Denai Touch: Excalibar Investigations Series (5 page)

Jason grinned. “Why? I usually do whatever you say already.”

“Yeah, right!”

“While he’s under your control, you may as well get whatever you can out of him.”

“I don’t know how far under he is. Goddess, this will just piss him off and make him hate us all the more,” she said, feeling a mix of panic and frustration.

“Not if you make him forget.”

“You know how much I hate messing with people’s memories, it’s just not right. He could forget Cerys completely, given how unstable my powers are.”

“Relax, take a deep breath. I’m right here with you.” He took her hand.

Her hand tingled at his touch, sending a warm rush through her that had nothing to do with the feeding. Handholding was something she’d never been comfortable with given that it opened up people’s emotions more, but with him it felt natural, peaceful as if his touch blocked out everything else.

Cate took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay, here goes.” She turned her attention back to Declan. “What’s your name?”

“Declan Michael Laroux,” he replied automatically.

“How old are you?”

“Forty.”

Good, that established he was under her control, enough so he couldn’t lie to her – though she’d sense it if he tried.

“Okay Declan, Cerys and her coven were taken into Excalibar custody last night when I caught them practising forbidden necromancy. My team also has evidence of them practising other forbidden magic. What do you know about that?”

“That’s ridiculous, my lady. Cerys would never go near that stuff. She’s a good witch — I ain’t ever seen her do anything to harm anyone. She wouldn’t know how.”

“But you would, wouldn’t you?” Jason asked. “You were thrown out of the City Guard for excessive violence.”

“That has nothing to do with Cerys. She’s an angel and she’d never knowingly do any kind of dark magic.”

“What can you tell me about Beth Matthews?” asked Cate.

“She’s the new High Priestess. Cerys hired her to lead their little circle. She was getting desperate to find someone. Cerys and her witch friends may lack the power, but at least they have good intentions.”

Yeah right!
Jason said silently.

Cate glared at him.
Stop being so judgemental.

“Did you do any background checks on the High Priestess?” Jason prompted.

“I did some asking around, but I couldn’t find out anything bad about her. Just a lone Denai that didn’t seem to want to have much to do with your coven of bit – forgive me – witches.”

“Didn’t you find that a bit strange?” she asked. “Most Denais stay within the main coven unless they had been banished or are dark. They don’t go off and form their own.”

“Especially not with a bunch of low-level, ordinary witches,” Jason added.

“I did think it was a bit odd, but Cerys seemed to trust her and she was so happy that they finally found someone.”

Cate asked. “Did you notice any changes in Cerys after Beth joined them?”

“She seemed tired a lot and a bit distant lately, but I thought she was just stressed.”

Jason said. “You must have suspected something?”

Cate scanned Laroux deeper with her senses, feeling he knew more than he was letting on. “You’re resisting the compulsion or trying to, I can feel it,” she frowned.

“What are you trying to hide from us?” Jason demanded. “Cate, increase the compulsion.”

She shook her head, face etched with worry. “I can’t. You’ve seen how unpredictable my powers are right now. I could use too much and kill him or…”

“Come on Cate, I know you. I know what you’re capable of. Ascension or not, you can do this.”

At the edge of her senses, she could feel Declan Laroux trying to pull free from her control. He was an Elemental which made him a bit more resilient than some Magickind, but not from her.
He must hate us,
she said.
He’s trying really hard to get away.

“What do you know about the Thorn?” Her eyes glowed silver as she stared into Declan’s dark ones. Energy pulsed from her into Laroux, vibrating through the air. Cate grabbed hold of Jason’s hand as she did so to anchor herself. She expected to be instantly hit by a wave of dizziness or pounding inside her head but there was nothing.
Yes, I did it!
she thought triumphantly.

Declan looked away; at first she thought he was trying to resist her, but then he started to shake and put his head in his hands.
This is all my fault,
he thought.

“What’s all your fault? Tell me what you know about the Thorn coven.” Her patience was starting to grow thin.

“I – I work for them or at least for people who know them. They distribute different drugs and other illegals around the city, potions and spells that are outlawed,” Declan finally answered.

Jason tensed. “The Pandora drug?”

Declan nodded.

“We’re going to need names and everything else you can tell us,” she said. “You knew about Bethany, who she really was, didn’t you? You must have suspected it?”

Declan shook his head. “I never met most of the coven members or the High Priestess, much less those in her inner circle,” he said grimly. “I swear I didn’t know who Beth really was. Fuck, this is all my fault! I led her straight to Cerys.”

“After you’ve told us everything you know, you can then take us to the people you usually deal with.”

