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Riven moved toward the table of pamphlets, calling over his shoulder, “I already heard. Nasty business, but a single murder won’t interfere with my deployment plans, sister.”

“Right,” Tovi said. She led Evelyn out of the townhome and into the night without a backward glance at her brother.

“I can see the brotherly-sisterly affection,” Evelyn said.

“Yes. Our regard for one another has no bounds.”

Evelyn scoffed but noted the sadness in Tovi’s jade eyes. “It was good to see you, Tovi.”

“Don’t you dare say it like it’s a goodbye.” Tovi’s brow furrowed, her eyes flashing. “We must have our weekly wine nights again.”

Evelyn paused. The promise of a wine night, like they used to have, brought about a comfort she hadn’t felt in so long. But could she enjoy a relaxing night with her friend like old times? She planned to solve McKenna’s murder and leave as soon as she could. Except Evelyn didn’t want to let her friend down.

“Of course,” Evelyn said. “I’ll let you know when I’m free.”

Evelyn parted with her friend and headed into the center of town to start her investigation.

Chapter Seven

Evelyn

Sitting beside the still copper bell at the highest level of the tower, Evelyn had a bird’s-eye view of Callum’s shingled roofs. Chimneys sprouted like brick trunks. In the direction of the sea, blackness ranged for miles. Above everything, the moon shone, lighting the grassy hills in a silvery green. Below, the music from the nightly band at the Runaway Radish filtered outside, along with laughter and singing.

The bell tower had offered as much evidence as Evelyn expected. No signs of a struggle. No signs McKenna had been killed there. Other than the leftover rope from the whaling hook tied to a post protruding from the tower, there was no sign of the murder.

Which meant McKenna had been killed somewhere else, which begged the questions where and why hang her body from the bell tower? A killer would display a body like this to send a message or to mark their territory, but that wasn’t the nature of vampyr.

It didn’t fit.

Evelyn sighed. The few clues pointed to a murder rather than a vampyr attack. She needed to learn more about McKenna to learn more about her death. Tired, Evelyn descended the tower in the hopes Miss Patricia had her old room still available.

Despite the late hour, the Runaway Radish was filled to the brim with guests. Beers and cheery tunes appeared to have brought the town out of the dark mood it had been in since McKenna’s body had been found. Between seeing Tovi and acquiring a job that let her use her training, Evelyn entered the Runaway Radish with a spring in her step. Even her magic thrummed at her fingers. She felt closer to her roots, protecting those around her as if she were back on the Guard.

She headed straight for the bar.

Miss Patricia, cheeks ruddy, beamed as she saw Evelyn. “My dear!” She rounded the bar and gave Evelyn a hug. “Here I thought you’d left!”

“About that...” Evelyn began. She filled Miss Patricia in on her new job with Commissioner Doyle and asked if she could get her old room back, promising rent and a few shifts in the tavern if needed.

Miss Patricia frowned. “I’m sorry, dear, but I gave your suite to another this evening. I have a spare room for guests you can use tonight, but I unfortunately don’t have anything long-term left. Stom season’s a busy time.”

Her stomach sank. She’d taken on a job but now had nowhere to stay. Even though Tovi didn’t have a spare room, maybe she’d offer the couch until Evelyn killed the vampyr. Not ideal, but she’d slept on worse over the last two years: stables, forest floors, wagons. Plus, she’d only be here temporarily.

Evelyn sighed and gave Miss Patricia a small smile. “It’s all right, not a worry.”

“Ya know,” Miss Patricia said, “I have a niece with an apartment available.”

Evelyn had made fair money as a barmaid, but she doubted she could afford an apartment. Nor did she need something so official or long-term. Although having a space of her own sounded nice. Back at home, she’d had her own place with a lovely view of Nua’s city skyline. A kitchen, a dining room. Bookshelves stacked and stacked with endless stories. She’d had her favorite bakery three blocks over. Maybe her new captain’s pay would be enough.

“I’ll check it out,” she said.

“Perfect,” Miss Patricia said. “Now, don’t forget a room comes with dinner and a drink.” She nudged Evelyn’s shoulder. “I’ll give you an extra spoonful and slice of bread.” She gave a parting wink and rounded back behind the bar.

Evelyn smiled, unable to hide her delight at Miss Patricia’s kindness. She saddled up on a wobbly stool at the bar, her smile dropping as her gaze connected with the new bartender.

The huntsman from earlier raised an expectant eyebrow and walked over. Her skin grew hot. Couldn’t anything go right today? Her plan to leave had gone to shit. A vampyr had killed a woman in town. She didn’t have lodging. Of all things, Evelyn didn’t want to deal with the huntsman’s pursuit or irritating questions.

“Aye, Cyrus here will get your supper for the evening,” Miss Patricia said, patting his broad chest. She barely reached his elbow. “Thomas Banks is here tonight, and I better save Maisey the trouble.”