take on classic Southern seersucker, complete with the pastel bow tie and suspenders combo that decorously announced ‘old money’. Teag wore a European-cut jacket and slacks without a tie and looked smashing. I noticed that he brought his leather messenger bag and bet it was full of weapons, just in case. I had thought about wearing a pretty dress, but decided that a pant suit and flats might be the better choice. The jacket hid my athame and Bo’s collar beneath my sleeves, and I’d managed to work in Alard’s walking stick as an accessory. Sad when you pick what to wear to a party based on how well you could fight monsters while wearing it.
The party moved upstairs, where more waiters with champagne and hors d’oeuvres awaited, plus a cellist who was seated in the back corner where ‘Nephilim Rising’ had been.
I barely had time to glance around before I heard an unwelcome voice behind me. “Why am I somehow not surprised to see you here?” Detective Monroe said.
I almost didn’t recognize her, since she wasn’t wearing the boring dark suits I’d seen her in before. She cleaned up better than I would have thought, when she wasn’t scowling. Her hair was simple but flattering, and a touch of tasteful make-up softened her features. She had also opted for a well-tailored pant suit and flats, and I bet she had made the choice for the same reasons I did. I was also pretty certain there was a gun holstered beneath her jacket and a badge in her purse.
“Detective,” I said. “I didn’t realize you had a fondness for the arts.”
Monroe gave me a look. “I have a fondness for making sure gatherings like this go smoothly, especially given the odd things that have been going on lately.” She nodded toward a man who stood with his back to us, talking to two men I recognized as members of the City Council. “Besides, my boss thought it would be a good idea to be seen here, so here I am.”
She eyed the walking stick and made a face. “Bit of an affectation, isn’t it? What’s next, one of those long cigarette holders?”
“I felt like adding a little cinema chic for the cause tonight,” I lied. Given that my pantsuit had satin tuxedo-jacket lapels, I could be forgiven for going Hepburn.
Monroe rolled her eyes. “Whatever. If it’s a trend, I don’t think it’s going to catch on.”
Just then, Anthony returned with fresh champagne for the three of us. His expression changed when he recognized Monroe. “What a surprise, Detective,” Anthony said in a cool voice as he handed us our drinks. Anthony casually laid a hand on Teag’s shoulder and moved to stand slightly between me and Monroe, a protective gesture the detective couldn’t miss.
“No reason for concern, Counselor,” she said, confirming that she recognized Anthony as well. “Just making small talk.” And with that, she headed off, though I noticed she wasn’t indulging in the champagne.
“Trouble?” Anthony asked sotto voce.
Teag shook his head. “Not yet, anyhow. Probably not a bad idea to have some plainclothes officers here, considering the crowd.”
I wasn’t convinced, but I said nothing. Instead, I looked around at the art and the magnificent sculpture of the Angel Oak that dominated the ballroom. Closing my eyes for a moment, I could sense the shift in the room’s energy without the Astor painting. The vibe was cleaner, untroubled. To my surprise, the energy also felt healing, as if it were reacting to how stressed, tired and generally beat up I felt and it sent me a rush of much-needed replenishment. I opened my eyes and blinked, feeling much better, and caught a glance from Teag that indicated he had experienced the same boost.
“Care for a petite quiche?” I turned as the waiter spoke and startled. The server who smiled above a silver tray of expensive noshes was cover model handsome.
“Sure,” I said, managing to brush his hand as I took the canapé. He moved away and Teag managed to snag a quiche before he was out of reach. I glanced around at the rest of the serving staff. They were all good-looking enough to make me very nervous.
“Sometimes a pretty face is just a struggling actor,” Teag murmured, guessing my thoughts.
He was right, but I was too worried about the possibility of Nephilim waiters to let it go. “I’m awfully peckish tonight,” I said with a smile. “I’m going to check