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“Yeah, but it’s actual y good for him. Keeps him on the straight and narrow. Just like having a job wil help keep Erin focused. I truly believe one of Sassy’s problems was that she eschewed any real work. I tried to give her jobs within the VA, but she would get distracted. She never had to hold a job in her life, thanks to her parents’ money and then her late husband’s inheritance, and a a job in her life, thanks to her parents’ money and then her late husband’s inheritance, and a vampire with too much time on his or her hands is a vampire headed for trouble.”
“You’re right. Erin’s smart. She needs to be occupied, and she knows it.” I glanced around. “So, no idea where our runner went?”
Wade shook his head. “No, but I’l keep my eyes open on the way out. What are you doing here?”
I quickly ran down the events of the evening.
“Not Morio—he’s such a good guy. Crap. Wel , I’l see what I can find out about whoever was in the park tonight. I guess I’d better get moving. My thoughts are with your sister and her youkai.”
“I’d better get back.” Ivana wouldn’t wait forever, and I hoped I’d get back so she wouldn’t have to wait at al . The last thing I needed was for her to feel like I’d inconvenienced her. I brushed the snow off my shoulders. “Hey, Wade—”
He held up his hand, smiling. “It’s good to be talking again.”
“Yeah, I’ve missed it.”
“Me, too. Later.” And then he was gone.
I took another spin around the area and then headed back to the car. I’d barely reached the Jag when Ivana emerged from the tunnel in a cloud of sparkling dust. Her silver staff glowed like a light saber.
Silently, I handed her the second bag of beef. I didn’t have to ask if she’d gathered the spirits.
The satisfied look on her face told me what I needed to know. I wanted to ask her if she’d seen anything indicating my serial kil er down below, but that would entail yet another bargain. One thing I’d learned in my evening with Ivana was that the Elder Fae do nothing without payment.
I didn’t thank her, but instead, slowly backed away toward my Jag. Ivana started down the street, grocery bags in tow. Then, she paused, turning back to me.
“Dead girl!”
“Yeah?”
“You may cal upon me again if you wish another bargain. Be cautious with yourself. Not al of the Elders are as discriminating as I am. Not al , as pleasant.” And then she vanished into the shadows.
I stared after her, wondering what condition she’d left the tunnel in. I wondered what she was going to do with the spirits and shadow men that she had carted off with her. Most of al , I wondered if the Elder Fae had al stayed Earthside or if some of them had fol owed to Otherworld during the Great Divide.
About to head below, I paused as my cel phone jangled. A glance at the Cal er ID showed me it was Delilah on the other line.
“Yeah? What’s up? Any news on Morio?” I waited for her answer.
She spoke slowly. “He’s out of surgery. Now it’s a matter of time. Sharah thinks he’l make it, but the next twenty-four hours wil tel the tale. Camil e’s a wreck. Tril ian’s helping her keep it together.
Morio’s liver was severely damaged, and he lost so much blood.”
“Twenty-four hours, huh? He’s youkai—demon. He should survive.” But the thought that he might not crossed my mind. “Delilah, if he slips . . . do you think Camil e would want me to . . .” I couldn’t even say the words, but they had to be said. There had to be no recriminations later over what I did or did not do.
Delilah let out a little mew. “I don’t know. I’l find out.” She hung up.
I paused, then punched in our home number. Iris answered.
“Vanzir there?”
But Iris wasn’t going to let me off the hook with being so abrupt. “Yes, he is, but you can just damned wel get your ass back here and tel me what’s going on. Nerissa and I’ve been waiting and waiting for the phone to ring.”
Damn. I should have told Delilah to cal her when she got the chance. “I’m busy—”
“It’s going on four in the morning. You may have a few hours left, but girl, you need to tel me what’s happening out there.”
I glanced at the tunnel. “Give me twenty minutes and I’l be home. Meanwhile, sit tight.” I’d been thinking to ask Vanzir to come help me, but Iris’s mood kiboshed that. With one last longing glance, I left the manhole cover and jogged over to my car, speeding off to home.
Iris was waiting up. She looked exhausted but had stubbornly stayed up al night in order to keep watch. Bruce O’Shea, her leprechaun boyfriend, was on vacation visiting his family in Ireland, but Vanzir was sitting with her in the living room, and Shamas, our cousin, was there, too.
