Ghost Phoenix by Corrina Lawson

corpse isn’t a rumor, it’s something established by respectable historians.” But the Soviets were known for obscuring truth.
    â€œYou’re intrigued, Marian.”
    â€œYou must have information I don’t. What is it?”
    â€œThe Court’s sources say Rasputin’s body was relocated from a public grave before the rebellion succeeded in toppling the czar. The body was spirited out of the country, unknown to but a few. The Bolsheviks vented their anger on an anonymous corpse.”
    â€œI suppose that’s possible, especially if your source is good.” She took a deep breath. “But why do you want Rasputin? Did he mean something to a member of your court?” Some people collected rare corpses. Creepy but occasionally lucrative to the Doyles. How disappointing if Richard was one of those people.
    â€œThe Court’s scientists want to examine Rasputin’s DNA.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œYou’re familiar with the Mad Monk’s history. Guess.”
    That was a test. If she flunked, would he refuse to hire her? That would be a way to get out of this job filled with immortals and someone stalking them. But…
    â€œRasputin was rumored to have true healing powers. That’s why Empress Alexandra depended on him, because she needed him to treat her son, Alexei, who was a hemophiliac. If that’s true, that would make Rasputin a psychic, like me or you.”
    â€œNot like us,” Richard snapped. “I can heal myself but not others.”
    â€œYou need his DNA to find out how to heal others? But if members of your court are immortal, who needs to be healed?”
    Richard avoided her gaze and looked across the street, where taxis were pulling up to the hotel. “The Court is always interested in ways to unlock psychic gifts, and the gift of healing others is incredibly rare.”
    â€œRasputin had daughters, and at least one of those daughters had children. Why not ask for a sample of their DNA, if that’s what you’re interested in? They’d be much easier to locate.”
    â€œI’m glad you have information on the family already committed to memory.” Richard looked at her this time. “Rasputin didn’t pass on his abilities to his children, therefore they are missing the quirk of DNA that led to his healing and other abilities. I need his DNA and no other.”
    â€œOther abilities? He had more than one?”
    â€œHe could create explosions. My information indicates he caused the massive explosion in Siberia in 1908.”
    â€œHoly crap. A psychic can do that?” She sat back in the chair. “Here I thought my gift was powerful. Maybe it’s a good thing he was killed.” She muttered the last sentence.
    â€œNothing to worry about. We have only to deal with his corpse and not the man himself.”
    She took a deep breath and stood. No, hadn’t she just vowed a day ago not to go down the rabbit hole? Handsome prince or not, this was enough. This chaos was exactly what she wanted to avoid. She wanted something normal. Ordinary. Something that didn’t break the laws of several countries.
    â€œI owe you for putting my grandfather in his place, Richard. But I admit, between the person following us, the people out there who killed your brother and a search for a corpse that may not exist, I don’t think this is the job for me.”
    â€œYou’re refusing me?” He stood to face her.
    He sounded more puzzled than angry.
    â€œYes. This is way over my head.” She braced herself, ready for Richard to pass judgment on her as a coward. He’d be right too.
    â€œYou underestimate yourself.” He stepped closer to her. “You are more than your fear. I need your knowledge. I need your help, Angel.”
    Again, he said Angel in the sexiest whisper.
    â€œI’m a coward.”
    â€œI know cowards. You’re not one.”
    What was she afraid of? Losing