Never More by Silas Reames

Author:Silas Reames [Reames, Silas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Loch Publishers LLC
Published: 2024-01-23T00:00:00+00:00

17

THE LOFTY INTELLIGENCE OF MADNESS

“I’m confused.” Aggie re-braids her wine-red hair, then unbraids it again as she puzzles over the information I’ve given everyone.

I’m not surprised. The Bone Reader’s stipulations are making this tricky. I told everyone I’m working a case for a set of very secretive clients, and that there’s a series of murders going on. I’ve told them the organization is invite-only, and that’s why their help has to be kept on the quieter side instead of our typical kick-in-the-door style. I’ve also given them a run-down of various species and personalities present in the castle. They’ve even got the manner of death for everyone.

“Any particular reason these individuals are flocking to a killer castle instead of away from it?” Todd’s always got the questions that get straight to the point.

“Everyone in the group fancies themselves as pretty powerful. No one wants to be seen as backing down. Even if that weren’t the case, they’re worried about what would happen. If they all leave, either the killer goes into hiding and they have to disband their … group, or the killer hunts them down one by one once they’re alone.”

“Sounds like the killer is doing a fine job hunting them down one by one already,” Lynx observes. He’s got his legs kicked up over one arm of my chair, and is staring out the window. While the absence of vamps in a vamp mansion is a little disconcerting, it’s nice to be able to let a little sunlight in.

“Well I, for one, am more than happy to look through our library and see what information we can track down. For instance, did you know that aqrabuamelu were created to fight against gods? Everyone assumes it would be their scorpion parts that are hardest to pierce, but even their human skin is near-impenetrable. If you want to take one down, the best way is to get under its belly.”

Leave it to Hugh to throw out the first piece of truly useful information. I was aware, but it’s nice that he’s thinking strategically. Waqas is an ass. Even if he’s not the killer, I can’t say I haven't been tempted to ‘accidentally’ dispose of him anyway.

Don’t look at me like that!

I’d only do it if he really is rotten, and not just a nuisance. Sheesh.

I do have morals. I just don’t like jerks.

“My key may be different from my family’s, but I grew up learning all about poisons. Whatever they gave to counteract your intuition would have been a highly complicated potion for most, but the results seem straightforward enough. The killer could have actually used the chimera venom as a base. I’m more interested in the poison that killed the grey elf. Can you find out a few things? Was she stiff or pliant when found? Bleeding or oozing anything?”

“Chimera venom can paralyze people. I wonder if they had enough to use for multiple purposes. Could the killer be using that to incapacitate the victims and get the upper hand?” Aggie is tapping her chin and stops when she notices us all staring.

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