Blood Finders

By Camille Robson

It's election time for the Preternaturals in Montreal.

There's drama, intrigue, power plays, and murder.

It gets up close and personal when Clementine Bayles' vampire boyfriend/employer is at the top of the list of suspects.

When he is sent into exile, it leaves Clementine, who has just inherited a seek and retrieve agency, trying to clear her boyfriend's name while dealing with a family feud of the vampire kind and new enemies.

Several dramatic events will slow her down, but with the help and support of old and new friends and her newly found biological father, Clementine won't stop until she finds answers and can reveal the vengeful mastermind behind the killings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Camille Robson
• Release date: Dec 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393487142

Book preview

Thank you! Sab, Esben, Ian, Zoe, Max, Marcie, and Asker for your continuous support, presence and patience.

Thank you to all the DJs/music artists/producers, bands, music artists whose music makes a world of difference in writing the Reborn by Blood series.

And last, but not least, thank you DistFM!!!

CHAPTER ONE  

It had been one thing after the other.

First there were dead bodies and then an election campaign that was way too long.

Around the same time, my vampire lover went into forced exile.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Ichiro had been adamant I be with him at the Consortium’s announcement of candidates for the upcoming elections. Both leaders of the Consortium of preternaturals and the Council of Vampires were stepping down. Key positions were up for grabs, including as enforcers and observers.

The Council was looking to put in a new position: Trackers: more than Observers, but not Enforcers.

I was mildly surprised to see other humans present, including Detective Richard Dupuis, who served as a liaison between the Montreal’s police force and the preternatural community.

Ichiro and I were both dressed in his colors. My vampire lover had a passion for everything black and deep purple with a touch of silver.

Separation walls had been pushed aside between conference rooms to accommodate the growing crowd. I noticed that people were hanging around in clusters and not necessarily by race. Ichiro led me to the group around Yared, the soon to be ex-leader of the Council now seeking the top position at the Consortium.

Although Ichiro and I had agreed to minimal conversation between us, with so many preternaturals around, he still leaned closer and whispered in my ear.

This is about to get either very boring or mildly entertaining.

Lady Trianna, the current leader of the Consortium, a woman of Fae origin, finally walked in with her consort, Cornelius, close behind her. She looked dramatic and flawless in a knee-length black knit dress,  her auburn hair done up in a high ponytail.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends... She said.

Instantly, the noise of conversations fell to a hush.

You have been invited here tonight to hear the names of the candidates for the position of CEO of the Consortium and leadership of the Council of vampires.

I still found it amusing that the preternaturals, some very old, insisted on modern administrative terms and titles.

Now, who seeks to lead the Consortium? Trianna asked.

Yared was the first to move forward. He was stepping down as leader of the vampire council.

I, Yared Negasi, outgoing leader of the Council of Vampires, seek to lead the Consortium.

Then a tall man with very white skin and long curly red hair stood steps away from a small group.

I, Kyle, of the East End Wolves, seek to lead the Consortium. And so, it went for several more minutes. There was a female weretiger Siena amongst the contenders and a Fae, Celine.

A woman, vampire, with long wavy black hair, dressed in a red and gold dress, stepped out of the shadows.

My name is Silvestra and I seek the position of leader of the Council.

I felt several people react, including Ichiro.

I thought we were done with announcements when the scent of rotten leaves made me jump. I wasn’t the only one who noticed it. Several preternaturals turned their attention to the door opening.  Someone I’d recently met walked in and he was not alone.

Gaspard de Courmont was imposing in an unusual way. His long sleek hair, the color of dark pewter, draped his shoulders. Tall and lean, he was dressed all in black, his clothes spoke of too much wearing. He wore a red scarf around his neck. His eyes were the color of soot.

The small group around him were all young women and men, dressed in the same manner; they were all vampires.

Please forgive our late arrival. The people of the Cold Earth clan are also seeking several seats at the Council and the leadership of the Consortium. You can add the name of Gaspard de Courmont to the list to lead the Consortium and the Council.

