Page 6 of The Devil’s Lair

Must be at the club. “Can I borrow yours? I need to make an urgent phone call.”

“You should be resting.”

“I’ll rest after this call, I promise.”

One perfectly plucked eyebrow rises. Despite her obvious reluctance, she reaches into a pocket on her uniform and produces a phone.

“One call. Five minutes maximum. Don’t test me, Mr. De Vil.”

“Yes, Miss.”

She sighs even though her lips flicker up. I’ve always been able to charm those most determined to resist me. It’s a fucking shame all that charm is wasted. I’d freak the fuck out if she, or anyone else for that matter (male or female) made a move on me.

There was a time, before I created The Lair, when I thought I could be asexual… until I learned that I have no trouble with sexual attraction to others. It’s when that attraction sets its sights on me that I nope out. The thought of being naked with someone, having them touch me, and me having to touch them? I feel sick at the thought of it.

I tap out Frank’s phone number, grateful for my higher-than-average memory. I wouldn’t say it’s photographic, but close enough.

“Yeah?”

That’s Frank speak for “you’re not in my contacts and you’re fucking lucky I answered.”

“Frank, it’s me.”

“Boss, thank fuck. I stayed until your dad showed up. Felt like I was intruding, ya know? You sound pretty fucking good for a dead man.”

I chuckle. “You know me. I’ve got nine lives.”

“Eight now.”

“Think I’ll be good.”

“I’m fucking relieved, I gotta tell ya. For a second, I thought you were a goner.”

“Frank, fill me in, would you? What the fuck happened?”

“You got shot.”

I roll my eyes. “The Comedy Store is about to call any day now. I mean with the woman and her piece of shit husband.”

“After he shot you, he turned the gun back on her. Cool as a fucking ice cube. I put two bullets in him, then called in the cavalry to help you.”

“Is he dead?”

“Dead as my love life.”

And mine. I shake off the familiar gut punch that thought brings. “What happened then?”

“Police questioned me, took a statement, then let me go. For now.”

“If the cops come sniffing around you again, you call me.” In situations like these, it pays to have my family’s power and influence. If the police attempt to charge Frank with anything other than providing a fucking service to humanity, they won’t get far. “And the woman? What happened to her?”

“Not sure. She was taken to a different police station to me.”

Fuck.

“See what you can dig up on her whereabouts. I want to make sure she’s okay.”

“Yes, boss.”