"Surely it's not Ulbricht," the baroness protested. "He wouldn't be so stupid as to dabble in a poison that could kill blue bloods! If the humanists get their hands on this, they'll murder the Echelon. Ulbricht lives and breathes the Echelon!"
"We have peace now," Gemma interrupted. "The humanists wouldn't dare use this-"
"They would," Kincaid said sharply, and all voices died off. "They wouldn't hesitate. You only have to look at the recent riots to know there's still malcontent among the general population. They wanted the draining factories gone, and the blood tax abolished, and they're not happy both issues remain."
"Without the blood taxes, the streets would be awash in blood," Malloryn retorted.
Kincaid held his hands up. "I know that. Doesn't mean I like it, but I know that. Others... are not as inclined to be logical."
Ava cleared her throat again. "We can argue as much as we like about the potential repercussions, but I think we need a plan of attack. Clearly, someone knows what this caterpillar mushroom does, and they're using it to murder blue blood members of the population. Considering Zero was potentially murdered using this same substance, we can include the dhampir on our lists of suspects."
"Kincaid and Ava, I think it wise if you both return to the major's store and search it thoroughly. Major Winthrop might have contacts among the black market trade of rare herbs. We need to track down everyone who is remotely connected to bringing this substance into the country, and lock them down until we know how many people are aware of what this product does. Contact the Nighthawks and have them assist you in closing down the scene-tell the locals it's a murder investigation if you must, but nothing else. Charlie, you can go with them," Malloryn said.
He was taking control of her investigation. Ava bit her lip, but nodded. At least she was still included.
"Gemma, I want you to make a move on the information I gave you yesterday," Malloryn instructed obliquely. "We've got a lead on Ulbricht, and I want him found."
"You have a lead?" Ava blurted.
Gemma gathered herself, looking pale. "One of Malloryn's other spies got his hands on one of the Sons of Gilead. We need to question him, but he might know Ulbricht's whereabouts, or at least he'll know how to get in touch with his SOG contact."
"Report to the baroness. She can contact me if necessary." Malloryn turned to fetch his hat and coat from Herbert. "I need to call an emergency meeting with the Council of Dukes and the queen."
* * *
They sent Charlie ahead to the Nighthawks guild, as he could move faster than they could, then set out for Major Winthrop's shop. Ava wanted to lock down the scene before anyone else could contaminate it.
Ava kept her manner purely professional when they arrived, checking the locks on the shop doors and waiting for the Nighthawks to arrive to set up a perimeter before she allowed herself to examine the shop. She didn't like their chances of finding anything. Whoever cleaned up after the bodies yesterday had done a meticulous job.
The Nighthawks finally arrived, and as predicted, there wasn't much evidence left within the major's emporium. Ava worked mechanically, her heart feeling a little heavy in her chest, though her peripheral senses were desperately aware of Kincaid.
"Are you going to speak to me?" Kincaid finally demanded, when the silence clearly grew too much for him.
"I don't particularly have much to say."
"Ava."
She turned, brushing a curl off her face. "Yes?"
Kincaid stared down at her with an uneasy expression. "I'm sorry. You were right. It's a more complicated situation than I imagined. I wouldn't tell anyone about Black Vein."
Ava swallowed. "But do you see how that felt for me to hear those things from your lips?"
Hands cupped her cheeks and he lifted her chin until their eyes met. The dark scowl on his face was back. "I'm an utter shite, Ava. All those things I said about blue bloods. I didn't mean to hurt you. All I could see in the moment was everything I've suffered over the years, everything I've seen destroy the people I love-"
"It's all right," she said. "I know you have your own demons, and you couldn't have known."
"But I shouldn't have taken them out on you." Kincaid sighed. "And I know everything you went through; you didn't choose this. But you've made the best you could of the situation, and a part of me is in awe of that. I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted."