by Helen Harper
My phone buzzed. I dug it out from my pocket, expecting to see numerous missed calls from Lukas, Liza and Fred amongst others. The calls were there, listed on the glowing screen, but there was also an anonymous text message: The Talismanic Bank sends its regards.
I stared at the message. Then I opened my mouth to yell – but it was already too late. There was a single, loud crack that rent the air like an explosion. Fairfax didn’t have time to look surprised. His body slumped, hitting the van door before falling backwards in a shower of blood and bone.
The police around me sprang into action, preparing for more shots. No more came.
I didn’t need to check what was left of Fairfax’s skull to know that he’d been hit by a single silver bullet. Apparently supe justice had been served.
Chapter Thirty
‘Well,’ DSI Barnes said. ‘Well.’ Underneath her make-up, her skin looked faintly green.
‘We recovered the stolen items,’ I told her. ‘Fairfax was carrying them in his bag. He paid off the bank robbers with cash and kept the valuables for himself. The hand-off must have taken place moments before I arrived at London City and confronted them. They were all planning to travel their separate ways. It’s fortunate we caught up with them before they boarded a plane.’
‘Indeed.’
‘I think it’s best,’ I said carefully, ‘that we return everything that was stolen and don’t ask too many questions.’
Barnes gave me a sharp glance but she didn’t disagree. Interrogating the provenance of the recovered items could open up a Pandora’s box of trouble that none of us truly wanted.
‘You should know that Adam Jones has been charged with public affray and trespassing,’ she said. ‘He’s made a deal. He’ll spend the best part of a year inside prison but he’ll be out before too long.’
‘And the bank robbers?’
‘Their sentences will be much longer.’
I nodded. I’d expected as much – and I didn’t feel a trace of sympathy for them. The three humans had shot a lot of people inside that bank. The fact that I was only the person who remembered it was neither here nor there.
DSI Barnes linked her fingers together. ‘All that brings us to Devereau Webb. We’ve been trying to pin charges on him for years. Now that he’s a werewolf he’s beyond our reach. He seems to like you. Do you know what he’s planning now that he’s a supe?’
‘No,’ I answered honestly. ‘I don’t have a clue.’
‘The fact that he managed to bypass every safeguard and law and get himself turned into a werewolf will cause problems. We can’t advertise what he did because the ramifications could be massive. Every Tom, Dick and Harry with a criminal record will try the same thing.’ She sighed. ‘You’ll need to keep a close eye on him.’
‘I’ll do my best.’ What I hadn’t mentioned to anyone was that Devereau Webb had said that he’d been bitten four times before he’d turned. That meant he had the potential to become very powerful indeed. I wasn’t going to mention it now, either; his transformation was already causing enough problems. ‘Although I suspect that every supe in the city will be doing the same. Mr Webb will be under many watchful eyes.’
Barnes grunted. ‘That will be a good thing. We already know that supe justice doesn’t allow much room for manoeuvre.’
I swallowed. She could say that again.
‘What about the rest of the Fairfax clan?’ Barnes asked. ‘Are there any obvious contenders for their new alpha?’
I shrugged. There was Toffee, I supposed, but whether she’d want the position was another matter. ‘I guess we’ll have to see after the next full moon, when the ranking Fairfax wolves challenge each other.’
Barnes pinched off a headache. ‘Everything about this is a shit show,’ she muttered, as much to herself as to me. She raised her eyes to mine. ‘I’m under pressure to add more police detectives and officers to Supe Squad. You won’t be alone for much longer.’
‘The supes won’t like that.’
‘They’ll have to deal with it. If there’s one thing the last day has proved, it’s that you need more support.’ She held up her hands before I could protest. ‘You did a good job, Emma, I’m not denying that. But the winds of change are afoot. You can’t continue alone, not in the long run.’
I was silent for a moment. Then I spoke up. ‘If I can make one request?’
‘Go on.’
‘Don’t assign anyone like DS Collier. The wrong person will only cause more problems.’
Barnes raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you want to tell me more about what happened during your … re-sets?’
I glanced down at my knuckles. There was a faint bruise from where I’d punched Collier. It was still remarkably satisfying. ‘I’ve already told you everything that’s relevant.’
She watched me. ‘Very well,’ she said finally. She stood up. ‘I’ll expect your full written report by the end of the week. Do me a favour, though, and leave out any mention of magic potions.’
I nodded dutifully and walked her to the door before returning to the main office where Fred and Liza were waiting.
‘Is she pissed off?’ Fred asked.
‘Let’s say she’s … resigned herself to what’s happened.’ My mouth flattened. ‘I think we’ll have some new Supe Squad recruits before too long.’
‘Great.’ Liza folded her arms unhappily. ‘I can hardly wait.’
