They turned the corner at the end of the hall, and a bouncer got the alley door for Rory. As he levered Arthur through it, he saw three cars parked in front of Arthur’s in the narrow space. Jade was standing next to one of them with her brother, Benson, and her sister, Stella.

“How am I supposed to get out?” Stella was saying, gesturing to the middle car, which was trapped against the alley wall by the double-parked car in front.

“Grover’s looking for the driver,” Benson promised. “Now please tell Jade we’re not hiring her girl as a bouncer.”

“Oh?” Stella’s eyebrow went up with interest. “A lady with muscles?”

“None,” Benson said flatly. “But apparently Jade is encouraging her.”

“That’s right, it was my idea,” Jade said unapologetically. “I’d sleep better knowing there were more eyes on my family. Zhang and I are traveling so much and we’re going to have to leave again.”

Again? Rory’s heart plummeted. But you just got back.

Benson turned back to Jade. “Then we’ll get a big guy to do it—”

“May I have an interview, at least?” came Sasha’s voice, from behind Rory.

Rory stiffened. Had Sasha been behind them on their way out? Had she seen them? Had Rory risked Arthur’s reputation because he couldn’t keep off him—

Sasha walked right past Rory and Arthur, her attention on Stella. Stella glanced her way. And then she took a second look, a little slower.

Benson groaned. “Look, miss,” he said nicely to Sasha, as she came to stand next to Jade. “I’m sure you’re very competent. But it’s a dangerous job, and we can’t give it to a pretty girl just because she found us vodka.”

Stella’s gaze was still on Sasha. “That vodka was from you?”

“A present.” Sasha made a modest hand wave. “For Rory’s birthday, and for the most beautiful voice and beautiful woman in all of America.”

Stella’s smile became a grin. “Oh, I like you. You’re hired.”

Benson groaned again. “This is not how you choose a bouncer—”

“Aleksandra Ivanova has some unique qualities—” Jade started, just as Stella said, “Then she can be my personal bodyguard.”

Benson gestured broadly around the alley. “We need muscle—”

Without fanfare, Sasha lifted the back end of the car blocking Stella’s car in, and pushed the entire vehicle forward until Stella’s car had enough space to pull out.

Benson stared as Sasha smiled at Stella.

Jade cleared her throat. “She’s a paranormal,” she said to the still-staring Benson, sounding amused. “That’s what I was trying to tell you.”

Stella slapped her bag against Benson’s chest. “Hold my purse.”

Benson fumbled not to drop the bag as Stella strode forward, holding out her hand to Sasha. “Welcome to the Magnolia’s staff, Miss Ivanova.”