Soul Survivor Read Online Free Page B

exactly do you think I’ll be able to find anything? I’m not a detective. I’m not an angel. I’m not even a blip on Saetan’s radar.”
    â€œWell,” she said, quieter, “we both know that’s not true.” After a pause, she sighed. “About last night—I’m sorry about what I sai—”
    â€œI’ll have a look at the file when I find a little time. My schedule is awfully full these days, though. That reminds me—I was going to dance as a naughty cop tonight. Have any suggestions for me?”
    Adrienne’s jaw clenched and she wrenched the file from my hands, opening it up to an image. “Look—there are runes surrounding her body. They’re Celtic—old Celtic magic. I had once tried a spell similar in my witch days, but before I could master it, I—well, you know.” She looked to her hand, rustling the papers pointedly in front of me. “Julian mentioned that the two of you spent time in Ireland a few centuries ago and that you may be able to help.”
    â€œWhy doesn’t Julian help you? He is your mentor.”
    â€œHe can’t interfere with human practices. You know that. Not without the blessing from the council.”
    â€œBut you can?”
    â€œI received permission after I became an angel to continue my work as a detective as long as I was no longer Vice. They felt it would best utilize my natural gifts.”
    â€œAh.” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from saying anything more.
    â€œPlease. Just take a look.”
    I didn’t answer right away. Just stood with my arms crossed. She looked so hopeful there with her perfect posture in her classically cut navy blue suit. Her bright blond hair was pulled tightly into a high ponytail with two tendrils framing her face. Her makeup, though subdued, oozed sex. Damn her. Grabbing the file back, I tossed it into my locker and slammed the door shut. “Sure. I’ll have a look.”
    Her face, which had been all business before, lifted slightly into a smile. “Thank you, Monica. I’ll go tell Damien you’re on board.”

    A couple hours or so into my shift, Damien was still sitting at the same table near the window. Adrienne had long since left. Genevieve was working the register and I was making the orders as they came in. Vanilla skim latte. Iced cappuccino, extra foam. Caramel mocha latte. Okay, so that last one was for me. I brewed a double shot of espresso. Quick and potent—just how he likes it.
    â€œYou’re still here,” I said, setting the espresso down in front of him.
    He leaned back in his chair, resting his arm over the back casually. “Hello to you, too, succubus.”
    I sighed. “Ya know, I’m going to start calling you elemental from now on.” That’s what Damien was—a human who could speak to and hear the elements: earth, air, fire, metal. Though he was still technically a mortal, elementals lived much longer lives than typical humans. Hundreds of years, even. They didn’t age like your average human. Hence the reason a succubus, or incubus for that matter, wouldn’t be able to steal any portion of their souls.
    He looked down at the double shot I had placed in front of him. “I didn’t order anything.”
    â€œIt’s on the house,” I said. “Drew hates it when people sit for hours and don’t order anything.”
    â€œWell, then.” His eyebrows hung low over his eyes, “I guess I owe you a tip, then, don’t I?” His mouth curved into a smile that didn’t reveal any teeth.
    I leaned on the empty chair next to him. “Or you could just tell me why the Hell you’re still here.”
    He sighed and leaned forward, resting both elbows on the table. “Adrienne seems to think you’re gonna be able to help in our next case. I don’t have quite the faith in you that she does.”
    â€œSo?” I let the