Page 392 of The Black Trilogy

Dan, Mack, and Tia got up on stage to help sell the lots, which had the men in the room emptying their wallets. A fist fight threatened to start over a bottle of whisky as the bidding reached five figures, and Catwoman waded in to sort things out. I couldn’t resist doing a backflip on the way. That shut them up.

The auction raised just shy of a million dollars, and I knew how far that money would go. The streets of Richmond would be a better place for people like teenage me. I leaned back in my seat with a well-deserved gin and tonic, but then I noticed Luke opposite, staring into a glass of whisky. He’d been quiet all evening. Why? Because Mack was up on stage falling out of her leotard? Or something else?

He didn’t say anything, and I didn’t want to get into a heavy conversation. Not this evening. But as always, the universe had other plans.

I’d just survived an epic trip to the ladies room and been passed in the corridor by Thor, also known as Jed, who gave me a thumbs-up as he trailed a pretty vampire upstairs. Then I saw Luke.

“Have you got a second?” he asked.

“Sure.” I swallowed down a sigh. “Cheer up, it might never happen.”

We found a quiet corner near the bar, and he fidgeted with his collar while I waited for him to speak.

“Come on, spit it out,” I said.

“I’m worried.”

I reached out to smooth the wrinkles on his forehead. “It’s okay, the Joker’s supposed to have lines.” He didn’t smile. “What’s worrying you?”

“What happens if Black finds out about us? I mean that we used to be an item?”

“Oh, he already knows.”

“How?”

“I told him.”

“Really? Mack thought you might, but I wasn’t sure. Is he upset?”

“Of course not. He’s grateful you looked after me when he couldn’t.”

“Are you sure? I mean you were still married to him when we...”

“Relax, it’s fine.” Giggles came from behind, and I glanced over his shoulder. “But you might want to help Mack. I think she’s had one glass of wine too many.”

Luke dashed off, looking happier than he had all evening, and I went to find Black. He was talking to a congressman as I slipped my hand under his cape and squeezed his butt. Taut, firm, mine.

The politician droned on about the constitution while I stifled a yawn, and Black worked his jaw from side to side as he did the same. Dull, dull, dull.

When I could take no more, I stood on tiptoes and whispered into his ear. “I lied to Nick earlier. I’m not wearing any underwear.”

Black’s expression didn’t change as he interrupted the man. “I’m afraid my wife’s just reminded me I have a pressing matter to attend to.”

The pervert looked at me and licked his lips. “Of course. Good to talk to you, Mr. Black.”

“What an idiot,” Black muttered as we walked away. Then he leaned a little closer. “Why do you smell like baby powder?”

“Because when I took a bathroom break, my costume got stuck and two strangers had to help me back into it. Luckily, one of them had kids. And stop laughing. It’s not funny.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Next year, the theme is a pyjama party.”

“You don’t wear pyjamas,” he said.

“Then I guess we’ll have to stay at home.”

“Suits me, Mrs. Black.”

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