Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods 7)

Ivy stood by the door and grabbed Finn’s arm as soon as she exited the room. “I have the craziest thing to tell you,” she said.

Finn rolled her eyes. “Crazier than the time you said your calculus tutor was hitting on you, except he just had a spastic eyelid? Crazier than the time you thought we all had bedbugs because you actually had poison oak from rolling around in the bushes with that random freshman? Crazier than—”

“Okay, I get it, enough already,” Ivy said. “Yes, crazier than all of that. Legit crazy.” She dragged Finn over to where Schuyler and Oliver were waiting. “Finn, meet Schuyler. Schuyler, this is Finn. Also, this is Oliver. And they’re totally not dating.”

Finn gave Ivy the kind of look Schuyler suspected she’d given her many, many times before, then turned and smiled at Schuyler and Oliver. “Nice to meet you,” she said politely. “What’s this all about?”

“GUESS!” Ivy was bursting with excitement. She practically bounced up and down, trying to drag out the moment. “You’ll never guess!”

Enough already, Schuyler thought, ready to interrupt. Finally, Ivy squealed, “She’s your sister!”

Finn frowned. Uh-oh. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “I don’t have a sister. Or a brother. Or any siblings. Who are you guys, really?”

“She’s not kidding,” Schuyler said. “I know it sounds crazy, but I actually am your sister. I just found out a few days ago. Ben was my dad too. He was married to my mother but he died before I was born.”

“You’re kidding,” said Finn, shocked.

“She isn’t,” Oliver said. “Not even a little bit.”

“But I thought—and he and my mom never even—are we the same age? I’m so confused.”

“I think you’re maybe two years older than I am,” Schuyler said. “It’s kind of a long story. If you want to hear it.” She still couldn’t tell. Finn was looking at her with such skepticism, and Schuyler was struck by how much she looked exactly like Decca—wary, guarded, reserved—that she was prepared to be dismissed as an opportunistic crackpot.

“Um, hello?” Finn asked. “Of course I want to hear it!” She broke out into a broad smile. The one Schuyler recognized from the photographs of her father on the mantel. Ben Chase’s dazzling, generous, light-filled smile. “Come to my dorm and tell me everything!”

THIRTY-FOUR

Mimi

ow it was just a question of which city the Lennox brothers and their new brides had moved to. Mimi didn’t think it would be that difficult to find them: if she’d fallen into a completely improbable romance and run off to Europe, there’s only one place she would go.

Paris.

They’d be in hiding, of course, but no one could hide from Mimi for very long. She had better contacts in Paris than in London, even among the Red Bloods, and a married pair of twins couldn’t be completely inconspicuous.

It only took her a few days to find them. They were living in the 3rd arrondissement, in Le Marais.

It felt great to be back in Paris—and with a pang, Mimi realized it was a life she and Kingsley had never had the luxury to experience. Come away with me, he had asked her, right before her bonding to Jack. She had said yes—but by then it was too late.

In Paris she felt like her old self again, checking into the Ritz in her usual suite, sinking into those heavenly sheets and lush pink towels. She’d even found a little time to steal away and do some shopping; there was nothing that made her feel more

confident than a fabulous new outfit from Lanvin, with Louboutins to match. Suitably attired, she went back to business.

The two couples had managed to find twin apartments as well—they lived side by side in a building that had once been a house, carved into beautiful apartments. And they must have felt safe there, since they’d done nothing supernatural to protect themselves—no spells, no enchantments. Just locks that were easy for someone like Mimi to pick.

She spent a couple of days quietly following them around, breaking into their apartments when she knew they weren’t home. No sign of Kingsley, but they’d obviously gotten comfortable. The apartments were structurally identical, like Deming and Dehua, but they were furnished completely differently. Deming and Ted’s apartment was decorated in soft pastels, with gauzy curtains and a feeling of openness and warmth. Fitting for the Angel of Mercy, Mimi thought. Sam and Dehua’s apartment was sleek and modern, with furniture made of steel. Indestructible, for the Angel of Immortality.

Ted and Sam both had their own offices, as well. Ted’s, in keeping with his detective instincts, was covered in maps and corkboards that detailed his investigation of Lucifer’s plan to destroy the gates. Sam’s was filled with the most expensive computer equipment.

The one thing the apartments shared was that they were both covered in photographs. Pictures of the couples at their bonding, on their honeymoon, wandering around the streets of Paris together. They all seemed so happy.

And the whole time, Mimi was growing furious.

Why was this happening to her? Why was she embroiled in this crazy plot to double-cross Lucifer when all she wanted was what she’d been willing to go to Hell for: the chance to be with Kingsley? She’d lost her bondmate and found a way to move on, but she still wasn’t permitted any happiness. The stone around her neck felt heavier and heavier every moment. No matter what she did, the Dark Prince would know.

She decided to wait in Ted and Deming’s apartment and surprise them when they returned. She’d always gotten along a little better with Ted, and she knew Deming better than Dehua, from the time Deming had helped them catch the hidden Nephilim at Duchesne.

There was a pale blue wingback chair that faced the front door of the apartment, so she could sit and wait for them and be sure she was the first thing they saw. Mimi touched her chest, confirming that the small needle of her sword was safely tucked into her bra. She never knew when she might need it. Hopefully they’d cooperate, but Venators could be tricky. Even the friendly ones.