Then he walked in our direction. He was looking at me. For the briefest moment I wanted to hide behind Ichiro, but then I remembered I hadn’t exactly mentioned to my lover, and employer, my encounter with Monsieur de Courmont.

I felt Ichiro’s power going up a notch when the French vampire came to stand very close to me. I realized that the room had fallen silent.

This little one is good at keeping secrets. So many secrets. He looked up at Ichiro and added. Intriguing woman. Careful not to get burned, Monsieur.

It took a lot of self-control not to exhale a sigh of relief when he turned his back on us, now looking at Logan.

Monsieur Carmichael, you are also quite secretive. I always remember secretive people.

He walked back to the door, then turned around and declared.

No matter what happens in this election, the people of my clan shall not be excluded again. Ever.

And he walked out with his followers.

I’m intrigued too. Ichiro whispered in my ear.

Trianna was looking at me in an odd way. She cleared her throat and said.

Moving on. Now, for the Vampire Council, who seeks to lead and replace Yared?

Tarquin Sar was the first to announce his intentions to run, then he looked at everyone around the room, and walked out.

Of course, now there was Gaspard de Courmont who had just told us he was interested in the position.

Trianna declared. Voting will take place fifteen nights from now, Wednesday, March 28, both for the Consortium and the Council. Voting will start at nine in the morning, ending twelve hours later.

Ichiro and others had told me that usually a campaign lasted five days, so why the longer one now?

Trianna was about to walk out when she stopped not far from a small group of preternaturals. A woman stared in Trianna’s direction, and I clearly saw surprise, and something not too pleasant on Trianna’s face. Then she walked away. The other woman, tall, muscular, black hair in a high ponytail, actually snickered as she also stepped out.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

We had seen a lot of places for sale and for rent. Ichiro was still undecided.

There had been a completely renovated old schoolhouse.

It’s nice, but I already have a house in the country, right?

Maybe you would like another one? I’d said.

We had been to several high-rise luxury apartments. One had waterfront views.

It would be a pleasant change of scenery, although I won’t see the water in daylight.

We had driven to a smaller town beyond the West Island. There we had visited a small yellow house. Ichiro had insisted on seeing it.

I like this, for both of us. He’d declared.

But this is for you, Ichiro. I’d replied very carefully.

Ichiro had even requested to see a bungalow in the East End.

The agent had shown us an 1800 square feet house with a large garage and a pool.

I’ve never done this, Clementine. It could be the title of my next chronicles. Reborn in suburbia.

I don’t know if I would be more worried for the residents or for him.

We were now touring an older house built in the 1920s.

Ichiro was looking more at the real estate agent with a mix of interest and hunger. She was showing him the large master bedroom while I stayed behind in the hallway. I still didn’t understand why Ichiro was interested in dealing with a human real estate agent versus one who dealt with preternaturals, except maybe it was also for the hunt.

I’d set up this appointment along with another one. We were supposed to work later on a plan for the third book of his chronicles. Wearing a black pullover sweater over black leather pants with his dramatic duster jacket, he was following the young woman like the handsome, graceful predator he was.

I was not too keen on being a spectator to his sport tonight.

My cell phone kept buzzing against my thigh, and I’d been trying to ignore it. Now feeling like a third wheel, I cleared my throat and said.

Will you excuse me? I need to take this call.

I got no reaction from either of them. Ichiro was focused on the dark-haired young woman with the pencil skirt and a white blouse that had been buttoned up only so much under her jacket.

As I listened to my messages, I felt something between alarm for the real estate agent’s wellbeing and something very close to jealousy.

I was even tempted to interrupt Ichiro with what I called internal conversation, which was really some telepathic link we had because of our blood bond.

I was so distracted by my thoughts, I had to listen to the first message again.

Miss Bayle, this is Detective Dupuis. Could you call me back as soon as possible? Thank you.

The second message was from my cousin Pauline.

