Chapter 604
The Executioners were staying in an abandoned mansion outside of town. The house had belonged to Claudius, the vampire who was responsible for screwing up Katelina's life, having Sarah "killed", and a host of other things. Katelina wished they'd been able to torture him for a few days before he died.
Having been involved in the war, Des didn't need directions, and twenty minutes later they pulled up to wrought iron gates. Katelina could see the mansion, hulking in the background. The heavy fence hemmed it in, protecting it from the outside worldor would have except the gates were open.
Inside, the driveway circled a large fountain decorated with vampire fanged cherubs and ugly blue spray paint.
"What the hell?" Katelina motioned to the defacement. "Why would someone do that?"
"Because youth doesn't understand the value of things," Brandle said. "They see only the now, not the millions of yesterdays it took to create something." As they parked in front of the sprawling mansion, the vampire nodded to the caved in front door. "Like the person who destroyed that."
Jorick made an uncomfortable noise. "I think that was done in haste rather than with destruction in mind."
Whether Brandle caught on or read it in their minds, Katelina wasn't sure, but he chuckled. "I see. Are you responsible for the artwork as well?"
"Hardly." Jorick shot him a hard look and climbed out.
Katelina followed, eyes moving over the structure. Though the central part of the mansion was uniform, additions were stapled on at odd angles, creating a strange profile. The house was decorated in heavy gothic elements: leaded windows, gargoyles, and stone rosettes. It looked like a murder house in a horror movie. From what Katelina knew of the former owner, no doubt it was.
Ark stepped out through the ruined front door. His long chestnut hair shimmered in the moonlight, shot through with highlights of blonde. His green eyes glinted. Tall and thin, with delicate features and a slim build, he'd have been at home as an elf in a fantasy movie. The silver medallion around his neckthree interlocking circlesonly added to the mystique, though Katelina knew what it meant. It was the symbol of the Executioner, worn by all of their rank.
"Jorick." Though Ark requested the meeting, his voice held no warmth. "Verchiel said you were in town. Can I ask why?"
"I thought The Guild knew all?"
Ark scrutinized him and relaxed slightly. "I see. I knew your pet was from Ohio, but I didn't realizeor should I call her your fledgling?"
Jorick made a low noise and Katelina looked away. Surely the Executioner knew someone else had turned her. Was it meant as a barb?
Ark went on. "No matter. I assume you've done some investigating since you arrived?"
"Not a lot," Jorick admitted, as the others joined. "From what I understand, it was Lilith and Samael?"
"That's our working theory." Ark eyed their companions. "New friends of yours?"
Jorick shrugged, but didn't introduce them. Katelina wasn't sure who should be insulted. Was Ark not important enough for introduction, or was it the other way around?
There was a sound at the door and Jamie stepped out. His long black hair was pulled up in a bun. Like the other Executioners, he was dressed in all black, including a long coat.
He gave a nod of greeting. As one of the Executioners assigned to the ball in Canada, they'd seen one another a few days ago.
"Any luck with Lilith's den?" he asked.
"No," Jorick answered. "There was plenty of evidence to connect her to kidnapping children, but nothing to say what her plans are, or where she's going. There was this." He handed Ark the dead vampire's driver's license. "We took it from the caretaker she left in charge. I doubt any of them are at the address, but it's worth a try."
Ark looked it over, then pocketed it. "I'll pass that on."
Jorick shot Katelina a sideways glance. "You might send some human authorities to the hunting lodge Lilith used as a den. She killed children there. I assume their parents would like to know."
"That's thoughtful of you." Jamie's tone said he knew which of them wanted it done, and it wasn't Jorick.
"Fine, fine." Ark waved it away. "As to Lilith, I'd tell you to stay out of the hunt, but frankly I don't understand why any of us are in it. This is the Kugsankal's jurisdiction, not ours."
Brandle nodded. "Considering their age, they'd be better suited to handle this."
"Who are you?" Ark asked.
Jamie motioned the inquiry away. "We contacted the Sodalitas"
"The who?" Des demanded.
Jamie made an impatient sound. "The Guild in Germany. As I was saying, we contacted them after Lilith revealed herself at the ball. We have yet to hear back."
"They won't even send a no," Ark bit out. "Never mind. We've inherited their problem, and we'll deal with it."
"If we can," Jamie said. "You saw the destruction. It's on a different level than anything we're used to. Though you weren't in Canada, I was." He shook his head. "They have no regard for anyone or anything between them. Lilith sacrificed her own followers."
There was a breeze. Verchiel appeared behind the Executioners, a grin on his face. "Did you guys come for the official sleepover? Where's Sorino?"
"At a motel," Jorick answered. "Good riddance."
"He'll be back," Verchiel said. "Especially since you kept his relics."
Jorick scowled and Katelina rushed on before they could fight. "Have you interviewed a lot of people yet?"
"Of course. But why don't we continue this conversation inside?" Verchiel offered Katelina his arm. Jorick pushed it away forcefully before he led her into the house.
The entryway had chandeliers, and huge white columns. A pair of identical curving staircases were spray painted, the red the same color as their carpet. Busted vases and dead leaves littered the marble floor. A broken mirror hung on one wall, the gilt frame intact.
"Animals," Verchiel commented to the destruction.
"The library is worse," Jamie said. "They overturned bookcases. Jorick would cry to see the condition of some of the books."
Verchiel snickered. "He's the one who did it."
Jamie looked sharply to Jorick, who refused to meet his eyes. "I was under attack."
"More like an introduction." Verchiel grinned.
Katelina coughed. That was when they'd first met the redhead. He and a squatter were temporarily teamed up. There'd been a quick fight enough to destroy the library but in the end Verchiel had surrendered. They hadn't been able to get rid of him since.
Des shoved his hands in his pockets, his attention bouncing from corner to corner. "I spent a lot of time spying on this place, but it's the first time I've been inside anything except that sunroom."
Ark made an incredulous sound. "A sunroom for vampires. Claudius was ridiculous."
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