Last night, at the party

- Detectives Collins and Bones - started the elderly policeman and noted to his colleague, introducing him as well, also showing some identification in the process - Miss Mago? - asked what seemed to be police officer Collins - Can we come in?

- What is this about? - raising an eyebrow.

- We need to have a conversation with you. Are you alone? - the detective asked, suspecting the opposite. - We need to talk to you about your uncle Boris Mago.

- Did something happen to him? - she asked quite alarmed.

- There seems to have been an incident in his residence. May we come in and continue this further?

- I have a guest. But please, do come in - Gabriela opened the door wider and made room for them to enter. Noting her arm towards the living room she asked - Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, water?

- Coffee, thank you - Collins responded, nodding his head in gratitude and loosening up his old-fashioned tie. He seemed worn and tired, his clothes a bit too loose, but didn't seem new. Probably the missis was putting him on a diet, Gabriela thought. It seemed he had a busy night without much sleep. His colleague was also a bit haggard but you could tell he still had the energy of a newbie. He was bussing with excitement and eagerness. His serious face could not contain the excitement in his eyes. They both quickly scanned their surroundings and noted the dishes of almost finished breakfast. Their gaze lingered on the coffee pot and then continued their inspection.

- I'll be right back, - she told them. She needed to collect herself. Her guesses from the morning were confirmed. If the police were here, something bad had happened. She had to deal with whatever it was. As she made the coffee, the voices came to her from the other room. Her head shot upwards. She forgot that a certain businessman was in there. Taking a deep breath her attention was focused on the dialog.

- And you are? - the deep voice of the older policeman was heard.

- Sebastian Vero - the deep and velvety voice carried into the small kitchen.

- I see. And what is your relationship with Miss Mago, Mr Vero? - the younger policeman asked, opening his notebook. Bones was his name she remembered. She motioned them to sit on the couch after she put the coffee on the table. Then took a seat opposite the detectives. Sebastian sat on the chair next to her and she raised her eyebrow at him. She also wanted to know the answer to that question.

- We met recently and I wanted to have a discussion with Miss Mago regarding one of my businesses - he replied without giving details.

- If he wants he can wait in the kitchen - the detective calmly suggested, noting to Sebastian. Gabriela took a quick look at the man beside her and got the quick impression that it would take an army to move him at that moment. His entire body was on high alert and buzzing with anticipation. Hers on the other hand was exhausted.

- It doesn't matter- she waved at them - he'll probably be eavesdropping at the door anyway, just say why you're here - seeing Sebastian's sneer confirmed her guess. Nailed it, she thought with slight amusement.

- Very well - started the older detective. So, he was playing the old, gentle uncle card, hm? It was obvious to both Gabriela and Sebastian that this was an unofficial interrogation. - Your uncle's body has been found this morning in his estate.

- What happened? – she quickly asked - Are you sure it was him?

- Well, the details are still unclear. But yes, we do believe that the body found was your uncle. Of course, we will need to conduct a thorough investigation and wait for the autopsy results to be certain. But the damaged body of an elder male was found this morning in one of the hallways of his mansion by the cleaning staff. They identified the remains to be most likely to the owner as he was fitting the general description and was missing at that time.

- Oh my - Exclaimed the young female, covering her lips with her hand. She could easily read between the lines here. Her uncle was most likely the victim of an aggressive attack as his remains were not identifiable by strangers. That also usually meant that the attacker was a person close to the victim. Strangely enough, most gruesome crimes were conducted by the family and friends of the victims. What did that connect with the dream from last night though, she could not tell yet. She had to visit the house to find out.

- When was the last time you saw him? - Collins asked, his piercing gaze not leaving her face.

- Last night. At the party I helped him organize - she answered - Mr. Vero was there too - she added.

- Is that so? - Collins directed his question to Sebastian for confirmation.

- Yes, I was invited as a gallery owner - Sebastian responded calmly, without explaining that he needed assistance with this invitation.

- What happened? - Gabriela asked in a dispassionate voice, holding her hands in her lap. She knew, but she didn't want to admit it.

- I'm sorry to say it, but we suspect it wasn't an accident - the younger detective answered her.

