Chris and Diamond were standing in the elevator up to the bullpen and Diamond was silently fuming. “Five motels and all asking for warrants.” Chris sighed and Diamond let out a small growl. “And that st one…thank you for not punching out that one guy.”

  “Not that hard.” Diamond said and the elevator door opened up. As the doors opened up Chris’ phone went off and he pulled it out to see Belle’s name.

  Chris stepped out to see Belle at her desk, “What’s up, Belle.” Chris called out and Diamond stepped out of the elevator. “I hope it’s good news.”

  Belle hung up her phone, “Angelo Pappas is currently in a holding cell.” Belle said and Diamond slid out her phone from her pocket. “He was brought in due to a bar fight st night.”

  “Well we would like to talk to him,” Chris said. “Since Nix hasn’t told us when Carlos died and he could have killed him before the bar fight.”

  “That is why I had him put in interrogation room one for you.” Belle said and gnced at Diamond on her phone. “I thought that was broken in the bombing in sewers.”

  “Ophelia has a few back up for me this time.” Diamond said without looking up from her phone. “Last time it took a bit of time because the delivery system was backed up.”

  “Come on, we’ve got a stalker to talk to and I want you in there with me, Diamond.” Chris said and Diamond slid her phone away before taking off her coat. Chris took off his coat as well as he walked to his desk and grabbed a folder.

  The two put their coats on Chris’ chair before heading to interrogation room one and Chris entered first with Diamond behind him, just in case Angelo tried to run.

  “About time,” Angelo said as stayed seated at the steel table. Angelo had dark olive skin tone with short bck curly hair and deep bck eyes. “Why am I still here?”

  “Mr. Pappas, you here answer some questions I have about the murder of Carlos Dale.” Chris said as he sat down at the table across from Angelo. Chris opened the folder and Diamond leaned against the wall close to the one-way mirror.

  “Carlos Dale, who the hell is Carlos D-” Angelo stopped as Chris slid Carlos’ picture in front of him. “Oh him, the guy that harassed my fiancé.”

  “Yes, the man who harassed Medea, the woman you are stalking.” Chris said coldly and Angelo’s face twisted into a scowl before leaning back. “I’ve also heard you tend to attack males that take interest in Medea.”

  “I’ve never done such a thing…” Angelo snarled and Chris was unfused by the snarling. “And if we did have small talk, he walked away unharmed as he wasn’t interested in Medea that way.”

  “So he told you he was interested in Medea’s older sister, Ophelia.” Chris said and Angelo looked confused. “What is it?”

  “Medea doesn’t have an older sister, she’s only had an older brother named Od-” Angelo was cut off and started gasping for air as if someone choked him.

  Chris was about to get up but Diamond put hand on his shoulder, “A curse, a weak one though” Diamond nodded to Angelo's throat and Chris saw bck thorny vine had formed around his neck. Angelo finally gasped as he was able to breathe. “Best not try to say that name again.”

  Angelo rubbed his throat as he cleared his throat and Chris’ phone dinged from text. Chris pulled out his phone and looked at it before scowling. “Our questions are done here.” Chris said while holding up his phone for Diamond to read.

  “If that is so, I’ll be leaving” Angelo said as he got up and Chris got up from the table to stop him.

  “You're still under arrest for that bar fight.” Diamond said, making Angelo stop and sigh half way from the door. “Also someone is here to have a small chat with you.”

  Before Angelo or anyone could react the door swung open and a familiar blue blur pinned Angelo by the neck to the table. The blur was Ophelia and gripped Angelo’s throat hard. “Od-” Ophelia squeezed his throat harder to prevent him from talking.

  “Listen and only listen,” Ophelia hissed as her hair tips started to shift into lighter color. “I’ve already told you this once but guess I’ve got to refresh your memory.”

  The marks around her eyes turned bright red, her eyes deep blue to the same bright red, and her nails turned into bck cws. The tips of hair formed into viper heads with the same eye markings as Ophelia and they snapped and hissed at Angelo.

  “Leave my little sister alone, she doesn't love you, she does not want to marry you,” Ophelia hissed and one of her vipers moved close to Angelo’s cheek. “She just wants to cook food and live her life freely. This time I won't leave you with a bruised throat.” The viper striked Angelo’s face and Ophelia let go of his throat.

