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Definitely not conducive to business.

"I have a contingency plan in place, should Guerra decide he wants some type of retribution," I add flippantly. "But the important thing now is to figure out how Sacre Coeur is involved with Miles, and find out what Mother Superior knows."

"I'm not surprised to hear Sacre Coeur would be involved in this," Catalina notes. "Not with all the abuse going on in that place."

Sisi nods, her brows pinched together, and I can only imagine the memories she's reliving.

"We should go in and interrogate Mother Superior." Sisi's face suddenly lights up as the idea pops into her head. "We can go undercover," she adds excitedly.

My lips curve up as I promptly agree, already thinking of the same thing.

"You might be able to get away with that." Marcello nods at Sisi, "But him?" He snorts, "Unless you plan to dress him up as a nun too. Tell me, Lina, did they have any ex-con nuns at Sacre Coeur?"

Catalina can barely hold in her smile as she shakes her head.

"Come on, 'Cello!" I groan, half-amused, half-surprised that Marcello would still have a sense of humor. I'd have thought it all gone by now. "I'd make a wonderful nun. Why, I even know a prayer." A devious smile curves up my lips.

Everyone is looking at me expectantly.

"Really?" he drawls, a cynical expression on his face.

"But of course. Sisi's been a great teacher," I start and I see her eyes widen as she realizes what type of prayer I know. "I know all about the great coming," I blurt out, unable to help myself. "It's great indeed." I have time to add before Sisi puts her hand over my mouth, shushing me.

"He's not the brightest pupil." She forces a smile, her foot kicking me in the shin at the same time. "I think he mixed up the prayers."

"I don't get why they'd only make asecondcoming. I mean, what about the third, or the forth?" I continue, lowering her hand.

One look in her direction and her eyes are shooting lasers at me. On the other hand, Catalina is laughing, and Marcello doesn't seem far behind. Why, there's a twitch in his upper lip.

"You'll have to forgive him," she adds sweetly, "he's not exactly housebroken. I planned to get him a muzzle, since he's known to bite too, but alas that fell through." She turns to me, raising an eyebrow and daring me to reply.

"I only bite when asked," I speak lowly, only for her ears.

Her mouth parts slightly, her pupils enlarged, and I know I got her. Swiftly, I turn to the conversation, adding.

"Since you don't think I'd fit in as a nun." I sigh, deeply disappointed. "Then a priest should do."

"There are only two priests at Sacre Coeur, and everyone knows them. How do you think you're going to manage that?" Sisi asks.

"We'll just have to off one of them, and I'll be the replacement."

It's quite easy too, since the priests are not always at Sacre Coeur. We just need to choose one, get a copy of his itinerary, kill him and then I'll promptly show up as the replacement.

"It might work," Marcello agrees, "but killing a priest? Really? Isn't that a new low, even for you?"

"I'll weigh their sins and choose the most wicked one." I roll my eyes at him, "If you're so concerned for the state of my immortal soul."

"More like an immoral soul," he mutters dryly. "I'll look into DeVille, maybe I'll be able to get something." I'm surprised he offers to help, but I'm not about to refuse him. Not when I'm public enemy number one—at least in New York.

We go over a few more details, and Marcello promises to keep an eye out for any information that might seem relevant to our quest.

"Well, then we have a plan." I stretch in my chair. "I guess before we leave I should also let you know that I'm a wanted man." I give him a lazy smile, "So if anyone comes looking, say you don't know me."

Taking Sisi's hand, I tug her to her feet, ready to go. "Oh," I turn sharply, "and I need a car."

Marcello looks about to combust as he's undoubtedly digesting my last sentence. He blinks twice, and I groan out loud, knowing what's to come.

"For God's sake, Vlad," his voice thunders, and even Sisi looks surprised at the sudden change in his demeanor. "You're not leaving with my sister. What the hell are you thinking?" he continues to rage on, going on and on about how unsafe it is and how I should be ashamed of myself for putting her in danger.