Page 1 of The Devil and the Dancer
1
The letter was like a dozen others on the surface. It committed to nothing. It was a test.
Of what, Gavin Wallace wasn’t certain.
The writer of the letter corresponded with him regularly. They weren’t friends. They never would be. But their connection couldn’t be denied. It definitely could not be ignored.
I am thinking about coming to New York City. Your introduction to the O’Brien would be most welcome. This is regarding a business matter, not a personal one.
Vivian
Gavin didn’t need to breathe. No physical compulsion demanded it. He was a wind vampire who didn’t need to inhale or exhale except to smell the air and to speak. He could hold his breath for as long as necessary and not feel the effects.
So the sigh that left his lungs was entirely one of habit.
Vivian.
Was it truly a business matter, or did she have an ulterior motive? It would be impossible to tell until he talked to her, but he suspected the latter; Vivian always had an ulterior motive.
A laugh made him look up and across the bar. The smile that touched his lips was as much a habit as the sigh that had come before. The smile, however, was far more recent.
Watching Chloe Reardon talk to the bar patrons was one of his favorite pastimes. He pretended to do paperwork, sort through letters, or read a magazine while he surreptitiously observed her chatting with a regular, polishing glasses, or advising one of the younger servers.
She was a woman who could enjoy talking to anyone. It was a skill Gavin had never developed, even with over a century of life behind him. If he had his way, he’d be more likely to sit in a corner and look aloof.
It wasn’t the most advantageous attitude for a publican. And even after many years, dozens of properties, and millions in hidden accounts, that was still what Gavin considered himself. He was a barman, and he was a good one. Of course, part of the reason he was good was that he excelled at the one skill every publican needed.
Gavin Wallace was a genius at reading people. He understood what they wanted, and he knew what to give them to get what he desired.
Sometimes all a human or an immortal needed was the right drink and the right ear. Blood or wine or whiskey. Gavin didn’t need to be Captain Sunshine to supply those. Other times it was an introduction or an invitation. For vampires, it was often a safe place to meet a dangerous person.
Gavin provided any or all those things, and in exchange he received wealth, safety, and influence, which he wielded very, very judiciously.
“Boss, you want another?” A server was standing at the edge of the table with a golden glass of whiskey on a tray.
Gavin glanced up. “Thank you, Priscilla.”
“No problem.” She set down the drink. “Let me know if you want something to eat. Raf is just about to shut down the kitchen.”
“Sounds good.” Gavin looked over to the bar as he raised his glass and sipped the unlabeled scotch he kept in a small cupboard. It was from his own distillery, but it wasn’t in his nature to advertise he owned it.
Chloe caught his gaze and offered him a quick smile before she returned her attention to the human across the counter.
And what do you need, Chloe Reardon?
Space.
And time.
Damn my luck.
She laughed at something the customer said. It was an older man, a stage manager for one of the larger off-Broadway theaters if Gavin’s memory served him correctly. Gavin didn’t know how the man knew Chloe, but familiarity radiated between the two. She reached for the bottle of Jim Beam without the customer asking, filled his glass before she read another order and shook two gin cocktails, all the while nodding while the older man told a story.
She’d been working for Gavin over a year. She was a gold-star employee, the kind immortals valued above the common swarm of humanity. She was trustworthy and discreet. She was independent and considerate. Smart, quick, and flexible. Aware of vampires without being fearful of them.
Chloe was also a brilliant and bright young woman. A gifted artist and a good friend. She was wise and funny, empathetic and loyal.
Chloe Reardon was everything that made Gavin feel like living again, but for the first time in 120 years, he found something he couldn’t win in trade.
