Grave Cargo: Arcane Transporter 1

by Jami Gray

  As friendly as she was, something about her demeanor made me think she knew something I didn’t, and that was going to drive me nuts. “Well, then I’ll be sure to ask again soon.”

  She patted my arm. “You do that.”

  She headed to the door, and I followed her out, waiting as she locked up and activated a security ward. We walked across the patio. “Your home is lovely.”

  “Thank you.” She swung her shawl around her shoulders, tossing the end over her shoulder. “I was lucky to find it. When it became clear I’d need a place here, I wanted something a bit different than the typical ranch style that seems to be prevalent.” She held open the gate, and I stepped through then waited while she locked it.

  “It’s definitely unique.” I moved ahead and held open the back door of the car for her.

  She slid gracefully into the back seat. “It is that.” She set her clutch on the seat next to her, and I waited until she had fastened her seatbelt before closing the door.

  I rounded the car and got into the driver’s seat. “Where would you like to go tonight, Sabella?”

  “Estancia. Do you know it?”

  “I do.” I started the car and typed in the name of the exclusive restaurant into the GPS. “Do we need to make a specific reservation time?”

  “No need to worry about time. The owner’s an old friend.”

  The ETA came up on the GPS’s screen. “We should be there in just under forty minutes then, traffic willing.” I caught her gaze in the rearview mirror. “Would you like me to engage the privacy screen?”

  She settled in her seat, crossing her legs. “Would you mind keeping me company?”

  “Not at all.”

  Over the next twenty or so minutes, I discovered that Sabella Rossi possessed a dry sense of humor that was at odds with most in her social set. The casual conversation flowed easily, which didn’t happen often for me, as professional distance was an ingrained concept. However, she refused to maintain that distance, and I found I enjoyed talking with her. I learned that she was a widow with three grown children scattered over the globe. She shared amusing stories of her family and friends and had no problem with poking fun at herself or the situations she faced.

  It wasn’t until there was a natural lull in the conversation that she shifted gears. “Sylvia mentioned you recently left the Guild.”

  A bit of wariness crept in at the topic switch. “I did.”

  “Do you mind if I ask why?” There was true curiosity in her voice.

  When I glanced back in the mirror, that sincerity was reflected in her face. Instead of a glib answer, I stuck to the truth. “As much as I value the Guild’s training, I prefer to work for myself.”

  “Admirable,” she murmured. “But striking out on your own carries substantial risks.”

  I kept my attention on the road, even as my lips curled up in a grim smile. “So does working for the Guild, but at least this way, I choose which risks to take.”

  “Ah, so you like to be in control?”

  I didn’t quite smother my amused snort. “Control is an illusion.”

  “You’re young to be so cynical, Rory.” Amusement tinged her reprimand.

  “Age is relative, Sabella.”

  At that, she laughed outright. “Oh so true.”

  I waited until her laughter faded then added, “Besides, I don’t consider it cynical so much as being realistic.”

  “Comments like that make me think life has not been kind to you.”

  Feeling the weight of her attention, I shrugged. “Life didn’t teach me that; people did.”

  Movement shimmered in the rearview mirror, and she leaned forward. “Sounds like there’s a story behind that.”

  Not wanting to deepen the emotional quagmire, I tried to lighten the conversation. “Nothing too interesting, just a comment made by a teacher.”

  “Oh, don’t leave me hanging. That’s so unfair.”

  Her tone made me laugh, which made sharing easier. “It’s nothing earth-shattering, I promise.” I kept an eye on the road but could feel her sitting back and listening. “I ended up in detention after a rather heated disagreement with a classmate. I couldn’t even tell you what we were arguing about now, but I do remember we weren’t getting out of detention unless we explained what happened, took responsibility for our actions, and apologized to each other. There was no fooling Ms. Kelly with half-hearted apologies, and neither of us wanted to be the first to back down. When she realized she was dealing with two equally stubborn kids, she decided to point out that we had a choice to make—let the situation control us or take control of the situation.”

