“The People have no jurisdiction here,” Nick said. “This investigation belongs to the Order.”

“A crime has been committed against a member of the People and we responded to it decisively and with overwhelming force. The People find the Order’s presence and response insufficient to properly secure the body.”

Translation: there is only one of you and a lot of us.

“I am the law,” Nick said. “Impede me and you will suffer the consequences.”

“Last time I checked, the Order was not a law enforcement agency,” Ghastek said, his voice dangerously mild.

“You’re only one man,” someone called out.

Ghastek took a moment to glance toward the speaker. Heads would roll when they got back to the Casino.

Aw, hell. I really hated the Order.

“Three,” I said.

Everyone looked at me. Julie pulled out her axes.

“He is three. Biohazard brought the Order in on the previous giant appearance. Therefore, this occurrence is a continuation of an ongoing investigation, authorized by a formal petition from a state law enforcement agency. He is the law. I will uphold the law.”

Ghastek paused. Some sort of calculation was feverishly taking place in his mind. He couldn’t back down. There were no good choices. If he let the body get away, he would have to explain to Roland how a djinn kidnapped Rowena and how he had wasted several vampires and a bunch of resources trying to kill it but had nothing to show for it. If he claimed the body, he would have to explain to Roland why he’d attacked a knight of the Order, broken about half a dozen laws, and generated a quickly rising mountain of legal bills.

He would go for the body. The value of a corpse possessed and transformed by the djinn would mean more to Roland than the legal problems.

I flicked my sword, warming up my wrist. This was about to get bloody.

Ghastek raised his hand. The undead leaned forward as one.

“Stay next to me,” I told Julie.

Sirens howled, growing closer and closer. A fleet of Biohazard and PAD vehicles turned the corner, filling up the street. Ghastek stared at them for a long moment. “Get the legal department.”

I looked up at Nick. “It’s an earring. About the size of a plum. He wore it like a piercing on his chest.”

He gave no indication he heard me. You’re welcome.

“The ifrit is moving from host to host in an attempt to acquire a more powerful host. You need to secure the earring.”

Nick rode off without saying a word.

“Fuck.”

“Did you expect gratitude?” Toakasa asked.

“No. I expect him to contain the magic so we don’t have another giant.” I’d have to find Luther. He would at least listen to reason.