Page 122 of Taste of Blood

“Your name is on the guest list for the Arts Council benefit Saturday night.”

“How do you know that?”

“I have my sources. Are you planning to attend?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I haven’t decided. As you’re well aware, we’ve kind of got a situation going right–”

“I would suggest you make it a priority to be there,” I interrupt.

“Why?”

“Because Howard Thalium is also on the guest list.”

He’s quiet for several minutes. “That’s…interesting.”

“I thought you might think so.”

“Are you going?”

“Yes.”

“Is Cord?”

Now it’s my turn to hesitate. “Yes.”

“Good. I take it he doesn’t know about this conversation.”

“No. To be honest, I don’t want to spook him.”

He chuckles. “I doubt that’s possible.”

“He respects you,” I reply, though it pains me to do so. “He wouldn’t want to intrude if he wasn’t wanted.”

“Just between you and me, Cord is my best man. I’d always want him there.”

“Good to know. I guess this means we’ll see you Saturday night.”

“I guess so. And Asher?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for the information.”

“I may not agree with your methods, Dante, but I believe we’re fighting for the same cause.”

I hang up and lean my head against the glass. I don’t know what the future holds, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is about to happen to change everything.

“Ash?”

I slip the phone into my pocket and turn to face Cord. “What are you doing up?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

He crosses the room and closes his hands around my arms, looking into my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just thinking about Saturday night.” At least it’s not a lie.