- You mean it was murder? - she asked blankly.

- For now, I can't give any information, but we are also investigating this possibility - Collins watched her reactions carefully. There was something strange in them. There was shock and denial, of course, but also understanding and something else. She knew something and he needed to know what. - Can you tell us at what time did you leave the party and if you remember who was in the house at that time?

- Certainly - Gabriela whispered, collecting her thoughts - I left around midnight I think.

- It was 11:55 - Sebastian added. - I was also leaving at that time, and I noticed the time on my car. She took her car and drove away after the catering bus was loaded and left. I drove behind her for a few minutes until our routes separated. - he was calm and collected like he was conducting his interrogation. - What time did the incident happen?

- Somewhere between three and five this morning. After the autopsy we might have a narrower window - said detective Bones, while taking notes.

Gabriela didn't need to ask. She knew exactly when it was. The moment she awoke, her uncle had already left his earthly shell. But if she had listened more thoroughly? What about his story last night? If she had questioned him, she might have been able to save him from his fate. But she hadn't insisted and left him in the house alone and vulnerable. As he wished, but still the guilt never left her. And three pairs of eyes kept their gaze on her, gauging her reactions.

- Do you have any idea who would want to hurt your uncle? – asked the young policeman.

- Well - she thought - He dealt with antiques and had relations with many and varied personalities. But I can't think of anyone in particular right now. If you're looking for people on bad terms with him, I'd say you have a pretty long list of suspects.

- Really? Why do you say that? - Detective Collins raised an eyebrow, very interested in that statement. Most people would praise the deceased instead of being as honest as this.

- My uncle is not ... - Gabriela hesitated for a moment, trying to form her words- My uncle was not a very warm person - she added and decided honesty was the best road at the moment - He was rude and grumpy, and very cunning. Fearsome as an opponent and competition, but indispensable as a business partner. If he didn't piss someone off during the day, he considered it a failure.

- I understand - Collins tapped his finger on his knee, thinking things over. He bent slightly towards the young woman - And the last time you saw each other?

- Last night, at the party. - she hugged herself slightly, remembering their altercation.

- Can you tell me everything that happened yesterday? I need to get a feel of the timeline. Start in the morning, he suggested.

- Well, I had to go and smooth over the details of the party at four in the afternoon. That's how we agreed with my uncle because he didn't have time to deal with the catering, she began.

- What happened after you arrived?

- Well, due to my delay, I wasn't in the house until five o'clock. Also, I had to take my dress with me because I didn't have time to change it. Therefore, when I arrived, I took a quick look at the company that provided us with the catering. Everything seemed under control and I went upstairs to change.

- You have to give us contacts for the company - said the detective.

- Of course - answered Gabriela and stood up. She went to the small desk under the window and pulled out a notepad with addresses. She wrote down the name and phone number of the company and handed him the slip. He nodded and put it in his pocket.

- What happened after that? – asked Detective Bones after she took her seat back.

- Well, I spent some time in my room and at half past five I went downstairs. My uncle was sitting in his library, as usual, writing things down. I went in to see if there were any complaints about the service. We then talked about the weather and whether we should provide guests with umbrellas, but decided that a porter with a large umbrella would do the trick – she thought for a moment and sipped from her cup. A thousand questions about the night before were running through her head.

- What did you talk about after that? – the older detective prompted her.

- Oh – she startled – excuse me. Nothing special. About his work, about the library. He stated his disapproval of my line of work again.

- Can you explain to me what his work entailed?

- He was a broker. He bought and sold antiques and unique items.

- What kind of unique items? - he asked, leaning forward

- Well, mostly occult. Things like a ritual knife used in sacrifices, a priest's robe, and the helm of Joan of Arc. Anything and everything related to the occult and religion.

- Is there a market for such things? - he asked interested

- Sure, many collectors and practicians would love to have such items. It is quite a booming market.

- And your uncle was not pleased by your line of work? How so?

- Well, although I also practice in the occult arts, I use my practice to create art and sell it in galleries and small shops. His views of that kind of use of my abilities were, to say the least poor.

- And how did you react to his remarks?

