Chasing NicoleA

She came slyly to Omega, offering supposed information of an Omegan traitor, a leak. But her parting words? “Tell Lyra I know where she can find her tail, if she wants it.” The murdering bitch.

NicoleA. I swore I’d find her. I took the Messenger, Faye’Li, with me and headed to Kindred headquarters. A tall, red-haired vampire woman watched as we entered. “May we help you ladies?”

“We're looking for one of your sisters, NicoleA,” I replied. “She has something that belongs to a friend of mine.”

The woman nodded solemnly. “She is no longer of this family. I am afraid to disappoint you, but if I may inquire, what does she have of yours that you seek at this moment?”

Faye'Li glanced between us and the vampires with an unreadable expression. “She took something…very personal…belonging to an Omegan under my charge,” I began.

“I have seen her in the Haven as of late, but I am afraid I can not be of further assistance,” the vampire shrugged.

“If I may ask, how is it that she came to leave your family?”

The vampire shook her head calmly. "That is not something I am privileged to reveal.”

“I see.” I could feel my temper rising. “It seems we both have information we're . . . not privileged to reveal, then. I will tell you this: NicoleA did not act alone.”
“I don’t believe you would have revealed any information in any case...or is this an offer for an exchange perhaps?” the vampire chuckled.

I spoke softly. “The only exchange I'm interested is NicoleA’s and her sisters' heads on a plate. My name is Joah. I will keep looking.”

The vampire nodded. “I am Cordelia...to my left is my brother Rees and behind me is my brother Gage...wait...please. You mention another sister...of whom do you speak?”

Gage met my eyes. “Do you mean a member of our family…or a blood relation?”

“At present...I don't know,” I frowned. “But I will find out.”

Cordelia furrowed her brows. “And...these two have done your family wrong you say?”

“Three,” I said plainly.

A small gasp escaped Cordelia, then a look of remembrance crossed her face, quickly replaced by an expression of false concern. “Oh, I see...and this object you seek...it was important to your family. Well, I certainly hope you find what you seek ladies, but we can offer you no further assistance here I'm afraid.”

Rees spoke up. He behaved as if we’d never met. “A few weeks ago I promised the Lady Omega my full support. I would be happy to help in this instance.”

“And yes, NicoleA is no longer a member of this family. I assure you,” Gage said in an even voice.

Cordelia Cuttita nodded toward Rees. “We have no ill feelings toward your family, as far as we are aware.”

“Nor, I am sure, does the Lady Omega have any toward yours,” I replied. “She is most gracious. More so than I.”

A slow grin crossed Cordelia’s face. “Perhaps, then, your information is incorrect.”

“I think not. But…since NicoleA is…no longer of your family, perhaps I should search elsewhere.” Faye’Li and I turned to head for the door.

Cordelia said politely, “Yes...I am afraid we can not assist you in that respect.”

I turned. “Cannot. Not will not, I suppose. Well, thank you for your time. Please excuse me and my companion, Faye'Li.”

Rees raised a brow then looked across to his brother and sister, as his sister said, “We bid you both well.”

“Yes...be well,” Gage murmured.

“Hmm,” Faye’Li whispered as we walked away. “Definitely 'iding someting.”