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He lifted a powerful shoulder in a shrug. “That’s what I’d like you to find out. There’s nothing specific, but I’ve known Moreau for a long time. Something’s off. He’s lying to me, and I want to know why—and about what.”
“Why not ask one of your own people to investigate?”
“He’s my oldest and most trusted enforcer, right below my lieutenant. My people are loyal to me, but all but a few report to him. That’s how the hierarchy works. I can’t chance him realizing I’m investigating him until I’m ready to move.”
“I’m only in Paris for another week. I’ve been offered a better job in America,” I added, in case he wondered why I was leaving Moreau’s employ after such a short period.
“That will work. You can look around, report to me and leave. We both know you’re good at disappearing. I’ll pay you well.” He named a stupid-high sum of money.
My mind worked. I was pretty sure Leo de Froulay didn’t know about Zaq Kral or the Tremblay Syndicate’s deal with SI. Whatever Moreau was hiding from him, that was part of it.
The money I didn’t care about, except that money was security. That homeless twelve-year-old I’d once been would’ve given anything for even a tenth of that sum.
And I would love to take down Moreau if I could do it without compromising Op A.
I picked up my wine glass, sipped. “I’ll have to think about it.”
“No.” His tone was you-will-do-this arrogant. “I need an answer now.”
“Then the answer is no.”
His mouth pulled down. He examined me from beneath lowered lids.
I returned his stare with a calm look of my own. If I agreed to work with him, it would be a transaction of equals.
Amusement glimmered in his eyes. Amusement, and a touch of respect. “Then when?”
“Friday night. Moreau’s having a party. You’ll be there?”
“Yes. I always stop by for a few minutes.”
I nodded and rose to my feet. “I’ll give you my answer then. If I accept your commission, it would be best if I don’t come here again.”
He stood up and I stuck out my hand. “Until Friday, then.”
He looked from my hand to my face. The amusement increased. He was laughing at me, but I didn’t care.
He took my hand, gave it a firm squeeze.
A chill went up my arm. I hoped I didn’t regret this.
“Until Friday. The butler will see you out.”
He returned to his desk but I felt his gaze on me until I’d left the library.
Outside, the night was warm and heavy with humidity. I rubbed my forehead. Sick of vampires. Sick of myself.
Moreau’s car was waiting for me, but I told him I’d decided to walk back instead. The human driver nodded and left.
De Froulay’s lair was just off the Seine in a quiet, exclusive neighborhood. I headed for the river and lost myself in the crowd strolling along the Right Bank.
How had he found out I was his daughter anyway? I’d thought no one but my mother and the vampires who’d murdered her knew who I really was.
And Mom was dead and I’d buried Ridley Crawford along with her. Or at least I thought I had.
I pulled out my phone and texted Crow.
Reaper: The meeting went as expected. I may be able to use him.
