The Pawn of the Phoenix (The Memory Collector Series Book 2) (18 page)

“How long have they been protesting?”

“For a week now. The Elite are thinking of shutting down the houses until things are resolved. I don’t like the idea, but people are blaming the empaths.”

“They attacked Moira just as we arrived.”

The Chief’s gaze turns to me, surprising me with his clear concern. “Are you alright?”

I nod, and my lips curve upwards as I glance at Keenan. “Someone was quick to rescue me.”

“And I suppose you found that amusing.” The detective glances at me casually while tapping the side of his chair. “I’m glad I continue to entertain you.”

I widen my grin, enjoying the brief flirtation. “Wouldn’t want things to get boring.”

“Of course, that would be terrible.”

“Dreadful.”

The Chief clears his throat, drawing our attention back to the burly man. “I see you two have managed to get along just fine, despite the events of these past two weeks. Good, I’m glad to see it.”

Keenan shifts in his seat, the barest hint of red on his cheeks. “We’ve made some progress on the case, which is why we’re here.” The Chief sits back in his chair and waits for the detective to continue. “I’ve been looking into Moira’s past and found some inconsistencies concerning the night Scott Harrison was murdered. She agreed to have a memory blocker search her mind, which was where we were this morning.”

The Chief glances at me. “And did they find anything?”

“She unlocked a memory of Jonathan Hayes using persuasion on me to kill Scott.”

“Which leads me to believe Moira was the Phoenix’s first victim,” adds Keenan.

“So you were persuaded to murder your master?” I nod, and the Chief fidgets with his mustache. “Why was this never questioned before?”

“I suppose that’s my fault.” I feel both men’s eyes on me and try not to squirm beneath their scrutiny. “I didn’t exactly deny it.”

Keenan’s face tenses, but I quickly speak before he has a chance to argue with me. “Don’t look at me like that. You know as well as I do that if I had it wouldn’t have mattered. My hand held the knife that killed Scott, and then I escaped afterwards. It wouldn’t have mattered that Jonathan persuaded me. You all would have hanged me just like Rachel.”

“Unfortunately, she’s right,” says the Chief, standing. “Alright, let’s go arrest this bastard. Moira, you stay here.”

I abruptly stand, remembering the agony of being left out when they had searched for Keenan. “Absolutely not. I’m going with you.”

“Moira–”

“I think she should be allowed to come along,” interrupts the detective.

I look gratefully toward the detective. “Yes, listen to him and bring as many constables as you can as well. I’m positive Jonathan is the Phoenix.”

This time it’s Keenan who speaks my name in warning. “Moira–”

“Just listen to me. It makes sense. The Phoenix is clearly an empath who has access to various people. The only empath that fits that description is a blocker. And I don’t think he’s trying to get rid of the Elite, because that would be impossible. Every time someone dies, they keep electing someone new to fill the space.”

“Which means the only way he’d succeed is by replacing them,” says the detective, tapping the side of his chair thoughtfully.

“Exactly. Josephine is an empath, the first to be elected as the Pleasure House Instigator. The new instigator at the memory house is Mr. Johnson, a Naemalian–”

“And the Dream House Instigator is Mr. Hayes.” Keenan’s sharp gaze focuses on me, and he has followed my train of thought. “Do you think he knows?”

The Chief, on the other hand, has yet to comprehend what I’ve said. “Who?”

I recall my last visit at Mr. Hayes’s estate. The way Jonathan had spoken to his master makes me believe Mr. Hayes isn’t aware his blocker is the Phoenix. He’s most likely being used like every other person, unknowingly aiding Jonathan in his schemes.

“It’s a possibility, but I’m more inclined to think he’s being manipulated just like the other victims.”

Keenan narrows his eyes, his thoughts immediately growing suspicious. “Is that something you concluded upon one of your visits?”

I raise my chin. “Yes, as a matter of fact it is. I would have told you about it earlier, but you were too busy ignoring me.”

Keenan’s expression hardens, and he stops rapping on his chair. “I doubt I’d be interested in hearing anything that transpired between you two. In fact, I’m positive.”

I open my mouth, prepared with a remark, but the Chief sighs heavily in exasperation.

“What are you two going on about?”

Keenan clears his throat and stands. “Nothing. It’s not important right now.” He turns to regard me coolly. “Are you driving with me?”

