“From what I heard they’re going after their target now. You saw blueprints. Office? Private residence?”

“A couple of office floor plans, plus one or two that could have been homes. It was too far to see.” He took out his cell phone. “Lucas might recognize them, if they’re Cabal.”

LUCAS 7

LUCAS

7

WE PICKED UP PAIGE on the way to Ortega’s house, so we could head out to dinner right after…and because her witch spells might come in handy. Troy’s partner, Griffin, had gone home, leaving Troy as my father’s bodyguard for the night, as usual. We also brought two security guards.

Paige and my father chatted on the ride—casual conversation, unrelated to the task. My father raised me to see witches as simply another supernatural race, one with which we have an unfortunate history. Yet, our Cabal, like the others, has only one token witch employee and when business partners mock witches, he’d never defend the race.

He will come to Paige’s defense, though. Whatever problem a business contact might have with a Cortez marrying a witch, he’d best not voice it within my father’s hearing. That’s more about defending Paige as the wife of his son, but I’m grateful for it.

His affection for her appears genuine. He certainly takes more interest in her than he does in Hector’s or William’s wife…a fact that also does not go unnoticed by my brothers.

WHEN WE GOT to Ortega’s house, my father sent the guards around to cover the back while Troy escorted us to the front door and rang the bell. After the third ring, Paige said, “We really should get a look inside. Lucas and I can come back after dark…”

Her words trailed off as my father took two small envelopes from his pocket, opened one and emptied a key ring into his palm.

“You have keys for all your employees’ homes?” Paige said.

“Management level and those with security clearance only.”

“I don’t want to know how you get them, do I?”

He smiled as he handed the keys to Troy. “Legally, as shocking as that might seem, though some would argue we’re taking advantage of our employees’ vulnerabilities to justify violating their civil rights.”

“I’ve never agreed it was legal either,” I murmured, then explained to Paige. “Included in Ortega’s contract is a stipulation that he allow his home to be refitted with locks and an alarm system. Most employees realize this means the Cabal will retain a set of their keys and alarm override codes, but that is not—” I looked at my father “—explicitly stated.”

“But as long as they know and don’t argue…”

“They don’t argue because they’re supernaturals, and they rely on the Cabal for more than mere employment, therefore they too readily permit you to violate—”