Magic & Mythos by Annabel Chase

Author:Annabel Chase [Chase, Annabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
Published: 2018-12-05T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The antiquities shop reminded me of a carefully curated museum. The exterior was a Gothic-style house made of gray stone with arched windows on the top floor and a steeply gabled roof. The interior rooms were organized according to its antiquities and works of art. The first room off the entryway included only paintings—portraits of European vampires wearing somber expressions, Roman stone mosaics, and modern oil on canvas of a coven meeting. The second room we entered was full of masks and skulls. A painted demon mask carved from wood. A green stone skull of an elf. Each item was wholly unique.

A sleek vampire strode into the room. His custom suit was reminiscent of Alec, but the similarities ended there. Oleg’s hair was dark and curly and he stood no taller than me.

“I see the Mask of a Young Werewolf has caught your attention,” Oleg said. “You have a keen eye.” He glanced down at the deputy. “Should I get you a step stool to afford you a better view?”

Deputy Bolan scowled and I bit back a smile. “We’re not here to acquire any items, although I did admire that Portrait of a Leprechaun’s Luck in the other room,” he said.

Oleg’s smile broadened. “Apologies for the impertinent remark.”

“We’re here on official business,” I said.

“And what business is that?” Oleg asked. “A beautiful woman like you…Let me guess.” He observed me closely. “Your patron has sent you to add to his collection.”

Deputy Bolan snorted. “He thinks you’re a kept woman.”

“Try again,” I replied, keeping my gaze pinned on the vampire. I felt his mind reach out to probe mine. My shield was up, thanks to my experience with Alec. I knew the leprechaun would be able to withstand the invasion as well, especially after Alec’s remark about the deputy’s weak defensive measures.

Oleg locked his hands behind his back. “You are not here to admire my inventory.”

“Afraid not,” I said. “We have questions about your father.”

Oleg lowered his head. “May he rest peacefully in the arms of the devil.”

“Were you privy to the contents of your father’s will?” I asked.

“Of course,” he said. “I am the sole heir.”

“Sole? No one else received anything from the estate?” Deputy Bolan asked.

“Absolutely not,” Oleg said. “The estate reverted to me in its entirety.”

Interesting. “Are you familiar with a fairy named Tatiana?” I asked.

Oleg flashed his fangs. “What has that ruinous viper done now?”

“I guess that’s a yes,” I said.

“What was your father’s connection to her?” the deputy asked. “Is there any reason he would have left her something in his will?”

Oleg laughed uproariously. “I promise you, that is an unequivocal no. My father would never have left so much as a worthless trinket to that fairy.”

“What makes you so certain?” I asked.

“She swindled us out of several items before she fled town,” he said bitterly. “A bronze cross staff and an ivory spear to name two. Highly valuable items.”

Well, that was the connection that Delphine picked up on. Theft of Kiev’s antiquities.

“How long ago was that?” I asked.

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