a transaction. I scratch your back and you scratch mine.”
When we reached our destination, I turned in a circle. Not to get a look at the park across the street or the bicyclists zooming by, but to provide Wyatt a detailed panorama of my surroundings. The building itself was unremarkable. The first floor didn’t have windows, but the second level had arched ones like in an old church. Two buildings flanked it, and there weren’t any pedestrians. Flynn led me through the revolving door, and we entered a lobby with marble floors. The paintings and statues gave off a museum vibe, but there weren’t any visitors.
Flynn approached the front desk. “I have Robin White for an appointment.”
The man sitting at the desk gave him a look of derision, and it was obvious they knew each other. “Keep your mitts off the art this time.”
I observed the nameplate on the security desk. Murphy had a stone-cold look like a beat cop with too many years on the streets, now forced to greet visitors and push papers.
Flynn turned on his heel while Murphy made a call. “We’re not on speaking terms anymore. Break one statue and it’s World War III. Bloody hell, what’s the point of putting art on display if you can’t touch it?”
“This is a museum?”
“Auction house.” He winked.
“Sounds legit.”
Five minutes later, a ding sounded by the elevator in the back. Before I saw anyone, I heard a man singing “I Can See Clearly Now” in perfect pitch. When he stepped into view, he didn’t look anything like Johnny Nash. His sharp grey suit and black shoes alluded to his wealth, and he must have had them custom made because the man was a dwarf.
The singing diminished to a whistle as he walked briskly toward us. He had a kingly walk, as if he were expecting someone to throw rose petals at his feet. When he flared, my eyebrows popped up. I’d never seen a Mage of his stature. For centuries or longer, men were selected as soldiers. But times had changed, and newer candidates had more to offer, which made me uneasy.
“I’ve got a new one for you, sir,” Flynn announced. “This one is worth her weight in gold.”
The man stopped in front of me and forced a smile. “Well? Are you going to introduce us or stand there like a fool?” he said to Flynn, never taking his eyes from mine.
Flynn cleared his throat. “This is Robin White. Robin, this is—”
“Pablo Leonardo Russo.” Pablo inclined his head. “You may go, Mr. Washington. I’ll escort the lady from here.”
Flynn rocked on his heels. “And my money?”
Pablo flicked a glance at Flynn and spoke through clenched teeth. “You’ll know by tonight what my decision is. Either go to work or buy yourself a decent wardrobe with the money I’ve already paid you.”
Flynn threw up his hands defensively. “I’ll just be on my way. Be sure to call me as soon as you decide!”
After Flynn made his exit, Pablo gestured toward the elevator. “Miss White, will you join me?”
Pablo seemed like an affable guy with manners and a code of conduct. Those were usually the ones I didn’t trust.
“You don’t sound Italian,” I said, walking beside him.
“My Creator gave me that name. It means little lion. I suppose he thought that would make me sound more formidable, but never judge a book by its cover.”
When the elevator doors opened, he let me enter first. I rested my back against the wall and grimaced at my reflection in the doors when they closed. Why the hell did I pick today to wear the spiked bra?
Pablo turned to face me, hands clasped in front of him. “That’s the brilliant part about becoming a Mage, don’t you agree? A new identity, a second chance at defining who you are and what you’re worth to the world.” His eyebrows drew together. “How much did Mr. Washington tell you about this job?”
“Flynn? Basically nothing. Only that I’d be fighting for money. I’ve been doing it for free all my life, so why not get paid?”
“We all excel at something, and it’s important to know what those gifts are. People who squander their talents will never know their true potential.”
Instead of going up, the elevator went down.
“These aren’t the cage fights you’ve heard about,” he said. “We run a classy operation. Our fighters are paid their worth, and our audience is a mixture. Some place bets, others like to watch. It’s an exclusive membership, and confidentiality is