Demon Forged

Going by the serial number, it’s the same weapon. She’d listed it as destroyed during one of her assignments.”
    Assignments she no longer had. “Why did she resign?”
    “She only stated ‘personal reasons,’ ” Alejandro said. “But for her last assignment, she was ordered to assassinate a fellow operative. An operative that she knew well: She’d trained with him, completed assignments with him. He saved her life twice.”
    So they’d pushed her too far, Irena realized. Perhaps they’d thought her loyalty to the job would override any other consideration.
    “Did she carry out the order?”
    “Yes.”
    Irena frowned.
    “There’s more,” Taylor said. “Savi dug into her financials. Wren’s been funneling cash into a few bogus businesses and charities, which then head to a numbered account.”
    Irena had no idea what that meant. “What does that say?”
    “That she contacted someone she knew, and paid them to shoot Julia Stafford for her,” Preston said.
    “Do we believe that?”
    “Good question.” Lilith tapped her fingers against the table. “Let’s bring her in to ask her—but not here. Bradshaw can handle it, and hit her with the gun and the money.”
    “Why?” Irena frowned at her. “Is it not obvious she’s being set up?”
    Lilith indicated the files with a sweep of her hand. “We shouldn’t have these. Through regular channels, we’d have had to fight harder for them than this. That’s not easy or obvious; a month from now, a frustrated investigator is supposed to finally get this info and say, ‘Aha!’ ” Lilith shook her head. “But Rael doesn’t know that we already know he hired someone.”
    Taylor pursed her lips. “Hired them through Wren?”
    “That is the question. But since Rael doesn’t know we know that step, let’s keep it that way. We’ll use Bradshaw.”
    Taylor nodded, and Irena realized that was the end of the meeting when Alejandro cleared the files from the table. She fought her discomfort and frustration; she wasn’t useful here. Unless they needed her to kill a demon or protect someone, she had no reason to accompany them to this interview with Wren. Alejandro could cover Taylor. Hugh could read the truth in Wren’s responses. And Irena could catch up on what they learned later.
    She stopped Lilith in the hall. “You don’t need me here.”
    Lilith’s brows arched. She glanced over her shoulder, where Olek had halted to watch them. Perhaps not. But, considering that five hours ago you were almost killed by three nephilim, I’m not sure if one of my agents will be on his game if you’re not in his sight.
    Irena laughed. Olek might worry, but he’d never be stupid. “Don’t be an idiot.”
    “I won’t; I leave that to Michael.” Lilith’s expression became speculative. “After you’ve checked on your vampires, I have a few files you might find interesting.”
    “I might find them interesting if they do not come from an agency supported by a human-murdering demon.”
    “But that will change soon, won’t it?” Lilith said, and turned to follow the others down the hall.
    Alejandro’s face darkened. His gaze held Irena’s, and she shook her head. Not now. She did not want to discuss it now.
    Lilith turned, walked backward for a few steps. “Deacon didn’t come back to the warehouse this morning, but his things are still here. Colin hasn’t heard from him.”
    Irena frowned. Vampires didn’t like to bed down in unsecured locations. “I will ask Rosalia.”
    “Do that.”
    Irena looked to Olek again, watched him approach while the sound of Lilith’s heels faded.
    “Where shall I find you later?”
    After speaking with the vampires in her territory, she had to find Jake and compare the iron spikes. “Caelum,” she decided.
    He pushed his hand into her hair. His lips captured hers for a long second. When he lifted his head, his smile shone from his eyes. “I believe we have just stunned everyone in the warehouse.”
    From the direction of the gymnasium, Drifter called, “I reckon we’re just astounded neither one of you is bleeding.”
    “Or killing another conference table,” Becca yelled after him.
    “Or breaking through a closet wall,” Michael said in his harmonious voice, and shocked into silence anyone who had considered adding their own. The warehouse became deathly quiet.
    “He’s been talking to Jake,” Irena said.
    Alejandro closed his eyes, shook his head.
    She grinned and touched his chin. “Be