  Sabella made a soft hum of agreement. “The familiar axiom of ‘the only thing you can control is you.’”

  “Exactly.”

  “Your Ms. Kelly sounds exceedingly intelligent.”

  “That, she was.” I hadn’t thought of that story in forever, but it really did sit at the core of who I was. As I grew up, life had reiterated Ms. Kelly’s wisdom with frightening regularity. Whining about things I couldn’t change wasn’t just pointless; it was also a waste of time. It was easier to ensure I had my shit together than try to get everyone else’s in line. I made the last turn to Estancia and could see the lights ahead. “We’re here.”

  “Lovely.” Sabella began digging through her clutch. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but they have a delightful lounge.”

  Hearing her unspoken invitation, I offered, “I’m happy to wait with the car.”

  She paused with her lipstick in hand. “Do you mind waiting inside?”

  There was a note in her voice that made my nape itch and nudged my sense of professional responsibility as I turned into the restaurant’s parking lot. “If it makes you more comfortable, I’m happy to.” Even though security wasn’t my thing, I glanced to the mirror. “Are you expecting trouble?”

  She did one last swipe of color over her lips and recapped the lipstick before dropping it back in her clutch. When her gaze met mine, her smile held a sharp edge. “Not at all, but trouble is trouble because it’s not expected, yes?”

  Fair point, but she didn’t strike me as someone who would say something just to say it. If Sabella had concerns about what or who lay in wait, it was best not to tempt fate by providing an easy target like the car, so I bypassed the valet station.

  “Apologies, Rory. If you’d prefer to wait, I’d understand.”

  I shook my head. “No apologies needed, Sabella. I’m happy to accompany you.” I parked the car, stepped out, and opened Sabella’s door.

  She emerged, the picture of unconcerned elegance, and waited while I activated both the electronic alarm and pre-set security wards. I stepped back, taking in the faint shimmer of magic that now lay over the car, a visible deterrent to anyone with magic. Good enough. I turned to find her watching me with avid interest.

  Instead of indulging her curiosity, she gave me another brilliant smile and asked, “Ready?”

  I nodded and followed her to the restaurant.

  Chapter Ten

  Whatever trouble Sabella expected kept a low profile. From my vantage point at the end of the bar, I could see her on the patio, sitting at a round table across from a couple I didn’t recognize, even though I thought I probably should. Especially if Sylvia was correct in her assumption that Sabella was evaluating me for a more permanent position. I committed their faces to memory, making a mental note to get their names later. Paranoid? Maybe, but I was having a hard time shaking the itch Sabella’s earlier request created.

  It wasn’t the only thing keeping me from enjoying the experience. Feeling decidedly out of place, I continued to nurse my crystal-cut glass of ice and soda, letting the soft murmur of conversations punctuated by the occasional chimes of silver on china swirl around me in a score of unmistakable ambiance. Estancia was the type of place where heels and little black dresses reigned supreme. The one redeeming thing was the view. Not that much of it was visible with night in full bloom, but
I had no doubt that during daylight hours, it was killer. Even though the restaurant sat away from the glow of the city, the night sky was filled with fairy lights of stars that normally hid behind the curtain of artificial light. Whoever had built the place knew what they were doing, because the main room flowed uninterrupted onto the patio, creating a stunning blend of warm welcome and open-air dining.

  As Sabella visited, instead of squirming under hypothetical stares, I decided to indulge in my favorite pastime of people watching. Safely tucked at the far corner of the bar, I shifted on my padded seat, turning my attention to the other diners scattered throughout the room. Two firepits stretched along either side, and their warmth held off the nip of night-cooled air. Tables sat far enough apart to offer a semblance of privacy and so the servers could move like wraiths as they alternately whisked away plates and replaced them with new offerings. The patrons were a mix of couples and groups, but it was obvious the romantic atmosphere tilted more toward the couples’ front.

