Chapter 80

Remy approached the stone wall topped by razor wire that encircled Delmonico's fortress. He was in gargoyle form, naked except for a pair of stretchy gym shorts. He'd already determined the locations of the various video cameras and alarm systems, and this spot, halfway between the road and the beach, was the best blind spot he could find. The gangster had counted on many things when he'd built his defenses, but Remy was willing to bet he hadn't counted on an intruder who could fly.
Using his extra-long arms, he hopped up to the top of the wall, standing carefully to avoid the wire. It wouldn't have sliced his feet to ribbons in this form, but it wouldn't have been comfortable either. Then he eyed up the house. There. On that seaward facing balcony, candlelight glinted. His sharp ears picked up a chanting sound. Some sort of ritual was being performed, and Remy had an uncomfortable idea that it involved the cup. This must be why he'd been told to retrieve it tonight. Though as far as he knew the power it contained could only be used for healing, there was always the possibility that a powerful sorcerer could subvert that power and turn it to evil. Then heaven help the gargoyle clan. The necessary magic would be lost to them forever.
He stretched his wings and took to the air. As he flew to the balcony he kept his gaze out to the sea. Where was Mari? He wished desperately that she'd stayed at the inn, but she'd at least promised to stay in the water. If there was trouble, she'd find a hidden spot to change and call Beau or Damien. She'd sworn that she wouldn't try to interfere. Still, just the idea of her being this close to potential danger made his stomach hurt.
He landed on the roof of the ornate Victorian mansion, on a gable overlooking the third-floor balcony and took in the scene. Candles flickered at the points of a pentagram drawn on the slate tile with chalk. In the center, a low stone table served as an altar, with more candles surrounding the center point. At the center stood the cup. The gold and stones gleamed in the moonlight.
The words of the chant were clear now. Delmonico - or someone - in a hooded black robe was just now closing the circle and beginning the ritual. There was still time. Judging his distance carefully, Remy jumped and landed with a loud thump on the balcony, making sure his feet smudged the chalk outline of the circle and pentagram.
"Who are you?" The hooded figure paused in his chant and raised his head to Remy. Disbelief and fury warred for dominance on his thin, heavy-browed face. What he didn't show was fear. Which was pretty fucking odd for a human who'd just come face to face with a gargoyle.
"The rightful owner of that chalice," Remy said. He pushed as much strength and menace into his voice as he could.
"I'd have to disagree with you there, my friend. I bought this from a reputable antique dealer and have the paperwork to prove it."
"You're a businessman, Mr. Delmonico." Remy leaned against one of the French doors leading into the house, trying to look casual. "I'm willing to offer you a significant profit on your investment."
Delmonico threw his head back and laughed, causing the hood to slip back. His high domed scalp was bare except for a black fringe that circled from ear to ear. His face was thin to the point of skeletal. Even in the moonlight, Remy could see that the man's skin was sallow and drawn. Delmonico was sick.
"Do you know how long I've searched for an artifact like this one? For five stinking years the doctors have been trying and failing, using me as a human guinea pig." His laugh was a short, sarcastic bark. "Believe me when I tell you that there isn't enough money on this world," he raked his eyes over Remy, wings and all, "or any other. This cup is mine. Go find your own."
He waved one hand and a blast of force struck Remy in the midsection, making him almost double over to retain his footing.
"The cup should heal without corruption," Remy gritted out through his teeth. Did you try just drinking from it?"
"Do you think I'm stupid? Of course I did."
Remy let his gaze blur so he could make out the hazy aura surrounding the wizard. It was black and oily, shot through with a bilious yellow. The cup, on the other hand, gave off tones of pure white and blue and gold. He understood. It was too pure to heal the evil that had corrupted Delmonico's soul. More than the man's body was diseased.
"Now, Mr. Whatever-you-are, I believe it's time for you to leave." Another bolt of force, this one lightning, shot from his hand. Remy dodged it and heard a loud crack as it impacted with a tree or something behind him.
"I'm not leaving without the cup." Remy took a step forward which put him solidly in the middle of the ruined pentagram. Without taking his eyes off of Delmonico, he reached out and picked up the cup. The warmth of the magic was a tangible thing. It sent a tingle of awareness up his arm.
"I don't think so. You may be invulnerable, but I wonder if your selkie friend is."
Another bolt shot from Delmonico's palm, this time out toward the ocean. Remy heard a chilling scream, then a splash. "Mari!"
He heard his own plaintive bellow, but forced himself to focus only on his opponent. Once Delmonico was neutralized, he could go help Mari. He prayed he'd be in time. Setting the cup aside, he advanced on Delmonico. He spread his wings wide to block the other man's view or line of shot and cracked his knuckles. "Consider that your final mistake."