CODE NAME: VAMP

CN:V.9 - This Was Personal

In an hour, Simon was cleaned up and at the institute, watching Imogen talk to Asmodeus Bane; Hitman for Hire.

He had changed his clothes and left the house with enough weapons to raise a red flag with the authorities. But he didn't care.

Jonathan had sent a hitman.

Now the games were over. He had to hit back, harder than before.

But...

First, he had a job to do. And a boyfriend to woo.

He could deal with Jonny boy at the same time but he needed to focus.

"We have a hit on the bug slash bomb." Izzy said, next to him. Simon was staring at the man in the room with Imogen.

"It's a bomb." Simon said distractedly.

"O...K." Izzy said, looking into the room where Asmodeus was being questioned. "It is a bomb a really powerful one by the looks of it. It was defective, which is why we are still alive. They guys down in the lab said it is like a mini, really mini atom bomb. They are still playing with it." She chuckled. "Fucking nerds."

"It's not a toy." Simon murmured. "You should tell them that. It was the same bomb that they used when I was taken. I'm kinda surprised they still have them."

"Taken?" Izzy frowned but Simon didn't look at her. "When were you taken?"

"A long time ago." Simon hadn't told his friends about his childhood. The only person that knew was Imogen and his therapist. His file was classified. Technically he was supposed to be dead. He was supposed to be killed in the attack on his home.

Imogen walked out of the room, her face grim. "I see you have been having fun without me, Simon."

"You gave me a job to do." Simon said. "I was doing it."

"But Jonathan Morgenstern?" She hissed, standing in front of him. "He is not a man to play with."

"Oh I know that." Simon said. "But I can handle him. I did it before."

"Do you know who that is in there?" Imogen asked.

"Magnus's dad, I think." Simon said. "Why?"

"That man is called the Demon Prince." Izzy gasped but Simon was unimpressed.

"So?"

"He is the most brutal, most sadistic assassin for hire." Imogen snapped. "Nobody knows how he operates. He has killed people who could not be touched and left no trace."

Huh." Simon smirked. "So I did good?"

"No." Imogen rubbed her face. "Simon, Jonathan Morgenstern sent this man after you. What did you do?"

"Nothing." Simon said. At Imogen's disbelieving look, he held his hands up in defence. "You can ask Jace."

She narrowed her eyes. "Jace? You got my grandson mixed up in this?"

Shit.

"No." Simon smiled his most charming smile. "We were at a party and Jonathan was there. He and I go way back, remember? He wasn't happy to see me."

"Why?" Imogen said. "I have known Jonathan Morgenstern for many years. How do you know him."

Simon sighed. "You have read my file, what do you think?"

Imogen stared at him for a few seconds. "No." she said shaking her head. "It's not possible."

"It is." Simon said. A movement at the corner of his eyes caused him to turn. Asmodeus was walking around the room. "Look, can I go in there? The man tried to kill me. I want to talk to him."