The Queen.
My blood pounded in my ears but I kept my anger in check. Levi was with her, unaware he might be a pawn in this game.
“You don’t know me,” I said. “Not really. You can extrapolate some general hopes and fears, but if you really wanted me to give up, then you should have given me amnesia because I won’t quit.”
“Interesting,” he said, so like the Queen, that I shivered. “But are you prepared for how deep the shadows go?”
He disappeared, as did the thicket. I was in the perfume market once more, hiding under a table, and still being stared at, but this time in alarm by a couple of shopkeepers.
The dagger. Right. I made it disappear and crawled out. “I come in peace.”
I ran back to the perfume stall where a man in colorful Middle Eastern robes and a bushy beard asked if he could help me.
“Where’s the woman with the pale gold eyes?”
“I’m the only one here. This is my stall.”
“Impossible. She was here.” Everything else about the stall was the same. “What types of perfumes are these?”
“Not perfumes,” he said. “Emotions.”
Silly me. “And you just go around spraying sample feelings on unwitting patrons?”
The shopkeeper looked horrified. “That is forbidden. To do so is to risk the Black Heart Rule.”
Was it now? “Did the sirens go off a few moments ago?”
He shook his head. Some rando had happened to defy the edict and just gotten away with it? Not likely. The Queen had masterminded this.
I couldn’t and wouldn’t hide from her. She’d made her move, now it was mine. I sought out the guards, demanding to be taken to her.
They ignored me so thoroughly, I may as well have been a ghost.
“Fine,” I snapped. “I’ll go to the palace myself.”
The guards surrounded me. “You will not,” one said, with absolute authority. “If you do, you face the dungeons.”
With that, they swept past me. Standing here seething wouldn’t help Levi and it wouldn’t advance my search for answers with Mayan.
I got fresh instructions to the Green Olive from the market, but when I arrived, the bar was in smoking ruins. The entire blackened structure had collapsed in on itself, heat still shimmering off the wreckage. It was only identifiable by the martini glass sign with the words “Green Olive” that sputtered magically in and out.
The taste of ash coated my lips.
Guards cordoned the area off, one of them arguing with a short, pudgy man in a pinstripe suit with red suspenders and spats, those weird white shoe coverings with black buttons up one side.
“Don’t tell me you can’t do anything!” the man cried, spittle flying from his mouth. “He torched my bar.”
The guard pushed the man back a few steps. “Obviously not, Alfie,” she said, in an Irish accent. “Since he died two months ago. Now get out of our way so we can find out who did.” She pointed and he moved to the other side of the street, his shoulders slumped.
I approached him, my boots crunching over random sooty debris that had rolled onto the street. “Sorry about your bar.”
Alfie clenched his fists. “This is just the beginning, but they won’t listen.”
“The beginning of what?”
He made a show of looking around and then he leaned in. “Gunter’s revenge,” he whispered.
“What’s that?” I pulled out my phone and called up a photo of Mayan.
“Gunter said I stole his business and his woman. Swore to come after me and take it all away, including my life.” He blotted his sweaty forehead with the red handkerchief.
“I guess you’re not under the Queen’s personal protection.”
He scoffed. “Hardly. Very few are.”
The Black Heart Rule didn’t apply as a deterrent to keep Gunter from coming after Alfie, though Gunter’s deceased status should have been a pretty effective obstacle. “Did you do what he accused you of?
Alfie snapped his suspenders, making his belly jiggle. “It was a good business and she was a fine-looking woman. But now look at it.” He gestured to the smoking beams. “The bastard destroyed the business that he, himself, started.”
“Isn’t Gunter dead?”
Alfie fixed me with a look of scathing incredulity. “He swore revenge. Like death would stop him.”
Okay, crazy man. Enough indulging you. “Listen, a friend of mine told me about your place and now she’s missing. Do you remember seeing her?”
He studied the photo of Mayan. “Oh sure. She’s been here almost every night the past couple weeks.”
