Kiss of the Vampire(38)

“Yes, of course.”

Without a word, MacMillan turned and opened the door. He waited until Nix and Tobias went through, then he left the room and pulled the door closed behind him. “Well, he was lying through his teeth. He’s the man your friend was involved with.”

“Yeah, I think so, too.” Nix stared at the door for a moment. “He’s very good looking, and has to be smart to be the leader of this team. Not sure about the sense of humor, because I didn’t find anything remotely funny about the man. Though it could just be we intimidated him.” She blew out a sigh. “It’s too bad we can’t smack him around a little.”

“To get the truth out of him, you mean?” MacMillan grinned.

“No, just for the hell of it. He’s a married man.” She lifted her chin. “Vows are sacred. If you’re not happy in your marriage, get out of it before you start…spreading the joy.” She gave a little growl and looked at Tobias. “How do you want to handle this? Split up and question people separately?”

He studied her for a few seconds. Her eyes were once again her normal lovely dark brown, no sign of the demon present. “Can I talk to you for a second?” He drew her away from MacMillan. In a low voice Tobias asked, “Was that on purpose, in there? Letting the demon show?”

She narrowed her eyes. “What if it was?”

“It’s just a question, Nix.” He held her gaze. “I worry about you.”

“Oh, you do, do you?” Her lips tightened. As he started to speak she held up one hand. “You know what? I don’t want to hear it. I’m fine. I can let the demon peek out now and again without any repercussions.”

He was skeptical.

“I’m fine,” she repeated as she started toward MacMillan. “Now, how do you want to handle the questioning?”

Tobias followed her. He had to take her word for it at this point, but he’d keep a close eye on Nix. He’d take control the second it looked like the demon was on its way. To MacMillan he said, “You take them.” He pointed to two human scientists in jeans and polo shirts, one typing away at a keyboard and the other working near the larger of the two telescopes.

“Got it.” MacMillan gave a two-fingered salute and headed off. He seemed happy to get off on his own, making Tobias wonder just how much of a lone ranger the detective might be.

Tobias looked at Nix. “I’ll question, you listen. Pick up on what they’re not saying. You’re good at that.”

She cocked her head to one side. “So, what exactly are you saying? That I’m sly and sneaky?” Her face was serious but her eyes sparkled with the beginnings of humor.

It gave Tobias hope that maybe, since she could tease him, she’d moved past her hurt and anger. Or would someday be able to. Maybe they could actually get through this case without putting her in jeopardy, and then he could leave again before any real damage was done. He gave her a smile and said, “You’re one of the slyest and sneakiest people I know.”

She seemed inordinately pleased by that. “Well, then. I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will.” Tobias motioned toward a woman seated in front of a computer console. Nix nodded. Walking beside her, Tobias felt the warmth of her body, smelled her determination enhanced by the mixture of feminine musk and floral perfume. His body tightened.

Focus, Caine. He couldn’t allow himself to get distracted. There was too much at stake, not the least of which was Nix’s hold on her sanity. He glanced over at her, her curls bouncing as she walked, her breasts…

She was the biggest distraction in his life. She always had been, probably always would be.

Stopping at the workstation, he brought his attention back to the job and said, “Excuse me.” When the woman paused and looked up at them, he showed her his ID. “Dr. Sahir said we could talk to you.”

She sat back in her chair. “About what?”

“Amarinda Novellus.”

Her lips pursed. “I didn’t really know her, so I’m not sure what I can tell you. She was here mostly at night and a lot during the week, and I’m usually here on the weekends.”

“You never know what you might tell us that ends up being crucial.” Tobias watched her closely. “We were told she was involved with someone here. Any idea who that was?”

The woman’s eyes flickered but she didn’t take her gaze off him. “No idea. She was a very private person.” She said this last bit in a hushed tone as if it were a secret she didn’t want anyone to overhear.

“I see.” He glanced around then leaned forward, keeping his voice low. “So she and Sahir weren’t… You know.” He wiggled his eyebrows.