Page 37 of Lucas
“What time did Sergi set up the meet with Romero?”
“Nine this evening.” Jacques glanced at his watch. “We have time to check the library.”
She tapped her fingers on the tablet. Lafitte had been advised of their arrival, so he shouldn’t be sending any cars to trail them. Sergi gave her the green light to visit the Renaud Library and look for theDe første dageas long as they weren’t being followed. Time to bait the hook.
“Circle the neighborhood a few times. Let’s get comfortable with the streets and see if we shake any tails. Then I’d like to get checked in.”
He nodded, and they drove in companionable silence. They had been partnered for so long, the Family teased them as if they were an old married human couple. While the sentiment was accurate, their relationship wasn’t intimate—at least not at the level one would suspect. In reality, they were more like two siblings who shared every detail with each other.
After thirty minutes of driving around the Quarter and nearby neighborhoods, Jacques pulled into the hotel parking structure, ignoring the valet so they’d have quick access to the car if needed. Once checked in, Bella stared at the Mississippi River from their twelfth-floor suite, letting Jacques handle logistics.
“I informed Sergi we arrived and weren’t followed. He says the library is still your call. No word from Lucas.”
When she didn’t say anything, Jacques stepped behind her and rubbed her shoulders. “He’s fine. If they’ve been runninginto trouble at each stop, they’re probably lying low until the trail is cold.”
She bent her head to the left and then right as Jacques continued to work his magic at relieving her stress. Lucas was a well-trained soldier, and Ginger had improved quickly with Sergi’s training. However, while Ginger had been put into precarious situations in the past, Bella wasn’t convinced of the human’s stamina as the attacks increased.
“I won’t be able to sit in this room for another eight hours. Let’s check the library and see what dust we kick up.”
He slapped her back. “That’s the spirit, ma chère.”
“Ugh. You’re not going to start speaking French everywhere, are you?” She picked up her messenger bag and strode to the door.
He followed behind, chuckling. “Only to those who understand it. How often do I get to speak it otherwise?”
“Only every time you find Devon alone while he’s drinking cognac. Even Cressa knows to leave the two of you to jabber away.”
She smiled as she headed for the elevator, knowing he was grinning ear to ear. He enjoyed annoying her, and if nothing else, it took her mind off Lucas.
“What do you think?”Jacques asked.
Bella scanned the half-full parking lot at Renaud’s Library. “I think we’re in luck that it’s busy.”
“I agree. I don’t see anyone in the vehicles. Do you?”
“No. If they have anyone watching, they might be inside. That’s where they were when Lucas and Ginger were followed in San Francisco.”
“Then perhaps we avoid the tea room.”
Bella snorted as she exited the rental. She took another scan of the area, this time focusing on the trees and the VIP parking lot where several other cars and two limos were parked. “Maybe they’re having a conference or a special luncheon.”
“Even better. It will make it easier to see if we’re followed.”
She couldn’t disagree, and they took a leisurely stroll up the steps. Jacques handled the receptionist while she monitored the activity on the first floor. A group of vampires stood down a side hall where a table had been set up in front of one of the conference rooms. That confirmed one special function in addition to three small gatherings in the tea room, all of them in full conversation. Nothing that warranted alarm bells.
Jacques stepped next to her and handed her a map. He pointed to the back cover where special events were listed. “The conference is a lecture on tracing one’s ancestral roots. There’s another one scheduled at three p.m. for changes in vampire law over the centuries.”
She chuckled. “We should have brought Anna.”
Jacques smiled and directed her toward the stairs.
“I didn’t know you were familiar with the libraries.”
He shrugged. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in one. My birth Family was always interested in learning more about our ancestors. I spent a great deal of time running through the stacks.”
“I’m surprised you and Lucas haven’t visited one together.”
“Just because I spent many hours in one doesn’t mean I found it interesting. Except for the books that spoke of battles, of course.”
