I sidestepped left just as Dimples went right and headed back the long way. The moment I was sure there was enough distance between us, I pressed myself against the wall until he’d vanished completely. Then I opened the bag. The deep-faceted blue of the Lia Saifire blinked up at me.

Crapadoodledo. Go me.

Chapter Ten

The small bar on the edge of St. Andrews Square was smoky and reeked of stale beer. I cast my eyes around, quickly alighting on Lexie who was sitting in the far corner, nursing some strange green concoction. It was so lurid in colour that I was briefly reminded of Byron’s eyes. Ick. I didn’t want to give him a single thought. Not unless it involved stripping him of all his wealth (and maybe his clothes too).

I slid into the seat opposite. ‘Piss off,’ Lexie grunted, without looking up.

‘Hey,’ I said softly. ‘It’s me.’

Her head jerked up and her face filled with relief. ‘Integrity! Where the hell have you been? What’s been going on? Why haven’t you been in touch? Have you heard from Brochan or Speck? Do you know if I’m in danger? What about…’

‘Whoa, whoa, whoa.’ I raised my palms. ‘Chill, Lex. Everything’s good.’

She gazed at me like I was a total idiot. ‘Good? Good? How can everything be good?’

I winced. ‘Keep your voice down. You need to keep a low profile, remember?’

She subsided into a series of blue-tinged grumbles.

‘That’s better,’ I said, like a disapproving teacher. ‘How many of those have you had?’

She tapped her glass. ‘These? I dunno. Half a dozen maybe.’

I eyed the drink with distaste. ‘What’s in it?’

‘Crème de menthe, vodka and Amaretto. Want to try?’

Eurgh. ‘No thanks.’ I caught the attention of the bartender. ‘Jug of coffee, please. And make it strong.’

‘You’re no fun. I’m drowning my sorrows. You should join me.’

‘I have things to do. And so do you.’

‘Yeah? Like what?’

I took out the velvet bag and threw it on the table. It clunked heavily against the wood. Lexie looked at it and then at me. She took another sip of her green monster before curiosity got the better of her. She picked up the bag and peered inside it.

I waited. When her jaw dropped and her eyes went wide, I grinned.

‘How…?’ she breathed.

‘Long story. Taylor can fill you in on the details later.’

She shook her head with incredible vehemence. ‘No way. You can ply me with all the coffee you like and give me as many priceless jewels as you can find but I’m not venturing out there again. I’m not going to prison, Tegs.’

About this, at least, I was confident. ‘You’re not going to go to prison,’ I told her. ‘They’re no longer looking for you.’