Page 76 of Charmed Forces

“I’m sure Tom Victor is congenial to everyone right up until he signs their death warrant,” I said, watching the car as it turned the corner and slipped out of view.

“And now he signed his,” said Lily ominously.

“We’re not going to kill him!”

“Shame. Not even a little bit?”

“No! I’m not the hitwoman, remember?”

“Maybe a swift kneecapping? He deserves it.”

“Do you know how to kneecap anyone?”

Lily pursed her lips. “No. Do you?”

“No!”

“There’s probably a tutorial online.”

“Let’s go,” I said. “And I’m not so sure you should come to the party.”

“But it sounds like it’ll be amazing!” Lily whined.

“I’m afraid of what you’ll do when we’re there.”

“Be my best charming self, of course. When have I ever let you down?”

“Never,” I admitted. “You’re the best, but it could be dangerous.”

“Then there’s no way you’re going there alone. Plus, Solomon can hardly go with you. He’ll never get away pretending to be me. Neither will Delgado. He’s not cute enough.”

“He’s not cute at all.”

“I was surprised to see Louise,” said Lily.

I glanced at her. “Me too, and it made me think.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Goodthinking,” I clarified.

“Oh! I was remembering all the times when your thinking went wrong.”

“Never mind,” I said, shaking the thought away. “It’s just a weird coincidence. Let’s pick up lunch, then I need to speak to Solomon.”

We picked up subs and chips from a deli and ate them in the park. While we sat on a bench, my attention was drawn to the many buildings that bordered this side. “I wonder which one Angelica lives in,” I said.

“Are you sure it’s this park? She didn’t say the name.”

“Reasonably sure. All the other city parks are too small to command much status and Angelica is definitely status-driven.”

“If I were her, and getting someone else to pay for everything I wanted, I would live in one of the penthouses. More space, less neighbors, and better views.” Lily paused, her sandwich hovering near her mouth. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Probably not.”

“Then you weren’t thinking about breaking into her apartment?”

“No!” I wadded my sandwich wrapper and tossed it into the trashcan, pleased to get a hole in one. “I was thinking about breaking into her boyfriend’s home office, assuming he has one. I’m sure I’ll find out more there than through subtly questioning him.”