City of the Forgotten (The Gateway Trackers Book 9) by E.E. Holmes

Author:E.E. Holmes [Holmes, E.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fairhaven Press LLC
Published: 2023-06-12T16:00:00+00:00

When we pulled up to the Canongate Collective, Pippa was standing outside waiting for us. I hadn’t expected her there, but she explained as we climbed out of the car.

“I was able to get you access to the archive,” Pippa said. “I was already down here arranging it, so I decided to stay and let you know in person.”

“That’s great,” I said, peering at her strained expression. “I was half-expecting Clarissa to refuse after our little… uh… conversation this morning.”

Pippa’s smile was tight. “I didn’t ask Clarissa. It didn’t seem wise to ask for favors on your behalf today. So I went around her. Fortunately, there are several senior members of the clan who have the power to grant access to the archive, and they were more than happy to comply with the request.”

I returned her smile. “Thanks.”

I turned to the others. “How should we handle this?”

It was Finn who answered. “Why don’t you and Hannah start in the archive? Savvy and I can walk the perimeter, figure out the best places to station the other Caomhnóir when they get here.” Finn turned to Milo. “What about you, Milo, where would you like to start?”

Milo didn’t hesitate for a moment. “The courtyard. I can explore it in ways you can’t. The same can’t be said for the archive.”

“Fair point. Milo will start with us,” Finn said, nodding.

We all shared a grim look that said, “Here goes nothing,” and then turned to follow Pippa into the building. We parted at the top of the stairs and watched Finn, Savvy, and Milo disappear into the damp darkness at their base.

“We’re headed this way,” Pippa said, gesturing us along another hallway and up a flight of stairs to the second floor. She stopped in front of a frosted glass door that read, “MacLeod Interiors” and knocked briskly.

I heard muttering and a bit of commotion, and then the door swung open, revealing a frazzled-looking Danica MacLeod.

“Yes, can I… oh, hello Pippa,” she said, and then her gaze traveled over Pippa’s shoulder to where Hannah and I stood. “Oh! And the Ballard sisters! Please, do come in.”

Danica stepped back and ushered us into the space, which was bright and white and looked like a showroom for glittering knick-knacks. The walls were covered in shelves that housed lamps, candle holders, small abstract sculptures and the like. I glanced at one price tag as I passed and almost choked on my gum.

“What can I help you with? I imagine you aren’t here to spruce up your flat, given that you’re staying in a hotel!” She let out a shrill peal of laughter that sounded mildly hysterical. Pippa’s answering chuckle was perfunctory but convincing—she must have a lot of practice laughing at decidedly unfunny things in her constant quest to stroke egos and smooth over crises.

“No, and we apologize for bothering you at the studio. Jessica and Hannah need access to the archive, and I was hoping you could let us in. Your cousin Leah approved the access, but was unable to meet us here.

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