Personal Demon (Otherworld 8)

"There's nothing of value on this floor, is there?"

"All the critical files, rare spellbooks and bearer bonds are likely in a vault somewhere. But there is something of moderate value in there."

He gestured at a door we'd passed, as plain as the others, the smooth handle suggesting it didn't even have a key lock.

"Ha-ha," I said.

His brows arched. "You doubt me?"

"God forbid."

He took hold of my shoulders and propelled me toward the door. When we were about two feet away, I caught a telltale flash.

"Security spell." I glanced back at him. "How'd you know?"

"About the spell? Just a hunch. What caught my attention was a less mysterious security measure. Do you see the metal plate running along the door frame? There's an electronic lock of some sort, probably attached to that." He pointed to a wafer-thin slot beside the door, then said. "We should get back."

WE'D JUST TURNED the final corner back to the waiting room when two men approached from the opposite side, one strolling a few paces behind, making no effort to match the other's brisk stride.

For a moment, I thought the leader was Benicio. He had the same stocky build, dark hair and rounded face, but when we drew closer I saw his dark hair was less gray-streaked and his face was less lined.

The man lagging behind was about a decade younger, also Latino, but taller and well built. I could see similarities in the features, but where the older man was average looking, bland even, the younger was worth a double-take...though I tried not to make mine too obvious.

"Looking for us?" Karl said as we neared them. "My apologies. You keep the restrooms well hidden, it seems."

The lie came blithely, accompanied by an air that said he really didn't give a damn whether they believed him or not.

Karl extended a hand to the older man. "Karl Marsten."

"Hector Cortez. This is my brother, Carlos."

Carlos ignored Karl and took my hand. "I'd guess this lovely young lady is Hope Adams, but I don't think I could be so lucky."

He flashed a smile meant to be as charming as his words, but both carried a smarmy note that set my teeth on edge.

Hector and Carlos Cortez, two of Lucas's three half-brothers. I'd been wondering whether Benicio himself would come to collect us or would send someone instead. When it came to Cabal relations with werewolves or vampires, every nuance would be noticed and analyzed by the entire corporation.

Only in the last decade had the werewolves reentered the larger supernatural world. As evidenced by the way Karl had been treated, they were still viewed with a combination of curiosity and trepidation. Some weren't happy that Benicio had initiated contact with Jeremy Danvers, the werewolf Alpha. Sending his sons to meet us was a small step back, but perhaps the politically shrewd move.

"Karl. Hope."

Footfalls sounded behind us and we turned to see Benicio approaching from the other end of the floor, Troy behind him.

"Meetings never run on schedule, do they? Come along then. We'll talk in my office."

As we followed Benicio, I couldn't help smiling. A deft move. In accompanying Karl personally, Benicio could not be accused of any slight against a werewolf envoy. Yet those who didn't want to see their leader treating the Alpha--via his proxy--as an equal would argue that Benicio had sent his sons but, after an accidental hallway encounter, the only civil thing to do was take us himself. Another lesson learned.

BENICIO LED US through a tiny reception area, then dismissed Troy to an adjoining room.

We entered what was--from the photos on the desk--clearly Benicio's private office, but it wasn't much larger than the waiting room. Still it certainly was the best real estate in the building, overlooking Biscayne Bay, with an amazing floor-to-ceiling window that showcased the view.

"You must be here to discuss my arrangement with Hope," Benicio said as he waved us to chairs. "But I'm not sure this was wise, bringing her in when she's supposed to be undercover."

"No?" Karl settled into his chair. "Then I guess you'll have to abort the mission."

My knees locked before I could drop into my chair. I shot a look at Karl, certain now that he'd invited me along because he knew it could mark the end of my job.

"Did you introduce her to anyone on your way in?" Benicio asked.