  “He’s not going die from that right?” Chris asked as he watched Angelo roll around and scream in pain.

  “I gave him a non-lethal dose but it will leave a nasty scar.” Ophelia sighed as she shifted back to calmer and normal form. “He didn’t say anything weird did he?”

  Chris paused then closed his folder, “Nothing important to case,” Chris said and Ophelia smiled before turning to leave. Diamond moved to stand beside Chris when Ophelia left the room, “I know, drop it.”

  Diamond pat Chris’ back, “I’ll get Chip and Dale to haul this filth into the holding cell.” Diamond said before walking out of the room while yelling out Chip and Dale’s name.

  “Another dead end suspect,” Chris said as he looked at Carlos’ dead body that was on the morgue table. “Why are vampires so hard to get at the time of death?”

  “Because our liver works differently.” Nix said as he entered the room. “Have to do special blood work to get to the time of death.” Nix walked over to be on the side of the table with a folder. “No Diamond?”

  “She got a call from her mother about an important family matter.” Chris said and crossed his arms. “You said there was more than him being killed at three in the morning.”

  “Yes, the blood under his nails came back,” Nix said as opened a folder. “And it does not match Angelo.”

  “Alright, he did say it was a small chat and not one was hurt.” Chris said as he rubbed his chin. “Are there any other markings…say like a snake bite?”

  “No, just the stab wound and being beheaded.” Nix closed the folder and tilted her head. “Why do you ask?”

  “Just got first hand experience on how gorgon threatens someone.” Chris said and sighed. “Using venom to stun another would make stabbing them easier.” Nix looked very confused from what Chris said. “What?”

  “Only male gorgons are venomous, while females non-venomous,” Nix said.

  “What, nevermind, if someone wanted to put a curse that chokes them when they try to say a name, what would they need?” Chris asked.

  “They would need the target’s full name, some form of DNA sample, and spark of magic.” Nix said and Chris rubbed his stubble.

  “You’ve known Ophelia for a while, right?” Chris asked and Nix nodded. “Does she have the ability to curse someone like that?”

  “No, she doesn’t have a spark of magic,” Nix said. “But having a little sister named after one of the most powerful witches in Greek mythology, may have some spark of magic.”

  “And she probably has some DNA samples of Angelo just in case she needed it.” Chris sighed and rubbed the back of his head. “Don’t have proof of it but I’m not going to dig further into this one.”

  Chris’ phone went off, he looked at it and he smiled, “You have worse poker face,” Nix said.

  “The warrant came through for those cameras,” Chris said and put his phone away. “Also I have a good poker face, it’s just that I'm surrounded by beings that have an eye for facial movement.” Chris turned and headed up to the bullpen.

  Diamond and Belle walked up the steps to Silvervine manor and they were greeted by Brutus when they entered the main doors. “Lady Silvervine is waiting in the upstairs lounge room,” He said.

  “Thank you, Brutus,” Diamond said and Belle gave Brutus a small nod. The two went upstairs to the lounge, where Amaris was lying down on the couch.

  When Belle saw Amaris it reminded her of a cat asleep and she sat down in one of the recliners. “So what’s this important family mat…” Belle trailed off as she saw Diamond gathering pillows around the room.

  Amaris moved to sit up and sighed seeing Diamond gathering pillows, “That girl is going to be under my feet everytime she sees me.” Amaris muttered as adjusted her shirt.

  Belle noticed Amaris had changed up her choice of clothing to be white sleeveless shirt and pair of loose ripped bell bottom jeans. Her jeans were still undone and Belle’s keen eye easily spotted Amaris wasn’t wearing a bra.

  Diamond put all the pillows she gathered beside Amaris and started to make-shift a pillow nest. “Thank you, now sit down, sweetie.” Amaris said and gently touched Diamond’s forearm.

  Diamond slightly grumbled but went over to the loveseat, “Probably should have brought a few bnkets as well.” Diamond lightly huffed and Amaris moved to y in the pillow nest to make Diamond smile.

  “Diamond, you’re going to the Winter Solstice Ball this month.” Amaris said as snuggled into the pillows.

  “Pardon?” Diamond asked as raised a brow. “Why do I need to go, don’t we normally ignore these things.” Belle shifted in her seat now too as she knew Diamond hated going to events like Winter Solstice Ball.