“Of course.”

“Then we should leave now.”

The moment we exit the office, the Chief orders several constables to follow him. I smile when one of them turns out to be Rick. The crowd from earlier has left, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Hopefully they stay away forever, especially since we’ll be arresting Jonathan. Rick climbs into the back of the detective’s vehicle, automatically tagging along with us. Keenan doesn’t seem to mind, but I doubt he even notices. I can still smell the jealousy that lingers around him, as well as the suspicion he tries to hide. The time I spent with Mr. Hayes still bothers him, even though I’ve made it clear I won’t see the Elite member again.

Rick leans forward in his seat. “Where are we heading?”

“We’re going to arrest Jonathan Hayes. He’s–”

“We believe he’s involved in the Phoenix investigation,” interrupts Keenan, glancing at me in irritation.

He doesn’t want me to divulge any other information until a blocker has read Jonathan’s mind—a rule I keep forgetting. The moment we enter ward twenty, my foot begins to bounce in anticipation. There’s not a doubt in my mind Jonathan is the Phoenix, especially now I know he had used persuasion on me. So to say I’m excited is an understatement. In a few minutes, the blocker will be arrested and locked in the underground prison where he belongs. Then, the Phoenix case will be closed.

And then I’ll be free—or at least as free as anyone like me can be.

Keenan pulls up in front of Mr. Hayes’s estate and turns to me. “Try not to mention anything about the case, Moira.”

“I promise.”

The Chief and the other constables walk ahead of us, and I suppress the urge to catch up to them. When we reach the door, the Chief knocks and everyone falls silent. The butler answers the door, his eyes widening in astonishment, but he manages to keep collected as he ushers us in. Mr. Hayes steps into the foyer with a pleasant smile on his face, fooling everyone. Only I can feel the fury boiling beneath the surface of that amiable disposition. When his eyes find me, I’m reminded of the time we spent in his bedroom and the harsh way I refused his last invite. His hospitable exterior wavers and the heat of his frustration intensifies, informing me he was offended by my rejection.

Mr. Hayes nods at us politely. “Good afternoon, constables. What seems to be the problem?”

The Chief steps forward to address the Elite member. “I apologize for the interruption, but we’ve come for Jonathan.”

“My blocker?” He’s genuinely surprised. “Is he in trouble?”

“We have evidence that proves his involvement in the Phoenix case, so we’ve come to arrest him. Is he here?”

Mr. Hayes gestures down the hall. “Yes, he’s in my study.”

The Chief and the constables walk down the hall to arrest the man, leaving me alone with Keenan and Icarus. The latter man’s gaze narrows, simultaneously wondering why we’re here and why I’ve rejected him. Meanwhile, the former man is as stoic as ever. His previous jealousy and annoyance is carefully reigned in, and his expression remains calm. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay in their presence, but thankfully Icarus breaks the uncomfortable silence.

“What evidence have you found?”

The corner of Keenan’s eye twitches, the only sign of his irritation. “You know we can’t discuss that.”

“I suppose not.” He turns his attention to me, and his expression becomes a little less hostile. “Moira.”

“Mr. Hayes.”

His frown deepens. “I see we’re back to formalities.”

“It only seems proper.” I hope my voice carries the apology I can’t voice out loud.

Icarus’s eyes flicker to the detective briefly. “I would have thought we were beyond proper, especially after the things we’ve done in the privacy of my bedroom. I was under the impression you enjoyed my company and that we would continue our arrangement. Was I wrong?”

My cheeks flush, and the memory of his hands on me flashes in my mind.

“I believe Moira has been quite clear,” says Keenan, stepping a little closer to me.

I immediately glance up at him, surprised he would actually say that. His eyes are hard and unyielding as they stare at Mr. Hayes, and anyone who isn’t an empath could see the unspoken challenge in them. I’m reminded of something Keenan had once said to me. In every situation, there is the dominant and the submissive. Whether or not he realizes it, the detective is attempting to assert his dominance over Icarus. If the latter man backs down, then he becomes the subservient one. I glance between the two men, wondering where that leaves me. A piece of scrap to be fought over? What an unpleasant thought.

“Yes, I believe she has been very clear,” says Icarus, glancing at me one last time before hiding back behind his usual amiable exterior.