  My gaze drifted across the scene, faltering to a stop on a familiar face being seated at a table fitted into an intimate corner. Blood rushed under my cheeks as Zev’s dark head bent close to his companion. His female companion. I looked away, fighting back the flare of unwelcome and inappropriate jealousy. What the hell is wrong with me? There was no reason to feel that pinch of hurt. No matter what absurd daydreams haunted me, I had no illusions there was anything more than curious animosity between Zev and me.

  Shaking my head at my foolishness, I deliberately turned away from Zev’s table, determined to ignore him. I managed to keep my gaze from straying back, but I couldn’t do the same with my thoughts. Who is she? Why are they here? Are they serious? The stupid questions meant nothing and everything and proved that I really needed to get out more. I scratched that onto my to-do list for once Lena was home safe and sound.

  Frustrated with myself, I shifted my position so I could watch the patio. Sabella and her companions were on coffee and dessert, which hopefully meant this night was close to being over. As I lifted my glass, movement near the entrance caught my attention. I turned to see the maître d’ leading Madeline and Theodore through the tables. Stunned by their unexpected appearance, I took an absent sip of my soda as I watched the couple make their way across the dining room. Seeing them reminded me I had forgotten to call and make an appointment with Theo. For a brief moment, I considered interrupting their plans for the evening, but when they drew close to Zev’s table, I decided to stay out of it.

  Zev lifted his head and caught sight of them. He said something, most likely calling out Madeline’s name as she turned to greet him, forcing Theo to stop at her side. My position made it impossible to eavesdrop on their conversation, but it soon became clear that whatever conversation was happening was strictly between Zev and Madeline. Zev had risen from his chair to exchange hellos, and I couldn’t help but note he looked hot in the black dress pants and silver-gray collared shirt. Hot and sexy. His female companion watched the interaction with a polite smile, waiting for Zev to introduce her before rising, as well. Theo did that over-the-top move of kissing the back of her hand in greeting. If I hadn’t been watching so closely, I would’ve missed how her body went stiff. She was good, though, because she didn’t give away any other signs of distaste.

  I did my best to observe the tête-à-tête without being obvious as the two couples talked. Well, Zev and Madeline talked, while Theo and Mystery Woman listened. Interestingly, Theo’s gaze swept over the room, clearly disinterested in whatever Madeline and Zev were discussing. He aimed a smile and lifted his chin in silent greeting toward a table with three men and two women. He touched the small of Madeline’s back and leaned down to say something in her ear. She patted his arm but didn’t let him go and turned back to Zev, which meant she missed the flash of annoyance on Theo’s face before he smoothed it away.

  Hmm, interesting reaction. I filed it away for later consideration.

  A handful of moments passed, then Madeline and Theo left Zev and continued to the patio. Interestingly, they bypassed the table with Theo’s friends with nothing more than wordless acknowledgement. I followed their progress, and when I turned back, my gaze collided with Zev’s dark one. Despite the distance between us, I could see his jaw tighten. His annoyance amused the hell out of me. I tilted my head and lifted my cup slightly in acknowledgement before deliberately turning away. I figured I had about two minutes before I had company. I drained my drink and prayed Sabella would get to me first. No such luck. Zev’s brooding presence hit my back like a looming storm.

  “Fancy meeting you here.” His voice smoothed down my spine like a brush of velvet as he nudged aside the empty barstool so he could stand at my side.

  I could feel the weight of his gaze but refused to meet it. Instead, I caught the bartender’s attention and nudged my glass forward with a smile. He came over, and I murmured, “Refill, please.” He nodded and hustled off. Only then did I turn to look at Zev. “Hello, Zev.”

  He braced a hand on the bar as he studied me. “Why are you here, Rory?”

  Not liking his tone, I held his gaze, my response carrying a bite. “Unlike you, I’m working.”

  Irritated speculation darkened his face. “Are you following the Thatchers?”

  His arrogant assumption set my teeth on edge, but instead of correcting him, I decided to see how deep a hole he could dig. “If I was?”

  At my flippant response, his gaze narrowed. “I’d suggest you stop before you screw everything up.”

  Hmm, tempting. “And how would my being here do that, Zev?”

