“What the hell are you two talking about?” Jerry looked pained as he eased me off his lap. “That statue thing you did, Gloriana? I’d say you have a fifty/fifty chance of getting that from either the demon or a Siren.”

“I doubt Alesa would have left Glory with anything more than a headache.” Laurie nodded. “Face it, Jerry. Glory’s got a Siren thing going on.” She didn’t look particularly bothered by the idea. “Now I need to head out. I got half my pay from Rafe. He said you’d give me the rest, Jerry.” Laurie had on her usual dull outfit of plain T-shirt and khakis. I never had gotten a chance to give her that makeover I’d wanted to try. With her coloring she’d look fabulous in green or a bronze silk.

“Are you sticking around town for a while?” Jerry pulled out his checkbook. I thought about looking at the number he was writing but spared myself the guilt. I knew it was probably more than I could ever afford.

“Yeah. I’m exploring a few options. I got word the council might have some work for me. Even Ian, who I despise, is short a bodyguard. I’d have to be desperate to take that gig, though.” Laurie smiled wryly. “You and I are on the same page about MacDonald, Jerry. Don’t trust him.”

“See, Gloriana. Someone agrees with me.” Jerry ripped out the check. “I have instincts about people.”

I decided to ignore the Ian bashing. “My friend Israel Caine might need someone else to work for him. He keeps guards around because of rabid fans. Let me give him a call for you, Laurie.” I was back to thinking about shopping. Might as well get it over with and the women were set to be here soon anyway.

“The rock star? I could go for that.” Laurie grinned. “Yeah, hook me up.” She reached out and took the check Jerry handed her then shook his hand. “Thanks. Nice doing business with you. Let me know if you need me again, Jerry. Now I’m getting a hotel room, then heading over to N-V for a drink. Locking horns with a demon always leaves me dry.” She winked at me. “You need me, Glory, without involving this guy, you’ve got my numbers. I left them by the phone next to your bed. Special rate for independent women. I figure we should stick together.”

“Hey, why didn’t I get that special deal?” Jerry glanced at what had to be the huge check he’d just given her.

“You hired me, not her. I set my own rates and can pick and choose who I work for. Sorry, but I believe you got your money’s worth.” Laurie picked up her duffel and slung the strap over her shoulder. Did she even own a purse?

“Yes, of course. Gloriana told me how you had Alesa afraid to even sleep in the bedroom. Brilliant.” Jerry walked her to the door and opened it. “You were worth every penny. You need a recommendation, use my name.”

“Will do. Thanks. Now see ya around. Call me about the Caine gig, Glory. Sounds like my kind of setup.” Laurie stepped into the hall. “I swear I still smell that demon’s stench in your apartment. If you need another cleansing, call me about that too. No charge.”

“Thanks. It does still smell like burned cookies in here, doesn’t it?” I leaned against the doorjamb not about to share that Alesa had paid an extra visit here last night to leave her “surprise.” “I’ll dial Ray when I get back from the mall. And thanks for making me feel safe, Laurie. I didn’t think anyone could handle Alesa, but you sure did. You can add my name to the recommendation list.”

“I let you down when Lucifer got there last night.” Laurie shrugged. “But you stood up to him.” She popped me on the arm. “Way to go, Glo.” She nodded to where Jerry had moved into the kitchen, pulled out his cell phone and was checking his messages. She lowered her voice. “Blade’s a stand-up guy, shelling out the bucks like that. You got a keeper there.”

“What about you? You seeing anyone?” I couldn’t resist. She was heading to N-V, wasn’t she?

“Not yet. But I’m keeping my eyes open.” She waved her hand. “I’ll be seeing you.” She sauntered off down the hall, suddenly putting a feminine hip thrust into her stride. Maybe Rafe would like her after all. And I had no business feeling jealous about it.

“I’ve got to go home, make some calls. I need some figures that I’ve got in my office there.” Jerry pulled me against him.

“Go. The girls will be here any minute.” I turned in his arms and kissed him on the lips. “I’ll call you when I get back.”

“Can’t wait.” He patted me on the bottom and strode away.

I sighed and leaned against the closed door. I really didn’t want to lose him but this knot of dread about what Achelous might say just wouldn’t go away. It stayed with me even after Aggie and Flo arrived and we headed for the mall.

“Glory, what’s the matter with you?” Flo had just decided on her third pair of shoes and was making a salesclerk very happy. “You should be laughing and taking advantage of these great sales. You said that demon is gone for good. Isn’t she?”