“She has? Was she with anyone?”
“Nah, came in alone.”
“Did you ever see her leave with anyone?”
“Not that I remember.” He gave a start and his eyes grew wide. “I ain’t done nothing.”
“I doubt that’s the case, Alfie. Why else would you leach of all color in that manner?” Moran said, sauntering up to us.
Even without any sign of Moran’s sword, Alfie’s eyes bugged out of his head. He spun and ran off.
“Aren’t you going to chase him?” I said.
“No. Alfie’s an irritant, but he’s harmless. Come. Her Highness is ready for you.”
I planted my hands on my hips. “Is she now? You don’t want to dose me up with a little Eau De Meekness to ensure my obedience?”
“So dramatic.” Moran took my arm and we shifted—from one step to the next coming out onto the Queen’s flagstone terrace.
She sat on a loveseat wearing a formal red gown. Levi was across from her on a rickety chair, his expression tight, almost like he was caged in.
Moran positioned himself to the Queen’s left.
“Ah, blanquita,” she purred in her Spanish-accented English. “Mr. Montefiore has been most passionate about his circumstances, but I am unable to help and, as you brought him, I would like you to take him home.”
“I’ve done everything you asked,” I said. “Moreover, anything you’ve agreed to, whether you liked it or not, was of your own free will. If you have a problem with me, then talk to me. I’m done with these games.”
“What games?” Levi said, the calm he was going for undercut by the strain in his voice.
“You forget your place,” the Queen said.
“Or I finally understand it,” I said. “I’m not simply a pawn on this gameboard anymore. Even queens can be toppled.”
Moran’s sword appeared in his hand. “Very bold of you to assume I’d allow you to threaten Her Highness and live.”
“Not a threat,” I said. “If I can’t take care of myself, what use would the Queen have for me? Right, Your Majesty? Ally or enemy. What’s it to be?”
I had enough enemies, and besides, I admired her.
“Impatience is a folly of youth.” The Queen crossed her leg, her red stiletto dangling from her foot. “Surprise me with something of value.”
Like jewels? No, that wouldn’t work. What would? The Queen always said knowledge was power. There were a number of things about Chariot that I could enlighten her on that would be a surprise, but I was loath to give her too much on that front. Not until she was firmly in my corner. I’d find something else relevant to her interests that could cement the deal.
“I do that and we have an alliance? No more games. No more giving up memories when I come here. And I want a gold token for passage.”
A sly smile curled over her lips. “Chica, if you can surprise me, I’ll agree to whatever you’d like.”
“Deal.”
“You’re willing to make a deal with Ash,” Levi said, “but won’t concede the value of allying with House Pacifica when we’re both being targeted?”
“It is not the first time, nor will it be the last,” the Queen said. “You are a figurehead, Mr. Montefiore. A powerful one, but a figurehead nonetheless. I don’t think you have the cojones to bring anything of worth to myself or Hedon. See yourself out.”
&nbs
p; Levi gave a one-shouldered shrug and stood up. “I’ll go, Your Highness,” he said, “but remember this. Hedon needs us more than we need you.”
The Queen arched an eyebrow. Uh-oh.
I ran over and tugged on Levi’s sleeve, but he was immovable. Jeez, Levi, you were undoing all my fine work of five minutes ago. “Thank you and have a pleasant day,” I said.
“Are you threatening me in my own home?” She tilted her head with a curious expression, much like a cat. Or a tiger looking at prey who hasn’t behaved properly—before they slashed their throat with a lazy claw.
“Not at all,” he said. “I’m simply reminding you that Hedon is safe and whole, and cannot be expanded anymore. Abraham was most forthcoming, including where all the entrances and exits are around the world.”
“You told Levi about Abraham?” the Queen said to me.
“No. I swear.” I was so discombobulated under her glower that I’d forgotten all about the existence of my armor and was half-hidden behind Levi, using him as a shield.