  His gaze went beyond me to the patio, presumably to where the Thatchers were dining. “Madeline is not keen on public scenes.” His attention came back to me, a whisper of disdain coloring his voice. “She’ll have you removed before you finish your first question.”

  The bartender brought back my soda and turned to Zev. “Sir?”

  Zev didn’t look away as he ordered. “Two glasses, please. A Siduri and a Camins.”

  “Of course,” the bartender murmured and left.

  I waited until he was out of earshot before I said, “As much as I appreciate your advice, I don’t need it.” Ever. “I’m not here for them.”

  Instantly, I wished I had stopped before tacking on that last bit as his obvious frustration disappeared, to be replaced by an arrogant tilt of his lips. His tone shifted. “Are you following me, Ms. Costas?”

  Heat rose under my skin at his unmistakable implication even as I rolled my eyes. “No, Mr. Aslanov, I’m not.” I picked up my glass and, with a sweet smile, lied through my teeth. “You’re not that interesting.”

  Instead of backing off, he leaned in, his voice dropping into an intimate rumble. “I could be.”

  I bet. It took everything I had to lock down the greedy cheer my hormones sent up, but I did it. Mirroring his lean and matching his tone, I purred, “And I bore easily.” This close, I couldn’t miss the spark of male interest that flickered to life at my challenge. Stubbornly holding his gaze and refusing to move back, I lifted my cup and took a sip.

  “Sir, your reds.” The bartender interrupted our silent battle.

  Zev held my stare for a heartbeat, then he turned to murmur his thanks as he wrapped those long fingers around the slender stems of the wineglasses.

  Taking advantage of the reprieve, I shifted my attention to the dining room, not really seeing it as I regathered my composure.

  I didn’t get far before we were interrupted by a welcomed voice as Sabella came up to my side. “Zev, what are you doing here?”

  “Sabella, lovely to see you tonight.” Zev set the wineglasses aside and stepped away to exchange cheek kisses with Sabella. “I didn’t know you were in town.”

  Sabella gave a light laugh. “I had unexpected business on a potential acquisition to see to. How’s Emilio and the family?”

  I tuned out their small talk as I studied their interaction. It was clear Sabella knew and liked Zev, and he
r feeling was reciprocated. I wasn’t sure why I was contradictorily both surprised and disappointed. The two ran in the same circles. The sound of Jeremy’s name had me tuning back in to the conversation.

  “And Jeremy? How’s he doing?” Sabella’s expression and voice held obvious concern. “My heart hurt when I heard. It was such a tragedy, him losing both of his parents so close together.”

  I wasn’t sure losing his mom should be labeled a tragedy, considering Jeremy had paid a steep price of being kidnapped because of her poor life choices, but I kept my opinion to myself.

  “Jeremy’s doing as well as can be expected,” Zev shared. “Emilio’s doing his best to help him deal.”

  Sabella squeezed his arm briefly in sympathy. “Well, if you’re in need of a name, do let me know. I have a couple I can recommend.” She stepped back.

  “I’ll be sure to pass your offer along.” He looked between Sabella and me, his speculation clear. “If you’re in town for a bit, I’m sure Emilio would appreciate seeing you.”

  Sabella smiled. “Why don’t you warn him I’ll be giving him a call. That should give him time to clear his calendar for a lunch.”

  “I’ll do that.” The brief but genuine grin that cut through Zev’s normally intractable mask stalled the air in my lungs. Without the normal weight of grimness, he looked years younger and infinitely more attractive.

  “Good.” Sabella glanced at the two glasses of wine waiting at the bar. “Well, I don’t want to hijack you from your date. You best get back before she worries.” She turned to me and straightened her shawl, leaving Zev to reclaim his drinks. “Shall we, Rory?”

  “Of course.” I stood up, ignoring the weight of Zev’s gaze and doing my best not to let my smile turn smug. I dug some cash from my pocket and tucked it under my glass. I turned to find Zev giving Sabella another cheek brush as he held the two glasses aloft. “Sabella.” His dark eyes came to mine, male amusement clear in the depths. “Ms. Costas.”