Justine acknowledged Raya’s words with a slight nod. “One of the differences between angels and demons.”
“Wait a minute—what was all that charade about not speaking English when I came into the shop before?”
Justine lowered the rolling pin and smiled sheepishly. “I didn’t think you’d expect a French baker to speak English.”
“I’ll forgive you if you’ll let me try one of these.” Raya pointed to one of the more decadent-looking pastries in the case.
“That’s areligieuse. A nun. Double-decker choux pastry filled with vanilla cream and topped with dark chocolate.” Professional pride seemed to be taking the edge from Justine’s voice, and the glow that had surrounded her faded out.
Raya’s eyes shone. “That’s incredible. A nun-baking angel. I bet you could tell some stories.”
Was Justine actually blushing?
“One or two.”
Phoenix wondered if he should speak at all, or just leave the softening up to Raya. She really was quite good at it.
“Was Phoenix always this insufferable?”
Justine let out a laugh like she and Raya were old friends. “Always. He might even have been worse in the old days.”
“Hey, now—”
“In fact”—Justine leaned toward Raya confidentially— “my brother, Justinian, once threatened to cut off his head with a flaming sword.”
Raya gasped in mock horror. “No!”
Justine nodded.
Raya shot Phoenix an amused look. “I’ve felt the same way many times.”
Phoenix rolled his eyes. “Great. Now that we all have ‘hating Phoenix’ in common, could we perhaps get down to business?”
“Shut up, demon,” said Justine.
Raya cracked up.
Phoenix threw his hands in the air. “Laugh it up, witch.”
Justine caught Raya’s mirth and began giggling.
Trust Raya to corrupt even an angel. “I’m glad I amuse the two of you. Meanwhile, there’s a witch out there trying to capture every demon in Paris. Would either of you like to do something about it?”
Justine sobered. “I’m sorry, Phoenix, but I’ve spent too long out of the game to get involved now. I’ve created a life for myself here.”
“I don’t want you to get involved. I want you to put me in touch with your brother.”
Raya’s mouth fell open. “The angel who threatened to remove your head?”
Justine sighed and leaned against the counter. “My brother is in hiding, Phoenix. He’s been in hiding for hundreds of years now. Not to mention the fact that you are quite possibly the very last being on earth Justinian would want to see.”
A line appeared between Raya’s eyebrows. “Your brother’s name is Justinian? And, also, since when do angels have siblings?”
“Sometimes it just ends up that way.” Justine picked up tworeligieusesand placed them on the display case about a foot apart. “You spend enough time together, you work for a common cause, you become like family.” She slid the two pastries together.
“But your names—”
“Are like our forms. They’re what we choose.” She slid one of the pastries in Raya’s direction.