“I can’t do that!” Declan protested. “If they saw you two or I brought strangers with me they’d know I betrayed them right away. I ain’t gonna put me or Cerys in danger.”

Cate sighed. This was taking too long even with the compulsion forcing him to talk, and they needed to find Bethany before she fled the city, if she hadn’t already. She asked Jason, “Did that chip Steve gave us have a telepathic memory bank on it?”

Jason nodded. “Yeah, with all the information we need to remember about our aliases. Why?”

“Because I have all the information I took from Cerys on my chip, I could take on his memories and give them to you.”

His brow creased into a frown. “Now you want to use your powers to that extent? I thought you were trying to be careful.”

“I am, but this is taking way too long. We need to find things out before those drugs can harm anyone else.” She turned back to face Declan. “I’m sorry I had to compel you...”

“But you weren’t exactly being cooperative,” Jason interrupted.

She gave him a quick glare, despite the fact it was true. “But I’d like to have your permission to use my Touch on you and –”

Declan’s eyes went wide with fear. “You want to kill me?”

“No, not a killing Touch. If I lay my hand on you, I’ll be able to see into your mind, access your memories, and learn everything you know about the Thorn and your dealings with them.”

“No way!”

“Please, this could not only get you away from the Thorn, but Cerys too. I decided to let her off with a caution because she’s cooperated with us so far, but if you don’t help we can charge you as an accessory to practising forbidden magic.”

“And then there’s the dealing illegal and controlled substances to add to the charges and we can probably find a couple more to put on the list,” Jason added. “So think about it, Laroux. Either you start working with us or you’ll end up in prison and there’ll be no one around to protect Cerys from the Thorn.”

“They wouldn’t –?”

“They’ve already used her to conjure dark magic. If they think you’ve betrayed them, they’ll go after the people you care about,” Jason went on. “That’s how people like them work.”

“But if they find out I helped you, they’ll come after us anyway.”

“Not if we capture them first. We’ll drop any charges against you if you help us get Turner. You’ll be taken into protective custody for the time being.”

Laroux laughed. “Protective custody? Yeah right!”

Cate folded her arms across her chest. “Your choice, Laroux.”

“I don’t have a choice, do I? You’ll do whatever you want, whether I consent or not. That’s what Denais do.”

“Well, I’m not most Denais, nor does most of my coven do what you’re implying.” She really hated it when people accused Denais of forcing people to do things against their wishes. There was a fine line between force and free will.

Declan glanced between them. “Okay, I’ll help you.”

Disguised as Cerys and Declan, they went to a nightclub called Sky, which was owned by Lex, Jason’s demon friend. Lex was a tall, brooding male with long, dark hair and jet-black eyes; he looked more of a bad boy than Jason did. Sky was one of the most popular clubs in the city and also served as a sanctuary to anyone who had need of it. The club’s decor was black and red with a racy feel that suited Lex’s dark personality.

Cate sometimes wondered how they had become such good friends given how different they were. Jason had told her they’d met during the height of the Third Great Magickind War, when Lex saved his life. She didn’t know what happened, but could tell he’d been through some kind of hell, which created a bond between them, so never questioned him about it again.

One of Lex’s abilities allowed him to see through glamour and illusion, so Cate was curious to see if he recognised them. The bouncer at the entrance let them in without question, so at least she didn’t have to compel him.

They headed to the bar, where Lex stood serving drinks. The demon gave them the once over before speaking to Jason. “I see you’re working again.” He knew better than to say anything that might give them away.

“Yep, I’ll have a beer please, mate. Cerys?”

Damn! Steve would be disappointed to learn his new device wasn’t completely fool proof. “Pepsi, please.”

Are you looking for anyone in particular?
Lex asked them.

A member of the Thorn coven,
Jason replied.

I recognise your alias, he meets here with a woman about once a week,
he
replied,
in one of the private rooms upstairs. I’ll show you where.

Above the club were several private rooms which were hired out for literally anything. Cate cast her senses out as they followed Lex along the narrow hallway, praying she wouldn’t start getting visions of what exactly went on in those rooms. Lex stopped and tapped on the door.

Inside, Cate felt the presence of a witch, a fire Elemental, and a vampire – Colbane himself.

“Come!” came the sharp reply.

Lex threw the door open. Inside, sitting at a table, was a man with white-blonde hair, who was the Elemental, and a redheaded female, wearing a leather bodice and short skirt. Both were Thorn members: Simon Antes and Fronika Newport. Dante Colbane was a darkly handsome male, with curly blue-black hair, grey eyes, and the cold beauty of a vampire.

