Missing Links

By Camille Robson

"To be honest, I'd been getting some precognitive feelings about what was happening.

About the missing.

My vampire lover, DJ Ravenus, has not been seen for several weeks. His longtime friend Calum also left town around the same time.

Wesley went ahead to the West Coast without me in search of his father.

Nick came to see me days ago about his son, my friend Jon. His girlfriend, Zoe, hadn't seen him for days. Nick hadn't been able to reach him.

And now it looks like Logan Carmichael has vanished. 

What the hell is going on?"

As winter is about to settle in, some important people have gone missing from Clementine Bayle's life.

Connections have been silenced; a major link cut off.

Her vampire boyfriend, DJ Ravenus, has been out of reach since he went to the West Coast, along with his longtime companion, Calum.

Her friend Jon has disappeared without a word.

And now it looks like Logan Carmichael, whom Clementine recently saved from an execution, has also vanished.

If that was not enough, one of the Vampire Council's enforcers, the one she resents the most, wants to hire her agency to look for an arcane object, one that may be responsible for the fate of a cursed man also seeking her help through the Dreamlands.

In Missing Links, Clementine Bayle is trying to find answers while mending some old links and creating bold new ones.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Camille Robson
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223674979

Book preview

Thank you!

Sabine, Ian, Esben, Max and Lori for your continuous support and patience!

Allfar, I am forever grateful for all your help and inspiration!

Cover design: Camille Robson

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

As winter is about to settle in, some important people in my life have gone missing.

Connections have been silenced; A major link cut off.

To be honest, I’d been getting some precognitive feelings about what’s been happening.

Ichiro has not been seen for several weeks. His longtime friend, Calum, seems to also have left town.

Wesley went ahead to the West Coast without me.

Nick came to see me days ago about Jon. Something’s wrong. Zoe hadn’t seen him for days. Nick couldn’t reach him.

And now it looks like Logan had vanished. 

What the hell is going on?

Good thing I run a search and retrieve agency called Finders.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

CHAPTER 1

(Weeks ago...)

I woke up to an email from Ichiro’s fellow deejays at his club, Vibes.

We’re missing an owner and can’t reach the new manager. Hate to bother you with this, but we need your help, or at least some advice.

Naveen and Suresh were also Ichiro’s longtime friends.

They asked me if I had any idea where Ichiro was.

No but let me see if I can find some answers.

I thought the best place to start would be the Homebound Pub.

Maybe Calum knew something.

When I walked into the pub, Mona Curran looked like she hadn’t slept much, but still managed a smile and a hug.

What’s wrong? I whispered.

Can’t find my boyfriend.

Mona was one of the waitresses at the pub and co-owner with Patrick Taylor, the bartender, and her boyfriend Calum McGrath.

I wanted to say that there seemed to be a lot of that going on right now, but instead I asked.

What do you mean? Where’s Calum?

He has not been at the pub and he’s not at his apartment.

When was the last time you saw him?

We spent time together four nights ago at his place. I haven’t heard from or seen him since. He left me a note saying not to worry, that he had to go out of town for a while, but nothing else.

Her voice was shaking, and there were tears in her eyes.

I handed her a tissue.

I have to get back to work. She said, clearing her throat.

We’ll talk later. I whispered and hugged her.

I was making my way to a remote table when I saw a familiar figure stand up and gesture to his table.

Thomas Cosgrove was tall, a little on the hefty side with mousy brown short hair and dressed like a British gentleman might have in the Fifties.

The vampire known as Thomas the Chaos Bringer was one I had been trying to avoid, but didn’t want to annoy him, or worst.

Thomas. Good to see you again.

May I have the pleasure of your company?

Without Ichiro in town, I felt I didn’t have a choice.

You never knew how Thomas would take a refusal.

After all, he was one of the enforcers for the Vampire Council.

I sat down.

He had found a way to tone down his arcane energy, which tended to clash with mine.

How have you been, Clementine?

Good, but a little busier than usual. And you Thomas?

Preoccupied. Thank you for asking. How are things with your agency?

I was not surprised he knew about Finders. Several members of the preternatural community did.

Busy. Suddenly there are a lot of cases.

Mona came to deliver a pitcher of russet beer.

I sensed she was a little nervous.

I would have to reassure her later. She had enough on her mind right now.

After she left, Thomas said.

I may have a case for your agency myself.

I didn’t want to reject him too quickly. Better hear him out.

You should ask Ichiro if he would allow it.

I have already contacted him. He did not foresee any problems. I can show you the email.

So, Thomas had been in contact with Ichiro?

Had Ichiro sent this before leaving?

Asking to see the email would probably be insulting to Thomas.

Oh, that won’t be necessary. I can give you an evening appointment for this week.

He smiled, but it was merely polite.

Or we can discuss it over dinner tonight. I’ll pay for your meal and your time.

Before I could say anything, he gestured to Mona, who came over to take my order. After she had walked away, he said.