The Chief and the other constables appear, tugging along Jonathan between them. The blocker’s icy stare immediately falls on me, and I suppress an unpleasant shiver and wrap my arms around myself. His eyes absorb my defensive posture, and his lips curve up maliciously. Even though he’s in handcuffs, it’s obvious who the dominant one is between us. The idea infuriates me more than the notion of me being a piece of meat fought over between Keenan and Icarus, and I force myself to lower my arms at my side and plaster on a wicked smile of my own. He takes my new expression in stride, and his grin widens. Is there any winning when it comes to this man?

Before I can stop myself, I find my mouth opening of its own volition. “I wouldn’t be smiling if I were you.”

Jonathan feigns bewilderment. “No? And why is that, sweet, sweet, Moira?”

“The obvious reason.” You bastard
.
“You’re going to be spending a lot of time in prison. It’s not a vacation. Trust me. I’ve been there.”

His gaze lowers to encompass my entire body. “You could have fooled me. Here you stand before me, alive and well.” He looks at Keenan and Icarus, and his pleasure vanishes, his lips twisting in obvious revulsion. “And still a whore.”

“You asshole!” I snarl.

I don’t realize I’ve moved until I’m fighting against Keenan’s arms. I immediately stop resisting him and relax in his grasp.

“Moira, stop. He’s only taunting you.” Keenan turns to the Chief, while still restraining me. “Get him out of here.”

The Chief orders the constables to usher Jonathan outside and into the police vehicle. Rick hesitates, clearly wondering if he should leave or stay. The detective nods his head in the door’s direction, and Rick hastily obeys, mumbling a quick goodbye to Mr. Hayes. Keenan finally releases me and addresses Icarus, no longer challenging the other man.

“We appreciate your cooperation and will inform you of any progress.”

Mr. Hayes nods slightly. “Of course, I would never dream of interfering in police matters.”

I stare at them in bewilderment, my rage gone as quickly as it had arrived. Beneath their compliance remains guarded hostility. I find their fake manners unbearable. Thankfully, Keenan gestures for us to leave.

The moment we exit Mr. Hayes’s house, I turn to Keenan. “Are we heading back to the police station? I have a few more words to say to Jonathan before one of your blockers reads his mind.”

“No, we’re going back to my place.”

“Why? What about Jonathan?”

Keenan approaches me, stopping me from climbing into the motor vehicle, and gently grabs my shoulders. “Moira, you’ve had a traumatic morning. The Chief will have their blockers read Jonathan’s mind. All we can do now is wait.”

I close the distance between us and lean against his chest, the top of my head neatly falling beneath his chin. We haven’t so much as kissed since the day he found out about Celeste, and I’m craving any sort of physical contact I can get from him. The past couple of days we’ve slept together in his room—with our clothes on, of course—but the closest we’ve come to touching is when he hugs me from behind. I’ll admit I’ve been silently wishing for more, but I can wait until he’s ready. Some things are worth waiting for.

I inhale his scent, surprised there’s only a faint trace of smoke. He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my cheek softly, despite the fact we’re out in public. The small gesture brings a flutter to my stomach, yet I pull away. I simply don’t wish to stand in front of Mr. Hayes’s estate any longer.

“I suppose I can wait.”

He lifts a brow. “Are you sure? You’re not exactly the patient type.”

“I can be when I put my mind to it.”

“Perhaps you need a distraction.”

I frown, wondering what he has in mind. “Do you have any suggestions?”

A glint of playfulness flickers in his eyes, and he holds out his hand to help me into the vehicle. “Of course.”

I take his hand, and glance up at him uncertainly, waiting for him to continue. One side of his lips curves upward, revealing his dimple. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him smile, and the expression sends another nervous flutter in the pit of my stomach. But it’s not only the sight of him happy that has me reacting in such a way. A lot of it has to do with the hint of mischief in his eyes, the promise of bare skin and lingering kisses.

He presses his lips softly on the top of my hand, and his gaze flickers from my blue eye to my hazel one before he finishes his thought. “
Me
.”

I beam at him, remembering the time I
had suggested he needed a distraction.

“In that case, you’re already proving to be a great distraction.” When I speak, my cool composure cracks and I smile.

Keenan brushes his fingers briefly against my face. “I assure you that you haven’t seen anything yet.”