Considine was quiet for a heartbeat. Then he chuckled—his voice flirty once again. “You warm my heart, Luncheon. I knew it would be worth my while to get onto the task force. Partners for life, entertainment for forever!”
I ignored Considine’s act, and Orrin looked more nauseated than bothered as he sipped his tea again.
“Here we are. Let’s stop for a moment.” I shook off the instinct to adjust my non-existent slayer mask. (I had severely underestimated how weird I’d feel without my mask. It almost felt like missing a limb.)
Orrin shuffled around to peer at the cute, cottage style house we were parked in front of. “What’s special about this place?”
“Its location,” I said. “It’s across the street and a house down from House Tellier.” I didn’t risk pointing to the House in case the wizards—or any of their neighbors—had security cameras. Manned defenses weren’t really a wizard thing. They trusted the House to protect them. But it was better to be safe than sorry.
Considine and Orrin casually moved, adjusting so they were pointed in House Tellier’s direction without being obvious.
The House was hard to miss. On a street of beiges and brick, the farmhouse/colonial styled building stuck out with its orange and yellow trim.
Like all the surrounding houses, it had a porch light on, and there were a few windows brightened from the inside, although there were curtains pulled across them so we couldn’tsee anything worthwhile. An uncovered storm window in the basement had the clearest view, but the window was too dirty to make anything out.
I tugged on my fitted gloves—I’d have to start using my warmer pairs soon. “Orrin, have you read the investigation report on House Tellier?”
“The whole House was involved in a scandal where they used their magic to cause minor—but potentially dangerous—accidents, then swooped in and pretended to be heroes to any nearby humans,” Orrin recited.
“Correct,” I said. “The Regional Committee of Magic slapped them with some huge fines—which they’ve already paid—took away their political power as a wizard House, and put the Adepts, Heir, and several of the more senior wizards under house arrest. They’re allowed visitors, but only about two-thirds of the wizards are allowed to leave for work.”
“Hardly surprising. They were targeting humans and purposely harmed them—not like our little delinquent who focused on property damage.” Considine patted Orrin on top of his head.
The fae didn’t respond, except to take a sip from his thermos. I was surprised he had any tea left in it at all.
“Politically speaking, it was a major blow to them.” A frown pulled at my lips as I studied the house. “Though I’d feel a lot better if they were sent to Ghast prison.”
House Tellier’s front door opened, briefly casting light across the dead lawn. Someone stepped out of the House and shut the door behind them.
Orrin slipped behind a row of three small, ornamental evergreen trees and crouched.
I warred over how—or where—to hide, until Considine slid his arms around my waist and scooped me close.
CHAPTER
ELEVEN
Jade
He leaned over me, so it looked like we were locked in a passionate kiss, when all he did was rest his forehead against mine. “Is this acceptable to you?”
“Yeah.” I narrowed my eyes as I tried to will the person on the porch to move so I could see him. With the angle my head was tilted, Considine blocked most of the House from my sight.
I felt Considine’s closeness as an extra burst of heat on my face, but it wasn’t until I realized he was staring at my face, his expression soft, that I anxiously gulped.
Stiff upper lip—I’m working!
Considine adjusted his hands on my hips. “Why don’t you ever quiz me on cases?” he whispered.
“Because there’s never been a need to,” I whispered back.
“You think I’m beyond helping?” Considine teased.
“No.” I stood on my tiptoes and finally got a look when the lurker left the porch and marched down the front sidewalk—it was a fae nobleman. He had the willowy build, and his tunic sparkled with fae magic.
Thank goodness. I didn’t know what we’d do if it was a werewolf. Those guys are way more inquisitive, and their powerful senses can be dangerous for covert work.
The fae’s hair gleamed a memorable shade of petal pink when he briefly stood under a streetlight before turning and walking away from us.
