Biting Bad_ A Chicagoland Vampires Novel(31)

I wouldn’t hurt him—not here and now. But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t do what vampires did best.

Manipulate.

McKetrick’s jaw locked; his gaze narrowed. One of the bodyguards, apparently aware of his boss’s sudden irritation, glanced at me.

“Sir?” he asked.

“She’s fine,” McKetrick assured them. “We’re well acquainted. Could you give us a minute?”

The guards looked at him for a moment, obviously concerned by the request, but he was the boss, so they relented. McKetrick and I moved closer and they moved past us, creating a barrier between us and the rest of the crowd.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” McKetrick said. “I’m glad you’ve come to hear what the rest of Chicago thinks of you.”

“As you well know, we aren’t a threat to Chicago or anyone else. We’re trying to live, to love, to go about our business. You’re spreading discord because you like being the center of attention.”

“You think the violence in this city isn’t because of you?”

“If you mean last night’s riot, it had nothing to do with us. It had to do with humans. Humans who were willingly destroying their neighbors’ property and businesses because they’ve been told we’re the reason for their misery.”

McKetrick buttoned up his suit coat. “And how do you know that, Merit? Were you at the riot?”

I had been, of course, but only inadvertently. But I wasn’t about to admit it to McKetrick; he’d hardly believe the excuse.

“The riot was against vampires,” I reiterated, “not because of them. You’re helping fuel the fire, McKetrick, and one of these days, it’s going to come back on you.”

His smile was a dare. “Are you threatening me?”

“Not at all. Just reminding you.” I gestured toward the theater. “The people in there might believe you. They might think you’re here for them. But we all know the truth. You’re here for you, and you alone. And maybe not tonight, maybe not tomorrow, but one day, they’re going to realize the type of person you really are.”

“That doesn’t sound so scary,” he said, smiling with reptilian ease.

I gave him back a smile that was equally predatory. “Maybe not. But do remember one thing.” I leaned in. “Whatever happens between us down the road, I’m immortal. And you, Mr. McKetrick, are not.”

McKetrick opened his mouth to retort, but before he could speak, the guards moved back to us.

“Time to go, sir,” said the guard who’d opened the door, hustling him toward the theater.

McKetrick, I was pleased to see, had a little less swagger in his step.

—

My interaction with McKetrick wasn’t a victory. It wasn’t even a three-point lead. I’d been, at most, a temporary mild irritant. But maybe—hopefully—I’d reminded him of the stakes (pun very much intended) and the fact that we were paying attention. And specifically—paying attention to him.

That mission accomplished, I drove to Robin Pope’s Greektown address, which wasn’t far from Lincoln Park.

Robin Pope’s building was a fairly new, sleek tower of condos, with coffee shops and other retail on the first floor. I didn’t know much about her background, but it seemed an affluent building, not bad for a woman who’d given up her job over a personal dispute.

I parked on the street and left my katana in the car—there were too many cops undoubtedly suspicious about vampires right now to risk pulling it out—but double-checked my dagger was securely tucked into my boot.

I locked the door, glancing back to ensure I’d parked it close enough to the curb to protect it from traffic, but not so close I wouldn’t be able to get out without marring the rims. Moneypenny, it seemed, was going to be a high-maintenance mode of transportation. For a moment—a very brief moment—I longed for my Volvo.

At the sound of a car door slamming, I glanced behind me. Catcher emerged from his sedan in jeans and a leather jacket. He was tall and lean, with a shaved head and pale green eyes. He was undeniably handsome, but since his features were usually pulled into irritated frowns or glares, it was sometimes difficult to tell.

Tonight, Catcher wore a typically grim expression as he looked over the building. I gestured toward it, ready to get the show on the road, and we fell into step together.

“I hear you’re taking your vampire home to meet the parents.”

A surprising revelation, since I’d heard it myself only a little while ago. “How did you hear about that?”

“Your grandfather told me. Ethan RSVP’d, and your father passed along the good news. You’re a brave girl.”