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But getting to know Izzy had cheered him up over the last few days. He enjoyed spending time with the woman. Lund was a comfortable companion, like a quiet, peaceful room where you could relax. Izzy, in contrast, was the best party you’d ever been to—vivacious and funny and beautiful, and he loved being around her. Cassie had a kind way about her, beneath all the worry and quiet. And Drummond Fox was a revelation to Azaki, much warmer than he had ever imagined, and with a sense of humor that seemed to emerge when he was more relaxed.
On that first night in the Macintosh Hotel, Azaki and Izzy had gone out to get supplies. Mostly alcohol, but some food as well. Since then they’d spent most of their time in the bar, just talking, drinking, trying to ignore their nerves and their fears. Sometimes Cassie would join them, often distracted and distant. Drummond would come and drink quietly, but obviously listening to the chat, like he wanted to be around people but without any need to participate. Azaki understood that.
“I didn’t realize you knew how clever I am,” Lund said now, and Azaki stared at him in surprise.
“I didn’t say you were clever,” he said.
“That’s right,” Izzy agreed. “He didn’t say you were clever.”
“I just said you weren’t as stupid as you want people to think you are.”
Lund considered that for a moment, then said, “I wish I was clever enough to understand the distinction.”
“You’re very dry,” Azaki said, peering at him. “It’s impossible to tell if you’re joking or not.”
Cassie and Drummond had appeared momentarily, and they’d all watched them disappear through the door into the past.
“That’s it, then,” Izzy said, once they were gone. “It’s happening.”
“Yeah,” Azaki agreed, and he realized he was nervous. The next bit was down to him. He put his glass down on the table.
Cassie and Drummond returned almost immediately. The door opened, they tumbled through, and Cassie slammed the door shut behind them again. Azaki was alarmed at the look on Cassie’s face. Her eyes looked hollow, her skin blanched.
“Well?” Azaki asked. He realized he was clenching and unclenching his hand rapidly in his pocket, a nervous tic he’d always had as a kid.
Cassie walked past him and dropped onto one of the sofas in the bar.
“I need a drink,” Drummond said. “Where’s the whisky?”
“Behind the bar,” Izzy said, but her eyes were on Cassie. She sat next to her friend on the sofa.
“Bring me one!” Azaki called, as Drummond walked over to the bar. Drummond raised a hand in acknowledgment.
Cassie seemed to be gathering her thoughts.
“What happened?” Izzy asked, obviously sensing that something was wrong.
Azaki exchanged a glance with Lund, who flicked his eyebrows up and down once.
“Doesn’t matter,” Cassie said. “We saw the woman. We followed her home. We were with her and... She killed two men while we were there.” She shook her head. “It was horrible, Izzy.”
Izzy looked pained. She held Cassie’s hand.
“What did she do?” Azaki asked. He couldn’t stop himself. He was scared and wanted as much information as possible.
Cassie lifted her face to regard him. She seemed miles away. “She turned a man to liquid,” she said. “I think... I think he was screaming as she did it. But it sounded like a gurgle because he was all liquid. Oh god...”
She dropped her head into her hands. Azaki crossed his arms, pacing the floor restlessly.
“I’ve never been more sure of what we’re doing,” Cassie said, speaking through her hands. “She’s evil.”
Then she looked up at Azaki.
“But we found where she keeps the books. It’s a safe in a basement, in a house somewhere south of here.”
“So you can take them?” Azaki asked.
“I think so,” Cassie said. She looked at Izzy. “Remember that first night at the Library Hotel? We were talking about a burglar opening a safe?”
