Winter Halo (Outcast 2)

I licked every tiny crumb off my fingers, then nursed my coffee and continued to watch events across the street. Both the corps and medical turned up, and an exclusion zone was quickly set up around Keller’s body. Corps interviewed the two men who’d attempted to save Keller, as well as the people who’d called in the death. There was little else they could do. Keller’s body was soon bundled into a bag and whisked away. The two corps officers moved down the street and disappeared into the Heldan Apartments. Obviously, they were going to inspect Keller’s residence. I wished I could do the same, but that would be entirely too dangerous. But it was, perhaps, an action Nuri or one of her team could undertake.

Which left me with Charles.

He might not have had anything to do with Keller either today or at any time, but I’d gotten the impression he was a fairly high-level employee within Winter Halo. If that was true, then he could at least provide me with information on either the company—and what they might be up to—or the mysterious man in charge.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already close to eight, but I doubted my being late would make much difference. Not if the evening ended in Charles taking me to bed—which was precisely my aim. My seeker skills were far more intense—and reliable—during sex.

I might have sworn after the war to only ever bed someone because I wanted to rather than had to, but there were lives at stake here. Young lives. I didn’t care what—or who—I had to do; not if the result was bringing those missing kids out from whatever hell they were currently in.

I finished my coffee and then walked out of the café and headed for Second Street. It took me close to twenty minutes to get there, then another ten to find Zendigah’s. It was a small three-story building situated on the corner of Second and a cross street into First, and its interior was as shadowed as any of these places ever got. A large—and very real—hearth dominated the small room. The fire belted out so much heat the air practically shimmered, and there were half a dozen leather sofas scattered about, most occupied by white-clad gentlemen either reading or drinking. Charles wasn’t among them.

A waiter made his way through the chairs and gave me a welcoming smile. “How may I help you this evening?” His voice was soft and plummy, and perfectly matched his plush surroundings.

“I believe Charles Fontaine might be expecting me.”

“Ah yes, he did mention there might be an additional guest this evening. Please, this way.”

I followed him through the small room and up a rather steep set of stairs. The second level held six well-spaced tables, all of which were occupied, but we moved on to the third—and final—level. This floor was almost entirely all glass, and it gave a view directly down the cross street and into Central’s one and only park. Charles’s table held the prime spot for that view, which had to mean he was not only high-level within Winter Halo, but also rather wealthy. A view like that certainly wouldn’t come cheap, no matter what the establishment.

He looked up as we approached, and a pleased smile creased his features as he rose.

“I do hope your invitation was sincere,” I said as the waiter pulled out the chair opposite. I subtly began releasing pheromones again. “Otherwise this could get a little awkward.”

“No, no, I’m pleased you accepted my invitation.” He waited until I was seated, then sat back down. “I’ve only just ordered—would you like something?”

“Whatever you’re having will be fine.” And undoubtedly far better than anything I would have had back at the bunker. “How are you feeling after our rather abrupt meeting this evening?”

“I think I’ve come away with nothing more than a bruised hip. Yourself?”

“Same.” I smiled up at the waiter as he poured me a wine, then picked up the glass and raised it. “To new friendships.”

Charles clicked his glass against mine, then took a drink, his gaze scanning me appreciatively over the top of the glass. “I have to admit some surprise that a lady as lovely as yourself was unattended.”

Which was a very subtle way of asking if there was anyone in my life. I smiled. “I could say the same about a gentleman such as yourself.”

“Ah well, I’m afraid I’m rather committed to my work. It makes relationships . . . difficult.”

“Just so.” I took a drink. “So, what work is it that you’re so committed to, if it’s not impolite to ask?”

“I’m the financial director at Winter Halo.” He grimaced. “It is a somewhat demanding position.”

Financial director? Intuition really had picked a ripe one when it had settled on this man; if he didn’t know where the skeletons were buried, few would.

“And one I suspect you do not wish to talk about.”

“Well, not really. What about yourself?”

“I’m currently between positions.” I shrugged. “And certainly not in a hurry to find anything right now. I’m enjoying the leisure time.”

He smiled and started talking about what he did on his days off. I listened attentively

, nodding and laughing wherever appropriate. Which isn’t to say I wasn’t enjoying myself—Charles was a nice if somewhat old-fashioned gentleman, and the food and the view were spectacular.

As the waiter brought us both a coffee, Charles leaned back in the chair, his expression warm but somewhat contemplative. “I’ve really enjoyed this evening.”

“Yes, it’s been lovely.” Which didn’t give him much in the way of a lead-in, but that was deliberate. Going back to his place had to be his idea, not mine.

“Yes.” His gaze briefly dropped to my breasts. Desire spun, sharper than before. Keller wasn’t the only one who was a breast man, obviously. After a small pause, Charles added, “If it’s not too forward of me, would you like to come back to my place for a nightcap?”