Phoenix Rising Read Free Page B

those around him. That projection was part of what he was. Rachel was obviously responding to it, but Gregory… not so much. He was holding back, keeping his distance literally and figuratively. He bent his will toward the man. “Ask me… anything,” he purred.
Even though Rachel was not his target, he saw the color rise in her cheeks as she flushed becomingly. Gregory, on the other hand, didn’t noticeably react at all. Oh, how I love a challenge… and this one, I will win. I must.
Gregory watched him steadily. “There was a murder last night. The victim sported a phoenix tattoo, acquired at Demon Tattoos in Times Square.” The detective pulled out his phone, slid a forefinger around the screen for a few moments, and then handed it to Talis.
Talis bowed his golden head and saw a picture of a bird with outstretched wings. It was beautifully rendered, with lovely detail in the feathers and crest. He smiled, caught himself, realizing that expression might be considered inappropriate, and forced his lips into a straight line. “My business manager provided them with this design. It has purple eyes.” He glanced up. “Like mine.”
“Contacts?” Gregory asked.
“No.”
“Uh-huh. Go to the next picture.”
Talis did so. “This was the young man who was murdered?”
“Donny Carlson. Recognize him?”
Someone rapped on the front door. Everyone turned to look as Ammon asked the visitor’s identity before letting him in. A hotel employee smartly rolled in a cart loaded with various breakfast foods.
“Would you like me to set this up at the table, sir?” the room service waiter asked, fussily adjusting a vase containing two daisies.
Ammon shook his head. “We will deal with it, thank you.” The PA efficiently hustled the employee out before wheeling the cart into the sitting area. “Your usual, Talis?”
“Yes, thank you.” He regarded his guests. “Help yourself. There is plenty.”
Talis accepted a cup of very hot Turkish coffee from Ammon. A glass of cold water was also taken; it was used to freshen the mouth between sips. Rachel eyed the beverage with interest. Talis noticed and said, “Ammon, please prepare a cup for Rachel.” He looked to Gregory. “Would you like some? It is very strong but delicious.”
Gregory ignored the question. “Do you recognize the man in the picture, Mr. Kehk?”
“Talis, please.” He regained his seat, setting the water on a coaster on the table beside it. “And how shall I address you?”
“Detective is fine. Please answer the question.”
Talis sipped carefully. “I have not seen him before.” The lie rolled off his lips with practiced ease.
Gregory grabbed his phonefrom Talis’s hand and touchscreened through more pictures before handing it back. “What about him? Jason Embry. Another of your fans. The phoenix tattoo was on his hip.”
“Perhaps he just liked the tattoo and he was not a fan at all,” Talis suggested smoothly. He barely glanced at the photo before handing the phone back.
Rachel broke the sudden tension between them. “Great coffee. I bet it could take the paint off the wall. If there’s any help you could give us, Talis, we’d appreciate it. Could we talk to some of your people? The rest of your group, the others who travel with you? Maybe they’ve seen something that will steer us in the right direction.”
Talis held Gregory’s eyes. “You may speak to whomever you like. Ammon will give you any information you require to accomplish that.”
Gregory had nothing, but he felt something ; Talis could see it in the taut lines of his very attractive body and in the way he pressed his full lips together in determination.
Rachel finished her coffee and stood. “We’ll be moving along,then. See you Saturday.”
Talis set his cup down, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and got to his feet. “Come early. We can speak again before the concert. I will leave your names with the guards.” He very much wanted to see the detective again, however