on my door. I bite my tongue, knowing it’s one of the twins wanting something or my mother with another outlandish idea.

I reluctantly set down my cup and throw open the curtains.

Augustin Durant looms on my narrow porch, his usual neat suit rumpled, his hair messy, eyes full of fire. I slide open the door.

“They want to speak to you,” he growls.

“Who?”

“The Conclave representatives. We’re meeting at Black Crag tonight. I believe it’s about Kael’s challenge.”

Fear jolts down my spine. Dante’s warning pulses against my temples.

“I was a soldier. I can handle Kael.” I yawn. “You have to give me five minutes to—”

“Now.”

“Look at me.” I gesture to my Argleton Helitours sweatpants and my t-shirt with Snoopy flying his doghouse on it. My hair is a pile of frizz tied back with a scrunchie. “If I’m to die in a vampire duel, I should at least leave behind a beautiful corpse.”