Clementine, I guess you’re already in bed. I just had a vivid dream about Hugo. It was a really bad one. Benoit thinks I’m worrying too much. Could you call me when you get up?

I’d been thinking about my cousin Hugo all day. I didn’t like this at all.

The last message was from a woman with a British accent who just said.

Clementine Bayle, we need to talk. I’ll ring back in a couple of hours. 

The voice sounded very familiar.

I went back to join Ichiro and the real estate agent, Marielle, who were back in the living room.

Clementine, what do you think? Is this the right space for work and play? Ichiro asked with a sexy grin.

I was just grateful he was not showing fangs.

I shrugged.

It’s not exactly you, is it? I asked.

From the beginning, I’d thought that Ichiro had decided to visit this house as an excuse to meet this real estate agent face to face.

I don’t know, Clementine. Under the right circumstances, I could warm up to all this wood.

Suddenly he seemed to pick up on my mood.

I think I want to take a little bit more time to look at this property. You go on ahead, I’m sure that Miss Marielle can spare a few more minutes.

Miss Marielle had a gleam in her eye that told me she had more than a few moments to spare for Ichiro.

I nodded curtly.

I’ll see you later.

His attention was back fully on his next meal. He had not even bothered to ask me if I needed a lift anywhere. Fortunately for me, there was a bus stop near this house.

I took the bus up to Snowdon subway station, then I called Detective Dupuis.

His tone was abrupt.

How soon can you get here?

"As quickly as the public transit will get me to wherever you want me to be? Which is where and what is this all about?

I’d rather not get into it on the phone. I’ll give you the address. It’s an old warehouse. I’ll explain when you get here.

The address he’d given me was in Ville Saint-Laurent. I thought it was more prudent to call Vas; after all his boss was rather busy at the moment...

Wait inside the station. It shouldn’t take me too long.

Vassili Delukov showed up ten minutes later in a black SUV. He was Ichiro’s chief of security, a powerful werewolf, and sorcerer, but also a temptation that kept getting under my skin in the most pleasant and disturbing way. He got out of his vehicle to open the passenger door for me. Over six foot five, Vas’ well-toned body was impressive.

I told him about Detective Dupuis’s call.

It won’t take us that long to get there.

He drove fast, but not carelessly. His long black hair was in a ponytail tonight.

What do you think this is about? He asked.

I don’t know, but I’ve had a dreadful premonition about my cousin Hugo for the past few days.

You were with Ichiro tonight? I’m not sure if he knew about his boss and my lover’s schedule.

Yes, but he was rather distracted when I left him.

Vas smirked.

Sorry, Clementine. For a moment there, I thought you sounded jealous. Who was she?

The real estate agent. I said too abruptly.

I’m just being protective and proactive.

Of course. He whispered back.

Vas stopped between two warehouses. Three other vehicles were parked near, including a van.

I followed Vas, who seemed to know where we had to go. We had no problem finding an unlocked door as we made our way to a large storage room, clean and uncluttered. There was a very small group of people, one which turned around when we came in. Detective Dupuis with two police officers. Standing further were Seth and two other male vampires I didn’t know.

They were all looking at me.

He stepped in front of me before I could go any further.

I thought you would return my call earlier.

Sorry. What’s going on?

You might want to brace yourself. He said. I’m sorry Clementine. I believe this is your cousin Hugo?

I walked past him. Vas was behind me, his hand on the small of my back.

Hugo was lying on his stomach, shirtless. His head was at a weird angle, and I could see several bite marks on his neck.

He’s been drained. Seth stated. Whoever did this didn’t want him to rise again.

There had been no love lost between Hugo and I, especially since he had resurfaced in Montreal after years in Europe. He’d come back to Canada with a British woman, a female vampire Ichiro had once known as a human lover. There had been no tearful family reunion with Hugo, for me, or my cousin Pauline. He had been vindictive, threatening, and hateful.

Yet, right now, I felt some sadness for the young man whose body had been left so empty and exposed.