As I said, I would like to hire you and your agency.

I held up my hand and whispered.

Thomas, sorry to interrupt, but do you feel this is the best place to discuss this?

He nodded.

Yes. With a privacy spell, we will be fine.

Thomas talked about the books he was reading until my dinner of hamburger and sweet potato fries were served. Then, after putting a privacy spell around us, Thomas said.

I would like you to find and retrieve some missing funds, a personal notebook, and a vintage art object that were stolen from me.

Do you know who took them?

I have a very strong suspicion about the identity of the culprit.

Have you contacted detective Dupuis?

Inspector Richard Dupuis, and his special unit, were part of the city’s police force, but they mostly answered to the organizations overseeing the preternatural community in Montreal, The Consortium, and the Vampire Council.

The inspector was not available to look into the matter. I believe he is on vacation. One of his colleagues referred me to your agency.

There was a slight tone of irritation in his voice.

You said you had strong suspicions about the culprit.

Yes, short of strong proofs, I believe she is the one who stole from me.

He added. She was my accountant.

What was the name of your accountant?

Melissa. Melissa Tremblay, although I’m not sure anymore if that surname was real.

I knew who he was talking about, and I hoped it didn’t show.

You said was, past tense. She no longer works for you?

I had to let her go.

Hs facial expression didn’t change.

It rarely did.

He was one of the most stoic vamps I had met.

Yet, when he had talked about what was missing, he was more than annoyed. He was very eager to get something back.

I could feel it.

Can you tell me how much money went missing?

Twenty thousand dollars I kept in a safe.

And the vintage art object? Oh, can I take notes?

Maybe after your supper?

Of course.

When I was done, I asked Thomas more questions.

When did you notice your money and property had disappeared?

Soon after I ended Melissa’s contract.

If I may ask, when was that?

About three months ago.

And why did you end her contract?

I decided to hire someone from the community.

About that antique. Can you give me a description? Do you have a drawing or a photo?

If you find Melissa, I can find the object.

I didn’t want to imagine what he would do to her.

So, you would hire me to find her, but not your stolen property?

He was hesitating.

I couldn’t remember Thomas being hesitant about anything.

If it’s an issue of trust, Thomas...

He drank some wine, then said.

Actually, I do not care that much about finding her or the money, but I really want to retrieve that personal object she took from me. If you can find out about its whereabouts, then she could lead you to my stolen property.

Do you have a photo of Melissa? Since she has worked for you, you would have an address, a phone number, a social insurance number, and her bank account details?

I had very little information about her, and some of it may have been false. I have not been able to find out anything by myself, but maybe you will have better luck than me. I’ve brought that information with me.

He went through a leather portfolio and handed me several sheets of paper.

He looked at his watch.

I hate to cut this short, but I have another appointment.

Of course. Thomas, I can look into this, but I can’t guarantee results.

I understand. I will pay a retainer tonight. When do you think you will be able to get back to me?

Give me a couple of days, and some ways to contact you?

I will be the one contacting you. He said rather firmly. May I have the email address for your agency?

I gave him a card, then pulled out, from my bag, copies of forms from Finders. I filled out one for the retainer.

Thomas didn’t fill out a lot of information. I didn’t point it out to him.

He paid in cash.

After he left, rather quickly, I saw that Brandon, one of the chefs at the pub, was trying to get my attention.

Brandon was Fae, related to the royals of the Autumn court. He’d kept his hair platinum blond, but it was now longer, covering the top of his ears.

I followed the young Fae into the kitchen.

What’s up, Brandon?

Have you talked to Wesley lately?

Wesley was a half-human, half-vampire who lived with Brandon and a young demon, Noruk. He had recently asked me to help locate his father.

He called me a couple of nights ago. Why? He’s not working tonight?

He’s gone out of town. He told me and Noruk that he had some personal business to take care of. As for Patrick, he told him he was taking a couple of weeks off. He left this for you.

He handed me an envelope, which I quickly put in my messenger bag.

Noruk is worried.

I’ll talk to him. What about you? Are you worried?

Puzzled. It’s a little out of character for Wesley to do something like this, but I have something else on my mind.

He looked like he wanted me to ask what it was. So, I did.

My darling aunt is in town, and she’s asked what I’d heard about your agency. I got the feeling she might contact you.

His aunt, Lady Trianna, another Fae from the Autumn Court, had been a leader of the Consortium until the last election, when she had stepped down. Last I’d heard, she was back in her realm with her consort, Cornelius, a human mage.

Thanks for the heads up. What do you think she wants?

I don’t know, but she’s not in a good mood.

The evening was getting "crazier’ by the minute.

I called Gilbert and asked him if he could give me a ride home.

While I was waiting for Gilbert, I thought about Wesley and Ichiro. I knew Wesley had gone to the West Coast, and that’s also where Ichiro and Calum might be.

Both were looking for someone and answers.

I had a strange gut feeling about all of this.

