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“Yes, he did, but not looking like that.”

“How did he present himself to you?”

“As a member of a Russian SBLE team who was an expert on empaths and serial killers.”

“So he lied to you.”

Feehan shrugged. “Not really.”

“What do you mean?”

“My team is a secretive lot. They’ve had to deal with a lot of prejudice in our world. I don’t blame them if they wish to hide their pasts and their talents.”

For the first time since she’d met him, Ella wanted to give Feehan a big fat kiss.

“When did you begin to suspect that the accused was not being completely honest with you?”

“As I said, he never tried to hide his Otherworld abilities, so he was hardly being dishonest. When they were needed, like when he saved Ella from the Siren, he used them. When I asked him to take on certain tasks in the current investigation, he volunteered the information that he had contacts here in Otherworld who could help us out. So I knew he had powers.”

“But didn’t you begin to suspect he was lying to you?”

Feehan fiddled with his tiepin. “When we saw the first clear image of the killer and he looked just like Vadim, we did get a bit worried, but we cleared that up.”

“You mean he managed to deceive you as to his true purpose?”

Feehan turned to Drew Spencer. “I thought I was here as a character witness for Vadim, not to incriminate him. He isn’t on trial for anything he’s done while in my employ, is he?”

Spencer nodded. “You are correct, Mr. Feehan. I believe your questioner was trying to establish that Death Bringer is untrustworthy in all aspects of his life.”

“Which Mr. Feehan didn’t actually say.” The interruption came from Vadim’s grandmother, who smiled at a blushing Feehan. “In truth, I gather my grandson was an excellent and valued employee of yours.”

“Yes, he was…I mean, he is.” Feehan risked a glance over at Vadim. “Despite him turning into…that.”

“Thank you, Mr. Feehan.”

“You’re welcome.”

Spencer glanced at the other occupants of the table. “Does anyone have any more questions for this witness?”

No one replied, and he inclined his head toward Feehan.

“Thank you for your input. You may leave now.”

He turned sharply on his heel and was escorted out after giving Ella a wink and a thumbs-up.

“Please call Ms. Liz Goddard.”

“Wish me luck!” Liz whispered.

Vadim’s father stood and nodded at Liz.

“Ms. Goddard, you are the Fae-Web liaison in the SBLE special team?”

“Yes, I am.”

And what percentage Fae are you, roughly?”

“About thirty-five percent.”