“And we appreciate everyone’s help as we try to keep things running around here. Mei and I have everything under control right now, but the concern everyone’s shown is certainly . . . admirable.” There was the slightest wry note in Grace’s voice as she glanced around at the assembled demons. Many of them straightened up and smiled, acting as though they truly were here out of concern for us.

“We know you’re as anxious to find Jerome as we are,” said Mei. “And we’ll be doing everything we can to locate him.” Some of those smiles tightened a little, and the crowd shifted uncomfortably. As I’d told Seth, not everyone was so eager for Jerome’s return.

“Yes, of course,” a booming voice said. Tom had joined Grace and Mei in the spotlight. “Jerome is our top priority, of course. And if—mean, when—he’s found, I’m sure Management will be most eager to talk to him about how this happened in the first place. No doubt he will need a little . . . rehabilitation, and should he be unable to fulfill his duties, I for one am ready right now to step up and run infernal affairs in Seattle.”

“Well, Tom.” A dark-haired demoness from across the room straightened up from where she leaned against the wall. “If memory serves, your leadership in Tuscaloosa didn’t end so well.”

Tom glowered. “That was not my fault.”

So it began. The meeting slowly degenerated into chaos and mostly became about each demon talking about why he or she was the best choice—and why all of the others were completely unfit. It was like a year of presidential campaigning condensed into an hour.

“Look at Grace and Mei,” noted Hugh. “They look like they want to smite this entire room.”

“Well,” I said. “That’s the thing. All these demons are talking about keeping hellish affairs in order here, but those two are the ones who are actually doing it right now.”

“Hell should just let them take over if Jerome doesn’t come back,” said Cody. I gave him a sharp look. “Er, I mean, not that there’s any question of that. He’ll be back.”

“Let’s hope so,” a new voice said. Cedric had strolled over and joined our circle, Kristin in tow.

“Whatever,” I said, unable to hide a smile. “You can’t tell me you want him back. This is your perfect chance to create your great Northwest empire.”

He shook his head. “No, believe me, I want nothing to do with any of this. Compared to some of these losers, Jerome suddenly seems like an ideal neighbor.” It was very much like what Isabelle had said. “I don’t suppose,” Cedric added, “that you’re going to be coming back up to Vancouver?”