Page 38 of Lucas
“Of course.”
They took the stairs down to the third floor and went straight to the card catalog. Bella let Jacques flip through the cards while she watched his back. She’d noted several guests on the secondfloor, but other than themselves and one custodian she’d spotted down one of the rows, the third floor appeared empty.
“Got it.” Jacques stepped past her and turned right down the second aisle. He slowed a third of the way down, tapping his forefinger against each shelf and then each book until he stopped. He pulled down a book from the second shelf and, shaking his head, opened it to show her the fabric-lined cavity with a single note.
“Don’t tell me,” Bella sneered. “It’s out for restoration.”
“Yep.” He closed the fake book and reshelved it.
“That pretty much closes the book on whether we have a conspiracy.”
“It’s hard to read it any other way. This is the main Renaud Library in the States. The only question is whether the entire Family is involved or a specific faction.”
“Let’s see if we catch a tail back to the hotel. We need to update Sergi.”
After Bella enjoyeda late lunch with Jacques on the suite’s balcony, they played gin rummy. Jacques always carried a deck of cards. He had once shared that it began when he was a chauffeur in his last House. He spent most of his time sitting around and found a deck of cards easy to carry while providing sufficient entertainment.
She assumed the cards were only part of the story, and it explained why he preferred to drive on their assignments. If they went out together during their time off, he let her drive. She thought it curious, but after working with him for so long, she’d come to understand what it was really all about. He stillconsidered himself a chauffeur and not the invaluable team member he’d become.
He believed the only reason he was allowed to participate in Devon’s cadre meetings was because of her. If Devon didn’t think he belonged because he brought no value, it wouldn’t matter that Jacques was partnered with cadre, he wouldn’t have gotten into Devon’s office. And the kicker was—Bella had no idea what to do about it.
When it was time, Jacques drove them to a tea house along Lake Pontchartrain. They were directed to a table for two in one of the back rooms with tall windows that overlooked the water. Along the opposite side of the room, Bella noted the vampire who sat on one side of the table while a couple sat across from him. With three bodyguards surrounding him, it was obvious Romero was holding court.
Jacques ordered an appetizer and a bottle of wine then gazed at the lake while Bella studied Romero.
“From what Lucas told me once, Romero spends his days caring for the Family businesses, but at night, he runs his side job of granting favors.” Bella wasn’t sure what Lucas saw in this vampire to remain in contact with him, even if he’d been in service to his House. “From what I understand, the small favors are to help the average vampire who has issues the Council wouldn’t be interested in reviewing. I don’t know if I believe it.”
Jacques held his answer until after the server decanted and poured the wine.
“Lucas has a great deal of respect for Romero,” Jacques said. “On one hand, he could be telling you what he believes because he’s seen and heard it himself. Or, if you want to play the other side, his respect for the vampire is blinding him to reality.”
She took a sip of wine then rolled her eyes, irritated she picked up the habit from Ginger. “I can’t tell you how helpful that was.”
He grinned. “Anytime. I have many opinions to share.”
She snorted. “Let’s not go there.”
They nibbled on their appetizers and were finishing their last sips of wine when one of Romero’s bodyguards flagged them over.
Jacques assisted Bella into her chair, and when he sat, he turned toward her, letting Romero know she was the one in charge.
Romero didn’t miss a beat and waved at his bodyguard, who poured a brandy for them, giving Bella a gentle smile that reminded her of what a handsome man he was. No doubt an excellent negotiator and possibly a manipulator as well.
“This is a beautiful location.” Bella returned his smile.
“A better venue than before. When Lucas was in the Family, I held court at a restaurant off the Quarter. Unfortunately, my clients weren’t fond of the crowds.” He gave an indifferent shrug. “One does what they must, and I find I enjoy the tea house. And the safe environment soothes my clients.” His brow rose. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I understand you’re from House Trelane?”
“That’s right,” Bella answered.
“I would have expected Lucas.”
“That’s why we’re here.”
“I see.” Renaud’s pleasant smile disappeared, and he waved away his guards. Once they’d moved to a back wall, he asked. “Is he alright?”
“We hope so. He was searching for a particular book at the Renaud libraries. His interest seems to have drawn too much attention. The wrong kind. It’s been three days since he’s checked in.”
Romero’s brows furrowed, and he blindly stared at the table. “Do you know what book he was searching for?”
