Page 47 of Demons Dig Donuts

Lou smiled, and it was very smug.

The woman glanced between Indy and Lou, whispering loudly, “Is this about the young man or the other thing?”

Lou faced away from Indy, clearing his throat. He was clearly saying something to her, but Indy had no idea what.

The woman’s eyes widened. She looked right at Indy and smiled nervously.

Uh-huh.

Right, because that wasn’t suspicious at all.

“Very well.” Q. raised his hand. “If there are no other claims from the family—”

“Oh, we have a question!” Vilanos piped up.

“We do,” Absolis confirmed.

“And it needs an answer.”

“What is it?” Mr. Heiss snapped.

“It is so very unfortunate that you had to murder Mr. Kalt,” Absolis said.

“Very unfortunate,” Vilanos agreed. “But you haven’t shared with us why you had to kill him?”

“Yes, why?” Absolis batted his lashes. “Whatever is going on in your territory, brother?”

“Must be something awful that you have to murder your own kind.”

“Absolutely awful indeed.”

Mr. Heiss growled low but replied quietly, “Mr. Kalt was working with Mr. Mitternacht. They are both traitors to the family and have instead sworn themselves to the mostri ribelli’s cause.” He glared. “Any other questions you’d like to ask that you already know the answers to?”

Absolis and Vilanos beamed.

“Two demons are working with the mostri?” Lou shouted. “Hellborn demons?”

“Yes, that is what is indicated by their names,” Mr. Heiss drawled. “I’m so proud you remembered that.”

“Is there anything else you’re not telling us?” Q. asked, his calm demeanor cracking ever so slightly. “If the mostri ribelli were involved, this potentially affects the entire family. The entire city.”

Mr. Heiss narrowed his eyes. “I’m aware, and trust that the issue is being handled.”

“Where is Mr. Mitternacht?” Lou demanded, the shoulders of his suit bulging as if he was fighting to remain human and not transform. “Do you have any idea how much harm he could cause?”

“I will find him.”

“Oh? Will you?” Lou scoffed. “I heard two of your pets were in the hospital and the other is missing. You didn’t have these problems when you still had an angel to boss around. Sariel really was doing most of the heavy lifting for you, wasn’t he?”

“I am more than capable of handling my own house.” Mr Heiss smiled suddenly. “How about you worry about yours, hmm? Which reminds me. Did you ever finish burying all your dead from that plague? You saved so many, but countless more still died, right?” He winked. “Maybe ask Sariel to do some of the lifting. He loves cemeteries, but dead children do make him a bit sad, so bring tissues.”

“You fucking bastard.” Lou growled, and his eyes glowed. There was the distinct sound of fabric ripping, and a big werewolf transformation seemed to be imminent.

The big dog was up, his tail wagging. “Can I eat him? Let’s take his shoes first. They’re full-grain calfskin leather.”

“Lou,” the woman soothed, “how about I make some tea? Hmm? Some nice tea with—”

“Enough,” Q. warned, his own eyes turning black and glittering like two voids opening directly into space. “Until I believe that Mr. Heiss is not capable of controlling his realm and those who hail from it, he remains in charge and his authority is not to be questioned.” He scowled at Lou. “Just as I trust you with yours. Understood?”