- I am not pleased with his attitude, but there was no way to change it. He has always been rude and he wouldn't suddenly reform even if I asked him to. So I changed the subject. I asked him if he had made any new finds.

- And what did he answer you? - he was keenly interested.

- Well, he told me that I would find out very soon and he didn't want to spoil the surprise. - Gabby answered him, surprised at the question.

- The reason for my question arises from several interesting clues in the house. There was also a search where several books were knocked off the shelves. My question is, did your uncle happen to come across some rare book that would bring forth his murder?

There was a long pause. Her body became even stiffer. Could he be involved in something bad? He was a rude and ruthless person, but to be involved with something dangerous? However, in the antique business, there were always misunderstandings and unreasonable demands from both buyers and sellers. So there was a possibility. And her dream? She was holding a book and trying to hide it before death. Maybe that was the answer? Still, nothing could be confirmed or denied at this moment. All she had to go on was her dreams and without solid evidence, there was no way she would bring her "abilities".

- I am not aware of my uncle's business, but if there was a rare or dangerous book in his possession, he was most surely aware of it. My uncle is the best rare book specialist in the country. But mostly deals with occult items and artefacts.

- Are you talking about magic items? – he asked her suspiciously.

- Yes, all objects and books used during the Middle Ages related to the church, witchcraft, and the occult were his specialities. I also deal with such things, although I participate in their creation.

- It probably takes a lot of time and money for such an undertaking as yours. - his gaze was calm but piercing.

- Sometimes - answered the young woman and left the glass with the saucer on the small table between them. - Although I am not a collector, but an artist, I do manage to support myself without the help of my relatives. And I don't have to kill them for money - she was getting angry - If you thought that I went back to my uncle's house and killed him for profit, then you are wrong.

- I'm very sorry if I offended you, but I had to check - replied the policeman.

- Ignorance does not excuse you when you make accusations. Let's wrap this up- said Gabriela getting impatient- I have to inform my family. Am I to understand that you come to me first?

- Yes, your address was in the area and we came straight from the crime scene. We decided it was better for you to inform your relatives. We can schedule interviews with them during next week - he added hoping for a positive response.

- At least you're right about that - she said and tried to calm herself. Tell him what he wanted to know and send them away, she thought. She had a long day ahead of her, and the night was so short. - let me finish my story - he nodded - After our short conversation in the library, I went down to look at the last details. Fifteen minutes later, the first guests started to arrive. The evening was calm, without incident. After dinner, my uncle made a short speech. After which I went to the kitchens. On the way, I saw shadows on the second floor and was irritated that someone had gone up there, but also worried. Then my uncle appeared and we exchanged a few words. But, since his mood was unpleasant, our conversation was cut short. Before you came I was going to have tea and then I was going to visit him.

- What were you going to discuss with him?

- It seemed to me that I saw someone on the second floor and I wondered if it was some impudent guest or a thief.

- What did he say to you when you warned him? - now this was something interesting. She was too calm and collected to have made it up on the spot, but she could also be an excellent layer. He took note of her words.

- He tried to convince me that it was my imagination, but I was sure. There was someone upstairs. I can't explain it to you except to say, I just felt his presence - and that presence was certainly not human, but she didn't need to tell him that either. It was obvious from afar that he was not one of those people who would believe her.

- How did your uncle react? - he continued to scribble in his notebook.

- He didn't listen to me and was rude, to say the least. - she said letting out a frustrated sigh - He hinted that it might have been the cat.

- As far as I understand, you were not particularly enthusiastic about his attitude. - the remark was received with a stone face and slight sadness in her eyes.

- Understand that no one loved my uncle very much. But he was part of the family, and that should not be overlooked. I was determined to find out what he was up to and try to stop him if he was in any way endangering him or anyone else.

- Who do you think was upstairs?

- I don't know if there was someone or something, but he was trying to hide it from me which makes it suspicious enough for you to investigate, I think. I can't tell you anything more - added Gabi, redying to finish their visit.

- When did you leave? - he asked, noting the subtle invitation to leave.

