Page 64 of Obsessed in Blood
“Try to behave yourself.”
“Sure. I’ll give it some thought.”
I was still smiling when I stuck the phone in my pocket. “Luke made it to the city.”
“I wonder if he’ll get any work done.” Simone drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for Bella’s signal. “It was a mistake to take Ginger with him.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Ginger can be serious when she needs to be. She’s been around us long enough to get by, and she’s quick when—” I stopped when Bella walked out the front door, scanned the parking lot, then walked toward a nondescript car near the entrance.
That was the signal the place was clear, and she’d wait in her car until we were done. If Lorenzo had been in there, she would have left the parking lot and taken a long route back to the sedan we were in.
Simone drove into the parking lot, and rather than let the valet park the car, she chose a spot toward the back of the lot. Easier for a fast exit if Lorenzo showed up.
We were on our way to a table in the back when I spotted them. They looked different without their party clothes on, but it was them.
“The table on the right. The three women.” I whispered it as close to Simone as possible, hoping no one could hear me as we approached the women.
Simone stopped the host for a moment, who nodded and continued on to their table where he would wait. Then she steered us toward the women and let me take the lead. I stumbled as I passed their table and grabbed on for support.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” I glanced up at the trio’s leader—Rachel.
She stared at me as if I were a clumsy idiot before she took a double take. “I know you.”
I stared back, looked at the other two, considered them for a moment, and snapped my fingers. “The tea party. I’m sorry, I don’t remember your names. It was a crazy evening for me.”
“I’m Rachel.” She nodded to her two friends. “Red and Naomi. You’re Trelane’s Blood Ward if I’m not mistaken.”
“That’s right.” I stood aside. “Where are my manners? This is Simone, first of the House Trelane cadre, and Lyra Trelane, leader of House Trelane.” I would have loved a video of the three women as they straightened in their seats and fluffed their hair.
“It’s an honor. I’m Rachel McLeod, youngest daughter of the House McLeod, and these are my friends, Leslie Nelson of House Nelson—but we call her Red—and Naomi Walker of House Walker.”
“The honor is mine,” Lyra said. “They’re all fine Houses.”
“We just ordered.” Rachel glanced around as if searching for someone. “But we’d be happy to have the first course paused if you could join us.” When Lyra looked at Simone, she added, “Of course, we understand if you can’t. Perhaps another time.”
Simone shrugged. “It’s up to you, Mistress.”
I turned away as if searching for someone, worried I’d bust out laughing. Simone was playing it a bit over the top, though it was the proper salutation. Anna would be so proud of me.
The host that was seating us rushed over as he waved for a server, who immediately had additional chairs brought over. Fortunately, the table was large enough for six. From what Simone had mentioned on the first day of our search, it wasn’t unusual for friends to arrive unexpectedly and decide to join a table already working through the courses.
I had to hand it to Rachel and friends. They were respectful but weren’t afraid to be themselves. Simone was friendly enough, but Lyra was the hit of the afternoon. We were finishing the fourth course before Lyra took the lead in directing the three women down our planned path.
“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors that I haven’t gotten out much over the last few decades.” Lyra placed a small spoon of duck pâté on a biscuit and nibbled the end while the three women glanced at each other.
“You know vampire society,” Red said. “It would take more than a century for anything to change much.”
Lyra covered her mouth and swallowed her bite. “That is so true. I suppose it’s good some things don’t change. I haven’t found time to add my name to the social register. Well, you know, with all that trouble with the Council.”
“I can’t believe anyone would believe Devon Trelane capable of murdering a Council member.” Naomi sipped her tea and glanced around the room before leaning in. “Most people around here despise Lorenzo. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did it.”
“Watch your tongue, Naomi.” Rachel turned pale.
“That’s alright.” Simone tapped her nails on her teacup. “No one has gotten in trouble with the Council for speaking their mind. Just don’t say such a thing while in Council chambers.”
“Of course, not,” Naomi said. “It just slipped out.”
Lyra, who was sitting next to her, patted her hand. “It happens to the best of us. So, tell me. What balls are coming up?”