“Yes, she’s gone. Lucifer too. We are totally rid of all demons.” I glanced at Aggie, who was in front of a mirror on the other side of the store, admiring her feet in a pair of chocolate brown suede pumps.

“Then why the gloomy face?” Flo glanced at Aggie. “Is it her? She is irritating, but she does know her shoes. She’s not so bad to shop with.”

“I’m fine, Flo. I’m just sad that you’re leaving.” I gave her a hug. “Who will I have to hang out with?”

“If you didn’t have your business, you could come with us. It will be great fun. CiCi is coming, so are Freddy and Derek. We will shop till we drop in those great Paris boutiques that I love.” Flo sighed. “Now I am sad. Call me. We will share all the gossip on the phone.”

“Of course.” I forced myself to try on a pair of boots. They fit, were on sale and the right color. I couldn’t get excited about them but I decided to buy them anyway. “I’ll take these,” I told the salesman when he approached.

“Good. Now everyone has bought something. What say we head over to N-V for drinks to cap off the evening?” Aggie had whipped out her gold card and handed it to the salesman.

“Perfetto. I’ll call Ricardo to meet us.” Flo began to dig out her phone.

“No, just the girls.” Aggie put her hand over Flo’s. “Or is that forbidden since you got married?”

“What? You think I am controlled by my husband?” Flo’s dark eyes flashed.

“Of course not. But maybe you’ve lost your taste for a little adventure. Become one of those homebodies who likes to just stay in front of the TV in your jammies with the old man.”

Aggie smiled as if she knew exactly what she was doing.

“Aggie, cool it. I’m tired and Jerry’s coming over later.” I handed the salesman my own credit card when he came up to have Aggie and Flo sign their sales slips.

“Oh, so now you’re also a dull stick-in-the-mud.” Aggie pulled out a new shrug she’d picked up at a little shop farther down the mall and ripped off the tags. It was a shiny gold Lurex knit and, when she slipped it on over her blue silk minidress, made her look ready to party.

“We are not dull sticks.” Flo threw her card in her purse and the receipt at the startled salesman. “We go to N-V and without the men.”

“Flo, seriously. I’m not in the mood.” I grabbed my card and signed the receipt, standing when I got my shopping bag.

“Want to tell your bestie why you’re not in your happy place? Why Glory the dancing fool can’t work up the energy tonight?” Aggie had a malicious smile that made me want to smack her.

“Shut the hell up, Aggie.” I jerked her arm as I pulled her out into the mallway. “Flo, I don’t know why Aggie is trying to start something but I just want to go home.”

“No, she’s trying to push you to tell me something.” Flo was right on my heels as I headed toward the exit to the parking lot. “What is it, Glory? What has you so upset? You think I can’t see that you’re worried, mia amica? Why do you hide things from me and tell them to this, this sea creature?” Flo’s Italian gesture made Aggie hiss.

“You want to start something with me, little vampire?” Aggie seemed to swell, growing about six inches taller as we hurried across the parking lot. The lights above us blew out with loud pops and plunged us into darkness.

“Aggie, stop it!” I halted and faced her, grabbing her arm. “Leave Flo out of this. What do you want from me? A night of dancing? A pledge to be your best friend while she’s gone?” I threw my hair back behind my shoulders in an imitation of the Siren and bared my fangs. I didn’t care who saw me. That was what the whammy was for. “Damn it, leave my friend out of your little games. You want to be my ‘sister’ then say so. We’ll bond over Siren memories if that’s what you want. But I’ll be damned if I’m ever going to love you like I do Flo here. She is kind and good-hearted, something you have no idea how to be.” I shoved Aggie away from me.

“Glory! Explain to me what is happening? Why are you and Aggie having this fight? What is she to you? Sister?” Flo pushed between us when Aggie lunged for my throat with her nails. “Don’t you dare!” She glared at Aggie, who actually stopped in her tracks. “Stay here. Glory, behave! I have to make these mortals forget they saw your fangs. Now put them away. Please! Aggie, you want friends, put down your hands. Now.”

I saw tears in Flo’s eyes and quickly ordered my fangs up and out of the way. Aggie said a few words that consigned me to a watery grave after some inventive tortures but she did lower her claws. Yes, she was furious. Tough shit. She’d started this and she’d needed to hear the truth. It would be easy enough for her to read my thoughts anyway. I remembered how horribly she’d treated Ray and me when we’d first met her, constantly threatening to drown me and give Ray to a vindictive goddess. It gave me perspective. Sisters? No way in hell.