I sighed as Vas asked.

Where’s Faye?

No one has seen or heard from her in a while. Seth said. Clementine, where were you and Ichiro tonight?

I felt Vas tense beside me.

Are we under suspicion here, Seth? This is my cousin. I turned to Detective Dupuis. Is there going to be an official investigation?

The two police officers had stayed further back.

The detective shook his head.

No, but the Council will look into it because he was close to Faye, who had been close to Ichiro and because Hugo was your cousin.

Clementine, you don’t have to say anything. Vas whispered.

It’s okay. Ichiro picked me up around 7:30 tonight, then we went to visit several properties for sale. I left Ichiro at a house with the real estate agent.

Now all three male vampires were looking at each other, and I could swear I saw one smirk. This was not helping my mood. Detective Dupuis was still taking notes.

Sorry, Clementine. The detective said. It’s just that there was some history between Ichiro and your cousin’s lover, and the last few meetings between you and Hugo had not been very friendly.

That was quite the understatement.

When was the last time you talked to your cousin?

It’s been a while. He left me several messages in recent weeks, but we were never able to connect.

You have witnesses who saw Ichiro and you tonight? Seth asked.

I nodded. I can get you names and addresses. Could this have anything to do with the elections?

I doubt it. Seth said. It feels too personal for that.

Vas spoke up.

Yet, incidents involving humans have happened during past elections.

I felt Seth might be right. The message was meant for me or Ichiro.

I was wondering how I would explain this to my cousin Pauline and how would his family learn about it. The fact that we were more like sisters put me in a delicate position, especially since she’d had precognitive dreams about Hugo.

I turned to the little group.

Did you notify the family?

No, you’re the first one I called.

How did you find out?

An anonymous tip.

He didn’t seem to make much of this.

Will there be an investigation from the Council and who’s going to look into this? I asked.

Seth was the one who spoke up.

We will look into it because Hugo was human.  Detective Dupuis will help, but we were wondering if you might be able to assist him with Hugo’s family?

I had an idea about what they were really asking me.

Couldn’t we tell them he went back to Europe? I asked.

That would be your decision. I don’t think the Council would have a problem with it. There will still be some kind of enquiry. Seth’s tone had been all business.

What about your colleagues, detective Dupuis?

Part of my special team. They won’t talk to anyone about this.

So, they would cover it up.

Will you let Ichiro and I know of your findings?

I’d made sure to put Ichiro’s name first in my question, as I was perceived as his subordinate. I thought I saw amusement in Seth’s gaze.

Of course. He simply replied.

I walked closer to Hugo’s body and lowered myself enough to touch his shoulder. I felt mixed emotions about my dead cousin who had aspired to join the rank of the Reborns. I also felt a little guilty when I tried to sense any residual power or energy from him but found none.

But there was something else.

I just had to ask the next question.

How can you be sure he will not rise?

We’re certain, Clementine.

The two vampires standing behind Seth just nodded in agreement.

Okay, well, I guess you’ll take care of the body?  I asked.

We will.

It felt awkward not to do something more personal for Hugo. I’d done something in memory of Neal, even if I knew Ichiro had brought him back with both our blood and magick. Neal had been a new friend, but not family. Hugo was.

Could I have a moment alone with him, to say goodbye?

The vampires looked annoyed. Detective Dupuis mildly surprised.

He was the one who said.

Of course. We’ll all be outside.

I lowered myself near Hugo’s body, balancing myself on the balls of my feet.

I waited until I heard the heavy industrial door close.

Hey Hugo, I sighed. You know, I wish you would have come to see us, Pauline and me, before all of this, before Faye, before you left for Europe. We could have helped each other.

I ran my fingers through his hair like I would with a child.

The worst part is I know those last few times we met you wouldn’t have hesitated in harming me. I’m still sad about what happened to you, and I’ll make sure the ones responsible are found and dealt with.

I surprised myself with those last words, but I meant it.

