The Fall of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles 7)

"That's much easier when your life has an expiration date."

"It may be more important for us."

"I loved her," he said. "I can't take what I saw."

"Magnus . . ."

"Either you do this or I attempt to do it on myself."

Catarina sighed and nodded. She examined the paper for several moments, then took hold of Magnus's temples very gently.

"You remember you're lucky to have me, right?" she said.

"Always."

Five minutes later Magnus was puzzled to find Catarina sitting beside him on the sofa.

"Catarina? What--"

"You were sleeping," she said. "You left

the door open. I let myself in. You have to lock your door. This city is nuts. You may be a warlock, but that doesn't mean you won't get your stereo stolen."

"I usually lock it," Magnus said, rubbing his eyes. "I didn't even realize I fell asleep. How did you know I was--"

"You called me and said you were home and wanted to go out for pizza."

"I did? What time is it?"

"Time for pizza," she replied.

"I called you?"

"Uh-huh." She stood and put out a hand to help him up. "And you've been back for two weeks and just called me tonight, so you're in trouble. You sounded sorry on the phone but not sorry enough. More groveling will be needed."

"I know. I'm sorry. I was . . ."

Magnus struggled for the words. What had he been doing the last couple of weeks? Working. Calling clients. Dancing with handsome strangers. Something else too, but he couldn't quite think of it. It didn't matter.

"Pizza," she said again, pulling him to his feet.

"Pizza. Sure. Sounds good."

"Hey," she said as he was locking the door. "Have you heard anything about Camille recently?"

"Camille? I haven't seen her in at least . . . eighty years? Something like that? Why are you asking about Camille?"

"No reason," she said. "Her name just popped into my mind. By the way, you're buying."