The Vampire's Siren

Chapter 18

Jackson's POV

Looking at Carmen's sleeping form, I try my best to hold in a deep sigh. I know that they're not going to like my being gone when they wake up. But Liam needs to be interrogated. I kiss their foreheads gently and leave the room. I nod to the guards posted at our door, before walking down the hallway.

I make my way down to the prison and meet Alistair at the entryway, before we make our way to the room where Liam is waiting.

I take in his form as we enter. He looks better. No longer bruised and battered. The blood that they had gotten him must have been fresh for him to have healed so well.

"Liam. You're looking well." I say as I sit down across from him.

"Feeling much better." He says, shrugging his shoulders.

Alistair sits next to me. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"So, you said you coming here was an unauthorized mission. How likely would Ryland have been to send someone? And will he notice you being gone?" I ask, getting right into it.

"Honestly, with the way he is right now, he's not likely to notice anything." Liam sighs. "As for him thinking of sending someone here to search, also not likely. He's not in his right mind. He's just thinking of what he could do for his next score, like an addict."

"Would you like to stay here?" Alistair asks, shocking the both of us.

"Honestly, yes." Liam looks at Alistair in surprise. "I didn't tell anyone that I was coming here. They may send out someone to look for me, but they wouldn't think to look here. Especially since I'm not linked to anyone."

"Alright. We'll keep you here." Alistair says. "But you'll stay in the prison for at least a month, because we need to know if we can actually trust you."

"I understand." Liam says, nodding his head. "Like I said, I will comply with any requests I possibly can."

"Wonderful." Alistair says, taking down some notes. "I have a question. Does Ryland have any plans that you're aware of?"

"That I'm aware of, no." Liam sighs. "I have no idea what he's planning."

"Do you have any knowledge of the Black Market?" I ask, watching Liam's form for any inclination that he would know about it. His body betrayed no signs that he would have known.

"Like... The human's Black Market?" He looks confused.

"No." Alistair's body relaxes slightly. "Ryland was aware of it, but was reluctant to agree that he should shut it down. There is a Black Market for Siren Blood, that until recently, we were sure Susan Long was in charge of. And now, we're uncertain."

"Oh." Liam looks shocked. "I honestly had no idea. I was an addict before I was turned, so I have steered clear of anything even remotely similar."

"How old are you?" I ask him, trying to guess in my mind.

"Just had my three hundred and fiftieth birthday last year." Liam says chuckling.

"So, if might ask... Was it opium?" I ask gently. "I remember that being a huge thing."

"Yeah." Liam laughs. "But after I Turned, I learned that it didn't work the same. And took that opportunity to get clean. Since then, I've been fully sober."

"Congratulations!" I cheer at his effort. "That's a huge deal."

"Thanks, man." He smiles at me.

"So, a month in the prison, until we're sure we can trust your word. Then you'll be afforded some liberty, but with guards around the clock." Alistair says as he makes more notes.