I put my hand on my dead cousin’s shoulder again and now could sense something else.

Vas was still behind me.

Vas, can you watch the door for me?

I put my hand on the floor beside Hugo’s body. There, I could sense vampire energy signatures, several, but also strong emotions that were not mine; anger, outrage, hunger.

Ichiro will have to watch his back. I said out loud.

After several minutes of silence, Vas said.

He’ll have to do more than that.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

I hadn’t been able to reach Ichiro. Vas was driving silently, giving me some personal space.

I wonder if Faye dumped my cousin. I asked out loud. I felt bad for thinking this. It seemed inappropriate.

Vas cleared his throat.

She hasn’t been seen for several nights now.

I turned to him, frowning.

Isn’t this normal for her?

Less likely after parading your cousin though nightclubs announcing she was about to bring him to the Reborn side. Her and Ichiro had an argument last week.

He hadn’t told me that. I didn’t want to show this to Vas. Then again, this was Vas. So, I asked.

Do you know what they were arguing about?

Something about their past relationship.

Vas stopped there, didn’t elaborate.

I had time to notice Vas was not driving us anywhere I knew before Vas parked the car near a small bar. We were both silent until he said.

Come on. He said. Let’s go in and have a drink. We need to talk. I’m buying.

This was a little out of character for Vas. I could have protested, but I was curious, and I wanted company right now.

We walked in a small bar with a lot of black leather and chrome. Some goth metal music was pouring out of the speakers. Patrons spoke English and another language. A young man with long hair in a ponytail wearing a black muscle shirt greeted Vas.

Vassili, it’s been too long. Where have you been roaming?

In different circles than yours, Ivan.

Obviously interesting young women can be found where you hide.

I never hide, Ivan. Vas said without a smile.

What can I get you and this lovely lady?

A pitcher of red on tap would be nice.

Without waiting for a response, Vas led me to the back of the bar.

He wasn’t in the mood for small talk.

Clementine, our employer needs to do something about this person trying to frame him. It could get much worse.

I’d never heard Vas talk like this, not in that tone or with that choice of words.

Maybe someone should talk to him, like his chief of security? I said calmly.

Ivan had sent a young woman wearing a short blond pixie cut with a pitcher of beer and two glasses.

When the young woman walked away, I said.

You’re really worried about the situation?

I’m getting there, Clementine.

I suddenly remembered the last message that had been left on my voicemail.

Vas, I want you to listen to something. I said. I accessed the message through my voicemail and handed him my phone.

That’s Faye. He was frowning. Why would she call you?

I don’t know, but I don’t like the fact she didn’t call back.

I was tapping my finger against my glass when I felt Vas stare.

Sorry, more and more, this feels like a setup. I’m not sure about everything else, but what happened to my cousin definitely feels like it’s part of something bigger and orchestrated.

You sensed something back there?

Perhaps, I’m not sure...

Do you think this has to do with our employer being more involved with Council politics? I asked.

No, but it’s not helping. Look, I did try to talk to him, but I feel he’s been dismissive. Vas said.

I sat back.

And you think I should talk to him, but about doing what exactly, Vas?

The tall man’s energy was strong tonight. It felt more edgy than nervous, which was good but still worried me.

He has to find a way to stop the escalation from his enemies. There are obvious solutions.

I sighed.

I’ll talk to him.

Maybe he should get away from backing any candidate. Vas said.

Vas, things started before the election. It feels personal.

Vas was frowning again.

Why do you say that?

I drank some beer before saying.

My intuition. Every time I’ve felt one of his enemies, the energy was vengeful... and definitely personal.

I had a theory who had been behind a lot of the attacks, including the one on our friend Neal, but Ichiro and other vampires were weary of pointing the finger at one obvious culprit.

Vas, why are you so edgy about all of this?

I couldn’t remember a time when Vas and I had this kind of conversation, direct and a little abrupt.