- Around twelve. I waited until most of the guests had left to try to talk to him again, but I couldn't find him. - she said shaking her head - It was obvious that he had no desire to see me after our conversation.

- I was there - interjected Sebastian. He has been quiet this entire time, noting everything from her words to her subtle movements. It was obvious to him she was not involved in this matter and most likely knew nothing of the robbery. But that didn't mean she could not be of help. He needed to talk to her later as well. For now, he would back her up and earn some points - Their conversation was not particularly pleasant, but the lady was more hurt than angry. Her uncle is very rude to her.

- I'm interested in your participation in the story - Collins began.

- What do you mean? - Sebastian asked softly, but his eyes betrayed him with their sharpness.

- I understand you met last night at the party, but what are you doing here? - he asked.

- I wanted to talk to the lady about a business matter - he answered vaguely.

- I apologize, but I think you are not being honest with us - The older detective narrowed his eyes, choosing the direct approach.

- To some extent - he nodded in acknowledgement - In fact, even Miss Mago doesn't know why I'm here. I am the head of Vero Incorporated - He started, focusing his gaze towards Gabriela, leaving no doubt that he was talking to her - One of my interests includes a private gallery. – Gabriela stood on a slight alert. It was clear that she understood where the conversation was going - In this gallery, there is a display of antique tools and books, which the missus was hired to carry out a certain - he paused for a moment to think - security checks, if I may say so.

- And what does this have to do with the case? – asked the detective writing in his notebook.

- Last week there was a robbery and one of the exhibits checked by the lady was stolen - he answered and fixed his eyes on hers - I suspect that her uncle was involved. After we met last night and witnessed their conversation, I came here to talk to Miss Mago about the incident and to check if she had any information for my investigation.

- You think I stole - she was angry.

- No, I don't- he answered her calmly, enjoying the surprise in her eyes - I think it was your uncle - he told her and saw her hand clench into a fist. She was ready to strike, but Gabriela didn't swing. She inhaled once and let it out. However, the movement was not missed by anyone in the room.

- Do you have any evidence regarding this accusation? - asked the detective

- We did an investigation. Also, the police are working on it. I will give you the contact of your colleague. I also hired my team. As of yesterday evening, we had three suspects who could quickly hire a team for the job. But after the scene, I saw between her and her uncle I can say I'm convinced it was him. He kept hinting that he had found a rare book but refused to demonstrate it. He boasted all evening but did not satisfy the guests' curiosity, despite their requests. When a person has reason to brag, there is no problem showing the object of bragging.

- That's right. And what were your actions?

- I talked to the guests and observed. Contrary to my suspicions, I had no evidence so there was nothing I could do - he replied with a shrug.

- Or maybe you decided to go back after the party and ask him yourself? - suggested the older detective, focusing his entire attention on the man.

- I don't need to kill to get what is mine. - Sebastian answered firmly and continued - I have an entire team which I pay handsomely to handle the little details. I don't need to dirty my hands. Also, the police are handling this. I just provide them with the information I find. They were already informed of my suspicions and were to interrogate Mr. Mago on Monday.

- Well, at least you left that to the police - Collins replied.

- On the contrary - he answered and gritted his teeth like a predator - I just prefer traps to open attacks. But there's nothing to be done now, is there - he asked, almost disappointed.

- Excuse me, but you are accusing my uncle of theft, and perhaps worse, in my own home, hours after he was murdered. Could you be more hard-hearted - Gabriela blurted out.

- I can, of course - he answered her simply. He decided that the next blow could not be avoided and directly delivered it - I can be whatever I want after your uncle's actions led to the death of an innocent man.

- What? – the young woman was shocked. Can this get any worse? Her head hung low, mind racing, eyes moving, searching for the truth. Yes, her uncle was ruthless, rude, and greedy. She could see him using not-so-legal methods of obtaining artefacts. She could also imagine under some circumstances he might revert to robbery. She didn't want to believe it but it was possible. But murder? That was unfathomable for her. That would mean she never actually knew him and that he betrayed their entire family and the magic vowes they had to protect all life. That would devastate her grandmother. She came to with his next words.

