I glossed over the specifics of who I’d gone searching with, mainly emphasizing that my time at the beach hadn’t turned up anything. I also mentioned Cedric’s visit and his claims that he hadn’t told Nanette about my suspicions. Dante seemed skeptical of that. Finally, I wrapped up with Grace’s appearance, and at that point I faltered. I wanted to tell Dante about my amazing discovery, about how Grace had the seal. Yet Roman had urged me to keep it all to myself. Why? Was he really that mistrustful of everyone? Did he have his own ulterior motives? Against my better judgment, I bit my lip on telling Dante about my discovery. It killed me to do it, particularly since I had a feeling Dante could have some insight. Roman’s warning was too strong, however, as was my fear that he might actually still be around invisibly. And of course, I could hardly tell Dante about Roman.

Fortunately, Dante didn’t pick up on any omission of information. “You had kind of a full day, succubus. Did the corporate demon ever come talk to you?”

“Not yet. I haven’t had a chance to talk with the gang to see if he’s been making the rounds.” I eyed the Macy’s bag, dying to know what was in it.

Dante kicked it behind him. “What are you going to tell him?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ll tell him what I know about Seattle, and as far as recommendations . . . well, I don’t know.” I could no longer trust Grace, and Mei’s role was still a mystery. Dante noted my change of feelings but not the reasons.

“From what you’d said before, I thought you were a fan of Grace and that other demoness.”

“Mei,” I supplied. “I don’t know. It’s all just wearying.” Eager to shift away from the subject, I pointed at the bag. “Are you going to tell me what’s in that?”

He gave me one of his mocking grins. “Why do you think it has anything to do with you?”

“Because there’s no way you’d shop at Macy’s for yourself. You dress only marginally better than Carter.”

Dante shook his head, wearing a long-suffering look. “Fine, fine. I’ll keep it for myself.” He picked up the bag and headed off down the hall. After a few moments, I followed and tackled him in the doorway to my bedroom.

“Come on! Give it up.” I snatched the bag away, but my victory was small since he didn’t put up a fight. I opened it up and gasped at what I found. Folds and folds of shimmering purple fabric, silk the color of new spring crocuses. Hesitantly, I lifted it out of the bag, revealing a long, ankle-length robe. I looked up at him in astonishment. “What’s this?”