Not a good one.

I’m glad you called. Gilbert said when I got in his cab. We need to talk.

Gilbert, part-Fae, part Goblin, was my favorite cab driver but also a buddy, a good listener, very chatty, but a valuable source of information.

Let’s go to the Cafeteria. I could use a little something to eat.

I was tired, but also curious.

The Cafeteria was one of our hang-out spots for serious conversations, a 24-hour eatery that catered mostly to students.

Can you tell me what this is about?

Thomas, Troy, and a shady leprechaun.

The Leprechaun in question had to be Clive, also sort of a spy.

Once we got to The Cafeteria, Gilbert ordered something to eat while I found us a remote table.

When he came back with his food, he declared.

I know you’ve probably already eaten, but I got you a little something.

The little something was a brownie with a latte.

Thank you, Gilbert.

I was getting my wallet out when he looked at me, slightly stunned.

Oh, no! This is a gift!

Well, that’s very nice of you! Thanks! So, talk to me? What is this about Troy?

He was midway through the second bite of his burger. When he was done, he said.

We need a little privacy.

He muttered something, and I felt arcane energy blanketing us.

I’ve already seen Clive twice this week.

I felt myself frown.

The first time, it was at night. He was walking in the Homebound Pub with Thomas Cosgrove. I was picking up a client.

Did he see you?

I don’t think so. Although you may think he had since he called and asked to meet me yesterday. But he never talked about the pub.

What did he want to talk about?

Troy. He had questions about him. He was trying for a casual approach, but he had too many questions.

What kind of questions?

About what kind of preter he was.

What did you tell him?

That, to my knowledge, he was a mage and a shapeshifter. I also told him he was a buddy.

I was frowning again.

Why would you tell him that?

Because, with Clive, you never know. He might already have seen me with Troy. I wonder why he was meeting with Thomas this week.

I’m starting to think it might have something to do with my meeting with Thomas tonight.

Oh?

For business purposes. Something I can’t talk about yet.

I understand.

I had been tempted to tell Gilbert about some of the missing, but I needed to do more groundwork by myself first.

I let Gilbert finish his meal while I ate some of the brownie.

Clem, when I first met Troy, I did a bit of research about djinns, very discreetly, and I’ve learned that a djinn can be stolen and compelled to work for someone else.

I had read the same thing.

I wonder if there’s a way to prevent this.

I think you should talk to Troy about it.

Now, I was worried about Troy, but also about Sahenah.

What if Tarquin knew about this?

I couldn’t think of a way to find out from Gilbert. Instead, I asked.

Gilbert, how close are you to Clive?

Oh, not that close! He sought me out, years ago, thinking I could be useful to him, being a cab driver, you know. Before you ask, when I met Clive, I didn’t know who he truly was. But, after hearing rumors about him, I became more careful about talking to him.

Then he added.

We have to protect Troy.

I nodded.

Yes, we do. Gilbert. Can you let me know if Clive contacts you again?

I definitely will.

Once back in my apartment, I warmed up some milk for hot chocolate.

I was going to send an email to Clydan about Thomas and his request. Then, at the last minute, I saved it as a draft, not sending it.

Clive had been close, hiding, when I had removed Curtis Marshall’s curse and freed his tattooed victims from his skin.

Logan had seen him and told me about it.

Clive had witnessed who had survived and was supposedly very good at finding information.

I had rescued one of the leprechaun’s relatives, who Clive had claimed was his cousin.

But what would he get out of telling Thomas he had seen Melissa?

Money? A favor owed? Or did he already know about what Thomas was looking for and wanted it for himself?

Or maybe he was also working for someone else?

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

When I walked into the offices of Finders, Magnus, Vas, and Nell were all standing near the reception desk.

Vas and Nell are here to offer their help with protection for you and the agency, if you need it. Was Magnus’ greeting.

I almost lost it. It took me a lot of self-control not to get emotional.

I cleared my throat.

First things, first. Magnus, as you know, a small group of neighbors has decided to make things challenging about Finders renting a space in this building. I’m meeting with our company’s legal consultant later, but I was wondering how we could be... low profile if we need to be.

Magnus chuckled.

Sorry. Boss, but I think we are already low profile, as you put it.

Clem, if your neighbors become more of a problem, you can always talk to the Council or the Consortium. Nell said.

That might be a solution, Nell, but right now I’d rather not involved the powers that be.

Oh, I was not suggesting anything extreme. Maybe someone could talk to one of the Consortium’s contacts at the city?

Oh, yes, maybe that could work.

I had thought about moving the office, again, but it was practical to have Finders where I currently lived and where Troy, my assistant, and djinn, also resided. I liked this building. I felt a strong link to it and Dylan’s apartment.

I’ll talk to the neighbors and try to calm their worries. As for my situation with the DJ and his friend, just keep your ear to the ground.

Will do. Magnus said.

Vas, can I talk to you for a moment?

There was still a bit of