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geese among swans next to them. Somehow, though, I found myself liking the shy smile and the slight uncertainty of her manner despite that.
    “Andy Calhoun?” I looked confused as I turned to shake my head according to my scripted part of our encounter. It took more than a little effort not to glare at the angel lurking in the background observing his little one-act play. “You’re Andy’s girlfriend? I’m sorry. I didn’t realize he and Tiffany broke up. I saw them in passing at dinner the other night.”
    Her face fell and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t stand there and follow through on Orifiel’s plan to stare into that perfect face and lie to her. I’d have to find another way to get the job done.
    “I’m sure I was mistaken, though.” I smiled encouragingly. “I was running in for a take-out order and didn’t even think about it again until I saw him at the club later. After all, with a girl like you on his horizon, no sane man would be looking for greener pastures. Anyway, why I asked about the demo is I have some friends who can help with that, if you’re thinking about it.”
    Smiling, I realized with a start how much I really did like her. I pitied the poor fool who thought he was going to use and abuse her, though. I was going to pick my teeth with his bones.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. The presence of greatness has set me on my heels.” I smiled wider and held out my hand, totally ignoring Orifiel’s laughing scowl. “I’m Arabella Morrison.”
    “Honora Jefferies.” She smiled back and took my hand and my entire arm tingled from that simple touch. “But then you already knew that, didn’t you?”
    “Yeah.” I took my hand away and stroked the tree I’d stopped at more to get a handle on my rioting senses. Maybe I wouldn’t kill it after all. “I did, but it’s very nice to be able to say that I’ll be able to tell people I knew you before you were famous. So, does it ask to be fed?”
    “Only if you know how to listen.” Honora smiled in return and it reached all the way up to her eyes, making them glow with good will. “But I can teach you that trick.”
    Just like that, I realized, I made a friend.
    Chapter Three
    The line for Down the Hatch wrapped around the corner at Underground Atlanta, but those standing in line were probably grateful to be lounging and hoping for a seat inside in the old subway tunnel instead of the cold outside. Me? I had a free pass in the door in the form of a note from my new best friend, the star of the evening. The shifter at the door was a bear and he knew me on sight as much as I knew him. A sliver of fear ran through his eyes as I smiled and held up my note. It saddened me to know that I could make a brawny man easily twice my weight and a foot taller than me know fear. Was I really that scary? God, I hoped not.
    “Pleasure, Winston,” I assured him with a smile, “I’m only here to listen to the band.”
    He took the note and read it with a small smile as he relaxed. The good thing about the innocent, law-abiding types was they didn’t hold my profession against me. I liked them and for the most part, they tolerated me. It was hard for them to accept me knowing someday they might be standing on the other end of my assignment.
    “Enjoy the show, Arabella.” He nodded and the man behind him opened the door. “Take a tip from a regular; it doesn’t matter where you sit to watch it. All the people who haven’t been here before will be crowding for the stage, but I find the show is much better when you’re far enough back to take in the view.”
    “Thank you, Winston.” I smiled and nodded. It sounded like good advice. “I’ll do that.”
    With that last shared smile, I slipped in the door and found the place packed. I wasn’t surprised. Having a note to get in meant I didn’t have to get here early to wait, so the show was gearing up to start. Heading straight to the bar, I ordered a drink, not bothering to try to