I flicked on the kettle. ‘Is there any news about Esmeralda Strom?’
‘She’s going to be locked up. The Talismanic Bank offered to “look after her”,’ Fred drew quotation marks in the air, ‘but the werewolves have decided that she’s their responsibility. I doubt we’ll hear of her again. She’s headed to Clink.’
I grunted. Clink was the supes’ own gaol. I’d never visited – and I never wanted to. I put a teabag in my mug and added hot water, gazing absently down as the colour of the liquid darkened.
‘I almost forgot,’ Liza said. She waved an envelope. ‘This came for you earlier. One of the Sullivan wolves dropped it off.’
I stiffened, abandoning my tea in favour of taking the envelope. It was unmarked. Using the tip of my index finger, I opened it up, drawing the two sheets of paper from within. The first was a handwritten note, produced with looping calligraphy from an artistic hand. There were only two words. As Promised.
I frowned and glanced at the second sheet of paper. Ah. My DNA results. I scanned it and snorted at the typed conclusion. Human: negative. Supernatural: Inconclusive. Story of my life.
‘What is it?’ Liza asked.
I shrugged. ‘Just Lady Sullivan trying to pretend that she’s my friend and reminding me that most werewolves are good guys.’ I balled up the paper and tossed it into the nearest wastepaper basket before returning my attention to my tea. I extracted the tea bag then poured in a splash of milk and stirred. Before I could take a sip, however, my phone rang. When I saw the caller display, I started.
‘Hello?’ I answered cautiously.
‘Is that a question?’ my uncle barked down the line. I didn’t get the chance to answer. ‘Never mind. I saw your name mentioned on the news this morning. I suppose I should be impressed. You solved a bank robbery in half a day and destroyed an entire werewolf clan.’
I sighed. ‘I didn’t destroy anything. One werewolf alpha was killed. The clan will be fine.’
He sniffed. ‘If you say so. You clearly did good work. Your parents would have been proud.’
From my uncle, this was effusive praise indeed. Something was up. ‘Thank you,’ I managed.
‘I thought I would let you know,’ he continued briskly, ‘I managed to find that box of things relating to your mother and father. I’ve packaged it up. It’s already on its way to you. I have no idea whether any of it will be useful, but I’d hate to think that you’d send a swarm of vampires and werewolves after me if I didn’t keep my word.’
‘I wouldn’t…’ My voice faltered as I realised that this was my uncle’s way of making
a joke. ‘Thank you,’ I said again.
‘Take care, Emma,’ he grunted. Then he clicked off.
‘Are you alright, boss?’ Fred asked.
I nodded. For all I knew, there was nothing in my uncle’s box beyond a few old photographs. I wasn’t going to get excited. Yet.
Liza lifted her head and glanced out of the window. She smiled. ‘I didn’t think it would be long before he showed up again.’ There was a teasing edge to her voice. I followed her gaze, noting Lukas as he emerged from the car. He stood on the pavement for several seconds, looking as if he were deep in thought. A small breeze toyed with his hair. Then he lifted up his chin and put his hands in his pockets. A moment later the Supe Squad doorbell rang.
‘I’ll get it,’ I said.
Liza smirked. ‘Are you sure? I can always send Lord Horvath on his way or pass on a message for you. You don’t have to talk to him in person.’ She paused. ‘Unless you really want to.’ Her smirk grew.
I took a deep breath. ‘I really want to.’ I raised a hand to my hair as if to smooth it down. A moment later I realised what I was doing and dropped it again. Then I walked out to open the door.
‘Hi Emma.’ Lukas angled his face up towards mine.
‘Hi.’ I felt stupidly awkward.
His black eyes searched my face. ‘How’s your shoulder?’ he asked finally.
‘A bit sore still. It’s healing nicely though.’
‘Good.’
We both continued to look at each other.
‘Nice weather we’re having,’ I said. Then I winced. My small-talk skills definitely required work.
The tiniest smile lit the corners of his mouth. ‘Yes. It’s very summery.’
I bit my lip. ‘Are you here about something in particular?’
‘I am.’
I waited.
Lukas extended his palm in my direction. ‘I know it’s a bit late but I thought you might like to come for lunch. I came in person so you couldn’t avoid me. And so you have to look me in the eye when you make up an excuse as to why you’re too busy.’
‘I’m not that busy.’ I tilted my head. ‘I can spare an hour or two.’
Lukas’s eyes suddenly gleamed. ‘Are you hungry?’
‘No.’ I leaned forward and took his hand. ‘Shall we go to your place?’
He looked at me. I stepped away from the Supe Squad porch towards his car. A heartbeat later, Lukas followed.
Thank you for reading!
