Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4), Helen Harper [free ereaders .txt] 📗

trust me. In the meantime I can be patient. And, for what it’s worth, I didn’t answer your calls because I was trying to finish my work quickly to get here to support you. The fact that you accused me of murder after almost murdering me yourself…’ He winked. ‘Well, I’ll let that slide because I’m a good guy.’

I stared at him. ‘I’m sorry, Lukas.’

‘I told you already, it’s alright. I get it.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘You didn’t stew about it, and you didn’t allow your suspicions to grow while you stayed silent. You asked me for the truth. Right now, that’s enough.’ His voice took on an edge of self-mockery. ‘I’m not saying I’ll always be so relaxed about such accusations, but for the moment I’m prepared to let it go. And you know why?’

I licked my lips. ‘Why?’

‘Because sooner or later you’ll trust me body and soul.’ He closed his eyes again. ‘You’re right about one thing, though.’

‘What’s that?’

‘I really don’t feel very well. Now that we’re not heading to London, do you mind if I have a nap?’

I moved closer to him. ‘I think we should go back. You need proper care.’

‘You need to be here. That means I do, too.’

I drew a deep breath into my lungs. ‘Take some blood first then. You need it.’

‘From you? D’Artagnan, much as I love you your blood tastes foul. I’d rather not. And you won’t endear yourself to anyone in Barchapel if you go looking for a willing donor. You were right before – I just need some rest.’

‘London isn’t that far—’

He squeezed my hand. ‘A bit of sleep,’ he murmured, ‘and I’ll be fine.’ He paused. ‘And some peace and quiet will give me time to consider what reparations you need to make to my ego. Right now I’m thinking thigh-high leather boots and whipped cream might do the trick.’

My shoulders dropped. ‘I’m willing to consider those options.’

Lukas’s mouth curved upwards. ‘I’m very pleased to hear it, D’Artagnan. Very pleased.’

Chapter Twenty

Barchapel was doing unpleasant things to my psyche. The more time I spent here, delving into my past and uncovering the real truth about what had happened to my parents, the less sure I was becoming of myself.

The guilt I felt at accusing Lukas of arranging to have Samuel Beswick killed on my behalf gnawed at me, even though he’d understood my mistrust came from a dark place that had little to do with him. The problem was that someone had attacked Beswick and the timing of that attack couldn’t be ignored. It was time to get to the bottom of all this. Woman up, Emma. Woman up.

Until the information from Jenkins came through, any thoughts I had would be nothing but conjecture. But I couldn’t simply sit around twiddling my thumbs. The attack on Samuel Beswick had happened for a reason, and I reckoned that reason was because of what I’d uncovered. The timing was too strange otherwise. I was getting close to the truth.

After checking through the old files that DCI Barnes had sent, and confirming that Miranda James had made repeated statements declaring that Samuel Beswick was innocent, I made a decision. I left Lukas to sleep and headed out of the room, squared my shoulders and marched to the Barchapel police station with quick, determined steps.

DCI Boateng wouldn’t be as easy to manipulate as Jenkins but I was sure I could persuade him to give me access to what I needed. It helped that, when I appeared at the door, Rothsay ushered me through without hesitation.

‘We’ve been through this.’ Boateng spoke firmly, although his expression was kind. I noticed the heavy bags under his eyes; I could only imagine the pressure he was under to solve a hideous double murder. ‘Despite Patrick Lacey’s involvement, his murder and that of your parents are not connected. They can’t be.’

‘I’m not saying they are connected,’ I persisted, ‘but I’d like to investigate Lacey a little more. All I want to do is visit his home and take a look around. You won’t even know I’ve been there.’

Boateng gave me a long look. ‘We’ve been through his house with a fine toothcomb. It was one of the first things we did after his death. I’m sure you’re aware of normal procedure, even though you work in Supernatural Squad.’

His mention of my position in Supe Squad was deliberate, to remind me that now they no longer suspected a supe of being involved, I didn’t have a legitimate interest in either killing.

All I could do was appeal to his better nature. ‘If a human murderer is trying to pin a series of brutal crimes on a supe, it’s important that I remain involved, even if only slightly. All I’m asking for is a little forbearance.’

‘Hmm.’ His gaze narrowed slightly. ‘I heard on the grapevine that a certain vampire is in town. Does his presence have anything to do with these new suppositions?’

‘Not in the slightest. As I’ve already told you, Samuel Beswick was viciously attacked and—’

He held up his hands. ‘You don’t need to repeat yourself.’ He shook his head. ‘Very well. You can look around Lacey’s home, but you’re not to remove anything. Do you understand me?’

I nodded vigorously. ‘Yes. Of course.’

‘I’ll send Robert Rothsay with you.’

‘I don’t need a babysitter. You don’t need to waste valuable manpower.’

Boateng blinked patiently. ‘He’s not your babysitter. He’s going to join you so that he can learn the value of avoiding a wild goose chase.’

DCI Boateng was dubious, but I was convinced that Patrick Lacey was no random victim. His murder had something to do with what had happened to my parents. I knew better than to belabour the point, however. ‘Thank you,’ I said simply. ‘I appreciate it.’

Boateng grunted. ‘Don’t make me regret this.’

‘Of course not. Have you found any suspects?’ I wasn’t sure whether he would tell me, but I had to ask the question.

His mouth twisted. ‘Unfortunately, I’m beginning to feel like we’re also on a wild