No. It would be safer to negotiate a way to remain in New Orleans.
Celine took Nicodemus’ proffered arm and strolled with him toward the fringes of the ballroom, taking time to construct a new plan. “Monsieur le Comte, I must apologize. When I said I thought the best thing for me to do was leave the city, I meant it, for it is the most rational approach.” She paused. “However, as you’ve already pointed out, my emotions are a weakness. I found that I’ve come to love New Orleans, and I do not wish to leave.” She shuddered as if a wave of fear had passed between her shoulder blades. “But I have no desire to relinquish my memories, nor do I wish to engage in battle with you. So I have an offer . . . if you’ll allow me to stay.”
The count folded his gloved hands before him, his expression unreadable. “You would not demand Sébastien choose between us?”
“Bastien has already lost most of his family,” Celine said. “I would not wish for him to lose you.” She bit at her lower lip. “So I will reject him, as you have asked.”
Nicodemus said nothing for a time. “And what request do you have of me in exchange for rejecting my nephew?”
“I have three.” Celine hoped her greed would convince him of her sincerity. “I would like a finished pied-à-terre in the Quarter. As well as a dress shop nearby for me to earn a living.”
“And the third request?”
Celine focused on his amber eyes, fighting to convey a sense of earnestness. “I want to tell Bastien myself, without any of your spies or henchmen nearby.”
“Why would you think I would agree to such a sentimental request?”
“Because despite everything, you like me, Monsieur le Comte,” Celine replied without flinching. “And you love your nephew. Bastien is your weakness. I’d wager it must pain you to cause him grief.”
Another unreadable emotion crossed his face, the silence stretching thin for several breaths. “When did you wish to tell Sébastien?”
Here was the most important question he’d asked yet. Celine maintained a flat affect while answering. “I suppose it depends on how soon you wish to see this matter at an end.”
“Tonight, then?”
It was just as she’d hoped. “If you wish, Monsieur le Comte.”
Nicodemus sent her a wry look. “Love is, indeed, a weakness.” He leaned toward her right ear. “And I do like you, Marceline Rousseau. Most especially when you do what I want.” The brush of his threat curdled her spine, sending spiders scurrying across her skin.
Celine smiled to mask her fear. “I understand.”
“Sébastien will meet you on the terrace in twenty minutes.”
TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
The scent of dying flowers wafted past the open doors, weaving toward Celine. It reminded her of the praline vendor who idled on the corner of Rue Bourbon and Rue Toulouse every Saturday, Christmas bells on his wrists and ankles, a homemade pipe dangling from his lips. Beneath the moonlight, the travertine balustrade at her fingertips glowed a pale shade of pink, spidered with veins the color of dried blood. Vines of bougainvillea and peach begonias wrapped around the terrace railing, dew glistening on their downy petals.
From this vantage point, Celine considered her next move.
She’d successfully secured what she most wanted: a moment alone with Bastien. As a result of the count’s efforts to keep them apart after Nigel’s murder, Celine had yet to share what she’d realized while studying the clues on Michael’s slate chalkboard.
Come with me to the heart of Chartres.
At the very least, it was possible she’d learned the location of the killer’s lair. What they should do with this information remained to be seen. She’d considered taking it to Michael, but he’d already refused to help her once, and the New Orleans Metropolitan Police had thus far been stymied in all their attempts to catch this otherworldly demon.
Celine didn’t know how much time Nicodemus would give them now. Would it be enough to secure Arjun’s or Odette’s help as well? The prospect seemed unlikely. Bastien might be willing to defy his uncle to catch Nigel’s murderer, but it would be foolish of Celine to expect the same of anyone else in the Court, especially given their recent encounter outside police headquarters several nights ago.
No matter. Celine intended to use every second of her borrowed time with Bastien, especially if it meant they might lure the killer into the light.