“Master Colbane. Sorry to disturb you, but there’s someone here to see you,” Lex inclined his head towards Jason.

The vampire eyed them both, his face and emotions impassive and unreadable. “Please, come and join us for a drink.” He put away the document they had been looking at.

Antes looked at them suspiciously and the woman appeared rather bored.

“What is it now, Laroux?” Fronika Newport asked. Although she pretended to look bored, Cate could feel her intense desire for Jason, or rather Declan as he now appeared to be.

“Nice to see you again, Ronnie,” Jason said, mimicking Laroux. “This ain’t about work, my girl Cerys is in a bit of trouble with the law.”

Colbane turned his steely gaze to her. “Who is this pretty little thing?”

Cate smiled nervously, and didn’t have to completely fake it. Vamps creeped her out. “Oh, I’m no one – I was just leaving actually. I’ll see you later, Dec.” She turned to leave.

“No please, stay my dear. We are always happy to make new acquaintances.”

Lex asked. “Can I get you anything else?”

“Be gone, demon filth!” Fronika spat.

“Now, Ronnie, be gracious to our host. Please forgive her,” Colbane said. “That will be all. Thank you, Lex.”

Lex left them, casting a glance backward as he closed the door.

Colbane popped opened a bottle. “Champagne?”

“Thanks, but we already have our drinks,” said Jason, getting straight down to business. “Cerys here is in a bit of trouble.”

“My heart bleeds,” Ronnie said with a sneer, barely giving Cate glance. “What do you expect us to do about it?”

“What kind of trouble?” Colbane asked.

They joined the members of the Thorn at the table and began to explain their situation.

“Enforcers think my coven and I have been practising dark magic. I tried explaining it’s not true, but they don’t believe me,” Cate said with a fake sob. “I tried contacting my High Priestess, Beth Matthews, but I can’t find her. I don’t know what to do.”

Antes remained unreadable, whilst Fronika stared at her with open contempt. As Cate sat there, she tried reading each individual’s minds, yet found them all difficult, and was unable to get beneath the surface of their thoughts. It was as if something were blocking her. Sensing her unease Jason squeezed her hand, adding his energy to her own.

Cate briefly met Fronika’s cold stare and tried to probe deeper when she felt a sharp jolt of pain inside her head. She winced and swayed a little, pretending to be drunk.

Cate knew there were amulets, charms, and potions that supposedly blocked telepathy and empathy. She’d encountered a few in the past, but had always been able to get past them. None had ever given her a psychic hit before.

“Are you alright, love?” Jason asked her.

“Fine, you know I’m a bit of a lightweight.” She forced a smile, despite the pounding in her head.

“We were hoping you could help us find this Matthews woman,” Jason said, returning to the original conversation.

“To have her arrested too?” asked Ronnie.

“No, she never practised dark magic. She helped bring out our potential. I just want to tell her that she’s got nothing to be afraid of,” Cate went on. “Covens stick together, no matter what.”

“Look, Ronnie, you and your group has an influence in this city. Can’t you make these bogus charges go away?” Jason asked.

Ronnie took a sip of her drink and frowned. “Why would we do that?”

“I’d make it worth your while. I know how to move more of your…merchandise. Hell, I could recruit more people for your experiments,” Jason replied. “I didn’t know who else to turn to. None of my mates in the Guard would go up against those fucking Enforcers and those that would…well they want more than I’m willing to give.”

Cate leaned forward. “Dec says you’re looking for new potential recruits. I know I might not look like it, but I’m not without skill. I make and sell my own craft. I’d be happy to help your coven in return.”

“You must be really desperate to come to us for help,” Ronnie said. “The Thorn doesn’t need a low-level witch like you, but luckily your boyfriend does have his uses.”

“I am sorry, my dear, but I do not think this is a problem we can assist you with,” said Colbane.

“Dec says that you get him to ship merchandise around different clubs in the city. I could…”

“Do what? Make a few sparks go off? You have no real power or talent. We look closely at all our associates and their families.”

“That’s not true. I’m much more powerful than I seem,” Cate said, more forcibly than she’d meant to.

“Oh, yeah? How?” Ronnie interjected, crossing her arms over her chest. “Prove to me you’re worth our while.”

Shit! They now wanted her to prove she had some kind of active power, a talent that actually had some use. But, of course, Cerys had no such ability and Bethany Turner would have known it.

“I’m…telekinetic,” Cate blurted out before she could stop herself, but she had to somehow convince them.

Hell, she couldn’t compel anyone else today; her powers needed time to recover. Even with Jason’s energy, she’d need a couple of hours before she could use it again.

