Page 55 of Vampire so Virtuous

“Looking at it as we speak. But I didn’t want to inconvenience our hard-working Police Commissioner.”

“Oh, nonsense. It’s the prerogative of being the mayor, and God knows I get few enough opportunities to pull rank around here. I’ll call you straight back.”

“Kind of you, Bill.”

“Not at all. Talk soon.”

The line went dead, and Antoine stared across the street.White knight type?No, he wasn’t that. Never that. The woman was of use to him, nothing more.

*

“It’s all arranged, Anthony. Head in whenever you like.”

“Grand, thanks Bill.”

“Come by the club tomorrow evening and tell me all about it?”

Antoine grimaced. “I’d be glad to.”

“I’ll make sure your name is on the list.”

Antoine ended the call. He almost feltsummoned. He’d go tomorrow, because it was politic to do so, but Antoine wasn’t a curiosity to be paraded before the mayor’s social circle. It was insulting.

Antoine stepped out of his car then grimaced as he looked down at himself. Black jeans, black T-shirt, and his full-length leather jacket: nothing like the style ‘Anthony Du Pont’ was known for.I should’ve gone home and changed.Too late now.He checked his glamour—his skin given a touch of color, eyes tinted the pale blue he preferred. He was so used to wearing it, he barely thought about it. But better to be sure than walk into police HQ with red eyes.

Inside the HQ, a bustle of activity filled the space with numerous chattel, both police and civilians occupying the large area. A metal detector waited inside the entrance, and Antoine gave his phone and sunglasses to an officer before passing through and holding out his hand. The cop returned them both, his eyes guarded as he took in Antoine’s appearance with practiced caution.

In the sort of clothing Anthony Du Pont typically wore, Antoine neverreceived anything but deference and respect. But in here, a full-length leather jacket signaled ‘concealed weaponry’ more than it did ‘generous contributor to the annual police ball.’

“I’m meeting Gerry McCarthy. Where will I find him?”

The man’s eyes first widened, then hardened. “You can’t just walk in off the street and demand to meet the Commissioner.” A hand came up, as if to halt Antoine’s progress, the other too quick to rest on the hilt of his holstered weapon.

Definitely should’ve got changed. “I believe you misheard me,” he said, his voice sharp and laced with enough power to draw the man’s attention. “I’m here to see the Commissioner.”

The effect was immediate. The cop blinked, his face falling slack. “You’re here to meet the Commissioner,” he repeated in a monotone, stepping back as his hands fell to his sides, his eyes unfocused.

Hmm. May have overdone it.

That was a puzzle—he hadn’t used more power than he had on the man in the street the night before. Then again, the cop wasn’t exactly the brightest bulb.

He quickly scanned the lobby, noting the few lingering glances, but it seemed no one had caught on. There was a long queue before the information desk, and a group of four men off to one side. One was dressed in a suit, another in the uniform of a senior police officer, four gold stars gleaming on his collar. A couple of other cops stood nearby, deterring any who might approach.

Antoine had already drawn their attention, and with each step closer, their tension grew. They shifted, positioning themselves between him and the Commissioner, hands twitching toward their holsters.

Chattel. Always expecting the worst.

“Gerry, good to see you,” Antoine said, loud enough for the others to hear. The man in the suit looked up in surprise as he caught sight of Antoine.

“Anthony! There you are.” His eyes flicked down and back up, taking in Antoine’s attire. “I hardly recognized you.”

“Going incognito,” Antoine said conspiratorially. “Thought it best, you know?”

“Oh, yes, I quite understand,” Gerry replied, his expression showing he really didn’t, but willing to accept Antoine’s explanation. He turned slightly. “This is Superintendent Steve Cox.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Du Pont.” Cox’s tone was neutral as they shook hands, but Antoine could see the resentment in his eyes. Cox had hisfeathers ruffled. Not that Antoine cared.

“Shall we?” Gerry asked, and led the way to the security barriers. A wave of his hand and the officer on duty opened a side gate, allowing all five men to pass through. With a gesture from Cox, the two escort officers peeled off, heading to other duties, their task complete.