A butler came in and announced Robert’s arrival.

Mary’s messenger squinted as if the low light in the hallway was simply too much for him. Anne had finished her notes for Mary after Murphy had fallen asleep the night before. She handed over her packet and took the one he held out for her.

“Robert, much has happened during the day. Please see one of Brigid Connor’s people for a briefing before you go. I want Mary informed.”

“Yes, Dr. O’Dea.”

“How is everything in Belfast?”

“Your sister is well and healthy.”

“That will be fine.” The little man gave her the shivers. “You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, madam.”

Gemma watched him walk away. “He’s quite something, isn’t he?”

“I do not like him, but he’s absolutely loyal to Mary. I don’t know the details, and I don’t want to.”

“Like most things in politics, it’s probably more palatable that you don’t.”

“Gemma?”

The Englishwoman was watching Terry intently. “Hmm?”

“What is it like? Being consort to a leader like Terry?”

Gemma turned to her. “I never wanted to be so visible, to be honest. But I found that there were many things I could accomplish more effectively in a leadership role. It was a political arrangement from the beginning, Anne. So I’m not sure if there is much wisdom I can offer you if you’re seriously considering Murphy.”

“Would you be happier if Terry gave up the city? Lived a quieter life?”

Gemma looked surprised. “Of course not. That wouldn’t be him. Or me. Not anymore.” She cocked her head, still watching her mate. “I’ve grown into a different person with Terry. I like myself more for it.”

“So it’s worth it?”

“Oh yes.” Her eyes heated. “I would fight to the death for that man.”

“Madam.” An older butler approached Gemma.

“Yes, Adams?”

“The O’Briens have arrived.”

“Which ones?”

“Mister Cormac O’Brien and Miss Novia O’Brien.”

“Thank you, Adams. Please escort them to the library and fetch them in… five minutes, please.”

Anne nodded to Terry. “Do you think he’s finished?”

“He will be.”

Gemma walked over and touched Terry’s shoulder. The vampire spun, baring his teeth. Gemma grabbed the front of his jacket and yanked him down, pressing her mouth to his. Anne saw a trickle of blood fall down Terry’s chin. Roger, his jacket mussed and his lip bloody, looked relieved.

Anne could feel Murphy’s eyes on her. She walked over and sat next to him.

“If I lose my temper like that, will you bring me to my senses by kissing me?”

“No,” she said. “You throw too fast a punch. I might have Carwyn do it for me.”

Carwyn asked, “Do I have to kiss him?”

“Only if you want to.”

“I’ll have to think it over.” Carwyn sniffed. “He’s not my type at all.”

Brigid barked a laugh from the table where she was still hovering over the young man on the computer. Then she yelped and pointed to the computer. “There!”

“Yes, I see it. Give me a moment…” The young man’s fingers flew over the keyboard. “And… there. That’s the best I’ll be able to do. These cameras are not designed for night surveillance.”

Cormac and Novia were announced. The vampire stalked in, his sleeve hanging half-empty and a thunderous expression on his face. Novia’s face was unreadable.

“Ramsay!”

Gemma held up both hands. “Cormac, don’t start. You are the one who refused our protection. There’s only so much we can do—”

“Why the hell did this happen? I’m here less than a week! My daughter, Ramsay. My only daughter!”

“Who is fine,” Novia said quietly. “Lamar did his job. The guy never even touched me.” She looked around, her eyes landing on Carwyn. “Thank you so much. The doctor you sent saved his life. The ones at the hospital said he’d be dead if he hadn’t gotten blood so quickly.”

“I’m glad I could help,” Carwyn said. “Gladder to hear that he’ll recover. He sounds like a good man.”

Anne said, “Cormac, how are you feeling? Your arm—”

“It’ll grow back.” He tossed up his sleeve. “Eventually. At least it’s my left one.”

“But Rens?” Novia asked. “Is he really… dead?”

“It appears so,” Murphy said. “Anne and I went by the house, and I don’t believe he could have survived that fire. Brigid, do you have the surveillance footage?”

“I do.” She twirled her finger, and the young man spun the computer around to face the room. “Roger’s people are trying to track down the private footage that might have caught your house, Cormac, but Rens and his people were staying on a relatively major road, so we were able to see the footage from the traffic cameras.”

“Clever,” Cormac muttered.

“As you can see,” Brigid continued, “Rens and his people entered an hour or so before dawn. The sun comes up. Traffic and all that…”

“Is there access in the back?” Cormac asked.