Page 42 of The Devil You Know
“Hoping that doesn’t happen, but good to know.”
Adrian sobered. “I’ve been helping Jenna and Joe keep tabs on Osborn for a while. This organization is a charity—not something he funnels money from. Believe me, I checked. Totally up-and-up. Of course, that’s how he maintains his ‘good guy’ reputation, kissing puppies and petting babies.”
“I think it’s the other way around,” Evan snarked at Adrian’s intentional mistake.
“Really? I don’t have a lot of experience with either one,” Adrian replied.
Despite his nerves, Evan found himself becoming more comfortable with his new companion.
“Couple of things you need to know,” Adrian said, growing serious. “The charity is legit—but a lot of the donors aren’t what they appear to be. Remember how Osborn’s pharmaceutical company caters to supernatural creatures? Well, some of them will be in attendance. They’re theoretically upstanding entrepreneurs. Some of them are also vampires, shifters, werewolves, and other creatures.”
“Witches?”
Adrian shook his head. “Unlikely. The other covens might not oppose Osborn outright, but they fear and dislike him. They won’t offer to help him unless he holds their feet to the fire. Johnny’s willingness to take a stand is backed up by a major Mob family. And he’s an exception because he’s got a history with Joe. It’s all a bit fraught.”
Evan frowned. “How do you rate going to a shindig for supernatural creatures when you’re human?”
“Am I?” Adrian’s mischievous smile was mesmerizing. Then as quickly as the charisma came, it vanished.
Fae?Evan wondered. If Joe trusted Adrian, then Evan told himself he was safe, but he felt rattled by the reveal.
“You’ve got some magic yourself,” Adrian said, skating past any further discussion of his abilities. “I can smell it on you.”
“I swear I took a shower,” Evan joked, feeling a little off-kilter that Adrian noticed his abilities.
“Don’t worry—they won’t all be able to tell,” Adrian reassured him. “Although Osborn may suspect if he’s sent witches against you.”
“I think that’s the only way they got the drop on Seth,” Evan confided. “He’s an excellent fighter.”
“Very possible. Which means that’s how Osborn’s likely to come after you,” Adrian said. “You won’t be the only human in the room. But you are likely to be the only one who knows that most of the others aren’t.”
They aren’t allowed to eat me, are they?
Adrian chuckled, as if he could guess Evan’s thoughts. “Don’t worry—you’re not on the menu. Bad for donations. As far as his company goes, Osborn has plenty of human collaborators who don’t care who uses his drugs as long as they get a return on their investment.”
“What are we looking for?” Evan felt twitchy.
“Good question. Anything that doesn’t fit,” Adrian replied. “Take note of the people, especially the ones Osborn pays attention to. Notice who’s trying to suck up to him. See who he ignores. It’s like watching a whole constellation in orbit around him and trying to figure out the push and pull.”
“He hasn’t bothered to come after us himself,” Evan said. “Coward.”
Adrian frowned. “That might be to your advantage. If he underestimates you, he won’t bring out the big guns until it’s too late.”
They pulled up in front of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The featured charity worked with the museum to provide art programs for disadvantaged children, the kind of outreach no one could find objectionable.
Paparazzi were already waiting, and Evan winced at the unfamiliar glare of camera flashes as he and Adrian stepped out of the car. Adrian ignored the questions reporters yelled at him, and Evan was careful to stay in step while maintaining enough distance to allay speculation about them being a couple.
High-profile fancy events weren’t part of the hunting life. But when he first moved to Richmond, Evan had been a server at some extravagant weddings and parties to pick up extra cash. He’d seen a different side of life than what he’d experienced and paid close attention in case he ever needed to mingle.
I guess it’s true that no experience is ever wasted, Evan thought as he and Adrian walked the chasm between the reporters and photographers. Adrian swept along like he didn’t even notice them, and Evan did his best to mimic his host’s ennui.
Inside, the main gallery shimmered with white fairy lights. Ice sculptures glowed on the hors d’oeuvres tables, lit from within. A line had already formed at the bar, and Evan wished he dared to take the edge off his nerves, but he knew he needed to have his wits about him with Osborn nearby.
“Stick close,” Adrian said as if Evan needed reminding. He seemed to know everyone, laughing and chatting with those around them in line at the bar, turning that mega-wattage charm up to the max. Evan scanned the crowd, looking for Osborn.
There he is.Evan spotted the witch disciple from the photographs. Willis Osborn was a thin man who dressed like a funeral director, with a long face, sharp features, and wire-rimmed glasses. He arrived without fanfare, but a frisson of excitement ran through the crowd at his entry, and well-wishers mobbed him like he was a rock star.
“Stay cool,” Adrian murmured. “Stick to the plan. Joe and Jenna are servers. They’re in the back. No, don’t look. Just follow my lead. I want him to see you. We’ll learn a lot from his reaction.”
