“My, my … You’re not one of his, are you? Astaroth’s demons are red and beautiful, but you … You are night itself, and wonderful. Demoriel, am I right”

Milo didn’t respond. Steam rose from his red eyes.

Jesper nodded, more to himself than anyone else. “Definitely the work of Demoriel. You have a car, yes?”

“We have it impounded,” said Novak. “Haven’t even gone through it yet.”

“I’d be careful when you do,” said Jesper. “Demoriel tends to make deals with people with horses or carriages or, these days, cars. These animals or vehicles are linked to his demons. I’d say Mr Sebastian’s car could certainly harbour a nasty surprise or two. The truly interesting thing is, I have read that Demoriel is very particular in choosing those to whom he grants power. What was it about you, Mr Sebastian, that he was drawn to?”

“That’s not what you asked,” said Amber. “You asked if he was a demon. He answered. Now it’s your turn.”

Jesper dragged his eyes away from Milo – reluctantly – and gazed at Amber for a few moments before chuckling again. “Very well, very well. I am a man of my word, after all. Officers, would you mind leaving us?”

Lucy and Ortmann hid their surprise well, and nodded and left. When they were gone, when it was just Amber and Milo standing there with Jesper and Novak and the burned man, Jesper continued.

“This land was not always American, did you know that? When I was born here, it was controlled by Russia. That was nearly three hundred years ago.”

Amber refused to be impressed by his age.

“Back then, things were tough,” Jesper said. “I’m sure you can imagine if you try hard enough. I was born into poverty and I spent my life clawing my way out of it. And, just when my fortunes were beginning to turn, I realised I had become an old man. My life was hardship and bitterness and it was almost over.”

“So you made a deal with the Shining Demon to prolong your life,” Amber interrupted, “and something went wrong along the way.”

Jesper smiled. “You don’t know nearly as much as you think you do, young lady. But yes, that was one of my goals. And so, a little over two hundred years ago, I summoned the Shining Demons.”

Amber frowned. “Plural?”

Jesper nodded. “Brothers, from what I was told. Astaroth and Naberius. They appeared before me and we negotiated. They agreed to provide me with power and success and one hundred more years of life, and they named their price.”

“Which was?”

“An offering.”

“A soul?”

For the first time, discomfort flickered across Jesper’s face.

“It’s usually a soul,” Amber pressed. “That’s what I’m told, anyway. How many were they asking?”

Jesper looked away. “One a year until the contract expired.”