“No!” I protested, seeing her tying up the ends of our conversation. “He’ll kill you with no more thought than swatting a fly.” My jaw gritted as she gestured to the door. “Let me come with you, then,” I said as I stood up. “I’ve done escort service for humans into the Hollows. I know how to stay quiet and watch your back.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed. “I am a doctor of ley line magic. You think you can protect me better than I can protect myself?”

I took a breath to protest, then let it out. “You’re right,” I said, thinking it would be easier to follow her without her knowing. “Could you at least tell me when you’re meeting with him? I’d feel better if I could give you a call when you’re supposed to be home.”

She sent one eyebrow up. “Tomorrow night at seven. We’re dining at the restaurant atop Carew Tower. Is that a public enough place to please you?”

I would have to borrow some money from Ivy if I was going to follow her up there. A glass of water cost three bucks and a lousy house salad was twelve—or so I’d heard. I didn’t think I had a nice enough dress, either. But I wasn’t going to let her meet with Trent unwatched.

Nodding, I put the strap of my bag over my shoulder and stood by Nick. “Yes. Thank you.”

Eighteen

The early afternoon sun had almost worked its way from the kitchen, a last band making a thin sliver along the sink and counter. I was sitting at Ivy’s antique table, leafing through her catalogs and finishing my breakfast of coffee. I’d been up for only an hour or so, nursing my cup and waiting for Ivy. I had made a full carafe, hoping to lure her into talking to me. She still wasn’t ready, having evaded me on the excuse of having to research her latest run. I wished she’d talk to me. The Turn take it, I’d be happy if she’d just listen. It didn’t seem possible she would put this much weight on the incident. She had slipped before, and we had gotten past it.

Sighing, I stretched my legs out under the table. I turned the page to a collection of closet organizers, my eyes drifting aimlessly. I didn’t have much to do today until Glenn, Jenks, and I went to tail Dr. Anders that night. Nick had loaned me some money, and I had a party dress that wouldn’t look too cheap and would hide my splat gun.