But meeting the inspector at dawn meant leaving Rory unprotected for an even longer period, and I wasn’t willing to do that. I needed to check that he was safe, that he was refueling his spirit on the flames and his flesh on the food. And nothing, not the red cloaks or Brooklyn or even revenge, was more important to me than he was.

“I’m sorry, Inspector, but I can’t.”

She was silent for a moment, then said, “Why not?”

“Because of what I am, and because there are certain matters—certain responsibilities—I cannot escape.”

“Which tells me nothing.”

“It tells you more than you know.” And it was all I was willing to say. I had no idea just how much PIT knew about either Rory or me, or even phoenixes in general, but from the bits and pieces Sam had mentioned, it was obviously more than most. But I was betting what they didn’t know still far outweighed what they did, and I wanted to keep it that way.

Especially when I was pretty convinced there was a mole somewhere in their organization.

I’d initially thought it had been Rochelle—Sam’s lover, and a PIT operative who, like him, had been infected by the Crimson Death virus. And while Sam had never been under the control of the hive or his brother, Rochelle’s position had been a little more tenuous. She had, in fact, killed herself rather than be forced to turn on both Sam and PIT. And for a dark fae, that was a pretty desperate action.

But Rinaldo had also intimated that he had a line into PIT. Whether that was true, I had no idea, but right now, with Rory so weak, I was taking no chances.

“I’m sorry, Inspector, but I have no choice.”

“It would seem that I don’t, either, short of dragging your ass there personally.” She paused, and a hint of amusement crept into her voice as she added, “And after that rather impressive demonstration in Brooklyn, I suspect that might not be possible. Or even wise.”

Surprise ran through me. I’d been expecting a threat rather than a backing down. “You could be right.”

“Meet me tomorrow evening, then—nine should do. The peak-hour traffic will be gone by then, and the area will be quiet.”

“Fine. But send the fire brigade away. I don’t need any more witnesses than necessary.”

“Nor do we,” she said heavily. “The crew will be at your location in twenty minutes.”

“Thanks.” I hesitated. “Have you got Jackson’s blood results back yet?”

“I chased it up with the lab yesterday. I’m assured they’ll have them to me within the next day or so.”

Meaning we’d soon know if the virus had been burned from his system.

“Thanks,” I repeated, and hung up.