- During the robbery in the gallery, the guard was shot. - She looked him in the eyes, bracing for the truth. Somehow she knew what he said was the truth - He died before the ambulance arrived. They didn't have to shoot him. He was not even armed, only a taser and a flashlight.

- Can not be! My uncle couldn't have been involved in something so horrible. - she despaired - He just can't. - But all three men could see that despite her protests a part of her believed all he said to be true. She was not disputing his words but more trying to make them untrue.

- We'll know soon enough. The investigation is underway, and even though the main suspect is now deceased, we still need to find his accomplices and the actual stolen items.

- Mr. Vero, please do not interfere in the investigation - interjected the detective. - You are not in some criminal novel, where you can do what you want. This is real life and things like that can become dangerous. Leave this to the professionals, please.

- And how do you plan to stop me? - he got a bit frustrated. He respected the police but they were too slow, restricted by rules and procedures - we already have two people killed and you want me to sit quietly at home and tame myself?

- Exactly because of the fatalities you must distance yourself from this. - Said the detective, looking him in the eyes - It is too dangerous to continue to involve yourself in this. I don't want to stand over your body next time.

- I understand where you are coming from, detective - Sebastian said quietly - I'm just telling you. I won't let anyone else get hurt, I won't let anything bad happen to my employees if I can prevent it. Human life is important to me and I will not risk it!

- So we agree. But I don't want you interfering with the investigation!

- You do what you think is good, and I will do the same - answered him calmly. The detective sighed and surrendered. This man was even more headstrong than his wife.

- Very well. Seems I can not change your mind - said the detective to Sebastian - Please send me the information and details you have on your investigation and the team handling your case - he said, getting up from the couch.

- You will have it within an hour - Sebastian answered, shaking the detectives' hands. Gabriela also stood with them. During their exchange, she concluded that she must be the one to deal with the situation. Let them chase the human culprits. She will deal with the supernatural part. After all, this was supposed to be her job all along. It seemed her artistic break was over.

- When will I be able to go to the house? - Gabriela called. If all this was happening, if all this was true, then she needed to know. She would research, search and find the evidence. Regardless of what they were. Let the police search what they think they should, but she was aware. From the moment she woke up this morning, she knew it was time for battles the police couldn't fight.

- For now, you have to wait - he answered her, heading to the door - Maybe in a day or two.

- Okay, I'll be ready. - it was for both them and her. It was time to become the protector she was always meant to be.

- Of course - she answered and went to open the door for them. - A detective?

- Yes? – he turned to her.

- What will happen to the body? I mean... - she began.

- We can't deliver it right now. But when it becomes possible, we will contact you. - He reached into his inner pocket - Here are the contact details of companies that deal with situations like this one - he handed her two business cards. - Just call them and explain the situation and give them my name. They will handle the rest in your stead.

- Yes, that would be of big help. Thank you a lot - she was already planning her next steps.

- We will find out what happened - he patted her fatherly on the hand - Do you need me to accompany the gentleman to his car? – he asked nodding at Sebastian.

- Thanks, but there's no need - said Gabriela and added an explanation - It was clear that he wouldn't leave without discussing this and I also wanted to say a few words to him about my family - the detective nodded in agreement and followed his partner out of the apartment. Gabriela closed the door and leaned against it for a moment. Taking a breath, she steadied herself and turned, ready for another round. This man thought he could just fly into her house and accuse people of theft and murder, but he had no idea.

- Okay, shoot - Sebastian told her, expecting her outburst. If he were her, he probably would have resorted to his fists.

- You arrogant, shameless, unforgiving son of a bitch - she began angrily - how dare you come to my house and pour accusations. I have never stolen a button in my life. I would never hurt a fly. And you come here with your accusations and brazenly sit and suck coffee in my kitchen. I want you to leave now and never come back! - she yelled at him.

- Are you finished? - he asked calmly, folding his hands in front of his chest.

- Oh, I haven't started with you yet! - she balled her fists in a threatening manner. He was questioning his sanity because he found her way too cute, angry like that - When I'm done you'll be just a pig-faced cockroach, which you are.

- Wizards didn't hurt people, don't they? Didn't you take an oath? – he asked her both amused and a little concerned.

