Dark Star, page 3
“I hope not for you,” Harlan said swiftly. “But I gather you’re the Alpha of the local pack, and I need your advice about a shifter.”
“She told you what I am?” he asked, a dangerous edge to his voice.
“I work in the occult world. Your secret is safe with me.”
“It better be. One of my shifters?”
“We don’t think so. A rare object has been stolen, and my colleague thinks a shifter is responsible, but it’s not a wolf-shifter. We need a lead and thought you could help.”
He laughed dryly. “We are not the only pack in London.”
Harlan faltered for a moment, and then pushed on. “Obviously you’re the only one Maggie trusts enough to send me to.”
“Sorry; she misled you. I can’t help.”
“What if this brings trouble to your door?”
“We can deal with trouble. And besides, why should it? You said it’s not a wolf-shifter.”
Harlan was losing him; he was clearly on the verge of ending the call. “But you own a bar. Surely you have all sorts of people hanging out there. And you live in the paranormal world. One of your pack may know something.”
“What is it you do, Mr Beckett?”
“I’m a collector for The Orphic Guild. Occult acquisitions. I have many contacts, and we’re good at what we do.”
“I’ve heard of you, although I have never had need of your services before. If I help you now, perhaps I’ll get a better deal if I do need you in the future?”
“Of course,” Harlan said eagerly. Deals were part of the game.
“Then come to the club tonight at ten. I’ll leave your name at the entrance.” And then he hung up, leaving Harlan murmuring his thanks into the dial tone.
Gabe was back at The Order of the Midnight Sun on his own.
He’d left the others to while away the afternoon while he questioned Caldwell. Despite the fact that Caldwell had engaged their services, he hadn’t seemed that keen to speak to Gabe again, which was curious.
The front door was locked to the public, but a casually dressed man admitted him to the reception room and then left him to wait alone. Gabe could have asked his questions over the phone, but he wanted to see Caldwell’s expression. He could get a better feel for his responses that way. He walked around the room while he waited, noting the large oil paintings, the heavy furniture, and the rich silks and brocades that on close inspection were worn in places, their colours faded. Maybe they were short of money and needed this treasure—if it even existed. Or maybe it wasn’t a monetary treasure, but another type of treasure entirely.
His thoughts were broken when Caldwell came in, this time wearing ordinary jeans and a t-shirt—no ornate robes today. His plain attire removed some of his mystique, making him look smaller, too.
Caldwell crossed the room quickly, shaking his hand as he asked, “Have you found anything?”
Gabe shook his head. “In so few hours? No. But we have a line of inquiry.” Bloody hell, Gabe thought, I sound like the police. “My team were talking this morning, and realised we had more questions.”
Caldwell sat, inviting him to do the same. “Of course. What do you need to know?”
“First of all, how many people here know about the astrolabe?”
“All of our Inner Temple. That’s only twenty-one people.”
“And they are what you called the Senior Adepts, correct? The ones who met on Monday night?”
“Yes. They are utterly loyal, and privy to our innermost secrets.” He looked affronted. “They would never betray us!”
Gabe wasn’t so sure of that, but he continued, “And the three of you who hold the code combinations are part of that group?”
“Yes. Myself, the Major Adept, and the Secretary of the order. All of us have been members for decades.”
“And the rest of the Inner Temple?”
“Many for years, others are more recent, but all have earned their place.”
“How do they do that?”
Caldwell laughed. “That’s a secret. There are tests to undergo, rituals I cannot divulge.”
“Okay. How many others belong to the order?”
“I couldn’t say exactly off the top of my head, but close to a hundred.” Gabe must have looked shocked, because Caldwell said, “They are spread across the country. Not all live in London. We have many initiation levels, and some members who have been with us for years only progress a short way, while others can progress rapidly depending on their…abilities.”
Herne’s horns. It already sounded like mumbo jumbo, but Gabe kept his face carefully neutral. “And you’re sure no one else would know about the astrolabe?”
“No one.” He shook his head decisively, his curly hair bouncing as he did so.
“It might be that I need the names of those in the Inner Temple.”
Caldwell stuttered. “Not a chance.”
“Well, we’ll see how we get on, won’t we?” Gabe answered calmly. “Who found the astrolabe, and who was part of the search?”
“Again, it was a member of our Inner Temple—he was unaided. One of our greatest scholars and researchers who has made it virtually his life’s work. He found it in France, in the south.”
“And I presume he brought it here with him, in his luggage?”
“Er, no actually.” Caldwell looked downright uncomfortable now, and he cleared his throat. “He feared it would be seized by customs, so arranged another method for its shipment.”
Gabe’s lips twitched with amusement. “He stole it, then?”
Caldwell’s eyes dropped to the floor. “I didn’t ask for details.”
“Of course you didn’t. Was it stolen from a private residence? Because potentially,” he said, forestalling any lies, “they sent someone to get it back.”
“The adept in question assures us he was discreet.”
“Maybe he wasn’t as discreet as he thought.” Gabe groaned. This was getting more complicated by the minute. “And how did he ship the astrolabe?”
“He used Kernow Shipping. They are also very discreet.”