“She didn’t need to.” Levi tugged me out to stand beside him. “Abraham was registered in my territory. Did you really think I’d overlook the presence of one of the original architects of Hedon? Oh, and he’s under my protection now. Help me or I’ll make life very difficult for you.”
I don’t know what Levi’s problem was that he’d conjured up that more formidable version of himself back at Harbour Center, because right now he was pretty damn impressive.
Even the Queen reappraised him with a cool glance. “I could seal us off.”
“You could, but you won’t,” Levi said. “This place has very few natural resources. You need the stream of goods that traffic in and out of here. Now, someone is targeting us both. If you persist in your isolationist position, I’ll persuade every last House Head to make sure you’re cut off. Your population would riot, and we all know what happens to monarchs who fail to provide bread. The Queen of Hearts could share the same fate as Marie Antionette.”
Moran stepped closer to Levi and me.
I didn’t even have a bronze token to get us out of here. My economy class coin required us leaving the palace and getting back to that weed-choked fountain. Really, Levi? Did you have to bust out your cojones in quite this fashion? Miles would kill me if Levi got turned into a statue.
Hostility bubbled between the three of them while I tried to shove Levi, who stubbornly planted his feet, refusing to back down.
“Who’s the German you were so interested in when you were helping Omar, chica?”
I blinked, carefully forming a response. “He was involved with a person of interest.”
“Is he Chariot?” she said. “Mr. Montefiore would like me to be forthcoming. It seems fair to get something up front. A little quid pro quo of good faith.”
“He is.”
“And what is his importance to you? Specifically. You were very agitated at the prospect of his return.”
“That’s Ashira’s business.” Levi said, with a dismissive wave.
“Funny. She said it was House business and as she’s confirmed he works for Chariot, that makes it my business.” The Queen crossed her legs and leaned back against the cushions. “Should you wish to proceed.”
Levi shot me a contrite look.
Damn it, Levi. This was exactly why I didn’t want the Queen involved. She already knew too much about my father. I didn’t want to add the fact that he’d coerced a Van Gogh into warding up my magic and the means by which it could be warded up once again.
We were working toward ally status, not besties at camp sharing everything over friendship bracelets.
My self-preservation skills were unparalleled—with everyone except the Queen. Now I’d been neatly maneuvered into a position of having to expose yet another vulnerability. So, I’d turn it into a strength. Was this information enough to get me the alliance? “He killed a Van Gogh who the House had in custody. The same Van Gogh who originally suppressed my magic.”
I waited for her follow-up question demanding details, but it didn’t come. She and Moran exchanged a long and complicated look.
“I will agree to an equal and open exchange of information only as it pertains to why we were both set up to take the fall at the auction,” the Queen said.
Levi got his alliance but I didn’t get mine. I was positive that she hadn’t known about the Van Gogh and my ward; however, that information wasn’t surprising enough. Whatever I presented had to be truly noteworthy to secure her agreement. It wouldn’t be easy, but I’d find something.
“Not good enough, Highness,” Levi said. “I want everything you discover that even tangentially relates to that. I’ll provide the same in return.”
The Queen studied him for an uncomfortably long time.
To Levi’s credit he didn’t fidget. “Don’t underestimate my worth or my power. Now, have I demonstrated my usefulness enough for you?”
“You have,” she said. “You have your complete exchange of information.”
I raised my hand. “One more thing?”
The Queen gave an incredulous laugh. “You have chutzpah, I’ll give you that. Go ahead.”
I showed her the photo of Mayan. “She’s a Mundane who I believe first entered Hedon a few days ago.”
Beside me, Levi tensed, but he didn’t say anything.
“Should she mean something to me?” the Queen said.
“You know everyone who comes through for the first time.”
“Not by their face,” she said. “Only Mr. Montefiore has come here for the first time in the past week. If this Mundane was indeed here, she’d been here before.”
Oh, what a tangled web we weave. If Mayan had angered the wrong people in Hedon, we might never learn what happened to her.
Judging from Levi’s clenched jaw, he’d reached the same conclusion. Don’t shoot the messenger, dude.
