A Grave Full of Stilettos by Jason Krumbine

Author:Jason Krumbine [Krumbine, Jason]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jason Krumbine

Chapter Eleven

Grant entered the room with a paper cup in one hand, filled with coffee, and a folder in his other hand. There was no cigarette visible, but he smelled of one all the same.

He dropped the folder on the table and sipped at the black coffee. Grant sat across from them. “I’d like to apologize.”

Avery raised both eyebrows. “Is that so?”

“We got off on the wrong foot earlier,” Grant said, tugging at his already loose tie. “I was behaving in a manner unbecoming of an Alpha Reaper.”

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“I understand that many reapers are afraid of me,” Grant continued. “I represent an authoritative figure that they aren’t used to having. I guess you could say that I was…abusive in my power earlier.”

Avery had to keep herself from laughing in his face.

“That was inappropriate of me,” Grant said. “And I am sorry.”

Avery looked at Thane, but he was just as lost as she was. He shrugged.

“Okay,” Avery said. “You apologized. Good for you. What the hell am I supposed to do? Get down on my knees now?”

Grant paused, drumming his fingers against the table. “You don’t know how this works, do you, Ms. Graves.”

“As a matter of fact, no I don’t.”

“I wasn’t asking,” he said. “I already pulled your file. You’ve never had a single run in with the Alphas. Not one complaint lodged against you.” He traced his finger across the folder in a lazy circle. “Although, your local rep, Steven Russell, I believe is his name? He’s lodged a few, what’s a good word for it? Suspicions?” Grant nodded. “I like that. suspicions.”

Avery kept her face blank. “I wouldn’t know about that.”

“No, I imagine you wouldn’t,” Grant agreed. “Russell strikes me as the sort of fellow to keep his cards close to his vest. There was a note, however, about a Dicky Ramburg?”

Avery visibly tensed.

“A bit of a colorful individual,” Grant continued. “He’s managed the fine art of living and operating close to the line, without ever actually crossing it.”

Avery didn’t say anything.

“Got nothing to say to that? Okay.” Grant nodded. “Of course, Dicky Ramburg is dead now. Horrible accident as I understand it. Horrible. Of course, no great loss. The man was an unrepentant blight.” He paused, waiting to see if Avery was going to add anything. “No? Okay. You know, your father dealt with Ramburg. Now, your father? Him, I’ve got a file on.”

“Maybe you need to update your file,” Avery said tersely. “Because my father’s dead. Been dead for a while.”

“Oh, I’m very much aware of that,” Grant said. “Something you don’t know about Alphas, but we’re charged with investigating every reaper suicide. Just because it can, unfortunately, be a common occurrence in our community doesn’t mean that we become immune to the tragedy.”

Avery swallowed, struggling to stay composed. “If you’ve got a point, I’d appreciate you getting to it.”

Grant nodded. “Of course. Nobody ever likes to talk about their family’s dirty laundry.” He gestured at the matching bracelets. “Cute trick.”

Avery folded her hands.

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