  “Normally yes but someone insists that someone from the Luna cn is at the ball.” Amaris said as she gently touched her three month pregnant belly. “That someone is an old dy, who can’t stop meddling.”

  Belle felt Amaris gnce at her and it clicked, “My grandmother, Chinh Vi, is the one insisting, isn’t she?” Belle asked and Diamond let out a small growl. “Why would she do that? Did she not learn anything when you blew up Vi family manor with lightning?!”

  “She’s thinking Diamond would refuse to go and get Tullia there,” Amaris said as she closed her eyes. “And she was pnning to py matchmaker with a male who the Vi family can control, but that’s not going to work, right?” Amaris opened one eye and looked at Diamond.

  “I’ll contact Ophelia to get me a dress,” Diamond said with a scowl on her face. “Guess that old bitch needs to be taught another lesson. A lot of people need to be taught a lesson these days.”

  “Looks like I’m going to the ball as well.” Belle said with a devilish grin. “Best to make sure nothing goes too far again, we don’t want another incident.”

  “You just want to come to the ball to see the chaos that will happen.” Diamond side eyed Belle and Belle just chuckled at Diamond’s words.

  “Good that everything is pnned, shouldn’t you two get back to work?” Amaris said as closed her eyes. “Let this pregnant lioness rest without worry.”

  “Of course, Auntie.” Belle said as stood up and Diamond got up. Belle paused as she watched Diamond walk toward the different door that they came from. “I guess I’ll meet you in the lobby?”

  “Bnkets.” Diamond muttered before leaving the room and Belle just sighed.

  Diamond and Belle got off the elevator to the bullpen and Chris was sitting at his desk. The two dies walked over to his desk, “So get anything new on the case.” Diamond asked.

  “Since we got time of death, I was able to get warrants for both street cameras at the lights and atm.” Chris said as leaned back in his chair, “Also what took you guys so long?”

  “Diamond’s Arctic cn instincts got hold of her.” Belle said and Diamond just crossed her arms. “You know how they get around pregnant family members.”

  “Right, I heard Mrs. Silvervine was pregnant,” Chris said and Chris thought he saw a slight blush on Diamond’s face for a second.

  “What did you find?” Diamond said sternly and put hand on the back of Chris’ chair. He felt her pull the chair back before letting go forward on him.

  “Alright, got the message loud and clear.” Chris said and clicked something on the keyboard. “Couldn’t get a clear image of a person coming out and in but I did see something familiar.”

  An image came up on the screen and it was a fairly rge biker man. He was wearing a motorcycle helmet and Diamond noticed the biker patch on the coat’s shoulder. “Bonedust logo,” Diamond said.

  “Yep, and looks like we need to talk to Scarlet Reyes,” Chris said as he stood up from his desk and put on his coat. “Maybe she can shine some light on our mystery biker.”

  “Alright, you're driving,” Diamond said and nodded to Belle. “Thanks for earlier, Belle.”

  “No problem,” Belle said. “I’ll keep my ear to the ground for anything else to happen in the Vi family.” Diamond nodded before leaving with Chris.

  Diamond and Chris walked into the Bonedust club and it was empty compared to st time. The red head bartender was behind the bar and cleaning the bar surface when they came in.

  “Hello there, remember us?” Chris called out with a small wave and the bartender looked up at them. “Is Scarlet Reyes in or can you get in contact with her for us?”

  “Back office, she’s filing some paperwork,” The bartender said and gestured to a door. “Through that door, then next door on the right, and just make sure to knock.”

  “Thank you,” Chris said with a nod and Diamond nodded to the bartender. The two went through the door and Chris knocked on the door.

  “Saria, if you need more gin it’s already being ordered.” Scarlet’s voice called out from behind the door.

  “Not Saria,” Chris said as he opened the door and Scarlet looked up from her desk. “Have some time for us though?”

  “Officer Quinn and Miss. Silvervine, come in,” Scarlet said as stood up from her seat to wave them in. They entered and Diamond gnced around the room, mainly looking at club pictures hanging on the wall. “What can I do for you?”

  “Actually we are here to see if you can identify someone.” Chris said as pulled out the print out of the photo from the street camera. “He is a suspect of murder of a vampire named Carlos Dale.”

