Personal Demon (Otherworld 8)

"We raise our children to hide their powers and fit into human society, and that doesn't always sit well with them. Some form criminal gangs--mostly male, late teens to midtwenties, when they're coming into their full powers. They're better organized than human gangs--more focused and less casually violent, though not above using violence to achieve their goals."

Sounded like a youth version of a Cabal.

"These gangs tend to be most prevalent in Cabal cities, because there's a high concentration of supernaturals there and because they know we'll cover their indiscretions to protect ourselves. We could disband them, but we've decided it's wiser to let them have their fun, safely. They get the rebellion out of their system, and when they come looking for a job..."

"The Cabals are close by."

He nodded. "The problem is that every now and then, their tolerance for us wears thin. One of those gangs--a particularly well-organized one in Miami--has been the source of some rumblings. I need to find out what they're up to."

"So you want a ringer. A young supernatural with undercover experience who isn't well-known in the community. That's where I come in."

Even as I spoke, my pulse quickened, thinking of how it could be done, how much I'd learn, how much fun I'd have. The last thought threw on the brakes. I was imagining what it would be like to lap up all that criminal chaos guilt-free because, hey, I was only fulfilling a debt, maybe even helping avoid a violent confrontation between this gang and the Cabal.

For guilt-free chaos, I had to stick to my council work. With them I always knew I was working on the right side.

"I've never done deep undercover," I said. "I probably couldn't even play gang material. My background--"

"I know your background, Hope, and we'd work with that. You'd play a version of yourself. With Karl's help, you could pull this off easily."

"I'm still not seeing how Karl fits in. He certainly can't pass for college age."

"No, but he can protect you."

"I can read chaotic thoughts. I might not have werewolf strength, but if someone's about to pull a gun on me, I'll know it."

"You may need to break into an office or apartment..."

"Karl's taught me the basics."

Benicio eased back into his seat. "Perhaps you wouldn't need him, then. That would certainly be better. I'd rather not delay, tracking him down and jetting him back."

"No, I--I didn't mean I'd do it."

Benicio arched his brows as if to say "What did you mean then?" Even as denials sprang to my lips, the demon in my blood whispered "Why not? You owe him. Get it over with."

I set my mug in the holder. "No. I'm sorry. I'm flattered that you'd consider me for this, but I'm sure you need it done right away and I have a training session next week--"

"You'd be home by then. We'll fly to Miami now, you'll take the initiation test this afternoon and be in the gang tonight."

In the gang tonight...I wet my lips, then swallowed and managed a laugh. "Today? That seals it, then. There's no way I could leave today. I'm expected back in Philly tonight with--"

I glimpsed a transport passing on the left. We were on a four-lane major road.

"Where are we? I said to circle the block--"

"My driver is taking a longer route, giving us more time to talk."

I hesitated, but he'd left his other bodyguard at the park, meaning he wasn't shanghaiing me.

"As for your story," Benicio said. "I already have people investigating and they'll give you everything you need to write it. Then you can call True News later and tell them you're on the trail of a bigger, related story, the details of which I will also provide."

I plucked at the sodden hem of my skirt, saying nothing.

"As for Karl," he went on, "you're free to do this job without him, but I will insist on personally notifying Lucas and Paige, and having you speak to them to air any concerns. I'm not going behind my son's back. He's even welcome to come to Miami and supervise the operation."

I was out of excuses. I should have just said "Sorry, I don't want it," but I couldn't force the lie to my lips.

No matter what Benicio said, I owed him--and even if he never called it a debt, it gave him an excuse to keep making "offers." This would be an ideal way to get out from under the black cloud of this obligation. A week or less, starting immediately, all contingencies handled, with Lucas and Paige to ensure it was legitimate. I'd break not only the tie to Benicio, but my last one to Karl--the tie that bound us to this debt together.