“Boss man, I presume?” I whispered, and he came to a jerky halt four feet away, the table between us. His intelligence was obvious as he looked Jenks and me over, fingers fumbling at his shirt pocket for a pair of glasses while we stood there in our thief-black outfits.

The man took a breath and let it out. “Hell,” he said to Jenks, his voice rough, as if he smoked a lot. “I’ve been watching you the last five minutes, and I don’t know what you are.”

Jenks looked at me and I shrugged, surprised to find him that open and honest. “I’m a pixy,” Jenks said, tucking his hand behind his back so the man wouldn’t try to shake it.

“By God, a pixy?” he blurted, brown eyes wide. Glancing at me, he put his glasses on, took a breath, and added, “Your work?”

“Yup,” I said, reaching out to shake his hand.

My breath hissed and I jerked back when the two men that had come in with him cocked their weapons. I hadn’t even seen them pull them.

“Stand down!” the man bellowed, and Jenks jumped. It was shockingly loud and deep, carrying the crack of a whip. I watched, heart pounding until the two men lowered their sights. They didn’t put the guns away, though. I was starting to hate those little hats of theirs.

“Walter Vincent,” the man said, hitting the t’s sharp and crisp.

I glanced at the men behind him, then extended my hand again. “Rachel Morgan,” I said more confidently than I felt. “And this is Jenks, my partner.” This was weird, civilized. Yes, I’ve come to rob you, sir. / How delightful; won’t you have some tea before you do?

The Were before me pursed his lips, his white eyebrows going high. I could see his thoughts jumping and I found myself thinking he had a rugged attractiveness despite his age, and that he was likely going to have someone hurt me. I was a sucker for a smart man, especially when the brains came packaged in a body that was carefully maintained.

“Rachel Morgan,” he said, his voice rising and falling in amazement. “I’ve heard of you, if you can believe it. Though Mr. Sparagmos is of the belief that you’re dead.”

My heart gave one hard beat. Nick was here. He was alive. I licked my lips, suddenly nervous. “It was only a bad hair day, but try telling that to the media.” I exhaled, never looking away, knowing I was challenging him but feeling I had to. “I’m not leaving without him.”

Head bobbing, Walter backed up two quick steps. The men behind him had a better shot at me, and my heart found a faster pace. Jenks didn’t move, but I heard his breathing quicken.

“Truer words may never have been spoken,” Walter said. It was a threat, and I didn’t like the complete unconcern in his voice. Jenks moved to stand beside me, and the tension rose.