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Ezekiel watched Corin walk away with his niece, a protective arm wrapped around Angela. The older vampire’s paternal nature made Ezekiel think of his daughter, and a lump formed in his throat. He absently listened to them with his vampiric hearing.

“It’s going to be all right,” Corin said.

“No, it won’t,” Angela moaned. “I’m going to—”

“Mr. Lacroix didn’t say goodbye to you,” Prudence noted, distracting Ezekiel before he could catch the tail end of Angela’s statement.

“Oh, well …” Ezekiel affected a carefree demeanor. “I’m sure he was just distracted. His niece was very distressed, after all.”

Prudence gave Ezekiel a troubled look. “That’s another thing. She got upset before the fire. She just started shaking, like she knew something bad was going to happen.”

Ezekiel feigned an inquisitive look. “Perhaps she just saw the fire before you did.”

Prudence thought about it for a moment. “I suppose that’s possible.”

Ezekiel sighed, relieved that he wouldn’t have to compel Prudence to accept his explanation. Lying to her was one thing, but he found it more repugnant to manipulate the thoughts of those dear to him. Prudence was his one and only friend, and he cherished their bond. Still, there would always be this wall between them. Ezekiel wanted so much to let Prudence in—let her know him fully. Her presence soothed his loneliness in some respects, but in others, the secrets he kept from her made him feel all the lonelier.

“Here’s another cab,” Ezekiel said, raising his hand to signal the approaching vehicle, and the taxi pulled up to them. Ezekiel embraced Prudence. “Goodnight, my dear. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon for tea.” He opened the car door for her.

Prudence gave Ezekiel a peck on the cheek and slid into the cab. “Goodnight, Edgar.”

Ezekiel closed the door for Prudence and stepped back to let the cab drive away, then headed for the parking garage where he and Corin had checked their vehicles.

Corin and Angela were still in the garage lobby when Ezekiel entered. Angela was weeping in Corin’s arms, and the old vampire tried to comfort her. “We’ll figure this out.”

“But it’s getting worse!” Angela sobbed.

“Mr. Lacroix,” Ezekiel greeted. “Ms. Thorne.”

Corin cast a scowl over his shoulder. “Mr. Blake.”

Angela wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “Mr. Blake—”

“Please,” Ezekiel interjected, “you can call me Ezekiel when it’s just the three of us.” He pulled a handkerchief from his inside breast pocket and offered it to Angela.

Angela gave a weak nod and accepted the handkerchief, wiping her eyes dry. “I’m sorry for ruining your exhibition. The fire was an accident, I swear.”

Ezekiel gave Angela a tender smile. “Please, don’t worry, Ms. Thorne. The only relief damaged was my self-portrait, which honestly was my least favorite piece. I only included it because Prudence thought a portrait of myself would round out the collection.”

Corin loosened his hold on Angela so he could better face Ezekiel. “I assume you drew the security guard’s attention to the wiring to cover for Angela.”

“I did. When I saw the exposed wires, I transmuted one to look like it was frayed. No one will suspect Ms. Thorne of causing the fire, so there’s no need for either of you to worry.”

“Thank you,” Corin said grudgingly.

“Happy to help.” Ezekiel turned his warm gaze back to Angela. “If I may speak frankly, Ms. Thorne, that’s twice now I’ve seen you lose control of your magic. So this is a recurring problem, is it not?”

Angela lowered her head. “It’s not usually as bad as it was tonight—or in the subway.”

“Perhaps I can help.”

Angela looked up in surprise. “How?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Corin said, giving his cane an emphatic tap.

“No, I want to hear him out!” Angela insisted.

Ezekiel cleared his throat. “Mr. Lacroix, what are your powers?”

Corin cast Ezekiel a glare. “If you must know, I’m a fourth scion. Besides the talents all vampires share, I’m also five times as strong as when I was human, and I can read thoughts and transmute matter through touch.”

“I see.” Ezekiel stroked his beard. “I too can read minds and perform transmutation, but as a third scion, I have other abilities that might be of use to you.” He pressed his hands together. “I assume you remember our first meeting, Ms. Thorne, when I put out your fire using this power.” He drew his hands apart and conjured a flurry of snowflakes, which wafted up from his upturned palms and then drifted to the floor.

“I remember,” Angela said, her gaze fixed on the snowflakes melting at Ezekiel’s feet. There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

“Then please, let’s discuss this further.” Ezekiel adjusted the lapels of his trenchcoat in a businesslike manner. “There’s a café down the street, and I’d love to treat you both to drinks.”

Corin shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but we don’t require your assistance.”

“Why can’t we just listen to what he has to say?” Angela cried out in desperation, her eyes brimming with fresh tears.

Angela’s outburst startled Corin, and he moved in to hug her again, offering her soft reassurances in French. She let him hold her, then pushed him back a step so she could look him in the eye. “I’m sorry for snapping, but I can’t take this anymore. Please, Uncle Corin, I need help.”

“D’accord, Angéline. D’accord.” Corin gave Ezekiel a defeated look. “Very well, Mr. Blake. Let’s discuss your offer.”

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