  Chris handed the picture to Scarlet and Scarlet paused, “Would this Carlos look like a professor with brown hair?” Scarlet asked and Chris nodded. “This is an ex-member, Richard Wilhelm, he was thrown out with bck mark three days ago.”

  “Bck mark and how did you know Carlos?” Diamond asked as she turned away from the wall gallery.

  “Richard threatened my daughter and future granddaughter, he had troubles before but that was the st straw for me.” Scarlet said and sat down. “As for Carlos, he has been in here a few times with Richard. I never truly caught his name as they squirreled themselves in the corner of the club.”

  “Did you file that bck mark file on the day of throwing him out?” Chris asked. “As his DNA didn’t show up in search.”

  “The next day after I kicked him out.” Scarlet said and sat back down. “It takes at least five days to show up global files unless rushed.”

  “Red tape is a bitch get through.” Diamond muttered and Scarlet nodded. “I’ll make a call to get it put on top.” Diamond turned to go out of the room to make the call.

  “So do you have any idea why Richard would kill another vampire?” Chris asked and Scarlet rubbed her chin. “Carlos was harassing Ophelia about a hidden pirate treasure.”

  “Richard has fallen for scams before and he often got even well…” Scarlet trailed off and Chris nodded. “When you find him, be careful.”

  “I’m not too worried, I’ve got the best back up in the world.” Chris said. “Thank you for the help, have a nice holiday.”

  “Damn right you got the best back up.” Scarlet said. “Thank you and have a safe hunt and holiday.” Chris nodded before leaving and walking back to the club floor.

  Diamond finished up on the phone, “His file is being processed as we speak, we will know in an hour if Richard is our killer.” Diamond said, causing the bartender to perk up at Richard's name. “What is it?”

  “Richard has a bad temper, and I’ve heard he’s been dealing with an out of town werewolf biker gang.” She said and Diamond nodded. “That’s what I heard at least.”

  “Thanks, have a nice holiday.” Chris said and Diamond nodded before the two left. “I’ll get a bolo on Richard then…guess work on the next case.”

  “If it is Richard but wouldn’t be too surprised.” Diamond said as they walked to Chris’ car. “And I still need to call Ophelia about a dress.”

  “About Ophelia,” Chris said, which caused Diamond to stop and him turn around to look at her. “I’m not asking for details, evidence just keeps piling up at my feet.”

  Diamond sighed and put her hands on her hips with defensive stances, “What kind of evidence of what?” Diamond asked.

  “Simply that Ophelia is transgender.” Chris said with a shrugged and Diamond raised brows wanting more. “That’s all.”

  Diamond paused for a second, “Why not ask Ophelia if you want to know the truth so badly.” Diamond said and caused another dead silence before Chris pulled out his phone. “What are you doing?”

  “Calling Ophelia,” Chris said and put the call on speaker phone. The phone beeped a few times before being picked up. “Hey there, Ophelia.”

  “W-What can I do for you, Officer Quinn?” Ophelia said with a breathy voice. Diamond stepped back and Chris blushed a bit. “C-Can you make this quick.”

  “Well Diamond is stonewalling me with a simple answer for a question I have, maybe you can answer it.” Chris said, as more breathy quiet moans from someone else over the phone. “A-Are you transgender?”

  There was loud deafening silence for a second before the sound of movement as if Ophelia was grabbing her phone. “Who told you?” Ophelia's voice sternly asked.

  “No one, just a lot of evidence piled at my feet.” Chris said. “Like how only male gorgons have venom, Angelo’s words about Medea having only an older brother, your handwriting matching Captain Ashwood’s writing and your own words when you threaten Angelo before.”

  There was a loud tsk sound coming over the phone, “Anything else?” Ophelia asked and Chris could hear fingernails tapping on something wooden.

  “Nope, I just want to clear up a lot of confusing things that happened in this case.” Chris said. “You can return to your sexy time with Belle now.”

  “Can we go now?” Diamond asked after he hung up and Chris put his phone away. “Also I only stonewalled because it wasn’t my right to tell that information.”

  “Fair, but I thought you would be more nonchant with answering.” Chris said as he opened the car door to sit in the driver seat and Diamond got in the passenger seat. “Now I know if I need to tell you a secret so that you can keep it.”

  “The secrets I know would blow your mind, Quinn.” Diamond said and Chris looked over to her before driving off.