Gabe froze. ”Kernow Shipping, based in Cornwall?”
“You know them?”
“Sort of.” At least Gabe should be able to access the records. Gabe was wearing an old, worn leather jacket, and he reached into an inner pocket for a pen and paper. “I need the dates of shipment, and ports. And also the address it was stolen from.”
Caldwell jutted his chin out. “I told you, I can’t get that.”
Gabe settled back comfortably in his chair. “And I’m not leaving until you do.”
Nahum, his two brothers, Shadow, and Harlan were in the beer garden of the Dog & Fox Pub & Hotel in Wimbledon, and had already finished a hearty pub meal. They were now sipping drinks and sharing news, while keeping a watchful eye on the comings and goings along the High Street.
It was a warm summer evening, and to Nahum it seemed as if the entirety of Wimbledon was outside. The beer garden was packed, and the street bustled with people who strolled up and down and in and out of the various bars and restaurants. There was a thrum of activity, a bustle of energy that made the place seem exciting, a very different feel to the seaside charm of White Haven. Nahum had lived in many cities in his lifetime, and he enjoyed their energy and the mix of characters that lived in them. London was no different, and he felt comfortable there.
Nahum turned his attention to the table, and particularly to Gabe and Shadow, trying to hide his amusement. They were sitting next to each other, as they often did, a studied indifference to their features that belied the chemistry between them. The air almost crackled around them sometimes—much to the amusement of himself and his brothers. They argued, fought, teased, and slid each other sly glances that they thought no one else would see. They were trying very hard not to admit it, but they were clearly attracted to each other, and he knew that only the business was keeping them apart. Neither wanted to wreck what was clearly turning into a profitable and entertaining enterprise. Well, that and their mutual stubbornness. He had known Gabe his entire life, and hadn’t seen him like this with a woman for a very long time. Then again, why should he wish for the entertainment to be over? They were all running side bets on how long it would take for them to get together. Which reminded him—he should let Harlan in on the bet.
Harlan was proving to be a worthwhile ally. He had great contacts, a good work ethic, and a strong moral code, all of which meant the Nephilim respected him. And he had a great sense of humour, thank the Gods.
Harlan was looking at Gabe, incredulous about his visit to Caldwell. His mouth gaped open, his pint suspended halfway to his mouth. “Caldwell actually gave you the information? Just like that?”
“No! Stupid bastard thought I was going to go and that he could somehow talk me out of needing to know who they stole the astrolabe from.” Gabe too looked incredulous. “What an idiot! What about me looks like someone could force me to leave?” Gabe threw his shoulders back and spread his hands out. “I pointed out that he had employed me, so he’d better run along and do as I asked.”
Niel laughed and slapped his shoulder. “I always knew your stubbornness would be an asset.”
Niel had shaved the sides of his head again, taking the long hair left into a high ponytail. His good looks were attracting his fair share of attention, especially paired with his booming laugh.
Nahum leaned his elbows on the table, wishing he’d met Caldwell. “It is odd that he would not want you to have as much information as possible. Sounds like he’s in denial.”
“It sounds,” Shadow suggested, “that he wants to keep the image of the order as above reproach.”
Gabe nodded. “I suspect that by the time this is over, he’ll have trouble smoothing over the cracks. I think they’re broke, too. In the cold light of day, that place isn’t nearly so impressive.”
“So,” Harlan pressed, “who did they steal the astrolabe from?”
“A house in Nice, in the south of France. I have the address, but I haven’t looked it up yet. It’s owned by a Madame Raphael Charbonneau.” He shrugged. “I don’t know anything about her, either. But at least we have a name now.”
“She may have nothing to do with the theft at all,” Niel pointed out.
“True, but it’s something to bear in mind.” Gabe took a deep breath. “It was sent from Marseilles using Kernow Shipping, which is great for us, because it means we can get shipping details—like who booked it in.”
Shadow laughed. “Like the thief, you mean?”
“Exactly,” he said, meeting her eyes. “It will help us build up a picture. I’ve already asked Barak to look into it.”
Harlan nodded enthusiastically. “Fantastic. I agree. The more we know, the better. Did you find out the order’s old name?”
“No. And to be honest, it isn’t my most pressing question right now.” Gabe gave an easy smile. “But I will find out.”
Harlan sipped his pint, nodding thoughtfully. “I take it you couldn’t find their history in Chadwick’s study?”
“No,” Nahum answered, remembering how daunting that room was. “But we have time to look. That room is pretty chaotic.”
“Yeah.” Harlan looked sheepish. “It’s been catalogued in a very basic fashion, but not organised. We haven’t had time. Their history is something I can look into, and let you concentrate on the rest.”
“Fair enough,” Nahum told him. “You had success, though. Well done.”
Harlan looked to the roundabout a little further down the road and nodded. ”Storm Moon is down the street across from here—Church Road—in a very unassuming building. It opened at eight, and there’s a band on at nine. A rock band, I think.”
“I take it you’ve scoped it out?” Shadow asked, already looking like she wanted to jump out of her seat and leave.
“Only briefly. It looks like there’s a bar on the ground floor and the club below ground. There’s a big parking lot to the side, and around the back, too.” He shrugged. “I didn’t go in, but it looks flashy and edgy from the pictures on the net.”
