Morvicti Blood (A Morvicti Novel Book 1) (14 page)

He thought about mentioning the picture to Remington as proof of his identity, but didn’t. Now was not the right time. They needed to get Angelique off the street for her own safety.

“Michael, don’t do this.” Her frustration poured out of her with every syllable. “Please.”

“Trust me. This man isn’t your brother.” Remington turned to the two men. “Take this imposter to room six.”

They grabbed his arms, yanking him up the stairs and through the door.

Angelique continued to protest Remington’s decision as they followed them inside.

Austin scanned the space. Three doors were opposite him, each with identical access control devices.

Remington’s men placed a bag over his head and shoved him through the middle door.

Angelique yelled, “Stop this, Michael. You are making a big—”

The metal door slammed shut behind them. Austin could no longer hear his sister’s voice.

CHAPTER 23

11:18 AM

David Bathry drove through the gates of the estate that had been in his family’s possession for many years. Massive trees, bare of most of their leaves due to the late autumn season, lined both sides of the long private lane, which curved slightly to ensure no one could see the mansion from the gate.

Kharon Manor, named after the most revered Bathry ancestor, came into view. Terraced English gardens, multi-tiered stone fountains, and a large, cobbled, circular driveway enhanced the front of the 85-room gray stone home.

His sister’s red Aston Martin convertible sat closest to the main doors.

Damn. She’s back.

Now he knew why Lisa had been calling and texting him all morning. His sister reminded him of a disgusting lap dog. Always wagging her tail, craving more attention. He had tired of her years ago.

The last thing I need is to have to deal with
her
today.

He walked through the twelve-foot-high wooden double doors, taking little notice of the two bronze statues on either side of the entrance. The pair reflected the Bathry Bloodline signet—crows carrying keys in their claws.

“My lord.” One of the many servants of the manor rushed to his side. She was a lesser Bathry, like the rest. He would never consider employing any but pure bloods. “May I take your coat?”

“No,” he stated flatly.

The woman lowered her eyes, which made him smile.

He would change his clothes, making sure Albert properly disposed of them. Then he would never have to think about the house on Gough Street ever again.

“We were not expecting you back so early, my lord. Is there any way I can assist you?”

“Where is my sister?”

“She’s in the northeast parlor anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

“Do not tell her I am here.”

Again the woman lowered her eyes. “As you wish. Shall I have one of the cooks prepare lunch for you?”

“No.” He headed up the stairs to his private quarters.

He shut the door and stripped, tossing his clothes on the white marble floor. Normally he would have placed them on the mattress of his four-poster bed, but that was not a good idea since they smelled of smoke. His bed did not conform to current tastes. Its dark wood was intricately carved with an Elizabethan scene depicted on every surface, which pleased him. He wished he could climb into it and pull the sheets over his head. He was exhausted. But he didn’t have that luxury.

He lit a candle, hoping to cover the odor of petrol and smoke. A quick shower would take away the rest of any remaining smell.

Several raps on his door irritated him.

“David, it’s me. Lisa. I must talk to you. It’s quite urgent.”

“How the hell did you know I was home?”
If that servant told her, the woman will pay dearly.

“I saw you through the window when you arrived in your car. Please. You won’t believe what I have to tell you.”

“It will have to wait. I am about to shower. Then I must go immediately to Scotland Yard.”

She opened the door.

“Bloody hell, Lisa. What do you think you are doing?” He grabbed his robe, wishing he had taken the time to lock his door.

“What is that ghastly smell, David?”

Ignoring her question, he said, “Tell me what is so urgent that you have invaded my private space.”

She laughed.

Bathry could detect a hint of bitterness in it.

“David, I’ve been trying to ring you all day. Why aren’t you taking my calls?”

“I have no time for your gibberish. Say what you need to say and be gone.”

“I have the best news ever. You know I went to Romania to help prepare the bodies of those two poor women. You cannot imagine how awful they had been mutilated. Not only were their heads severed, but also an index finger from each of their delicate hands was missing. The entire court is in total shock at it all. So horrific.”

Missing index fingers? That had not been reported in the newspapers. More of Jack’s doing.
Damn him.

“Get to the point, Sister. What is so urgent that you are delaying me from truly important business?”

She smiled broadly. “Octavian Drake is coming to see us.”

His jaw tightened. “Listen carefully to me, Lisa. What do you mean? Did you talk to him while you were in Satu?”

She nodded. “Octavian wants to see The Sanctuary of the Forgotten. His wish is to be taken to The Ripper’s cell.”

Damn. I don’t need that bastard coming here.
He had anticipated the possibility of a noble visit. With Jack slicing throats in London, it wasn’t a surprise. He just hadn’t expected it to be so soon, or by the most prominent Morvicti.

“He is scheduled to land at 1:30, David,” Lisa said, “and would like the tour to begin shortly after two.”

“When did he tell you this?”

“Last night. I worked through the wee hours to get things ready. The cooks are preparing quite a meal in his honor. I am hoping he can return here after his inspection, but if not, we are set to have tables ready at the sanctuary.” Her eyes were wide and sparkling with excitement. “Can you believe it, David? Has any high lord ever visited us before? Do you know what that could mean for our bloodline?”

