He'd asked her about it, of course, but the old witch could be stubbornly mute when she wanted to be. The old witch also has very good hearing, so watch your thoughts. Seline's sharp voice arrowed into his mind and he smiled. If the old witch wasn't so nosy, she wouldn't hear so many disparaging thoughts.
What's the point of getting old if you can't be nosy? Amusement spun down the mental lines. How's Nikki doing?
He glanced at the monitor again. She hadn't yet moved, and the temperature had gone up another notch. She has Lenny to get past, then she's home.
If she got past Jon, Lenny shouldn't prove to be a problem.
Shouldn't, but he is.
Why? She's coped with vampires a hell of a lot meaner than Lenny. I know that, and she knows that. He stopped pacing as Nikki looked up at the camera closest to her. Sweat beaded her forehead, and fear sparkled in her warm eyes. But her expression was determined, and after a moment, she took a deep breath and took a step forward. Then another.
Lenny didn't attack, and the temperature rose yet another notch.
"Another three degrees and I'm stopping it," Camille commented. "We'll be risking everyone's safety otherwise."
Maybe it's not so much Lenny as the wedding, Seline commented. Maybe she's decided she doesn't want to marry such an old man after all.
This old man will track you down and box your ears, if you're not very careful Seline's sigh was a cool breeze through his mind. You're annoyed because I won't tell you where I am. No. I'm annoyed because you won't tell me why you won't tell me where you are. He crossed his arms, watching Nikki duck around a box. Though Lenny had circled around behind her earlier, he now stood near the window, so she still had some breathing space before he attacked. Remember that vision I had when you and Nikki were in San Francisco?
The one about someone coming after me in revenge for what I did to his brother?
Nikki took another step. Two boxes and shadows were all that stood between her and Lenny now. Yes. It appears the vision was slightly off. He had a go at me first. What?
He almost shouted the word out loud, and Seline's wince slithered down the lines between them. I'm fine, as evidenced by the fact I'm still here talking to you. Why didn't you tell anyone?
Because I fear the Circle has been infiltrated by our foe.
Nikki had passed the first box. One box, lengthening shadows, and Lenny were all that stood between her, the window, and the end of the test. But she'd stopped again. Her fear swamped him, so strong it left a bitter taste at the back of his mouth. It was definitely Lenny she feared, though why was still unclear. It wouldn't be the first time the Circle has been infiltrated. No. But this time it was cleverly done, and it almost caught me. Remember Nadia?