Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jenson Guardian 5)

"Rilcy, it's nearly one in the morning."

"So?" I glanced in the mirror to check there wasn't a. cop car behind me. It wasn't exactly legal to be talking on a cell while driving - not without using hands-free, anyway - and while as a guardian I could probably get out of the fine, it would create a whole lot of paperwork. And that would only make me and Jack grumpy.

"So some of us do actually cat at regular hours." Amusement lurked in Kellen's rich tones. "Hell, some of us even keep regular sleeping hours."

Which explained the sexy, just-woken-up tone I was hearing under the amusement. "So you're not interested in coming out for a snack?"

"That depends on what else is on the menu."

"Now there's a typical male response," I said dryly, "Won't come out for food, but will make the effort if there's sex involved."

"Absolutely right," he said. "When and where?"

"I'll be at Eddie's in ten minutes," I said. "I'm feeling like a burger, and he makes the best."

"Order me a coffee," he said. "And add lots of sugar. I've got a feeling I'm going to need the energy."

"You surely will."

He chuckled softly, and hung up. After a glance at the road to see what the traffic was doing, I pressed another button and dialed the Directorate. Naturally, Sal answered.

"What an unmitigated pleasure to speak to you again so soon," she cooed.

Right. "So Jack's in the room, huh? Why don't you just shag the man?"

"Because I, unlike some, have a little class, and I prefer to build up to a relationship rather than take the wham-bam approach."

She might be a few hundred years old, but it seems her human prejudices had survived the crossover well. "If class means remaining a frustrated old cow, then give me crassness any day."

"Oh, you can be sure you have that market covered." Her tone was still so very pleasant, even if her words held the familiar hint of snark. It had to be killing her.

"And with the sort of charm you're currently oozing, it's a wonder Jack isn't just falling at your feet in lust."

"Oh, he surely will."

"You want to bet on that?"

"No." She paused, then added, "And we can cut the crap now - what do you want, bitch?"

Her voice was back to its unpleasant best. Jack had obviously left.

"Did the forensic team checking the rooftop come back with anything?"

"The bullet casings indicated a high-powered rifle. There were no prints on either the casings or at the site. They suspect a professional hit."

"Which doesn't make any sense, because I haven't pissed anyone off lately."

"As I said before, I find that very hard to believe."

I ignored the jibe, but mainly because I couldn't think of a good retort. "Did you manage to do the background check on Mirror Image?"

"Yes, There's nothing untoward. It was legitimately set up, and has been running without problems for six months. There have been no complaints at all."

Which in itself was more than a little unusual. Hell, most clubs got complaints, whether they deserved them or not. "No rumors or reports that suggest something less than savory happening there?"

"Nothing at all Why?"

"Because I suspect there's a blackmail scam being run out of the club. Who's the registered owner?"