A Future of Souls and Smoke: The Juniper St. James Saga - Book 5 (The Vampire's Courtesan) by Sami Valentine

Author:Sami Valentine
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Pocketmaus Press
Published: 2024-04-17T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 29

Juniper

April 30th, Evening

London

The Hellfire Club

Juniper kept her mouth firmly shut until she could speak without screaming.

The interrogation under the Hellfire Club had taken a darker turn. She couldn't jump to conclusions yet. It could destroy some of her closest friendships. She needed to be crystal clear about Wadsworth's bewitched confessions. "Do you mean Jack Constantine? You talked to him about how history would see you or specifically about your actions on that dreadful July in 1892?"

Wadsworth boredly twirled his mustache around his finger. "Who else? You said the Head Bard sent you. Why would Jack have you ask me these questions? He sealed that dark legend in the Veiled Archive. Only a Head Bard could reach it. The Orb of Hekate would be easier to steal. He never asked for details about where the power came from, but Jack knows he owes his victory to it, at least. Maxwell ensured our mistakes were rectified, even if he might not have been forthcoming about them."

"He wasn't? What did he tell you?"

Wadsworth scowled. "If this is an investigation eight years too late, I still have his signature on enough letters to show I never acted alone."

"Easy, Mr. Wadsworth." Juniper said more lightly than she felt. She stated the lie she had memorized earlier that day even as her mind reeled. "Maxwell has colluded with the Alaric Order while we have a vampire war on the streets of London. The Head Bard wants the warlock. Comply to save yourself. Mr. Constantine will be as generous to you as he ever was. He sent me here to do this interview in private, out of respect, before the public investigation of Maxwell Baldacci begins. That connection is not very good for a man's reputation."

"Er, don't tell him about the letters, will you, sweetheart?" Wadsworth took a long drink from the bewitched cup before adjusting his necktie. "Maxwell was always trouble. He could be so useful in a pinch, but one never knows his true loyalties."

"He has been hiding from his enemies. Is he still alive?" She couldn't hide her eagerness.

"Yes. Recovering, but he could stand trial. I will tell the Head Bard everything I know. I can tell you about his other nefarious deeds. In writing if necessary. I am certain he drained at least one other mage—a boy we went to Eaton with. Bring me paper."

Juniper's lips curved up into a rictus smile. She leaned back and crossed her arms. "Did he tell you he used his hounds to run down that third girl? The one who escaped?"

He nodded sadly. "I loved those dogs. I was glad they were all out of the mansion when it burned."

She liked every dog in the world but those blood thirsty hounds. "Does Jack Constantine know Maxwell let the girl slip from his hands?"

"No, we kept that from him like everything else we could. He suspected it was a demon bargain. More than one demon was involved," Wadsworth said with a sigh. "It was supposed to be a clean job.

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