Coyle and Fang: Curse of Shadows (Coyle and Fang Adventure Series Book 1) Robert III (first color ebook reader txt) 📖

“Do you understand how... how mad all this sounds?” Coyle asked. She twisted a lock of hair around her finger. “And I’m supposed to believe a secret organization—Templars—have been creating your ilk for clandestine operations. The entire affair is quite unbelievable. How many men did you kill the night of your escape?” Coyle asked.

“I don’t like the tone of your voice.”

“Too accusatory?”

“Too self-righteous.”

“I am a God-fearing woman listening to the ravings of a lunatic or a vampire, which I almost can’t believe. I follow the law and adhere to our state’s mandates of protecting lives and property.”

Fang motioned to the cell. “And look where it’s brought you.”

“That’s beside the point.”

“You have trouble keeping the point, don’t you? The point is, Constable Coyle—or rather former Constable,” Fang said, tilting her head—“that you wanted to solve riddles by becoming a detective. You uncovered the clues to my work—”

“Your murder.”

“—and now you sit in a charming cell, awaiting judgment. Here I am, offering you a dandy of a case. And it’s one of a kind, I promise you that.”

“And why would I trust a vampire?”

“Ah, so you’re a believer, then?”

Coyle stomped her foot, hands on her hips. “You’re quite vexing.”

“Most vampires are.”

A long silence passed as they stared at each other. Each of their wills was as strong as the bars that surrounded them, and yet Coyle couldn’t deny she was indeed interested. A missing book of ancient curses wasn’t something to pass up. And she did appreciate the modicum of trust and respect she’d established with this creature.

Only a modicum.

“Hold on. Why would a vampire want to save innocents?”

The vampire’s face softened before answering. “Not all of me is a murderer.”

“You’re the epitome of disarray.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Fang snapped to attention and stood, gliding to the window.

“What is it?”

What would make a vampire distressed? Coyle wondered. Electric lights glowed through windows in the distance. A lone dirigible passed through the starlit sky. But no unusual noises. What was wrong?

“Men are coming,” Fang said. “Two of them.” She closed her eyes and held her breath before continuing. “They’re going to take you.”

“Who? What men? Take me where?”

“They have good intentions. They want you to find the book, too. Curious.” She turned to Coyle. “I wonder if they’re Templars.”

“I thought the Templars are—evil?”

“It’s complicated. Listen, I can’t go with you for obvious reasons. But I’ll keep in touch.”

Darkness enshrouded Fang as a rusty door opened and heavy footsteps echoed through the hall. The mysterious visitor vanished, and Coyle was left with more questions that she couldn’t possibly answer by herself.

They’re going to take you.

All of this was madness. Yet, Coyle stepped away from the window, wrapped her thin, light-brown hair up in a bun and swept her bangs out of her face. She patted her dingy dress as best she could. She had to put on a new face. The face of someone grateful and excited to be taken away from here.

Do I actually believe this vampire? Is she telling the truth? Does that mean she’s telling me the truth about everything?

She shook her head and looked up. A guard led two gentlemen to her cell. She examined them as the guard worked the lock. They were dressed the same: thick, black overcoats with dark-gray suits and expensive shoes. Simple gold rings bearing a Templars cross around their index fingers.

She stood away from the iron door and waited with her hands behind her back. The handsome one with the strong jaw and thin mustache spoke first.

“Constable Coyle,” he said. “I am Detective Louis Vonteg, and this is Detective Kade Duone. We’re here to grant you an early pardon from your sentence.”

“My good sirs,” she said. “I truly appreciate being released sooner than expected! What a gracious and wonderful surprise.” She clasped her hands together and smiled. She knew what they wanted to see and gave it in earnest.

“We’ll have a more frank discussion on the way to our destination.” He turned to the guard. “Does she have any belongings?”

“No, sir,” the guard answered. “Just what she’s wearing.” The men glanced at each other.

“Constable Coyle, you were admitted to this cell with no clean clothes to wear for...”

“Fifteen days, nine hours and a few minutes, but who’s counting?” She beamed.

Chapter 5

The Treece mansion

Sausalito

The soft chime of midnight welcomed Coyle as she was escorted to her suite. The mansion was the complete opposite of her hard-walled cell in every way. Beautiful green-and-gold paper covered the walls. Custom engraved wood graced the ceiling. Brass and crystal sconces held electric-lighted lamps. Hand-carved furniture rested on rare carpets. And her room was just as marvelous.

Cream-colored silk sheets and down pillows promised a good night’s rest. A full private bathroom with a steaming tub waited close by. Burning candles filled the room with lavender and rose oil. Steamed towels sat in a covered bin. A tray of chocolates rested on a table, waiting to be eaten. Every square foot contained a detail Coyle had never experienced. And there, by the bedside, were two wonderful tokens: a violin case and a pipe next to a small container of tobacco.

She opened the case and gasped. A Stradivarius. She inspected the tiny writing inside and beamed. 1719! She set it down gingerly. She was in no condition to touch such a remarkable object.

She slipped out of her dingy clothes and boots and sank into the tub. Her overwrought senses welcomed the heat, scented oils and fizzy bubbles. She took a deep breath and eased underwater, letting her body slide down where it was completely quiet. Safe.

Despite the comfort, she couldn’t help but think about the past couple of weeks. She was nagged by her failure. All her work, snatched out of her hands. Or did she release it with a clenched fist?

She breathed out and forced herself to think of her surroundings, wondering if she would experience this again. What did they want with her? Was Fang giving her false information? Was she