Telekinesis was a common power to various degrees amongst different Magickind, but few could use it as a weapon or to move large objects, like Cate. Ronnie seemed mildly impressed for a second, and even Colbane and Antes looked interested.

Ronnie snorted. “You couldn’t possibly have that power.”

Cate waved her arm and Ronnie’s drink shot out of her hand, glass flying everywhere as it shattered against the wall, liquid splashing down the dark wallpaper.

Jason glared at her.
What the hell are you doing?
he demanded.
Are you trying to give us away?

I had to do something to get them on our side. Besides, she’s driving me mad.

Fronika’s emotions were truly getting on her last nerve. Why couldn’t people be more in control of their feelings, like Denais were?

“Well, that was…surprising,” Colbane smiled. “I will talk to my superiors about your situation.”

“We’ll need to know within twenty-four hours,” Jason said. “Do you have any work for me in the meantime?”

Ronnie glared at him. “Don’t tell us what to do, Laroux. If you truly want our help you had better show us some respect. We’ll be in touch.”

They both reluctantly returned to the Tower.

“Goddess, they had blocking amulets on! Blocking amulets!” Cate said furiously. “Those things aren’t supposed to work on Denai magic. I’ve never had trouble getting past them before.” Light blinked over her as she morphed back into her true form.

Jason changed back too. “Goddess, Cate! Why the hell did you show them your power?”

“I want the Thorn to think Cerys is much more valuable than they knew. If Turner believes that, it might be enough to get her to see us.” She turned on her computer to start going over the case files one more time.

“Yeah, right into a trap. If they get so much as a hint that we’re…”

“They won’t — how could they?”

“Bethany is a Denai, and the Thorn probably has spies within the Enforcer ranks. I’d feel a bit less worried if you’d compelled them.”

“I can’t compel everyone for every little thing – especially with the way my powers are right now — and besides there are rules,” she replied. “What’s up with you? You’re usually the patient one in this partnership.”

He shook his head. “Nothing.”

“Right, we mustn’t discuss why you’re so on edge.”

“I’m fine.”

“Yeah, right! You know you can’t lie to me, Talbot.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“Your powers still don’t work on me.”

“Don’t need them to know when you’re lying. You just know how to tell half-truths.”

Her desk phone started ringing; she pressed the button and an image of Ian appeared on the small screen. “Hey sis, I had the bodies of the drug victims brought over and I’m still running tests, but no luck so far as to what Pandora is made of.”

“Not much luck on our end either. Jade is still making enquiries. We’re close, we just need an opening into that coven.”

An unfamiliar chiming rang throughout the office. “What’s that?” Ian asked. “New ring tone? Doesn’t sound like one of your dance tunes.”

“That’s not my phone.” She leant down to retrieve her backpack from the floor and fumbled around until she found a small silver mobile.

Cerys’s phone. She’d forgotten she even had it, since it hadn’t made a noise all day.
‘Beth Matthews’
flashed on the tiny screen.

“Blimey! It’s her, Turner!” Cate used the extension line on her desk phone to call Steve. “Steve, start tracing this call.”

She took a deep breath and, concentrating on her magic, answered the phone. “Hello?” she said as Cerys.

“Cerys? Oh, thank the goddess,” Bethany Turner’s concerned voice came on the line. “Are you alright? My associates, Colbane and Fronika, told me you had been arrested for practising dark magic. Is this true?”

“Yes, I was so scared, Beth,” Cate made a sobbing sound. “One minute we were in the circle, the next Enforcers came and had us on the ground. It was awful.”

“Oh my dear, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I should have been there for you all. This is a complete misunderstanding.”

“That’s what I tried to tell them. Beth, you know we’d
never
do any kind of dark – magic,” she said and stuttered. “They released me on bail, but they came and searched my shop. They – they said I would have to go to trial and face a Denai. They said they had evidence. Beth, you must do something.”

“Believe me I will, but the Enforcers will have you under surveillance. You must leave the shop and come where they can’t find you.”

“You mean you’re really going to help me?”

“Of course. A High Priestess looks after her coven.”

“What should I do? They only granted me forty-eight hours before I face a Denai. I’m afraid she might compel me to say lies. You said the Denai coven weren’t to be trusted.”

“Indeed they’re not. Don’t worry, just come to this address tonight. My people and I will be there to greet you.” Bethany recited an address. “Be there at 7pm, don’t be late.”

“Declan can come with me, can’t he?”

She heard Bethany hesitate. “Of course.”

“Oh thank you, Beth! You have no idea what this means to me.”

Cate hung up the phone, and said, “Looks like my plan is working.” She then entered the connection with Steve and Ian.