“Well, I’m actually starting to agree.” I took a deep breath and pushed forward. “I don’t suppose it’s occurred to either of you that Nanette could be the one behind this?”

Jerome’s face grew even more incredulous. “Nanette? Georgie, this is out there, even for you.”

“What, demons eyeing each other’s territories? Come on, Jerome. That’s not out there at all! It’s what you and Cedric were—maybe still are—doing for each other. If something blows up, Nanette’s in a far better position to benefit from it than Isabelle would. Nanette’s running to both of you, claiming she’s worried about the other when really, she’s playing you both off each other.”

Jerome rolled the brandy in his glass. “And let me guess: she’s blond too, like this alleged golden-haired angel.”

“Well . . .”

He sighed, took a last swig of the brandy, and set the glass down hard. “Not that I have any reason to explain our goings-on to you, but here it is. Nanette doesn’t have the balls to try something like that. Oh, sure, some of your points are correct. This wouldn’t be unreasonable demon behavior, particularly one feeling threatened. But not her. She might want to do something like this, but she won’t. She’s a lot of talk but not much on action.”

I didn’t usually get answers that detailed from Jerome and was a bit taken aback. “You’re certain?”

“I am,” he said firmly. A waiter delivered a new glass of brandy. “Leave her and Isabelle behind. Find some other reason for what this absurd group’s doing. Barring that, disband them like you’re supposed to. And barring that, do give me some credit that I can take care of my affairs without a succubus’ help.”

I left not long after that, leaving Jerome to drink alone. As I pushed the door open, I glanced back and studied him. His face was momentarily unguarded, troubled as he stared into the depths of his glass. He seemed very alone, literally and figuratively, despite his bold words. I felt a strange pang in my chest, a bit of sorrow over what was undoubtedly an eternity of torment made worse when complications like our current ones ensued. But then, maybe these bursts of demonic drama helped break up the monotony.

I considered errands after that but decided heading straight home sounded best. My phone rang just I stepped into my apartment. I kicked the door closed with my foot while my free hand dug through the depths of my purse. Doug’s number showed on the caller ID.

“Is everything okay?” I asked as soon as I answered.

“You know what’s sad here, Kincaid? You aren’t asking if I’m okay. You saw my number, assumed there was some crisis at work, and want to know if the store’s okay.”

“Your point?”

“The store’s fine. I wanted to know if you’re in town. Maddie made it sound like you can cross time and space now and be everywhere all the time.”

“I wish I could, but yeah, I’m at home. What’s up?”