It’s the escalation. Ever since I’ve known Ichiro, there’s been some incidents, but nothing like this. Feels like it’s intensifying.

We drank silently for a while. I looked around. The customers here were mostly male, some of them speaking in a Slavic language I thought could be Russian.

So where are we? I asked.

Oh, old comrades, almost guaranteed privacy.

Pack mates?

Not really, but there’s respect that’s been earned through favors done. Vas said.

Ah, I see.

Clementine, what happened with Gaspard? He asked.

I sighed.

Small incident Ichiro is not aware of yet.

Ichiro definitely suspects something.

More for myself than Vas, I said.

The DJ and I, it can get complicated.

For the first time tonight, I saw the ghost of a smile on Vas’ lips.

That’s an understatement. Then he added. Sorry, no disrespect intended.

I smiled. None taken.

I finished the content of my glass.

As I said, let me try to talk to him. I also have to deal with Hugo’s demise.

Vas expression changed.

Sorry Clementine, I should have waited...

No, you were right to bring this up. How about if I talk to Tarquin? I believe he’ll still want Ichiro’s backing, but maybe he’ll have an idea how to slow down events?

Just be careful with Tarquin Sar. Trust your intuition.

I tried to smile. I always try.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Sadly, it didn’t take that long for me to figure out how to tell my cousin Pauline about Hugo’s disappearance. I wanted to do this quickly. Not a lot of our relatives were aware Hugo had been back in Montreal.

Hugo hadn’t even seen his parents.

It was bad enough there would be repercussions through the preternatural community; I wanted to take care of the human side swiftly.

I was going to have to share altered truths with Pauline, again.

I asked Gilbert, half-goblin, half-Fae, and my personal cabdriver, for a ride to the South Shore. I told him most of what I was about to do. He already knew about Hugo.

He simply stated.

He didn’t rise, you know.

I guess that’s a relief. I still felt torn because, after all, Hugo had been family.

He’ll be watched for several more nights to be on the safe side.

Gilbert listened and heard a lot from preternaturals.

I was thinking about what I would say to Pauline when Gilbert added.

Faye is still missing.

Is she really missing?

That’s what a lot of people are wondering. He said casually.

We were finally in front of Pauline’s store.

Would you like me to wait, Clementine?

I don’t know how long this is going to take. I think I’ll be okay.

He nodded. Call if you need a ride back to town.

When I walked into her store, Pauline was talking to two older women who looked like customers. I went to browse in her books section.

My cousin had a metaphysical bookstore that catered to new agers and practicing wiccans. She was a seasoned witch herself, powerful, earthy and business savvy.

Pauline joined me when the customers left.

Hi, can you get away for coffee? I asked.

Her face remained unreadable, except for some sadness in her eyes.

I have one of the assistant managers coming in, but she’s a little late. Can we wait for her?

Of course. I said. Things seem to be doing well here?

She nodded.

I really feel blessed. There are a lot of other stores like mine hurting and closing.

You’ve worked hard to get the store where it is, Pauline. Do you still have plans for a second store?

I was aware I was making sort of small talk and I think Pauline knew it too.

She waited a beat before answering.

I’m going to have to make a choice.

Her assistant manager finally came in. Pauline grabbed her coat, and we walked to a small café several blocks from the store.

Pauline got us a table while I went to the main counter and ordered a latte for myself and tea for Pauline. My cousin was sitting near the front window.

Turning her head, she looked at me and said.

I already know about our cousin.

I just nodded and sat down.

I dreamt about him again early this morning. She said. He turned his back to me and was just gone. Clementine, do I really need to know more than what the dream hinted at?

This time, I shook my head.

The details are on the side of things you’d rather not hear about.

She sighed heavily.

What will we tell our families, his parents?

That he left both of us a letter. That he’s gone back to Europe for good. He didn’t leave an address. He wants no contact with his family. That’s what he did the first time he left the country.

Pauline gripped her cup tightly between her hands as if she needed the extra warmth.

Did you talk to him? Did you see him before...