Chapter 10
The Queen returned us to House HQ. Once in the elevator, Levi ordered me to come up to his office after I’d picked up Mrs. Hudson.
“Is it wise for me to continue being seen here with the mole and all?” I said.
“He doesn’t work on my floor. But when we’re in public together, we’ll keep up appearances of hating each other.”
“Not a problem.” The elevator doors opened on the sixth floor in full view of the security area. I shot Levi the finger and stepped off the elevator.
I wound my way to Miles’ office. “Knock. Knock.”
“Levi’s back? He’s all right?”
I hesitated and Miles went as still as the bonsai delicately growing on his desk. “That first visit isn’t easy,” I said. “But he’s unharmed and he got his desired results.”
“Good enough.”
“Where’s Priya?” I just wanted to go home.
“She’s off-site at a meeting.”
“Did she leave Mrs. Hudson with you?” Miles shook his head. Fuck. “If she checks in, tell her I want the dog back.”
I hadn’t realized how much I’d been hoping to distract myself with the puppy until I stood there alone and adrift by the elevators. The thought of returning to my office felt desolate. I attempted to contact Rafael, because even that conversation would be better than being by myself, but once again got no response.
Well, I wasn’t going anywhere before Levi and I debriefed. I headed for the top floor to play “get past the House dragon and into Levi’s office.”
The Executive level was filled with the hum of Very Important Activity set amidst stunning views of the city, while Levi’s personal art collection featuring works from Escher to Dali graced pale gold walls.
I stopped at the long reception desk outside his office doors. “Hello, Veronica.”
Levi’s Executive Assistant was actually a sleek blonde woman, not a flying lizard, though she had a tendency to flare her nostrils and possibly belch invisible bursts of smoke whenever I approached. She protected Levi like a dragon-in-designer-clothing guarded treasure
, but despite her many faults, she was irritatingly organized and well informed.
I steeled myself for the inevitable comment on my appearance.
“You got a puppy?!” She held up a squirming Mrs. Hudson, who barked and wagged her tail. “Huh. Look at that. She missed you?”
“Obviously. I’m a delight.” A hot possessive fury coursed through me and I snatched the pug out of Veronica’s French-manicured clutches, along with the bag of puppy supplies leaning against the desk.
“No need to be rude,” she said, snippily.
Mrs. Hudson licked my jaw. That’s right, puppy. Show the dragon lady who you love.
“Levi wanted to see me,” I said.
As if summoned, the door to Levi’s inner sanctum swung open.
“Going home with the dog that is most emphatically not yours?” Levi had removed his suit jacket, his shirt rolled up to expose his corded forearms.
This version of Levi provoked an even deeper longing in me than his naked body did. And a deeper irritation. Most of the world never got past the embodiment of House Head or the charming social version. They never saw behind the title, but I did, and this vulnerable Levi, with dark scruff shadowing his jaw and a softness to the line of his shoulders, had mattered to me. So why wasn’t the reverse true? Why hadn’t he listened when I said that involving the Queen wasn’t smart? Aside from his token protest, he’d had no problem using me to get what he wanted.
To be fair to Veronica, she barely paid Levi any attention, other than to hand him a couple of colored files. Whatever protective urges she felt for him, they weren’t sexual.
“Are we debriefing or not?” I said.
Levi motioned me into his office. “Hold my calls,” he tossed off over his shoulder. “Sit,” he said. “You look like you need a drink.”
“Always.” I nodded at the half-empty tumbler on his desk. “I see I have some catching up to do.” I sank onto the sofa next to the wood burning fireplace, stretching out my legs to give a drowsy Mrs. Hudson more lap real estate.
Give Levi his due: he didn’t stint on the booze. Out came the premium bottle of Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Number 27 Gold. He poured a splash into a second tumbler and handed it to me.
Shadows & Surrender: A Snarky Urban Fantasy Detective Series (The Jezebel Files Book 3) Page 10
