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He chortled, waved the sequined dust bunny, and scampered out onto the balcony.

“Don’t blame him,” Gabriel said, pouring the wine. “While we were standing in line at Ollie’s, I told Otis the pizza was for him but that I needed to borrow it for a while. Evidently he understood. You and I are not going to starve. I ordered delivery from the Amber Room. I’m told it’s one of the best restaurants in the DZ.”

“That’s true. Also the most expensive. Who told you about the Amber Room?”

Gabriel handed her one of the glasses. “Aiden did the research for me.”

Lucy smiled. “You are getting very good at delegating.”

“I’m getting the hang of upper management, I think. What do you say we take the wine out onto the balcony? Dinner isn’t due for another hour.”

They went through the open slider door and sank down onto the two lounge chairs. Otis was on the railing, taking in the evening. Night landed swiftly in the DZ. The ancient green quartz Wall was starting to glow. The buzz of paranormal energy stirred the senses. The vibes were always stronger after dark.

With a farewell chortle and a wave of his toy, Otis vanished off the railing, heading for the alley below.

Gabriel watched him disappear. “How do you think he’ll handle the screen test tomorrow?”

“He’ll love the cameras, but I think I can safely predict that the screen test will be a disaster.”

“I think you’re right.”

Lucy drank some wine and lowered the glass. “You really stopped byOllie’s to get a pizza just because it made you think of the first time you saw me?”

“Since that night I have never looked at a cheese-and-olive pizza without thinking of you.”

“I was right about you, Gabriel Jones. You really are a romantic at heart.”

“I’m told it runs in the family.”

Chapter Forty-Five

Lucy, with Otis on her shoulder and Veronica at her side, walked out of the flashy glass-walled offices of Rez-Stone Studios. They got into the cab that would take them to the edge of the Dark Zone. From there they would get a different cab, one with a driver who knew the DZ.

Lucy took out her phone and called Gabriel’s private number. She hit video. Gabriel appeared on the screen. He was in his office sitting behind an imposing new desk. Aiden was beside him.

“How did it go?” Gabriel asked.

“We have lots of good news,” she said. “Then we have some ironic news. Last, a sad tale of career disaster.”

“Start with the good news,” Gabriel said.

“The good news,” Lucy said, “actually theterrificnews, is that Veronica got the part. She’ll be playing me inGuild Boss.”

Veronica leaned in slightly so that she could see Gabriel and Aiden. “I’m going to be a star. I will probably turn out to be a one-picturewonder, but who cares? Even if I never get another role, I will be the most famous disciplinarian in Illusion Town, at least for a while. And the money is amazing. I’ll have enough to open my own private club.”

“Congratulations, Ms. Star,” Aiden said.

“Congratulations,” Gabriel added. “Any other terrific news, or do we move on to ironic news?”

“We do, indeed, have other good news,” Lucy said. “Runner and his delivery team will also get contracts. The director wants to shoot the movie as much as possible in the Dark Zone, so the film company will need the services of people who live there and know the DZ. Also, Ollie’s House of Pizza will be featured, as Xander Attwater promised.”

“Ollie will be thrilled,” Gabriel said.

“Great product placement,” Aiden noted.

“Speaking of which,” Lucy continued, “we now move on to ironic news. Weather Wizards will also get product placement and plenty of branding opportunities, because the director likes the uniforms.”

Veronica leaned into the frame again. “But I don’t have to wear one of their outfits, because I’ll be doing all the scenes in my regular work gear.”