“First, though,” Karl continued, “I want to know what you’re withholding from Hope.”

Benicio walked to a table with a pitcher of iced tea and glasses. Stalling? Or subtly reminding Karl of civilities?

I accepted the tea; Karl did not.

Benicio handed me my drink, then sat with his own. “If you’re referring to the problems Hope mentioned to Troy, we’re still looking into that.” He glanced at me. “Were you able to get any details?”

“I tried yesterday, with the guys who originally mentioned them. They assured me everything was under control and I didn’t need to worry. I’ll press for more when I can.”

“Is there anything else?” Karl asked Benicio.

“In that matter, we were withholding nothing, so no, there’s nothing else. You have my assurance that this job is exactly as I outlined it to Hope.”

They locked gazes. I tried to read vibes, but picked up nothing to suggest Benicio was lying. Of course, knowing my powers, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to let an incriminating thought form.

After a moment, Benicio said, “If my assurance isn’t enough, Karl, then consider that the Cortez Cabal is on better terms with the werewolf Pack than it ever has been, and certainly on better terms with it than the other Cabals are. That’s an advantage I intend to keep. I’d gain nothing by endangering it, which is what I’d do if I deliberately misled a Pack member.”

A moment’s consideration, then Karl said, “I want in, then. In light of these allegations by the gang and their obvious antagonism toward the Cabal, I think you’ll agree that Hope’s task is more dangerous than you expected.”

“Perhaps.”

“I presume you have a tracking device on her? In the identification cards you gave her?”

I looked over sharply. Benicio nodded.

“Good,” Karl said. “I’ll want a GPS linked to that transmitter. I also want Hope to have a panic button, connected to me. Disguise it as something a young woman might carry in her pocket at all times—a coin, a mirror, lipstick, anything that won’t look suspicious.”

“Done.”

“I also want your assurance that if, at any time, I feel—” a glance my way, “—Hope and I feel she’s in imminent danger, she can abort and the debt is paid.”

I expected Benicio to balk, since there was nothing to stop us from pretending I felt endangered, but he simply said, “Agreed.” Maybe he trusted me. Or maybe Karl was right and Benicio knew I got more from this mission than the satisfaction of relieving a debt.

Benicio and Karl hashed out specifics. Then Benicio made a call downstairs to have us outfitted with Karl’s technological demands.

HOPE BRUSH-OFF

HOPE

BRUSH-OFF