Yes, and it was rather awkward, but I did let him know that in our heart he will always be family.

That’s good.

I could tell there was something else on her mind.

What else is troubling you, Pauline?

I heard something through the channels about a confrontation between witches and... some of the people you’ve been researching.

She was being subtle. She suspected I was more than doing research about the preternaturals in the city.

I shrugged and immediately regretted it.

You might have heard right.

There’s a witch looking for sanctuary. Pauline said.

Let me guess. Her name starts with a J. I whispered very softly.

She sounds confused, in need of direction. Pauline said.

I smirked. My cousin looked at me harshly.

Sorry, Pauline, but there’s more to that story and if you want, I’ll tell it to you one day. Maybe this young girl was fooled like others in that group. Maybe she deserves another chance. It’s not my call to make.

Did she harm you?

I shook my head.

No, and I should point out that she did something to redeem herself a bit.

I should get back to the store, Clementine. I’ll let my parents know about Hugo. I’ll tell them he talked to you before leaving.

I followed her outside. Steps from the café. She stopped and hugged me fiercely.

Don’t take any chances. You’re like a sister to me. I don’t want to lose you. She whispered in my ear.

I’m being as careful as I can be. I whispered back.

I wrapped my arm around hers, heading back to her store.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Gilbert had dropped me off near the police station where Detective Dupuis worked. It was sort of a ruse to get to my new office. I did go in the station to ask if Detective Dupuis was around and was told he was due in around four.

I scribbled a brief note on a piece of paper asking him to call me about my cousin.

I made my way to the building where I had inherited a business and an office from my biological father and my guardian, both firebirds. I hadn’t seen the first in weeks, and the latter was nowhere to be found. He was between death and rebirth.

I bought myself a coffee and made my way up to the second floor of the large, renovated building.

I needed space to think, but also to catch up on a case I’d taken on.

I’d just taken off my boots when I heard my cellphone ring. I fished it out of my bag.

It was Zoe, one of my two best friends.

Hey stranger! I said before she said it.

Hey yourself, you’re not home.

No, running some errands.

I see. Look, I was wondering if you would be free for lunch this weekend. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.

I felt myself cringe inside. That was the bad part of this whole double life. Since meeting Ichiro, it felt like I was neglecting family and friends.

Clementine, are you still there?

Yes, I am, and lunch sounds like a fabulous idea.

Would you mind if Max joined us? She asked.

Max was Zoe’s new beau, and I’d been intrigued, especially since she’d been dating him for weeks and I had not met him yet.

Oh, I finally get to meet the mysterious Max?

She laughed. Listen to you, it’s not like you don’t have a mystery man in your life yourself.

Touché. I said. Where do you want to meet?

She gave me the name and address of a newly opened a restaurant near the Plateau, a trendy part of town.

We’d just finished talking when my cellphone rang again.

Hi Clementine, it’s Gilbert. Tarquin would like to know if you’re available for drinks around seven-thirty?

Oh, Hi Gilbert, yes that would be fine.

Where should I pick you up? He asked.

Charlevoix subway station, is that okay?

Sure, I’ll be there at six-fifteen.

It’s not that I was at the beck and call of people like Tarquin, but he may be in a position to shed some light on some recent events.

I ‘d started keeping some clothes in one of the office’s closets. A casual outfit and a more dressed up one.

My life felt like it was getting more complicated.

At least it was not boring.

I closed the door of one of the smaller offices and changed my jeans and sweater for a pair of black dress pants, a copper-colored camisole and a black cashmere jacket. I took the time to turn on the computer I was using in the office and add some notes and questions to a file I was working on. I opened a new file for Hugo.

When I sat at the back of Gilbert’s cab, he turned around and said. I’m really sorry about your cousin Hugo.

Clearing my throat, I said.

We were not close, you know.

His gaze met mine.

But you still want answers and justice. He was family.

It had not been a question, but a statement.

I just nodded.

He drove quietly