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Phillip brushed back his hair in agitation, glancing quickly at the bar. “I didn’t bring you here for that, promise.”

“Bullshit.”

“There’s someone here I want you to meet.”

Confused, my anger faded. “Who?”

“Someone who might be able to shed some light on your parent’s death, and I...” Phillip groaned and threw his head back. “I thought you might want to hear what they have to say.”

I froze, blindsided. “And they’re a magic-user?”

“Something like that,” Phillip replied evasively, walking forward slowly. “Look, they’ll only be in town for tonight, so this was the only day we can do it.” He scanned the people along the bar. “If you’re not sure, we’ll go.” The Hunter quieted for a second before coming impossibly close. “They’re in hiding, so it may be your only chance to know what happened.”

“In hiding?”

“Not here.” Throwing his arm around my shoulders, Phillip dragged me close to his side and dipped his head enough to reach my ear. “There are rooms in the back for this sort of thing.”

Heart in my throat, I nodded. “Okay. Take me to them.”

26

A Clash with Cash

LED DOWN AN OBSCUREback hallway, we crossed a thick barrier of magic. The electric sensation of it tickled my bare flesh, another static spark, and I slowed in alarm.

Phillip caught my straying gaze over his shoulder, his hand tightening around mine. “Only people permitted entrance can cross it. Remember that for the future. You’ll be transported elsewhere the minute you try without proper access.”

“Transported?”

“Yeah. Not to worry, pet. I have unlimited permission to come and go from here as I please,” the vampire hunter said, eyeing each passing door before stopping in front of one with a golden seven artfully hung at eyelevel.

I was afraid to ask how he managed to get unlimited access to a sex club. Something told me I was better off not knowing.

“It’s a tricky business evading the Organization.” Dangerous eyes glinting, he added, “Even trickier business evadingme.”

I offered him an eyebrow before the Austrian rapped his fist on the door. “Open this damn door, Cassius.”