Rayna’s stomach sank. “Great. So, we’re not just dealing with instinct. We’re dealing with training.”
The new barista was at the counter again, stacking stir sticks with mechanical precision. His eyes flicked toward them once, curious, but he said nothing.
Rayna leaned closer to Payne. “If he’s already figured out how to hide magical signatures, we need to assume this thing’s either smarter than we thought, or it’s not working alone.”
Payne’s eyes narrowed. “You think he’s calling for backup?”
“I don’t know what he’s up to. He could be casing the area for Goddess knows what or watching people for weaknesses.”
Katie reemerged with her purse, still fuming. “Well, good news: I got my stuff. Bad news: I’m replaceable by a sentient knockoff.”
Rayna gave her a quick once-over. “You feel anything? Pull? Static? Spooky déjà vu?”
Katie hesitated. “Maybe? It’s like my skin knows he’s wrong, even if my eyes don’t.”
Rayna nodded. “Good. Hold onto that. Instinct’s your best shield right now.”
Payne shut down the scanner. “We’re done here. No use provoking it. Let’s move.”
As they stepped out onto the street, Katie glanced back at the café window. The not-quite-human barista waved cheerfully at her, then turned back to wiping the counter, as if he belonged there.
She shivered. “Okay, but seriously. I hope he burns himself.”
The other two smiled sympathetically. “Uh, Rayna. Can I speak to you privately for a minute?” Payne asked.
“Sure. Wait over by that bench, Katie.” She indicated something that looked like a long, wrought iron perch for pigeons.
Katie strolled over to it but didn’t sit.
“What’s up, Payne?”
“I was wondering if you’re busy tonight.”
“Why?”
“I’d like to take you out to dinner.”
“Again? So soon?”
“I enjoyed our first date. Didn’t you?”
“Well, yeah. But aren’t you supposed to wait a minute before a second date?”
“My battle experience has taught me not to wait for what I want.”
“And you want me? But I’m bossy!”
“I’m used to bossy women. My C.O. is a woman. Besides, I don’t think there’s any etiquette about the timing of first and second dates.”
“Hmmm…”
“Any moment could be our last on Earth.”
Rayna’s brows rose. “Well, I suppose if you put it that way… Are you picking me up at the mansion or should I meet you somewhere?”
“I’ll pick you up at six.” He started to saunter off while Rayna rejoined Katie, then he turned and called out, “Unless you want to ride your broom.”
Rayna elbowed Katie and whispered, “He thinks he’s joking.”
