The only sensible strategy was to handle the entire process in the Underworld, where murder could easily be explained as death by natural paranormal causes.
The attempt at a quick grab-and-go on the surface had been a serious mistake, but thankfully, he had been smart enough to outsource the job. There was no connection to his private security team. That meant no link to him.
Next time he would arrange things so that the murder of a Guild boss and the kidnapping of his lover happened in the Underworld. No more relying on out-of-town talent. He would use Blue Amber.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Gabriel was pouring a second cup of coffee for Lucy and thinking that it was very pleasant to have breakfast with her when the heavy black SUV pulled up in front of the apartment house. Lucy went to the window.
“Another Guild car,” she reported. “Can’t miss one. Has management ever considered a color other than black for its fleet?”
“No,” Gabriel said. He set the pot down. “Tradition.”
A short time later the entry buzzer went off.
“That’ll be Joe,” Gabriel said. “I’ll get it.”
He set the pot down and rezzed the button.
“It’s me, Boss,” Joe announced.
“Here you go.” Gabriel hit the enter button. “When you’re inside the lobby, take the stairs to the second floor. Number five.”
“Got it,” Joe said.
Otis was on top of the refrigerator, enthusiastically working his way through a bowl of scrambled eggs. He abandoned his breakfast, grabbed his toy dust bunny, and bounced down to the counter. He landed next to the toaster and gave Gabriel an expectant look.
“Sure, you can come with me,” Gabriel said.
Otis launched himself up onto Gabriel’s shoulder.
Lucy went back to the counter and sat down. “Tell Joe he’s welcome to a cup of coffee.”
Gabriel paused in the kitchen doorway and looked at her. His blood heated a little. This morning she was dressed for Underworld work in cargo trousers and a loose-fitting denim work shirt. The glamorous, mysterious witch from the night before was gone, but the cool, determined professional weather channeler was just as fascinating, just as compelling. Regardless of what she wore, the seductive power of her aura called to his senses.
He had to make himself continue toward the door.
Joe was standing in the hall. He had a pair of boots in one hand and a duffel bag in the other. “Your change of clothes, Boss. When I went into your apartment, I noticed you didn’t have much in the way of furniture yet.”
“I’ve been busy,” Gabriel said.
“Right. The rest of your Underworld gear is in the back of your vehicle.”
“Thanks.” Gabriel stepped back and opened the door. “Come on in. Did Aiden pull up any information on those three guys who tried to get in our way last night?”
“Yep.” Joe shook his head in disgust. “Low-rent, out-of-town muscle. The cops didn’t recognize them. Definitely ex-Guild men, though. Free-lancers who do contract work for anyone who will hire them.”
“Who were they working for last night?”
“They claim they don’t know. It was a brokered job as far as they’re concerned, and the police believe them. I agree. Locating the broker won’t be easy. You know how it is with those guys. They’re very good at staying in the shadows. It’s going to take a while to find whoever put the deal together, but there can’t be a lot of guys who would take the risk of arranging the kidnapping and murder of a Guild boss.”
“This is Illusion Town,” Gabriel said. “I’m told the rules are a little different here.”
Joe took the folded newspaper out from under his arm. “Thought you might want to take a look at this. You’re famous. Again. So is Ms. Bell.”
He thrust the papers into Gabriel’s hand and reached up to give Otis a friendly pat.
“How’s it going, little guy?” he asked. “You’re famous, too.”
Otis chortled a greeting.
Gabriel read the headline on the Curtain. New Guild Boss Dating Woman He Rescued. A Real-Life Love Story in the Works?
“Well, hell,” he said. “Lucy is not going to be happy.”
The front-page photo showed Lucy and himself emerging from the limo in front of the Amber Palace. They looked like any other formally dressed couple out for an evening on the town, except for the dust bunny in a sequined tux under her arm.
“Aiden said to tell you not to worry, Boss,” Joe said. “This town loves a good celebrity story.”