- I can always make an exception for you - threatened Gabriela, almost at the end of her patience. - He was frustrating. She felt betrayed because of how much she liked him, his presence, and his looks. His being here was comforting and exciting. But the reason for him being here was frustrating and hurtful.

- Look now - Sebastian began - I don't have to explain anything to you, but I will do it anyway because I think that today is a bad day and you have the right to be angry. We met last night at the party where I had gone to see your uncle and find out if he had anything to do with the robbery. - He started explaining, hoping for her not to hate him. The idea of that happening was making him agitated already- In my opinion, he is guilty, but if it is the case I needed proof. I am not one to make quick accusations without backing them up with proof. I came to you today to tell you the truth and ask for your help because you are related to the suspect and you are responsible for the exhibit - she opened her mouth but he cut her off

- I also think you are interesting and beautiful and I would like to get to know you. If you refuse, no problem, I'm not pushy - well, that was a lie. He was not going to give up, but she didn't need to know that now - But I want you to take responsibility for your actions and your uncle's. I want your assistance in finding those responsible for losing two lives, and I believe you want the same. - He could tell she was not going to sit down quietly, waiting for the police. They probably thought she was calm and timid, but he could see the fire in her eyes while they talked. She knew something and was planning to act on that. He needed to be there to protect her.

- We don't have to like, just tolerate each other. We need to help each other to get to the truth and let these people rest in peace. I think you'll agree with me on that - he waited for her answer. She stood in front of him with her fists still clenched, watching his face, gears turning.

Indeed, he was not guilty of anything. He wanted justice and had the responsibility and courage to seek it. She had reacted too violently, due to lack of sleep and the shock of the news of her uncle's death. The man in front of her was honest, persistent, hardworking, and loyal. She appreciated the responsibility he had taken on for his employees. Come to think of it, if she were in his place, she wouldn't act so calmly. She sighed and relaxed her hands.

- Okay I'm sorry. You are not to blame for anything - Gabriela began and went to sit on the couch. She rested her forehead in her hand - In fact, I'm even grateful you're here. You were honest with me and the police - she thought for a second and reached a decision - I will help you because I want to prove to you that my uncle was not involved. And you will promise me that you will continue the investigation and not abandon the other leads.

- I agree, only if you promise that if the investigation keeps pulling us to your uncle you will not hinder it - She nodded at that. He paused for a second and added - I have a lunch appointment with my investigation team. Would you like to join us?

- No, not today. But I would like for you to inform me of their findings and the details of the robbery as well.

- So, we are doing this together then? - He asked her

- I think we should both have all the information to help each other.

- Agreed - he was firm with his next words - Will you then tell me what you left out earlier?

She stared at him for a while, indecision clear on her face. How could she tell him about her dreams and not sound like a psycho? Maybe he could believe her? She decided to play it safe for a little bit more.

- Can I get back to you? - she said and saw his disappointment - It's not that I don't want to tell you - she started - It's just I don't know if you will believe what I have to say. Just, give me a few days to gather some proof and you will know, ok?

- OK, I will be patient.

- You can come with me to the house when they let me - added the woman - If the book is there, although I doubt it, you can take it. But if it turns out to be true, I would like to ask you to be discreet.

- That's a decision I can not make. The family of the dead guard needs the truth.

- But you said a team was hired. This means that someone else was responsible for his death. We may omit my uncle's name if it was him - she added. One of the Council's few rules was not to divulge the names of its members. If her uncle got involved in a scandal, she wasn't sure how it would affect the circle. It was better not to risk it.

- I cannot promise such a thing, but if there is such an opportunity, I will consider it - this was all he could say.

- Okay, thank you - Gabriela nodded gratefully. It was clear she could not get anything more.

- You probably have things to do - For a few moments he was debating if to hug her and give her the comfort she needed. But right now, she was more likely to bite his head off if he tried to approach her.

- Yes, I should - sighed Gabi as they both headed toward the door.

- I'll send you the files after the meeting - said Sebastian and left without any more words.

- Thanks - she said in the empty room.

After a few minutes, she headed to the phone. It was time to call her grandmother.