Look out for more books in the Firebrand series coming in 2021 – and more from Devereau Webb in The Noose Of A New Moon in February 2021 too.
Devereau Webb is in uncharted territory. He thought he knew what he was doing when he chose to enter London’s supernatural society but he’s quickly discovering that his new status isn’t welcome to everyone.
He’s lived through hard times before and he’s no stranger to the murky underworld of city life. But when he comes across a young werewolf girl who’s not only been illegally turned but who has also committed two brutal murders, he will discover just how difficult life can be for supernaturals - and also how far his own predatory powers extend.
The Noose Of A New Moon follows on from the events in Midnight Smoke.
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE
About the author
After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time, thanking her lucky stars every day that's she lucky enough to do so!
Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.
She currently lives in Devon in the UK with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere.
Other titles by Helen Harper
The complete Blood Destiny series
"A spectacular and addictive series."
Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.
The complete Bo Blackman series
A half-dead daemon, a massacre at her London based PI firm and evidence that suggests she's the main suspect for both ... Bo Blackman is having a very bad week.
She might be naive and inexperienced but she's determined to get to the bottom of the crimes, even if it means involving herself with one of London's most powerful vampire Families and their enigmatic leader.
It's pretty much going to be impossible for Bo to ever escape unscathed.
The complete Highland Magic series
Integrity Taylor walked away from the Sidhe when she was a child. Orphaned and bullied, she simply had no reason to stay, especially not when the sins of her father were going to remain on her shoulders. She found a new family - a group of thieves who proved that blood was less important than loyalty and love.
But the Sidhe aren't going to let Integrity stay away forever. They need her more than anyone realises - besides, there are prophecies to be fulfilled, people to be saved and hearts to be won over. If anyone can do it, Integrity can.
The complete Dreamweaver series
"I have special coping mechanisms for the times I need to open the front door. They’re even often successful..."
Zoe Lydon knows there's often nothing logical or rational about fear. It doesn't change the fact that she's too terrified to step outside her own house, however.
What Zoe doesn't realise is that she's also a dreamweaver - able to access other people's subconscious minds. When she finds herself in the Dreamlands and up against its sinister Mayor, she'll need to use all of her wits - and overcome all of her fears - if she's ever going to come out alive.
Stand alone novels
Eros
As probably the last person in the world who’d appreciate hearts, flowers and romance, Coop is convinced that true love doesn’t exist – which is rather unfortunate considering he’s also known as Cupid, the God of Love. He’d rather spend his days drinking, womanising and generally having as much fun as he possible can. As far as he’s concerned, shooting people with bolts of pure love is a waste of his time…but then his path crosses with that of shy and retiring Skye Sawyer and nothing will ever be quite the same again.
Wraith
Magic. Shadows. Adventure. Romance.
Saiya Buchanan is a wraith, able to detach her shadow from her body and send it off to do her bidding. But, unlike most of her kin, Saiya doesn't deal in death. Instead, she trades secrets - and in the goblin besieged city of Stirling in Scotland, they're a highly prized commodity. It might just be, however, that the goblins have been hiding the greatest secret of them all. When Gabriel de Florinville, a Dark Elf, is sent as royal envoy into Stirling and takes her prisoner, Saiya is not only going to uncover the sinister truth. She's also going to realise that sometimes the deepest secrets are the ones locked within your own heart.
The complete Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic series
Hard Work Will Pay Off Later. Laziness Pays Off Now.
Let's get one thing straight - Ivy Wilde is not a heroine. In fact, she's probably the last witch in the world who you'd call if you needed a magical helping hand. If it were down to Ivy, she'd spend all day every day on her sofa where she could watch TV, munch junk food and talk to her feline familiar to her heart's content.
However, when a bureaucratic disaster ends up with Ivy as the victim of a case of mistaken identity
, she's yanked very unwillingly into Arcane Branch, the investigative department of the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment. Her problems are quadrupled when a valuable object is stolen right from under the Order's noses.
It doesn't exactly help that she's been magically bound to Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winter. He might have piercing sapphire eyes and a body which a cover model would be proud of but, as far as Ivy's concerned, he's a walking advertisement for the joyless perils of too much witch-work.
And if he makes her go to the gym again, she's definitely going to turn him into a frog.
The complete Fractured Faery series
One corpse. Several bizarre looking attackers. Some very strange magical powers. And a severe bout of amnesia.
It’s one thing to wake up outside in the middle of the night with a decapitated man for company. It’s another to have no memory of how you got there - or who you are.
She might not know her own name but she knows that several people are out to get her. It could be because she has strange magical powers seemingly at her fingertips and is some kind of fabulous hero. But then why does she appear to inspire fear in so many? And who on earth is the sexy, green-eyed barman who apparently despises her? So many questions ... and so few answers.