“Look me in the eyes, Sister. There are some things I need to make very clear to you. First, tell me, who is the head of our bloodline?”

“You are, of course,” she replied immediately.

“Correct. I am. Second, because I hold the highest position, I am responsible with the obligations the crown asks of us, not you. Do you understand?”

“I do, but I only—”

“Third, there will be no meal.”
Unless it is laced with poison for the bastard
. But he would never reveal his true feelings to his sister about Octavian Drake and the other royals. She was not orthodox. “Did the king
ask
you to prepare a meal?”

She sighed. “No.”

“Of course he didn’t. If he wants a tour, I will give him a tour.”

“I would like to be there as well, David.”

“Absolutely not. I forbid it. Your head is in the clouds, Lisa.” He stepped forward and cupped the bitch’s chin. “Dinners and parties. That is your life, as it should be. Leave the ruling of the Bathrys to me. Let the cooks know the meal is cancelled. I have much to do. Now go.”

Her eyes narrowed in defiance. “But, David—”

“Go, or I will have Albert put you in chains this very day, do you understand?”

She frowned. “This isn’t the Dark Ages, brother. Things are changing for the better under Octavian Drake’s leadership.”

“I am still lord of the Bathry Bloodline, Sister. It is still in my power to cut you off. How will you get along without your fancy shoes and purses?”

“Why do you always have to bully me?”

Ah, petulant whining. That sounds more like her usual self.

She turned and marched out of his room, slamming the door behind her.

He opened the drawer that held his black mask, and ran his fingers over the crossed axes on the forehead.
I follow the ancient ways. I will cut off your head myself, sister, for your heresy. Soon. Very soon.

CHAPTER 24

11:55 AM

Angelique looked at her husband straight in the eyes. “Why are you treating my brother this way?”

“Sweetheart, let’s not talk about that here.” Michael motioned to the man holding the machine gun.

“Then take me some place where we can talk. Now.” Frustrated, she crossed her arms, hoping he could tell she meant business.

He nodded. “This way.”

They walked through a door into a room that had sofas and chairs. It was clear to her the attempt was to make this space look more like a home than a prison. But it didn’t work. The room had an artificial feel. Even the air’s aroma had an antiseptic smell. There were no windows; not even one piece of glass that looked out on the world. Michael had called this place a ‘safe house.’
More like ‘safe prison.’
That was what it looked and felt like to her.

He closed the door. “Have a seat, sweetheart.”

She remained standing. “Why are you treating my brother like he’s a criminal?”

He stepped in front of her and tenderly grabbed her hands. “You don’t know that’s your brother.”

She loved Michael, and he loved her. That’s why he was being so overprotective. But his actions had taken her brother from her again. Where had Michael’s men taken Austin? “I think I would know my own brother—especially my
twin
brother.”

“He’s been gone for over ten years. You haven’t seen him in person for twenty. Hell, I saw him since you have.”

“Maybe so, but everything about him lets me know it’s him. His chin. His mouth. Even his nose. All the same.”

“There are plastic surgeons who can make a person look like anyone.” Michael smiled. “Please, honey. Let’s just sit down and discuss this. I know it’s been a difficult day for you.”

She sighed and sat on the sofa. Michael sat down next to her.

Was Michael right? Could the man who had come to her flat be an imposter? “But he also sounds just like Austin.”

“He does, but that can be learned through training and practice.”

“But he told me things that only he and I know.” Her mind drifted back to the day on the beach with their parents.

“Details that can be gleaned in ways you can’t even imagine. Credit card bills. School records. Hell, even going through garbage.” He pulled her in close. “And that only scratches the surface of what can be found on the Internet.”

She thought about what Michael was saying, but it still didn’t change what she knew in her heart.
My brother is alive.
“Trust me. He’s my brother. Twins have a bond that others don’t have. I know without a doubt that man is Austin.”

“But I don’t know, and I have many doubts. Until I’m absolutely certain he is who he says he is, that man stays put, away from you.”

She pushed away from his embrace. “Why are you being so stubborn about this?”

“Honey, I only want to protect you, and I have a job to do.” He reached for her, trying to put his arms around her again.

She left the sofa and stepped back. “What job is that exactly, Michael?”

He looked away. “There’s a lot I need to tell you.”

“I know there is. Who are those men?”

He stood. “The answers to your questions will have to come later.”

“Later? No. Now. It’s obvious that you’re in charge here. And what is this place? Do you really work at the embassy, or is that a lie, too?”

His eyes returned to hers. “I promise I’ll tell you everything.”

“
Everything
? I had no idea how many secrets you were keeping from me.”

“I swear that everything I did was to keep you safe,” he vowed, walking to the door.

She believed him. “But you didn’t trust me, and you certainly underestimated me. I’m a capable, self-reliant woman. I know how to take care of myself when things get tough. I think today proves that.”

“Yes, you can, sweetheart, but the people I have to deal with are some of the most dangerous on the planet.” He walked out the door, leaving her to her own thoughts.

His real job, which obviously wasn’t just with the U.S. embassy, most likely had to do with government espionage in some capacity.

Was he right about Austin?
No.

Instinctively she knew. Her brother had somehow risen from the grave, and come back to her.

CHAPTER 25