Page 30 of Dead Heat

“And why are you here?” Josie snarled.

“To entreat His Highness to return. Lucifer has grown weak and there is discontent. The time is ripe for another coup.”

“Lucifer is never weak,” Kane replied. “And it’s hell. Discontent is sewn into its fabric.”

“This is more than the usual grievances, sire. There are rumblings of another revolution.”

Kane arched an eyebrow. “Because the last one worked out so well?”

Canto's brow folded into multiple layers. “Why else is the great duke gathering intel if not for the two of you to launch an attack?”

“Dantalion has only been working to assure our continued safety here,” Kane said.

“Which you have now jeopardized, little demon,” Josie snapped.

Canto's shoulders slumped. “Then you don’t wish to liberate us?”

“I have no desire to return, Canto. My life is here now.”

His bulbous nose reddened. “But we need you, sire. Lucifer is out of control.”

“Lucifer has been out of control since the day he arrived in our circle. Why is this new?”

“Where’s Dantalion?” Josie asked. “He should be a party to this conversation.”

“He’s running an errand for me.”

Josie narrowed her eyes at him. “What errand?”

Kane gestured to the small demon. “I believe we have more pressing matters at the moment.”

“I agree wholeheartedly,” Canto retorted, “which is why I implore you to rethink your answer.”

Kane shook his head. “As I said, my life is here now. What’s happening in hell is regrettable, but it’s no longer my domain. If you wish to remain here in safety, I can make arrangements for you.”

“I won’t abandon the cause,” Canto said.

Josie’s gaze flicked to Kane. “We can’t let him leave now. He knows where to find you.”

Canto waved his hands. “I would never, ever betray you, Your Highness. Not in a million lifetimes.”

“Maybe not on purpose,” Josie replied, “but you know how much Lucifer enjoys torturing information out of his subjects. If his minions catch you on reentry, they’ll want to know where you were.”

“Remember my abilities,” Canto said quickly. “I am an excellent informant because I’m impossible to catch.”

Josie folded her arms. “I caught you.”

“My guard is never down in hell; I swear to you.”

“Josephine,” Kane said in warning tone.

“I mean it, Kane. We can’t risk letting him go back with this knowledge.”

“There must be another option,” Canto said. “A memory wipe, perhaps? I’m not opposed to losing a few of those in exchange for my life.”

“I have no interest in killing you,” Kane assured him.

Canto looked ready to dissolve into a puddle of relieved tears. “You’re too kind.”

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