“I suggest,” Gabe said, “that Niel and Nahum stay outside and check the exits, and we three will go in. That okay with you?”
Nahum and Niel nodded. They were used to running surveillance, although Nahum would love to look inside the club.
Gabe turned to Shadow. “Do you think you can pick up a distinct magical energy in there?”
“Maybe. It depends on how many shifters are around. I can certainly detect them now.”
“You can?” Harlan asked, looking uncomfortably around him. “Are they close?”
“At the table in the corner, I think. Far enough away they shouldn’t be able to listen—although they have exceptionally good hearing.”
“But there’s a lot of background noise,” Niel said, angling his body casually so that he could look behind him. “I see them. The half a dozen in the corner.”
Shadow nodded, and Nahum glanced around too, seeing four men and two women, all enjoying drinks and food. They looked harmless enough, and he said, “I’m sure they’re just enjoying their Saturday night like everyone else here.” He turned back to the others. “I think the club will be packed tonight. And frankly, the thief may have no connection there at all. Or they will be long gone.”
“Unless they live here,” Gabe suggested. “Once the goods were passed on, there’s no need to run.”
Niel drained his pint. “At this point, there are numerous ways this could go, and it’s all pointless speculation. Let’s have another drink and see what transpires later.”
Four
Storm Moon was much bigger than Shadow anticipated. They entered the bar through sturdy wooden double doors that led into an ornate foyer where one heavily muscled bouncer, unsurprisingly a shifter, gave them a cursory glance before they headed through the next door into the ground floor bar.
Harlan, Shadow, and Gabe all paused just inside the threshold to get their bearings. The windows were blacked out, and the lighting was low. The long bar that ran across the far side of the room was topped with polished copper, and the back of the bar was mirrored and lined with rows and rows of spirits. The walls were covered with dark-patterned, opulent wallpaper, the floor space was filled with tables, and around the sides were cushioned booths upholstered in teal velvet. The light gleamed off the polished tables, many of which were already taken, and there was a cheerful, chatty atmosphere. An area in the middle of the right-side wall was free of side booths, creating a clear section that housed a door that had Storm Moon Club on it in gilt letters.
“Nice place.” Harlan said, taking it in slowly. “Should we go down there already?” He nodded at the door.
“May as well,” Gabe said, leading the way.
As they crossed the floor, Shadow felt a few curious gazes fall on them, and detected a few shifters in the room, especially behind the bar, but far more of the customers there were normal humans.
Gabe opened the door, revealing a staircase leading down to a reception area with a cloakroom combined with a ticket office. Again the decor was dark, illuminated only by low lights. A couple of staff stood behind the counter, one taking coats from two young girls, and another large bouncer guarded an ornate door. There was clearly no expense spared here, Shadow noted, as even the reception areas were designed to impress.
Harlan addressed the young woman behind the ticket counter who was casually dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt. “Maverick Hale is expecting me, and I have two colleagues with me.”
Her eyes raked over them. “Let me check with Maverick.” She turned her back as she picked up the phone.
The bouncer studied them too, and Shadow detected his shifter magic. She leaned against the wall, aware of where her blades were in case she needed to pull them quickly, and stared back. Gabe stood with hands thrust into his pockets, relaxed but alert. As usual, she was fully aware of his heat and physicality, and wasn’t sure whether it was comforting her or distracting her.
The bouncer was tall and lean, his eyes watchful, and he carried himself with an easy grace, but he wasn’t threatening. He opened the door for the two girls who had just checked their coats, greeting them warmly, and making Shadow think they were regulars as they passed through, giggling.
The call the woman made was brief, and she turned back to them with renewed curiosity. “That’s fine, you can all go through, on the house. Head across the floor to the passageway and up the stairs on the right.”
Harlan murmured his thanks and led the way inside.
The loud music assaulted them immediately. The club was full, a crowd of seething people standing in front of the stage on their right, situated at the rear of the building. A rock band was playing, clad in leather, jeans, and t-shirts, and the dull thud of the bass guitar and drums resounded through the floor and equally through Shadow. She smiled as she looked around, the energy infectious.
Shadow hadn’t been to a live music venue since she’d arrived here, and she knew she’d missed out. The room was large, and as well as the crowd in front of the stage, there were a few booths and tables by the bar at the other end of the room, but not many, and all of them were taken. Opposite, across the dance floor, was the passageway the woman had told them about. Harlan was already heading to it, but Shadow took her time to follow, taking stock of the room, and so did Gabe.
Gabe nudged her and lowered his voice to her ear. “Are there lots of shifters around?”
“A fair few, though less than normal people.” She nodded to the bar. “Most of the staff are shifters, and the two bouncers.”
“I expected as much,” he said, and then steered her behind Harlan, who waited at the entrance to the narrow passage. At the far end of it was a door marked Exit.
As instructed, there was a shallow set of stairs at the rear heading up to a narrow landing and a door. Smaller rooms were on their left, filled with low seating and tables, half-full at present, and it was quieter here, allowing the customers to chat.
“Anything feel off?” Harlan asked Gabe and Shadow.
