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“And that is why I am here, with you and Zodiac, about to torture information out of a criminally minded fae. To protect you, the roof over my head, and all the SOS Hotel represents.”

“Not because your favorite hobby is torture?”

“That is a bonus.”

I had a startling image of Reynard from centuries ago, being summoned to a dungeon to extract information from a prisoner. He’d have arrived, rolled up his sleeves, and carried out the task with thorough efficiency and zero hesitation. Infamous, ruthless, and formidable. But inside, the man he was would have been in turmoil.

If I asked, I suspected he’d tell me all about those years. But he wouldn’t be proud. The same as he wasn’t proud of stealing Reynard Technologies. Baron Reynard did not like who had had been before, but he’d begun working on a better version of himself.

Regardless of feelings, Zee and I would be right here, if and when he needed us.

Ahead, Zee veered off the sidewalk and marched up a sweeping driveway toward a grand house, its window aglow from the inside. White columns held up a dramatic portico. The sporty car in the driveway probably cost more than the hotel would earn in its lifetime.

“Crime fucking pays,” Zee said, waiting on the front step. “You stay here, daddy. Nobody likes vampires.”

I caught Reynard’s sideways glance. “As we’re agreed torture is our Plan B,” he said. “I will defer to your attempts to talk the information from the fae.”

“Whatever.” Zee flicked his nails. He pressed the bell, but from the pounding music inside, it sounded as though Kris was busy.

“How do you know this is his abode?” Reynard enquired.

“Was hired as the entertainment once. Whatever shit people talk about the fae, they know how to party. I barely remember half of it, just that it was spicy fun.” He jabbed the bell again and stepped back. “Wait here, I got this.” Zee hopped off the porch and disappeared around the side of the house.

I took the opportunity to look for cameras, or guards, but didn’t see any security. For a crime boss, Kris seemed to be the trusting type.

“The fae, generally speaking, are overconfident in their abilities and reputations,” Reynard explained, guessing my thoughts. “Installing security would show weakness. Without it, the message is clear.”

“He believes he’s too powerful to touch?”

“Or he’s protected by someone who is.”

That someone was the person we needed information on, to find out what had happened to our Tom Collins while we also avoided prison. Kris was going to help us with that.

“If you’re concerned about witnesses, Adam, I’m sure Zodiac and I can handle this.”

In theory they could, but they argued more than they agreed. At least if I was involved, everything would hopefully run smoothly. “No, it’s fine. I’m here now.”

The music inside the house shut off. I was about to suggest trying the bell again when Zee reappeared, holding his phone. “We struck fucking gold.” He beamed, hopped up on the porch and jabbed the bell. “Watch a fucking pro at work, babycakes. And you, Fancy Fangs.”

The door opened and Kris from the restaurant stood in the doorway, wrapped in a fluffy white dressing gown, his ankles and feet bare.

“What is this?” His face fell. “Wait, you got out?” His English accent was even posher.

“No, we’re still fucking in there, freezing our balls off.” Zodiac flicked Kris on the forehead and strutted through the doorway, forcing the startled fae to stumble back.

“Hi,” I said. “The lunch at your restaurant was very nice. The kidnapping afterward? Not so much.”

Kris gaped at me as I passed by, then he laid his eyes on Victor.

“Don’t I need to invite you in or something?” he asked.

“Frankly, I think that moment has passed, don’t you?”

“Kris,” Zee called, after walking from the entrance hall into a grand split-level, open-plan living room. “Sit down. Let’s talk.”

“I didn’t have a choice, you must understand?” Kris hurried ahead, forgetting Reynard and me. “The order came down to deal with you. It wasn’t personal. You know we’re tight, Zodiac?”

Zee pulled a chair out from under a dining table and dumped it in the middle of the room. “Sure, we’re good.” He smiled, but it was his smile that held a lethal edge. “I mean, could have been worse, right? I’ve still got my fucking wings, for one. Unlike a whole lot of other demons.”