Aldan nodded to Burke, who said, “The household staff have not noted anything out of the ordinary, my lord. The visitors have kept to their rooms for the most part, and what minor disruptions they have caused have not been intentional. No one has been observed on the penthouse level, near the stores, or anywhere inappropriate. Earlier I sent a sample of the stock that was poisoned over to the blood bank to be tested, but that will take some time.”
“Copper-tainted blood could not do this to me,” Lucan said. “Captain, what of the men?”
“They’ve no love for the visitors, Master, but they’ve seen naught to alarm them. The strangers have shown no untoward behavior.” He hesitated before he added, “Vander, the one you fought the other night, has remained behind under guard. As appointed leader, he requests a moment to speak with you about his men.”
Lucan had no interest in listening to any complaints about ill-treatment, but Vander had served with the other men in his group, and had likely witnessed some or all of them using their talents. “Bring him to me.”
Glenveagh and Sutton flanked the visitors’ leader as he strode into the office. “Suzerain.” Vander performed a shallow bow. “My brothers have asked me to speak on their behalf and ask as to why we have been removed from the household.”
“Some cowardly bastard has used his ability in an attempt to challenge my rule,” Lucan told him. “My first thought was to kill all of you; that would instantly eliminate the threat and give me an enormous amount of personal pleasure.”
Vander looked confused. “My lord, my men and I would never use ability against you. You have provided us with—”
“Shut up,” Lucan said as he rose from his desk. “One of you is going to die tonight; answer my questions truthfully and it may not be you. Now, what ability have you, Mr. Vander?”
“I am a treasure finder,” he muttered. “Nothing of great value can be hidden from me.”
“How exceedingly profitable.” Lucan came around the desk. “Demonstrate it for us. Now.”
Vander jabbed a thumb at Glenveagh. “This one carries in his left pocket a watch and chain.”
“Which I consult often enough for it to be noticed by anyone,” Glenveagh said. “Hardly hidden treasure.”
Vander gave him an unpleasant look. “What of the woman’s locket in the pouch on your belt? Is it meant as a love token for your Scot?”
Before the guard could lunge, Aldan clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not so easily won, little man. You must romance me first.”
Lucan resisted the impulse to smash their skulls together. “Glenveagh, open the pouch.”
The guard unsnapped the flap and took out a delicate chain. “I purchased it as a gift for Christian,” he said as he held it up to show Lucan the heart-shaped pendant. “Next month is her birthday.”
“The Pearl Girl.” Vander smiled. “I fancy a piece of that myself. Think earbobs would persuade her to spread her—”
Aldan plowed his massive fist into Vander’s face, and watched him sag. “Forgive me, Master. I fear my knuckles are overly fond of Miss Christian.”
“Aye, and my sword,” Glenveagh muttered.
“Enough.” Lucan picked up the glass of bloodwine Burke had brought him earlier and dashed it in Vander’s face, rousing him. “You will keep a civil tongue in your head, or my men will cut it out.”
“As you command, Suzerain.” Vander spit out a shard of tooth. “You have seen my talent. What more do you want?”
“Who among your men can control the mind and body of another?” Lucan demanded.
“None.” Vander looked bewildered. “I have never seen such a . . .” He stopped and licked his lips. “No man I serve with has that ability.”
Lucan leaned in. “Do you think me a fool? You have seen this done. Who was it?”
“It was when I sought out the girl, Christian,” Vander muttered. “He used it to compel her to deny me. Your particular friend, the one who looks like a lad.”
“Jamys.” Lucan straightened. “His ability only affects mortals. Try again.”
“But I heard him say . . .” Vander averted his gaze. “It must be another unknown to me, my lord.”
Every lightbulb in the office exploded as Lucan grabbed him by the throat and rammed him into a wall. “Tell me, or die.”
“I heard him talking to the girl,” Vander wheezed out. “He wishes territory of his own. And when I tried to take her to my rooms, something happened.”
Lucan released him. “What?”