Read Online Demon Accords 6: Forced Ascent by John Conroe - Free Book Online Page B

NYPD system so I can follow the reports as they’re entered.  This footage was copied from the bank’s security system and a detective entered it into his laptop,” he said.  “Also, I have a number of insiders who sent me text updates when I asked them.”  He pointed at a monitor that showed a live feed from outside the bank. A uniformed cop standing guard outside the front door was alternating with texting on his phone and watching the entrance.  “That’s Joe Laportia.  I set up his wife’s business computer.  I saw him on this feed and texted him.  He told me that it looked like the vault was opened from the inside by someone who knew enough to disengage the time locks.  That particular door has an emergency release in case any staff or hostages are ever locked in the vault.  Anyway, he said it looked like only five or six of the big safety deposit boxes were smashed open.  That would include the one you guys keep the book in.”
     
    “So it seems as if someone somehow hid in the vault when it was closed, waited, then broke open the safe deposit  boxes till they found ours and then opened the vault and left?  What about camera footage?” Tanya asked.
     
    “It all goes fuzzy at about that time.  See,” he said, pulling up multiple frames from the interior cameras.  One by one, each camera went to a fuzzy, static-filled screen for a few seconds before going back to normal.  He started with one that showed the closed bank vault door, then fuzz,  and next, the massive door standing open. 
     
    “Witches could do that, ya think?” Lydia asked.
     
    “Declan could do it blindfolded,” I said, still studying the pictures.  I could see glances being exchanged out of my peripheral vision, so I answered before they could ask.  “No, I don’t think he would.  He literally hates the idea of anything that would make him bad,” I answered.
     
    Lydia snorted.  I turned and faced her.  “We’re a lot alike, he and I.  We understand each other.  He didn’t do this,” I told her.  “If he did, he wouldn’t have to hide in the vault.  He’d just waltz in and open the vault, time locks or no time locks.”
     
    “He’s really that strong?”  Lydia asked.
     
    “Stronger.  But Chris is right.  That boy wouldn’t do it.  He has a bit of hero worship going on and he would never disappoint his hero,” Tanya said, nudging my shoulder.
     
    “You think?” I asked.  Lydia snorted again. “Yeah T, I find that one really unbelievable,” she said.
     
    “Hey, I’m not a bad role model,” I said.
     
    “Let’s see.  You hang around vampires and weres, hunt demons, and piss off the feds.  I’m sure every mom in the country wants their boy to be like you,” she answered.
     
    “It’s the trashy mini-vamps that taint my reputation,” I said.  She blurred across the room and got up in my face.
     
    “Trashy?” she asked in a dangerous tone.
     
    “That Goth getup you wear at Plasma is exhibit number one,” I answered.
     
    “That’s a costume, you idiot,” she said, backing up a little.  If I didn’t know better, I might think I’d struck a nerve.  The thought of continuing to press on that nerve held both appeal and warning bells.  I was leaning toward the appeal part when Tanya intervened, possibly saving me from myself.
     
    “You two knock it off.  This is serious,” my vampire said.
     
    “Could be any of dozens of witches.  City is crawling with them,” Arkady said, towering behind Tanya.  Trenton, one of Arkady’s top guys stood slightly to one side, listening and watching but as usual staying quiet.
     
    “More than usual?” I asked.
     
    “Much.  From every state, from all over world,” he said, his Russian accent thick and oddly familiar.  Every time I hear him speak, it almost triggers a memory or two—almost.
     
    “So that’s kinda bad,” I mused. 
     
    “What is worse is that the location where we kept the book pail was known only