Erica stood beside me, grinning mischievously. “Skimmer came out to work for Piscary,” she said, clearly eager to tell what she thought was good news, but my face went cold. “It’s all arranged. She looks to him now.” Twirling her necklaces, the young vampire beamed. “Just like I always thought she should.”

Ivy took a breath and held it. Wonder crossed her, and she reached out to touch Skimmer’s shoulder as if not believing she was really there. “You look to Piscary?” she breathed, and I wondered what the significance was. “Who or what did he give for you?”

Skimmer shrugged, lifting one narrow shoulder and letting it fall. “Nothing yet. I’ve been trying the last six years to wiggle into his camarilla, and if I work this right, it will be permanent.” She dropped her head briefly, her eyes alight and eager when they rose. “I’m staying at Piscary’s place meantime,” she said, “but thanks for the offer to bunk with you.”

Piscary’s, I thought, my worry strengthening. That was where Kisten was living. This was getting better and better. Ivy, too, seemed to have to think about that. “You left your place with Natalie to run Piscary’s restaurant?” she asked, and Skimmer laughed. It was comfortable and pleasant, and the volumes that were left unsaid made me uneasy.

“No. Kist can have that job,” she said lightly. “I’m here to get Piscary out of prison. My permanent inclusion into Piscary’s camarilla is contingent upon it. If I win my case, I stay. If I lose, I go back home.”

I froze. Oh my God. She was Piscary’s lawyer.

Skimmer hesitated at Ivy’s lack of response. Ivy turned to me, a panicked look on her face. I watched the wall come down, sealing everything away. Her happiness, her joy, her excitement at reuniting with an old friend; it was all gone. Something slipped between us, and I felt my chest tighten. Erica’s bangles clanked as the young vampire clearly realized something was wrong but not understanding. Hell, I didn’t think I understood.

Suddenly wary, Skimmer glanced from me to Ivy. “So, who’s your friend?” she asked into the awkward silence.

Ivy licked her lips and turned to face me more fully. I shifted forward, not knowing how to react. “Rachel,” Ivy said, “I’d like you to meet Skimmer. We roomed together for our last two years of high school out on the West Coast. Skimmer, this is Rachel, my partner.”

I took a breath, trying to decide how I should handle this. My hand went out to shake hers, but Skimmer walked past it, taking me into an expansive hug.