The Bureau: Volume 1 by Kim Fielding

Author:Kim Fielding
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: vampires, angels, paranormal romance, demons, gay romance, mm romance, monsters
Publisher: Kim Fielding

Chapter Three

The Bureau’s West Coast building hulked near the Four Level Interchange just north of downtown. At one time the headquarters might have boasted Art Deco lines like the nearby city hall, but the grimy cement structure had been marred over the years by asymmetric additions that stuck out like tumors. Townsend steered his Cadillac into the gated parking lot, and a uniformed guard waved as they entered.

“We’re building a new HQ up in Sherman Oaks. We’ve barely broken ground on it, but it’ll be a lot nicer. Give us more room to stretch out.”

Unsure what he was expected to contribute to the conversation, Harry remained silent. Townsend had refused to divulge any details of the assignment during the short drive. He’d seemed cheerful, but his demeanor hadn’t calmed Harry, who didn’t trust him. Every time the car stopped at an intersection, Harry had been tempted to bail out. Surely he could outrun a big guy so recently stuffed with breakfast and pie. But Harry had nowhere to run to, at least nowhere that wasn’t a dead end, and anyway, he couldn’t help but be curious about what Townsend had in mind.

Instead of parking, Townsend rolled to the curb adjacent to the big front doors. A young man in a suit came dashing out, and when Townsend and Harry got out of the car, the kid hopped in and drove off without a word. Harry didn’t get a chance to see where he drove to, because Townsend swiftly led the way into the building.

Harry had come here for his interview, and on that occasion he’d had plenty of time to take a look around the lobby. Not that there was much to see: well-worn marble floors, white walls empty of all décor except for a large sculpture of the Bureau’s emblem, a few uncomfortable wooden benches, and a reception desk. Townsend whisked him through without even a glance at the woman behind the desk. He headed for the bank of elevators, but instead of pressing the call button, he took out a key and unlocked a slightly battered wooden door off to one side. “After you,” he said, gesturing at the dimly lit descending stairway.

Obediently, Harry started down the steps. Townsend closed the door—the lock snicking into place—and followed close behind. Their footsteps echoed loudly. Although Harry could easily imagine Townsend giving one good shove between his shoulders to send him flying onto the floor below, he kept his pace measured.

The narrow corridor at the bottom of the stairway had scuffed walls and a few flickering lights. Although there was nothing overtly sinister about the space—which included several identical doors distinguished only by the black letters painted above them—the hairs on Harry’s nape prickled and his stomach knotted tightly. Townsend unlocked door C and waved Harry inside.

A grizzled man in uniform, sitting behind a desk, rose to his feet as they entered. “Chief,” he barked. His left arm was missing, the empty sleeve folded and pinned to the shoulder; deep scars etched his cheek and jaw on that side.

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