Page 22 of Shattered Magic

Livia frowned. Hari frowned, and as understanding hit, she looked at her friend. They spoke in unison. “Eon.”

Zerul paused. “Eon?”

Hari sighed. “She was the bouncer when we started and then went into maintenance at the club. She does the banking and payroll, too.”

Zerul paused. “Wait. Do you own the strip club?”

Livia laughed. “Yes. Yes, we do. We are a corporation with a long and annoying number. Eon was originally handy at getting us the location and the permits. Whatever we needed, she was there, and we just had good luck at getting the right thing at the right time.”

Hari smiled. “Life got so much easier when she ran into us at that coffee shop.”

Zerul cleared his throat. “Is she available to join us this evening?”

“Would you like me to check?”

“Please. I am always fascinated by those who can move through the world and shape it as they go.”

“Hm. Okay. I will send her a text and see what she’s up to.” Hari smiled and sent the text. A response came back, and Hari laughed. “Wow. She and Vega just left a movie. They are willing to come by.”

“Who is Vega?”

Hari smiled. “Our truly silent partner. She put up the funding for the club. All of it. She’s also possessed, but he keeps to himself for the most part.”

“Possessed?”

“Yeah. Vega has funny luck. She found an artifact five years ago, and now, there is someone inside her. No mages have been able to dislodge him, so she is resigned to a singular life.”

“I will make certain that she is well-received.” Zerul beckoned to one of the security men discreetly spotted around the room and explained that two more ladies were coming who may not be dressed appropriately. They were to be brought in immediately.

Hari chuckled. “This is actually turning into a fun party for me.”

Livia smiled and walked over to Benny and her crew. Tremble inclined his head to her, and Livia smiled at the other elf. Hari smiled at Livia easily settling.

Zerul smiled. “I am glad for it. Oh, look. Officer Lonny and your weapon of choice.”

The officer looked a little nervous as he walked in and had the distinct shape of the frying pan in a bag. Hari walked over to him and smiled. “Hey, Lonny. Sorry that I wasn’t able to pick up the pan. It’s been a day.”

“You are okay? I heard about the fire.”

“I wasn’t, but I am now. Fast metabolism.” She smiled.

He held her wrapped pan out to her. “Here it is, as promised. Oh, Serel is in custody and being held without bail. She’s pissed.”

“Good.”

“You are really the governor’s consort?”

“Most likely. I have a few issues that have to be worked out.”

Lonny smiled. “Got it. Hey, Livia is here? Who is watching the bar?”

“The standard staff. Today was my day off anyway. I am not sure how my week is shaking out.” She slid the wrap off her frying pan and checked out the edge. “Not even a dent.”

Lonny grinned. “Quality workmanship.”

Zerul’s voice said smoothly, “Thank you.”

Hari felt the hand slowly wrapping around her abdomen and pulling her back against him.