The hairs on the nape of Cally’s neck stood on end. “What sort of threats?”
“Are you sure you wish to know? Most people prefer to be kept in ignorance.”
“I think I can handle it.”
Amelia’s voice dropped quieter still. “Vampires, Miss Davis. Vampires are real, I regret to inform you, and we are the first, last, andonlyline of defense.” She raised her hand. “I know, I know. You’re thinking we’re all insane. This is why you need to come to New York, where we can show you evidence that will leave no doubts. The truth is, someone with your… unique gifts… would be an incredible asset in the fight against theOrdo Noctis.”
“Vampires,” Cally tried to inject all her disbelief into the word, in the spirit of someone hearing it for the first time. She looked at Eve with what she hoped was an incredulous expression.
“An understandable reaction, but we can prove it,” Amelia insisted. “Please don’t believe we are going to ask you to fight them.” She gave a small laugh as if such a suggestion was absurd. “You are far too valuable for that. However, you could help us in so many ways.”
“So if I want answers I have to go to New York?” Cally sought Eve, who returned her gaze without expression.Letting me decide.
“We have our own plane and it can be here tomorrow,” Amelia said, like it was a given. “No expense spared.”
Cally raised an eyebrow. “Your own plane, huh? How long’s the visit?”
“A day would suffice. We will fly you there tomorrow morning and bring you back on Monday.”
“Can you get a day off work?” Cally asked Eve.
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Amelia hesitated. “The invitation is only for—”
“You have aplane, Amelia,” Cally said bluntly. “Unless it’s a one-seater, Eve is coming.”
“I can see you know your own mind.” She nodded. “Very well, your friend may accompany you. Yes. Perhaps that would be best, after all.”
“We’ll come and see, but we’re making no promises,” Eve said.
Amelia’s smile didn’t falter. “Once you have learned the truth, I have no doubt you will see things our way.”
“No promises,” Cally echoed Eve firmly.
“What do you desire, Miss Davis?” Amelia asked. “Wealth? Power? Knowledge? Secrets that only we know? The Order can offer all this and more.” Her eyes sparkled behind her glasses. “I am quite certain we will come to an arrangement.”
Seven
The Order’s jet touched down at Stewart International Airport and taxied to a private hangar, where a sleek black limousine awaited on the asphalt.
Cally sighed and turned to Eve. “Are we doing the right thing?”
Eve lifted one shoulder in a wordless reply, then mimed zipping her lips. In the end, Amelia hadn’t accompanied them, but they’d already agreed they wouldn’t talk of weighty matters on the flight, in case the Order had it bugged.
Their smiling flight attendant reappeared. “Your onward transportation is waiting, and we look forward to seeing you for your return trip tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” Cally said out of reflex, and unclipped her lap belt.
They’d only brought overnight bags, and she slung hers onto her shoulder as the flight attendant opened the cabin door. A flight of stairs stood ready, and Cally descended with Eve following close behind.
Two men in dark suits waited beside the limousine. One wore the peaked cap of a chauffeur, while the other was a younger man, not much older than Cally, with broad shoulders, a trim figure, and a clean-shaven, federal-agent chic. She didn’t need to see a bulge to know there would be a gun under the jacket.
The man stepped forward as they approached, eyes flicking between her and Eve. “Calista Davis?”
“Cally,” she corrected.
He offered a surprisingly warm smile, dimples on display. “My name is Darian. I’m here to escort you to our headquarters.”
